[ad_1] The craze for new drugs in the GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) analogue class, better known under the trade names Ozempic and Wegovy, is remarkable, but it’s not totally unprecedented in the history of pharmaceutical blockbusters. The volume of prescriptions and the budget allocated to them by public health insurance schemes are exploding, as are the profits of the companies that manufacture them. Part of the popularity of these drugs owes to social networks, but these are not always the best source for health information. When it comes to the subject of weight loss, both fantasy and prejudice come into play. This works to the detriment of everyone’s well-being, but particularly those who are already stigmatized. As specialists in the philosophy of medicine (Université de Montréal), nutrition and food science (Université Laval), the sociology of medication (Université de Montréal) and endocrinology (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal), we feel it’s necessary to step back and take stock of both the promises and the limitations of these new treatments. The best of both worlds GLP-1/GIP analogues were originally developed to regulate glycemia (blood sugar levels) in people with Type 2 diabetes, thereby preventing the complications associated with this disease. When studies were carried out to assess their safety and efficacy, it was discovered that these drugs also led to weight loss. This prompted new research which showed that at higher doses, the drugs could lead to very significant weight loss, from 15 to 25 per cent of the starting weight. Injections reduce appetite and lead to significant weight loss. (Shutterstock) The mode of action of these drugs on blood sugar regulation is clear: they simulate incretin hormones which, in turn, increase insulin secretion. Weight loss, on the other hand, was only explained after the fact: in addition to the pancreas, these molecules also act on the brain by regulating the sensation of satiety and, indirectly, on the stomach by slowing gastric emptying. These two combined effects reduce appetite and lead to weight reduction. Wegovy multidose pens are specially designed for the management of obesity. (Shutterstock) This is how a new use for the drug appeared, at which point the company Novo Nordisk began marketing the same drug under two different names: Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy to manage obesity. A new era GLP-1/GIP analogues are a welcome therapeutic breakthrough at a time when the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and obesity is exploding and affecting people younger and younger. These diseases particularly affect women, members of racialized groups and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. The physical and mental suffering these cause and the costs associated with treating them are both considerable. So the arrival of new weapons in the therapeutic arsenal is a source of hope. Draconian changes in lifestyle are certainly effective. But they are very difficult to implement and maintain over time for reasons that go beyond the individual sphere; on the one hand, genetic predisposition plays a major role in the development of Type 2 diabetes and obesity; on the other, because these conditions are multifactorial, management of them must be comprehensive to be effective and long lasting: it must combine medical interventions but also nutritional, functional, psycho-social, environmental and even institutional interventions. Losing weight can present difficulties that go beyond the individual sphere. (Shutterstock) Support services of this kind do exist, but only in large university hospital centres to which many people do not have access. Nor do many people have easy access to healthy and varied food options, sports facilities or social and psychological support. Treating the effects but not the causes To be effective over the long term, GLP-1/GIP analogues must be taken continuously: without drastic lifestyle changes, the weight that was lost is regained within a year of stopping, and glycemic control is compromised once again. In other words, the drugs treat the effects of Type 2 diabetes and obesity but not their causes. And yet some of these causes are modifiable: for example, according to Statistics Canada, less than half the Canadian population (49.2 per cent for adults; 43.9 per cent for young people and children) achieves the recommended amount of weekly physical activity. According to the same source, food insecurity affects around 14 per cent of the Québec population (22 per cent in Alberta). Only 43.9 per cent of Canadian children reach the recommended weekly physical activity threshold. (Shutterstock) Pharmacological treatment, even if it allows an individual to eat less, does not necessarily mean that person will eat better. Similarly, losing weight does not mean one will become more active or healthier. So these new drugs do not cure Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Nor do they prevent these diseases from developing, although they do help to limit the many complications to which they give rise. Prescribe and treat A drug such as Mounjaro is as effective at weight loss as bariatric surgery. Much easier to administer and much less risky, it could be a real game changer in the treatment of obesity. Prescribed directly by family doctors and dispensed in pharmacies, it would also be much more accessible and easier to administer for those who need it. This raises the question of costs and reimbursement, but not only that: prescribing is not the same as treating. Here, the manufacturers are following the recommendations of the health authorities: this treatment must be preceded by a careful assessment, then management, and above all a close and regular monitoring of diet, physical activity, mental health, and if necessary, socio-economic assistance. This requires not only time that GPs do not have, but also co-ordination with other players in the health-care network. The problem is not whether the treatment will be effective, but what can happen if it is. Losing 25 per cent of your body weight in just a few months has serious consequences, which are not always beneficial: it involves a loss of body fat, but also of muscle mass, which is associated with intense fatigue. Nor
Continue readingMonthly Archives: September 2024
Can You Grow Any Taller After 18? Some Tips and Tricks Suggested by Experts
[ad_1] Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s health and help in increasing one’s height. (News18 Hindi) Though many think that it is unlikely that you one can see a significant increase in height after 18 years of age, experts suggest that eating a proper balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help People often wonder if they can get any taller after the age of 18. While genetics play a major role in determining a person’s height, experts agree that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s health and help in increasing one’s height. Doctors say that some natural remedies can affect your height even after becoming an adult. Dr. Rahul Chaura, an endocrinologist at Yashoda Hospital in Kaushambi, said that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on bones and posture even after the age of 18. “Although major changes in height are rarely seen after 18 years, a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, along with regular exercise, can enhance your posture, body strength, and overall health, which can lead to a slight improvement in height. Also, it is important to understand that nutrition plays an important role in improving one’s health not just in childhood but throughout life,” Dr Chaura said. Tanvi Chauhan, Manager of Health and Nutrition at Bal Raksha Bharat, said, “If one’s height seems less than average during adolescence, then their intake of nutrients in their diet should be thoroughly checked. Taking the right nutrients help in attaining the full height and maintaining good health.” “Protein plays a very important role in the formation of muscles and for the development of bones. Lentils, nuts, and soy products contain a good amount of protein. Eggs, chicken, and fish also provide protein. Adequate intake of protein and calcium can help in achieving the right height,” Chauhan added. Nutrients that help in increasing one’s height: Calcium – Calcium is essential for strengthening bones and maintaining height. Milk, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods are the main sources of calcium. Vitamin D – Helps your body absorb calcium, which makes bones strong. Sunlight, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals are its main sources. Protein – It is essential for muscle growth and tissue repair. Lean meat, beans, and nuts are rich in protein, which can help improve height. Zinc – Essential for overall health and can influence height. Seeds, pulses, and whole grains are good sources of zinc. Tips to increase height: Some lifestyle changes can prove beneficial to increase one’s height. . Stretching exercises – Incorporate activities like yoga, Pilates, and stretching into your routine to improve your posture and make you look taller naturally. . Adequate sleep- Human growth hormone (HGH) which helps in increasing height is released during sleep. A good sleep of seven to nine hours can increase the level of this hormone. . Hydration- Staying hydrated is important for cell growth in the body, which maintains the overall strength of the body. [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingB&B Vol liefde 2024 is voorbij: welke (prille) liefdes hielden stand?
[ad_1] Negen weken lang konden de kijkers genieten van de (romantische) belevenissen van B&B-houders als Anja, Iris, Albert en Mike. In de reünie werd duidelijk welke prille liefdes hebben standgehouden. Wie hebben een relatie overgehouden aan hun B&B Vol liefde-deelname? [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingApple-oortjes in de VS goedgekeurd als gehoorapparaat
[ad_1] Apple heeft in de Verenigde Staten goedkeuring gekregen de AirPods 2 oortjes als gehoorapparaat aan te bieden. Gebruikers kunnen hun oortjes zo afstellen dat deze als een volwaardig gehoorapparaat te gebruiken zijn. [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingDeens museum schenkt inheemse ceremoniële mantel aan Brazilië
[ad_1] De Braziliaanse president Lula da Silva nam gisteren een ceremoniële mantel in ontvangst die in de 17e eeuw door Europese kolonisten uit Brazilië was meegenomen. Het Tupanimba-volk, die het kledingstuk als heilig zien, eisten het terug. [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingBarriers to a Healthy Lifestyle Among Obese Patients Attending Primary Care Clinics in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia – Cureus
[ad_1] Barriers to a Healthy Lifestyle Among Obese Patients Attending Primary Care Clinics in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Cureus [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingVoices Of WordCamp Europe: Josephine (Rahissa) Ngo Nonog and Herman Ngembu
[ad_1] A big goal of mine was to meet people for the first time. Rahissa and Herman fit the bill. I saw them across the room and simply asked if I could interview them. They came to Italy from Cameroon as students and someone said they should try WordCamp. I’ll let the interview tell the rest of their story. Josephine (Rahissa) Ngo Nonog and Herman Ngembu Interview Related [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingRaygun ranked world number one after Paris Olympics controversy
[ad_1] Raygun ranked world number one after Paris Olympics controversy [ad_2] View Reddit by Bigringcycling – View Source
Continue readingAngel Reese denies she’s PREGNANT and insists she is single as WNBA star addresses rumors about her season-ending wrist injury
[ad_1] By Jack Bezants Published: 00:41 EDT, 10 September 2024 | Updated: 00:41 EDT, 10 September 2024 Angel Reese has denied rumors that pregnancy is the reason her rookie WNBA season is over – not a wrist injury. The Chicago Sky star stunned fans on Saturday night with a bombshell statement on social media announcing that her campaign was over due to a wrist issue. She offered few further details but took to Instagram on Sunday night to elaborate on the issue and deny some of the speculation she had seen online about her. ‘I’m not pregnant, that was never a thing,’ Reese said. ‘I want to make this crystal, crystal, crystal clear. ‘I don’t have a man to have kids. I don’t have a ring to have kids. I’m 22 with no kids, and I’m not coming home to kids. So that’s not gonna be a thing any time soon.’ Angel Reese has denied rumors that pregnancy is the reason her rookie WNBA season is over Reese sustained the injury in the win over Los Angeles Sparks on Friday, falling hard on her hand and sustaining a hairline fracture that could become worse without surgery. The Sky rookie is scheduled to have surgery on Tuesday and be in a cast for up to six weeks. ‘Basically the doctors told me that I could either not get surgery or have surgery. The risk of not having surgery – I could literally have arthritis at 22 years old. That wasn’t an option,’ she said. ‘The bone could literally crack and completely shatter. Right now, it’s like a hairline… They’re going to put a small screw in it. And I wasn’t going for it getting any bigger.’ Reese cheered Chicago Sky on from the sidelines on Sunday as they recorded an impressive win over Dallas Wings. When Sky beat the Sparks on Friday night, it snapped a seven-game losing streak for Chicago that threatened to derail their playoff hopes. They are currently 13-22 for the season and occupy the final playoff position, a game ahead of Atlanta Dream. They have five games in the regular season left, with the next one coming on Wednesday night at home to Washington Mystics. Share or comment on this article: Angel Reese denies she’s PREGNANT and insists she is single as WNBA star addresses rumors about her season-ending wrist injury [ad_2] Source link
Continue readingThieves snatched his phone in London
[ad_1] Akara Etteh Akara Etteh had his phone stolen as he walked out of a Tube station. Early on a Saturday morning in April, Akara Etteh was checking his phone as he came out of Holborn tube station, in central London. A moment later, it was in the hand of a thief on the back of an electric bike – Akara gave chase, but they got away. He is just one victim of an estimated 78,000 “snatch thefts” in England and Wales in the year to March, a big increase on the previous 12 months. The prosecution rate for this offence is very low – the police say they are targeting the criminals responsible but cannot “arrest their way out of the problem”. They also say manufacturers and tech firms have a bigger role to play. Victims of the crime have been telling the BBC of the impact it has had on them – ranging from losing irreplaceable photos to having tens of thousands of pounds stolen. And for Akara, like many other people who have their phone taken, there was another frustration: he was able to track where his device went, but was powerless to get it back. Phone pings around London He put his iPhone 13 into lost mode when he got home an hour or so later – meaning the thieves couldn’t access its contents – and turned on the Find My iPhone feature using his laptop. This allowed Akara to track his phone’s rough location and almost immediately he received a notification to say it was in Islington. Eight days later, the phone was pinging in different locations around north London again. In a move he says he “wouldn’t recommend” with hindsight, he went to two of the locations his phone had been in to “look around”. “It was pretty risky,” he said. “I was fuelled by adrenaline and anger.” He didn’t speak to anyone, but he felt he was being watched and went home. “I am really angry,” he said. “The phone is expensive. We work hard to earn that money, to be able to buy the handset, and someone else says ‘screw that’.” Then, in May, just over a month after the theft, Akara checked Find My iPhone again – his prized possession was now on the other side of the world – in Shenzhen, China. Akara gave up. It is not uncommon for stolen phones to end up in Shenzhen – where if devices can’t be unlocked and used again, they are disassembled for parts. The city is home to 17.6 million people and is a big tech hub, sometimes referred to as China’s Silicon Valley. Police could not help In the moments after Akara’s phone was stolen, he saw police officers on the street and he told them what had happened. Officers, he said, were aware of thieves doing a “loop of the area” to steal phones, and he was encouraged to report the offence online, which he did. A few days later, he was told by the Metropolitan Police via email the case was closed as “it is unlikely that we will be able to identify those responsible”. Akara subsequently submitted the pictures and information he had gathered from the locations where his stolen phone had been. The police acknowledged receipt but took no further action. The Metropolitan Police had no comment to make on Akara’s specific case, but said it was “targeting resources to hotspot areas, such as Westminster, Lambeth and Newham, with increased patrols and plain clothes officers which deter criminals and make officers more visibly available to members of the community”. Lost photos of mum Many other people have contacted the BBC with their experiences of having their phones taken. One, James O’Sullivan, 44, from Surrey, says he lost more than £25,000 when thieves used his stolen device’s Apple Pay service. Meanwhile, Katie Ashworth, from Newcastle, explained her phone was snatched in a park along with her watch, and a debit card in the phone case. “The saddest thing was that the phone contained the last photos I had of my mum on a walk before she got too unwell to really do anything – I would do anything to get those photos back,” the 36-year-old says. Again, she says, there was a lack of action from the police. “The police never even followed it up with me, despite my bank transactions showing exactly where the thieves went,” she said. “The police just told me to check Facebook Marketplace and local second-hand shops like Cex.” ‘Battle against the clock’ for police So why are the police seemingly unable to combat this offence – or recover stolen devices? PC Mat Evans, who has led a team working on this kind of crime for over a decade within West Midlands Police, admitted that only “quite a low number” of phones that are stolen actually get recovered. He says the problem is the speed with which criminals move. “Phones will be offloaded to known fences within a couple of hours,” he said. “It’s always a battle against the clock immediately following any of these crimes, but people should always report these things to the police, because if we don’t know that these crimes are taking place, we can’t investigate them.” And sometimes just one arrest can make a difference. “When we do catch these criminals, either in the act or after the fact, our crime rates tank,” he said. “Quite often that individual has been responsible for a huge swathe of crime.” But the problem is not just about policing. In a statement, Commander Richard Smith from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, which brings together senior officers to help develop policing strategy, said it would “continue to target” the most prolific criminals. “We know that we cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” he said. “Manufacturers and the tech industry have an important role in reducing opportunities for criminals to benefit from the resale of stolen handsets.” Tracking and
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