Losing weight is a struggle and a reason to stay alive. Being obese comes with all sorts of health consequences and if you can’t manage it with diet and exercise you may be taking an anti-obesity drug. To gain the best effects, researchers suggest extra meals of protein to help keep your body healthy and whole.

Women and older adults taking the anti-obesity drug semaglutide may be at higher risk for muscle loss, scientists say, but higher protein intake may help prevent muscle loss in these patients, according to a new, small study being presented Saturday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

Losing muscle (or lean mass) is a common side effect of weight loss in adults with obesity and may negatively affect metabolism and bone health. This is because muscle helps control blood sugar after meals and plays an important role in keeping bones strong, according to study lead researcher Melanie Haines, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.

Related: do weigh loss supplements burn fat?

Approximately 40% of the weight lost from taking semaglutide—a type of weight-loss medication known as a GLP-1—comes from lean mass, including muscle. It is not yet known who is at highest risk for muscle loss or how it affects blood sugar levels, Haines said.

The researchers studied 40 adults with obesity for three months. Of these patients, 23 were prescribed semaglutide, while 17 followed a diet and lifestyle program for weight loss called Healthy Habits for Life (HHL). The researchers evaluated how their muscle mass changed.

Study participants who were prescribed semaglutide lost more weight than those who participated in the diet and lifestyle program, but the percent of weight loss that was lean mass was similar between the two groups.

Related: be careful with cannabis flowers – they aren’t being dosed correctly in medical cannabis dispensaries 

After accounting for weight loss, the researchers found that in the semaglutide group, being older, female or eating less protein was linked to greater muscle loss. Also in this group, losing more muscle was linked to less improvement in blood sugar (HbA1c levels).

Will protein and peptide supplements help?

“Older adults and women may be more likely to lose muscle on semaglutide, but eating more protein may help protect against this,” Haines said. “Losing too much muscle may reduce the benefits of semaglutide on blood sugar control. This means preserving muscle during weight loss with semaglutide may be important to reduce insulin resistance and prevent frailty in people with obesity.”

Haines said that more studies are needed to find the best way to lose fat but keep muscle when using GLP-1 medications.

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Semaglutide has emerged as a groundbreaking drug, significantly altering the treatment landscape for diabetes. This medication not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also offers cardiovascular benefits and aids in weight management. Let’s dive into how semaglutide is transforming diabetes care.

Understanding Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs developed to address the need for more effective diabetes treatments. The development of semaglutide was driven by the goal of improving blood sugar control and reducing the complications associated with diabetes. Since its approval, semaglutide has become an integral part of diabetes management. Developed by Novo Nordisk, semaglutide was first approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It was later approved for chronic weight management in 2021 under the brand name Wegovy.

The Role of Semaglutide in Diabetes Management

One of the primary benefits of semaglutide is its ability to effectively manage blood sugar levels (click here for more about gestational diabetes). Patients using semaglutide experience significant reductions in HbA1c levels, a critical marker for long-term blood glucose control. Compared to other medications in its class, semaglutide consistently provides superior blood sugar regulation. Studies have shown reductions in HbA1c by up to 1.8% in patients taking semaglutide, which is a substantial improvement over many other diabetes medications.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Semaglutide provides significant advantages for cardiovascular health according to the FDA. Research has demonstrated that it lowers the risk of major cardiovascular incidents, including heart attacks and strokes. This makes semaglutide an attractive option for patients with type 2 diabetes who are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The SUSTAIN-6 trial demonstrated a 26% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke among patients treated with semaglutide.

Weight Management

Weight management is another critical aspect of diabetes care where semaglutide excels. By reducing appetite and promoting a sense of fullness, semaglutide helps patients achieve significant weight loss. This weight reduction not only improves diabetes management but also enhances overall health and quality of life. Patients in clinical trials have reported an average weight loss of 15-20% of their body weight over 68 weeks of treatment, highlighting the drug’s effectiveness in combating obesity.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Semaglutide

The effectiveness of semaglutide is supported by extensive clinical research. Major trials have demonstrated that semaglutide significantly lowers HbA1c levels and reduces cardiovascular risks. These trials also highlight the long-term efficacy and safety of semaglutide, solidifying its role in diabetes treatment. 

In real-world settings, patients treated with semaglutide report improved blood sugar levels, weight loss, and better overall health. These positive outcomes reinforce the findings from clinical trials and underscore the transformative potential of semaglutide in diabetes care. Patients have noted improvements in energy levels, reduced need for other medications, and a lower risk of diabetes-related complications.

Practical Applications of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate blood sugar control with other medications. Healthcare providers assess each patient’s medical history and current health status to determine if semaglutide is an appropriate treatment option. It is also considered for patients with obesity, especially those with a BMI over 30, or those with a BMI over 27 who have weight-related health issues.

Administration Guidelines

Semaglutide is available as an injectable and an oral tablet. The injectable form is administered once weekly, while the oral form, marketed as Rybelsus, is taken daily. Patients interested in oral medication can buy Rybelsus tablets from pharmacies and online retailers. Healthcare providers typically start patients on a lower dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects. For instance, the injectable form often begins at 0.25 mg per week for four weeks before increasing to 0.5 mg or 1 mg depending on the patient’s response and tolerance. 

Managing Side Effects

Common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are usually mild and decrease over time. Regular monitoring and communication with healthcare providers help manage any potential side effects and ensure the safe use of semaglutide. Patients are advised to take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and to stay hydrated to help mitigate these side effects.

Integration into Diabetes Care Plans

Semaglutide can be combined with other diabetes medications to enhance overall glycemic control. Healthcare providers carefully manage potential drug interactions and create comprehensive care plans that include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. Combining semaglutide with medications like metformin or insulin can provide synergistic effects, improving overall diabetes management.

Educating patients about semaglutide is crucial for successful treatment. Patients need to understand how to use the medication correctly, recognize potential side effects, and follow their prescribed regimen. Resources such as instructional guides, counseling, and support groups can provide valuable assistance. Patients are also encouraged to maintain a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maximize the benefits of semaglutide.

Conclusion

Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in diabetes treatment. Its ability to improve glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risks, and aid in weight management makes it a revolutionary drug in diabetes care. As research continues and more patients benefit from its use, semaglutide is poised to transform diabetes treatment, offering a brighter future for millions of individuals worldwide. With ongoing innovations and expanding applications, semaglutide stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against diabetes and its many challenges.

Disclaimer: buy online herbs, medication and neutraceuticals and use them only after consulting with a trusted healthcare provider. 

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Europe faces a daunting public health crisis with its escalating obesity rates. Obesity amongst children is particularly of concern due to the wide array of non-communicable diseases (NCD) and a shortened life expectancy that is often linked. According to the World Health Organization, one in three children in the European region is living with overweight or obesity.

For Europe’s youth, excess weight is associated with many harmful comorbidities. Furthermore, it is associated with an increased risk of obesity in adulthood, thus contributing to social inequalities in health throughout life. The recent symposium hosted by Competere.eu, featuring MEP Rosa D’Amato of the Greens / EFA group, shone a spotlight on the complexities of obesity and the inadequacies of the European Union’s response, particularly its insistence on the continued harmonization of the Front of Pack (FOP) label.

The Limitations of Nutri-Score

Of all the FOP labels, one system that has gained attention due to its controversies is Nutri-Score. It aims to make nutrition more understandable by categorizing foods from ‘A’ (healthiest) to ‘E’ (least healthy), using a stop light color-coded system. While its supposed intention is to guide consumers toward better choices, it has been rightfully criticized for oversimplifying complex nutritional data, particularly in its approach to fat and salt. This can lead consumers to make misinformed decisions, as the system fails to capture the nuances of modern diets and the varied nutritional needs of individuals. The misinformation surrounding Nutri-Score has resulted in a parliamentary motion in Switzerland, potentially making it the first adopter country to roll back Nutri-Score and prohibit its use. Romania has decided to stop before it is too late, banning the label because of its inability to accurately inform consumers.

The symposium rightly highlighted that obesity is a complex condition influenced by a wide variety of factors beyond simply caloric intake. Prof. Luc Van Gaal from the University of Antwerp pointed to genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and socioeconomic status that all contribute to obesity. This complex etiology clearly illustrates that one-dimensional solutions like Nutri-Score are insufficient and often even misleading.

Prof. Donatella Saccone referenced the vital importance of food security, which is not just about having enough food but also about having access to nutritious food that people are able to afford, especially in the current cost of living crisis. Effective strategies against obesity must tackle these broader issues to ensure that access to healthy choices is widely available.

Adding to the discussion, Prof. Michele Carruba of the University of Milan proposed viewing obesity as a chronic disease. By framing obesity as a chronic disease it is easier for people to understand how it requires sustained and comprehensive solutions, rather than quick fixes. This perspective necessitates a shift towards comprehensive public health strategies that include education, community planning, and sustained policy initiative, rather than simply slapping a confusing label on products.

Expanding Strategies Beyond Labeling

To effectively address Europe’s obesity epidemic, a comprehensive strategy encompassing several facets of public health is essential. First, extensive and innovative public health campaigns are crucial. These campaigns should focus on educating the public about nutrition, physical activity, and overall health, and must be tailored to culturally and demographically diverse audiences to ensure broad reach and impact.

Urban planning plays a pivotal role in promoting healthy lifestyles. By designing cities that include parks, bike paths, and community sports facilities, urban planners can greatly facilitate physical activity. Ensuring that these amenities are accessible to all is essential for encouraging active lifestyles across diverse communities.

Education is another critical area. Schools have the unique capability to influence lifelong habits. Integrating comprehensive nutrition and physical education programs into school curriculums from an early age can equip children with the knowledge and habits they need to lead healthy lives.

Finally, supporting research and innovation is fundamental in understanding the causes and treatments of obesity more effectively. Investment in food technology is crucial, as it can lead to the development of healthier food options that are both appealing and accessible to the public. This combination of education, urban planning, and research forms a robust approach to combating obesity and promoting a healthier future for all European citizens.

Leveraging the Electoral Cycle for Health Policy Reforms

As the European parliamentary elections approach, there is a unique opportunity to place public health at the forefront of the political agenda. Candidates and parties need to recognize the importance of comprehensive health strategies in their platforms. Voters are increasingly aware of how public health policies affect their daily lives, and they are likely to support candidates who propose thoughtful, evidence-based policies to combat health issues like obesity.

The upcoming elections also provide a platform for advocacy groups and public health organizations to influence policy. By engaging with candidates and raising public awareness about the importance of effective obesity strategies, these groups can help shape the political discourse. It’s crucial that the new legislative framework post-election prioritizes holistic and sustainable health policies that can address the root causes of obesity and ensure a healthier future for all European citizens.

In conclusion, tackling the obesity crisis in Europe demands strategic overhaul and proactive policy making. The EU must move beyond Nutri-Score to adopt comprehensive strategies that address dietary education, food accessibility, urban health initiatives, and regulatory reforms. The upcoming elections present a pivotal moment for electing leaders committed to making these changes, emphasizing the need for policies that not only address the symptoms of obesity but also its underlying causes.

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Diet sodas and other snack foods can contain artificial sweeteners linked to health issues, believe researchers who have written about the ongoing concerns and health impacts of non-sugar sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and stevia. Food companies like Cargill sell stevia as a safe and natural alternative to sugar but no one knows the health effects on children and this worries nutritionists in the US.

These sweeteners are increasingly found in a variety of foods and beverages, including those aimed at children, the researchers report.

“Given the continued uncertainty about their role in the diet and accumulating evidence suggesting the potential for unfavorable health effects, a cautious approach to non-sugar sweeteners is warranted–especially when it comes to children,” said lead author of the viewpoint, Allison Sylvetsky, an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Sylvetsky and her team propose that the US Food and Drug Administration restrict use of non-sugar sweeteners in food and beverage products marketed to children until there is more definitive evidence of benefit or harm.

A viewpoint published in JAMA Pediatrics by three experts on the topic emphasizes that research on the health effects of non-sugar sweeteners in children is urgently needed.

Studies in adults demonstrate links between consumption of  non-sugar sweeteners and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, few researchers have examined health impacts of non-sugar sweeteners when used by children.

At the same time,  more and more foods and beverages with non-sugar sweeteners are consumed by children.

Parents often do not realize that products contain non-sugar sweeteners, Sylvetsky says. Parents may choose foods and beverages with non-sugar sweeteners thinking they are healthier, she adds.

Instead of choosing such products, Sylvetsky suggests parents focus on the healthfulness of the overall diet and choose fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains and limit provision of foods and beverages high in added sugars. Instead of buying  fruit drinks sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners, stick to water or other unsweetened alternatives, she says.

Other options for parents: buy real food, cook at home and help children enjoy healthy snack habits from food that arrives in nature’s packaging.

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Highly refined white sugar is everywhere we turn. It shows up in bread, packaged food we make for dinner, and in about every processed item you can find on the shelves in the supermarket. Sugar is also available to children at every turn making it irresistible at every holiday, family event, and summer picnics. 

Refined sugar is bad for your teeth, and it’s bad for your body leading to obesity and diabetes. But how can we stop this bad habit? An ancient Ayurvedic medicine turned into a consumer product might do the trick. A new gum called Sweet Victory has been created for kids to stop sugar intake in people and children who can no longer say no to sweets.  

Using a natural plant inside the gum, after chewing it every sweet thing you eat will taste bitter and unpleasant. Or like overcooked vegetables.

Developers of Sweet Victory chewing gum claims that it works within two minutes by blocking the sugar receptors on the tongue. The effect can last up to two hours, and during that time sweet foods or beverages that normally excite the senses will taste bland or even sour.

Tastes like a bland overcooked vegetable

The impulse for a sweets binge can be abated, lasting even longer than the physical effect—up to two hours. Sweet Victory gum was designed to help consumers to reduce sugar intake in an easy and fun way. The product for kids is still in the prototype stage, but the company expects to launch it by the end of 2022.

The findings of a new study were presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity in the Netherlands. It included 2,336 children from the UK, making it the largest dietary dataset of young children. 

Parents were asked to complete three-day eating diaries for their children when they were toddlers (21 months old) and again when they were seven years old. The study revealed at least 80% of seven year olds exceeded the recommended limit of 10% of daily calories from free sugars. 

How does the sugar-blocking gum work?

The gum uses a traditional herb from Ayurvedic medicine called Gymenma sylvestre. After chewing the “trick gum” that tastes like fruit the kids no longer enjoyed candies – as after the gum the sweets tasted either bitter or sour. Some research suggests that the plant leaf extracts can also reduce blood sugar levels.

The atomic arrangement of gymnemic acid molecules, the active ingredient in the plant, is similar to that of glucose molecules. These molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing its activation by sugar molecules present in the food, thereby curbing the sugar craving.

Common names of the plant include gymnema, Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods, and the Hindi term gurmar, which means “sugar destroyer”.

Some scientific studies have reported the link between the gurmar plant and its anti-diabetic effects. If you are trying to avoid buying processed products, you can order extracts of the leaves online at herbal shops. Or try growing the plants at home and make a herbal extract from the tea.

Other diabetes-blocking natural extracts and products include camel milk, 

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The Middle East is seeing the worst rising weights of obesity in the world: but a new Biggest Loser contest in Dubai, is showing that locals there, and children, are taking on the challenge for losing weight. If the prize is gold coins for every pound you’d drop, you’d want to lose too! Consider this is a region where people drive cars made from gold. So gold is a great prize and incentive.

According to Yahoo a 54-year-old woman emerged as the “biggest loser” while a 13-year-old boy became the winner among child contestants. Winners received bags of gold for the efforts.

The woman Sharada Serigara won by losing a whole 32.2kg from 96kg during the two month ordeal. The child, Somesh Chakrabortty, a grade nine student lost 12kg from a starting point of 97kg. Sharada won 32 grams of gold, the boy 12 grams.

We do hope that those running the contest have a sustainable plan so the biggest “losers’ of weight will be able to keep it off.

Below are some tips for keeping it off.

Via: Green Juice Delivery Company

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“Food futurologists” at the London-based Robin Collective are developing the cups. Co-founder and creative director Brandy Wright described the construction: printable sugar paper will wrap a cup-shaped cookie lined with a layer of heat-resistant white chocolate – the hot drink will slowly melt the chocolate lining while you sip the brew.

There are also plans to imbue some cups with specialty aromas.  So skip that vanilla shot, and opt instead for scents such as coconut sun tan lotion, freshly cut grass and wild flowers.

Wright told The Telegraph, “These scents were used in our recipes as they have a natural ability to evoke the positive memories we associate with warm weather, sunshine and summer holidays.”  No word yet on if or when these cups will be available at KFCs outside the U.K.

In concept, edible fast-food containers could appeal to consumers on several levels. Branding expert Tracey Riese told USA Today, “It could fit with any number of brand positions from ‘fast’; to ‘green’ to ‘fun’.”  She sees the cups appealing to eco-minded Millennials, who want products and packaging technologies that are better for the environment.

Tasty, and eco-smart, as they will divert some single-use cups from the trash, but what about calories and nutritional value? The product announcement came this week but technical design details were scant. “The cups are still in the test and development stage under lock and key,” a KFC representative told Quartz.

America cooked up convenience food, which is now a staple daily of diets far beyond U.S. borders. Fast food isn’t exported is isolation – junk food comes with associated health problems. In Britain, where the Scoff-ee cups will be first released, 64% of adults are overweight or obese according to the BBC.

The Middle East boasts some of the fattest populations on the planet. It’s a hungry market for fast food, gobbling up Western fat-enablers such as “all-you-can-eat” restaurants and home delivery services.

The simple tradition of coffee drinking is an essential ingredient of Middle Eastern hospitality. Tricking it out with sugary candy/cookie cups and regional aromas (sheesha and cigarette smoke? fresh-baked pita? diesel fumes?) would be a sure-win marketing campaign for a new demographic.

Considering our region’s skyrocketing rates of diabetes and heart disease, we can only hope that a health-minded cleric calls a fatwa on this foolishness.  Let’s pull Dame Julie Andrews out of retirement for an ironic Mary Poppins redux, this time singing, “A spoonful of sugar (and fat) makes the landfills go down”.

The post 100% edible coffee cups; tasty, eco-friendly, and straight to your hips appeared first on Green Prophet.

Working out with no results? Health professionals in Dubai have a counter-intuitive solution to consider: eat more!

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The ban still under review according to the Gulf News would be four years higher than the previous ban of 16, is issued by the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Economy.

Energy drinks are not just packed with dizzying amounts of sugar. They act as an intoxicant due to the high levels of caffeine in them – a drug that affects both physical and mental functioning.

In the UAE the ban will be enforced with a fine, around $30,000 for anyone who sells the drinks to minors. They will also be banned for sale in hospitals, schools and any education-related building.

If you aren’t convinced that energy drinks are bad for your health, read our story on 5 reasons why you should avoid energy drinks.

Image above via bluestorm energy

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A friend of mine in Qatar just sent me a photograph of their car thermometer – it’s currently 50 degrees Celsius outside. Not the kind of weather most of us want to run around in, which might help to explain why so many Qataris are bulging at the belt.

So when Grimshaw Architects won an international competition to design sports facilities, they knew they had to come up with a project that would be easily deployable with a minor environmental impact, and provide plenty of shade for both users and spectators.

Qatar’s new Al Farjan recreational facilities come in a kit of sorts that can be scaled up or down – depending on where they will be placed.

They come with all of the amenities one would want, including facilities for football, volleyball, basketball, and handball. There are also courts, pitches, and playgrounds for the kiddies, as well as a cafe in the center and other social areas.

The idea is to provide a fun environment in which Qataris can improve their lifestyles, and become infinitely more healthy. But a good sports facility doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from thoughtful design.

Having worked with Qatar in the past, most notably with their awesome temporary pavilion for Rio +20 in 2012, Grimshaw Architects is well aware of the need to use smart materials to ensure a comfortable environment, while cutting down on water and energy use at the same time.

So, they set aside areas shaded by fabric canopies that resemble indigenous desert flowers, and tucked the seating areas into the dunescape, where spectators can cheer for their favorite athletes in comfort.

Related: Qatar axes 4 of 12 World Cup Stadiums

They also, and this is the first time I’ve heard of doing this but it makes great sense, they made sure that the facilities are not all on the same level. By varying the topography, Grimshaw makes it possible for a breeze to circulate throughout the entire complex, keeping things at least a bit more cool.

And because water is an ever more precious commodity, none will go to waste here. Waste water will be captured, purified, and reused for irrigation.

“We are delighted to know our design will create highly accessible informal public space that enriches social activities while also developing athletic talent within the local community,” said Grimshaw’s Keith Brewis.

“This project provides an opportunity for Qatar to encourage all its residents to lead healthy lifestyles.”

:: World Architecture News

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