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Why Owl Post covers Health & Fitness

Health and fitness coverage is dominated by fad protocols, supplement marketing dressed as research, and wellness influencers who swap their recommendations when the sponsorship changes.

The durable signal in this space is boring by comparison: strength training keeps appearing in longevity research, consistent sleep keeps outperforming sleep hacks, walking keeps showing up as underrated. Owl Post reads the actual research behind these claims, evaluates how solid the study design is, and surfaces what is holding up across independent replications versus what is one viral study away from being overturned.

Read the full Health & Fitness briefing

The beat covers exercise science (strength, cardio, mobility, and the research on optimal protocols), nutrition (what the evidence actually shows about diet patterns, not whatever is trending), sleep and recovery, mental health and its intersection with physical practice, and the broader wellness industry, including how to evaluate claims critically. Owl Post reads peer-reviewed research, follows the scientists and physicians doing serious work, and reads the publications that hold their reporting to an evidence standard.

Your digest adapts to how you engage with health information. If you want the science explained at the mechanism level, with the study quality assessed, that framing is available. If you want the practical implementation angle, focused on what to actually change based on the evidence, that works too. Either way, the sourcing is from people and institutions that cite their work.

A daily health and fitness digest. What the research actually shows, applied to how you actually live. The goal is not more information about wellness. It is better information, filtered by people who read the studies and know how to evaluate them.

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People Using GLP-1s, Like Ozempic, Wegovy, Less Likely to Exercise Despite Benefits

Recent research has found that despite the benefits, people using GLP-1s may be less likely to exercise. Image Credit: Fiordaliso/Getty Images A recent study found that people taking a GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic or Wegovy, may be less likely to engage in regular exercise. The study showed that, among people with obesity, daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous activity duration decreased after starting GLP-1 medication. The greatest decline was seen in males and people with musculoskeletal pain. GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have become popular ways for people to lose weight and manage conditions like diabetes. A recent study found that people who begin using a GLP-1 medication appear to engage in less physical activity. However, evidence suggests that long-term weight management is most effective when combined with regular exercise. “This study aligns with my clinical experience. I often find that patients feel more fatigued while losing weight, which can make exercise feel like a chore,” Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, told Healthline. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. This study is being presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. “While many assume that weight loss leads naturally to increased physical activity, our study suggests otherwise,” Sajana Maharjan, MD, board certified internist at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, and lead author of the study, said in a press release. “The findings in our study reinforce that exercise cannot be optional for people taking these medications. People need targeted interventions that encourage physical activity alongside medication for obesity.” Why do people using GLP-1 medications exercise less? The study used data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program.

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People Using GLP-1s, Like Ozempic, Wegovy, Less Likely to Exercise Despite Benefits
Yes, Stair Climbing, Housework Count as Exercise. They Can Even Boost Your Mood

Yes, Stair Climbing, Housework Count as Exercise. They Can Even Boost Your Mood

Small amounts of physical activity, like everyday chores, can boost your mood and even count toward your exercise goals. Image Credit: Getty Images/Oleh_Slobodeniuk New research has found that as little as 5 to 10 minutes of physical activity can provide an immediate boost to both mood and energy. Exercise and everyday movement are associated with meaningful improvements in emotional health. Even small bursts of physical activity can help you meet your fitness goals. Exercise provides various benefits for physical and mental health — even in small amounts. A large-scale study found that even 5 to 10 minutes of physical activity can improve energy levels and mood. The findings, recently published in Nature Human Behavior, emphasize the value of light-intensity movement. Everyday activities, such as household chores, taking the stairs, or going for a short walk, can have immediate positive effects on well-being. The researchers identified a bidirectional connection between movement and mood. Translation: Movement boosts your mood, which in turn, only makes you want to move more. “There is a wealth of research supporting the connection between movement and an enhanced mood, partially through the release of endorphins and dopamine. Those same neurotransmitters directly increase motivation and drive, thereby making us more willing to be physically active,” Dara Houp, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist with Pathways Psychological Services, told Healthline. Houp wasn’t involved in the study. Role of physical activity on mood The study was one of the largest real-world behavioral tracking initiatives. The researchers analyzed 8,000 international participants and over 320,000 individual mood ratings spanning 67 distinct datasets. Traditional clinical definitions in the past have limited exercise to high intensity gym workouts. However, the authors of this study used fitness-tracking wearables to measure spontaneous everyday movements. This allowed researchers to consider t

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GLP-1s for $50 a Month? 14 Million Medicare Recipients May Be Eligible

GLP-1s for $50 a Month? 14 Million Medicare Recipients May Be Eligible

An estimated 14 million Medicare Part D recipients could obtain Wegovy, Foundayo, and Zepbound for $50 per month. Johner Images/Getty Images Federal officials announced the launch of a Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pilot program that reduces the cost of certain GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss. Under the program, Wegovy, Foundayo, and Zepbound KwikPens will cost $50 per month for eligible participants enrolled in Medicare Part D plans. The program begins on July 1 and continues through Dec. 31, 2027. Some Medicare recipients will soon be able to purchase a limited number of GLP-1 weight loss drugs at a guaranteed price of $50 per month. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the formation of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge pilot program, which begins on July 1 and lasts until December 31, 2027. Under the pilot project, people enrolled in Medicare Part D who have been prescribed certain GLP-1 medications will be able to purchase those drugs for $50 per month. It’s estimated that around 14 million people in the United States could be eligible under the pilot program. Federal officials note that in the past, Medicare has not covered medications prescribed for weight loss. The pilot program lifts that restriction. “These treatments are a major medical advancement, but too many seniors are currently unable to access them due to high cost,” Mehmet Oz, MD, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said in a statement. “The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge changes that by making these medications more affordable and accessible, while advancing our broader goal of helping Americans live healthier lives.” The Medicare Bridge program follows the launch last year of a Trump Rx program to lower the cost of GLP-1 medications and other higher-cost drugs. Which GLP-1s are covered and how much will they cost? To be eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, a person must be at least 18 years old and be treated with the GLP-1 medicatio

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Zepbound vs. Wegovy: Which GLP-1 Drug Is Best for Weight Loss?

Researchers say that GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) may lead to greater weight loss. Image Credit: Tatsiana Volkava/Getty Images A meta-analysis found that one type of GLP-1 medication may be more effective than others. The analysis showed that GLP-1s containing tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) helped people lose more weight than those containing semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy). Liraglutide (Saxenda) had the lowest weight loss percentage among users. The success of tirzepatide may be due to its dual mechanism, which targets multiple receptors. As around 2 in 5 U.S. adults meet the criteria for obesity, GLP-1 drugs have exploded in popularity as a weight loss aid. This blockbuster class of medications includes semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda). A recent meta-analysis found that one of these medications may promote weight loss more effectively than others. The findings indicate that GLP-1s containing tirzepatide yield greater weight loss than semaglutide or liraglutide. “We were interested in finding which drug gives the most weight loss and doesn’t have higher rates of side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal problems,” Pooja Gokhale, corresponding author of the review and a doctoral student in the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, said in a press release. “Tirzepatide seems to be the better option,” Gokhale said. Zepbound, Mounjaro yields greater weight loss The analysis found that those using tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) lost 15–20% of their body weight. By comparison, participants taking semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) lost around 12–13% of their body weight. Liraglutide (Saxenda) showed the lowest weight loss percentage, around 5%. GLP-1 medications work by mimicking natural hormones in the gut, which help to lower blood sugar, slow digestion, and promote feelings of fullness to aid weight loss. Semaglutide and liraglutide target GLP-1 receptors, whereas tirzepatid

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FDA Approval of Inhaled Insulin Has Been Life-Changing for This Teen With Diabetes

Jennifer Seigrist (left) and her daughter Taisie Seigrist (right). has approved Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, for children and adolescents. Taisie Seigrist is a 15-year-old who took part in the clinical trial for Afrezza. Seigrist said the needle-free option has changed her life. When Taisie Seigrist was 10 years old, she began experiencing persistent thirst and the urge to urinate frequently. “She would come home from school and drink five glasses of water instantly,” her mom, Jennifer, told Healthline. Concerned that Taisie might be ill, Jennifer turned to her sister-in-law, who lives with type 2 diabetes, for help. Jennifer asked her if she could borrow her glucose meter to test Taisie’s blood sugar. The device revealed that Taisie’s blood sugar was 684 mg/dL, which is dangerously high. “We called our doctor, and he said go straight to the children’s hospital, so we did, and we were there for about a week,” said Jennifer. Doctors diagnosed Taisie with type 1 diabetes in 2021. “It was scary for both of us to hear,” said Jennifer. Learning to live with type 1 diabetes While Taisie left the hospital with a continuous glucose monitor that helped manage her condition, she also relied on mealtime injected insulin shots, as often as seven times per day. “A pump wasn’t really a good option for us because of our lifestyles,” said Jennifer. For the first two years after Taisie’s diagnosis, her mom administered mealtime shots for her. Then Taisie began doing them herself. Because Taisie didn’t have a lot of body fat, she had to keep returning to the same injection sites. “Taking shots really hurt, especially doing it in the same place,” Taisie told Healthline. The shots also affected her quality of life. Injected rapid-acting insulin takes about 15 minutes to start working and stays in the body for 2 to 3 hours, which made it difficult for Taisie to administer during school and at track and cross-country. If her blood sugar needed correcting right before a race, she’d have t

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Shaquille O’Neal Shares How Zepbound Helped with Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 12: Shaquille O’Neal attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on May 12, 2026 in New York City. ( ) Shaquille O’Neal is taking Zepbound to help manage his weight and reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms. Zepbound is FDA approved for moderate to severe OSA in adults living with obesity. Excess weight, especially around the neck, can worsen OSA symptoms by narrowing the airway and increasing the risk of collapse during sleep. Shaquille O’Neal says taking Zepbound has helped improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition he has lived with for years. In 2011, the NBA legend was diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea after taking part in an overnight sleep study conducted at Harvard Medical School. “[The doctors] told me the what and whatnots to do and talked about certain things, but I ignored it
because I thought I was superhuman,” he told Healthline. OSA is often an obesity-related disease in which the airway in the throat repeatedly collapses or becomes blocked while sleeping, said Karl Nadolsky, DO, director of the diabetes & endocrinology clinic at The Gym and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Michigan State University. “This causes you to briefly stop breathing multiple times per hour, leading to drops in oxygen, disrupted sleep, loud snoring, and daytime tiredness,” Nadolsky told Healthline. “Over time, untreated OSA can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health problems.” Why O’Neal decided to take his sleep apnea more seriously After his diagnosis, O’Neal tried using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which involved wearing a mask to help keep his airway open while sleeping. However, he said he didn’t use it effectively, so he stopped and his snoring continued to get worse. “My snoring got so bad that my friends started making
funny videos out of them. And then I was always tired during the daytime,” said

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No Link Between Prenatal Tylenol Use and Autism, ADHD, Multiple Studies Confirm

Research shows that there is no link between taking Tylenol during pregnancy and a higher risk of autism and ADHD. Image Credit: In September 2025, the Trump administration suggested that taking Tylenol during pregnancy may raise the risk of autism in children. Many experts have spoken out against this statement. Multiple studies published in 2026 confirmed that there is no evidence to show a link between Tylenol during pregnancy and increased risks of autism or ADHD, including a new 20-year study from Hong Kong. A large Danish study also found no link between Tylenol and an increased risk of autism. A gold standard systematic review and meta-analysis found no evidence to support the idea that acetaminophen during pregnancy raises the risk of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities. A growing body of evidence, including several new, peer-reviewed studies in 2026, shows that there is no link between using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disabilities. In September 2025, the Trump administration suggested that taking Tylenol during pregnancy may raise the risk of autism in children. Following the announcement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated changes to the labels on Tylenol to include a mention of a possible association between the medication and the risk of autism and ADHD. However, the exact cause of autism (autism spectrum disorder) is still not entirely understood, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Medical experts have also spoken out, emphasizing the fact that a causal relationship was never established between acetaminophen and neurocognitive outcomes such as autism. “Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they s

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Intermittent Fasting Aids Weight Loss, With a Surprising Psychological Benefit

Researchers compared intermittent fasting with calorie counting and found that people following fasting protocols thought about food less often. Anchiy/Getty Images A recent study found that people who bounce from one diet to another — or “yo-yo dieters” — may have better results following an intermittent fasting diet plan. The study compared intermittent fasting to traditional calorie counting for weight loss. The results suggest that people following intermittent fasting experienced psychological benefits related to food. Over the last few years, intermittent fasting (IF) has become a popular diet plan for people looking to lose weight. During intermittent fasting, you eat for a set number of hours or days, and then fast for the remainder. For example, if following the 16/8 Method, you would eat for 8 hours and fast for the remaining 16 hours of the day. A new study found that following an intermittent fasting dietary plan may be more beneficial for people who tend to “yo-yo diet” — those who jump from one diet to another rather than following a lifelong healthy eating plan. The study compared intermittent fasting to traditional calorie counting. The findings showed that people following either diet lost about the same amount of weight. However, those who adhered to fasting protocols experienced psychological and behavioral benefits, feeling they didn’t need to monitor overeating or count calories to lose weight. The study was published on July 16 in Clinical Nutrition. “Many chronic dieters become trapped in a cycle of constantly tracking, counting, restricting, and thinking about food,” said Monique Richard, MS, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, who wasn’t involved in the study. “If a structured eating window helps simplify decisions and reduce decision fatigue, that may improve long-term adherence for some people,” Richard told Healthline. Intermittent fasting led to fewer thoughts about food The study analyzed data from more

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Sniffing Chocolate Could Boost Your Leg Day Workouts and Curb Hunger

Smelling dark chocolate before and during workouts may help you perform more repetitions and reduce hunger after exercise, new research finds. Smelling dark chocolate before and during a leg workout helped participants perform more repetitions. Though the exact mechanism remains unclear, researchers suspect that certain scents trigger physiological changes that may affect physical performance. Other scents, including peppermint and citrus, have also been shown to affect exercise. The smell of dark chocolate might help you get a few more reps on leg day at the gym. New research suggests that simply inhaling the aroma before and during a workout could help people improve exercise performance without taking a single bite of chocolate. In an exploratory study published in Frontiers in Physiology, researchers found that healthy young men completed significantly more repetitions during a leg-extension workout after smelling 90% dark chocolate than after smelling water, the experiment’s control. Participants exposed to the dark chocolate scent also reported feeling less hungry and fuller. A milk chocolate scent also improved performance, though to a lesser extent, and appeared to produce a different psychological response. The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that odors may influence athletic performance through complex interactions between the brain, appetite, and perception. “Their findings, showing greater improvements in performance with dark chocolate, align well with other findings in the literature, where lower appetite and higher fullness are associated with better performance,” said Marie-Eve Mathieu, PhD, Canada Research Chair, physical activity and juvenile obesity, at UniversitĂ© de MontrĂ©al. Mathieu wasn’t involved in the research. Mathieu has published research on the effects of scents, including peppermint, ammonia, lavender, and citrus, on athletic performance. However, given the limitations of the experiment, experts stress that the new s

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An Avocado a Day May Keep Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity at Bay

An Avocado a Day May Keep Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity at Bay

Research shows that eating more avocado can reduce your risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Image Credit: Anjelika Gretskaia/Getty Images Research suggests that females who eat 30–38 grams of avocado per day may have a lower risk of diabetes. A recent study also found that eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango each day may help lower blood pressure in people with prediabetes. A new study found that eating fresh avocado each day may help improve your body’s blood sugar response, lower diabetes risk, and reduce cardiometabolic risks. Avocados can provide various health benefits, including improving heart and gut health. Recent research has examined other potential benefits of regularly adding avocados to your diet. One 2025 study found that females who ate 30–38 grams of avocado per day may have a lower risk of diabetes than those who didn’t eat it. No significant association was shown in males, however. Another recent study showed that eating 1 avocado and 1 cup of mango each day helped improve heart health and lower blood pressure in people with prediabetes in as little as 8 weeks. A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition also found that eating fresh avocado daily may help improve blood sugar response, lower diabetes risk, and lower other cardiometabolic risk factors. There are many ways you can add avocado to your diet and get the full spectrum of health benefits. Avocado may help lower diabetes risk A 2025 study showed that a daily dose of avocado may help reduce the risk of diabetes in females. “Given what we know about the nutritional profile of avocados — they have good unsaturated fats, a good source of fiber, and a multitude of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, I’m not surprised to see these findings suggesting that eating avocados may play a role in lower diabetes risk,” registered dietitian Wendy Bazilian told Healthline in an earlier interview. Bazilian wasn’t involved in the study. The study found that females who consu

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How This Mother-Daughter Duo Lost 163 Pounds With a Noninvasive Procedure

Molly Madore (left) and her mother, Diane Madore, underwent the same noninvasive weight loss procedure, losing a combined 163 pounds. Design by Healthline / Photo Courtesy of Diane and Molly A mother and daughter teamed up to undergo the same noninvasive weight loss procedure after years of difficulty with weight management. After Molly Madore’s success following an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), her mother, Diane Madore, underwent the same procedure, resulting in a combined 163-pound weight loss. The mother-daughter duo wants others to know about this noninvasive, non-medication weight loss strategy. Molly Madore and her mother, Diane Madore, navigated weight management for most of their lives. Molly, 34, said she can’t remember a time when managing her weight wasn’t a concern. “I’ve been overweight my whole life,” she told Healthline. “I’ve never had to chase a weight I once was because I’ve always been trying to lose weight.” As a teenager, she tried eating salads and making small changes. In her early 20s, she moved on to protein shakes, meal supplements, and other diets. However, no matter what she tried, she always fell into the same pattern. “As soon as I’d fail one meal, I felt like I failed the diet completely,” she said. “And then I’d be like, ‘Well, I’ll start Monday,’ and then Monday would roll around, and I just wouldn’t continue.” Then, in late 2023, she saw a Facebook advertisement for GLP-1 injections. She went to a local health facility and received a prescription. However, after experiencing GI side effects, she considered stopping the medication. Around the same time, while taking an elevator at the hospital where she works as a medical assistant, Molly saw a poster for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that reduces stomach volume by 70–80% to limit food intake. ESG is an FDA-cleared procedure from Boston Scientific’s Endura Weight Loss Solutions. The procedure is done during an endoscopy that

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FDA Clears First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor for Kids

The FDA approved the first nonprescription sale of Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitor for children ages 2 to 18 with diabetes. Svetikd/Getty Images The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor for children under 18. Experts say the over-the-counter version will make this helpful technology more widely available to families who need diabetes care. The devices could help parents and children make healthy lifestyle decisions, but the technology should still be used under a medical professional’s supervision. Federal regulators have authorized the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for children. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the nonprescription sale of the Stelo Glucose Biosensor System manufactured by Dexcom for children ages 2 to 18 years. The wearable device is designed for children, including those with diabetes, who receive oral medication to manage their condition. It is not intended for children who need insulin injections. The device can also be used by children and parents who want to understand how diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes affect glucose levels. However, the FDA cautioned that the monitoring system is not intended for individuals with problematic hypoglycemia because it is not designed to alert users when low blood sugar occurs. It’s also not intended for people on dialysis. In addition, the FDA said individuals with eating disorders should consult their healthcare professional before use. Federal regulators added that children should use the glucose monitor only under an adult caregiver’s supervision. The FDA approved an over-the-counter version of the Stelo Glucose monitor for individuals 18 years and older in March 2024. Participants involved in previous research have reported mild side effects, including local infection, skin irritation, pain, and discomfort. The Stelo Glucose system uses a wearable sensor paired with a smartphon

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How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Made Matters as Much as What's in Them

The manufacturing processes used to produce ultra-processed foods are linked to negative impacts on human health. Image Credit: Andy Sacks/Getty Images A recent study has found that it may not just be what’s in ultra-processed foods that makes them unhealthy, but how they’re made. The study noted that factors such as changes in the food’s cellular structure, loss of beneficial chemical compounds, and additives and chemicals in packaging may all pose health risks. This adds to previous research that shows that ultra-processed foods can negatively affect health. Public concern over the effects of ultra-processed foods has been growing. Research has increasingly associated these foods with a higher risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even early death. Despite these concerns, ultra-processed foods make up around 55% of the American diet. “UPFs [ultra-processed foods] do offer some advantages, but at the expense of the consumer’s health. They are convenient, affordable, have a long shelf life, and are often engineered to be highly palatable, which contributes to their widespread consumption,” said Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali was not involved in the study. “Because of these factors, UPFs are extremely prevalent in the modern diet. While many people are generally aware that these foods are not optimal for health, convenience and taste often drive decision making,” he told Healthline. Experts are also still looking into exactly what drives the risks from ultra-processed foods. They are debating whether it is the nutritional quality of the foods, as they are often high in sodium, added sugars, and refined grains, or if it is the industrial processing and additives used to make them. A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) suggests that processing may actually play an independent role in the health risks posed by u

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Most Weight-Loss Drugs Do Not Improve Quality of Life or Heart Health

A new study found that while several newer weight loss medications can help with significant weight loss, they do not improve quality of life or boost long-term heart health. A new study found that several newer medications can aid in significant weight loss. However, the most effective drugs produced more side effects, often leading people to quit. Experts say the lesson here is to look beyond weight loss. Patients need effective strategies for managing side effects. In recent years, the number of highly effective medications for the treatment of obesity has grown rapidly. In addition to helping people lose weight, these drugs can also help reduce heart disease risk as well as improve other obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. However, as the number of new drugs increases, physicians must now choose the right obesity treatment for each patient, balancing benefits and adverse effects. A comprehensive new study has evaluated the effectiveness and safety of medications designed to aid weight loss for adults who are living with overweight or obesity. The analysis, published on July 8, 2026, in The BMJ, sheds light on which drugs produce the greatest weight loss, their potential side effects, and their impact on health outcomes such as heart disease and quality of life. This information aims to help patients, doctors, and policymakers make informed decisions about obesity treatments. How researchers compared weight loss drugs to each other Researchers conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis, a method that allows comparison of multiple treatments even when they haven’t been directly tested against each other. The study included randomized controlled trials lasting at least 12 weeks, involving adults with overweight or obesity, with or without related health issues like diabetes or heart disease. Altogether, nearly 100,000 participants were enrolled across 262 clinical trials. The trials compared 19 weight-loss drugs with lifest

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AstraZeneca's New Oral GLP-1 Aids Weight Loss and Lowers Blood Sugar

AstraZeneca’s new oral GLP-1 pill showed promising results for weight loss and blood sugar in a phase 2 trial. Guido Mieth/Getty Images A new GLP-1 oral medication from AstraZeneca, known as elecoglipron, lowered blood sugar levels and led to 10.5% weight loss in a phase 2b clinical trial. Experts say GLP-1 drugs in tablet form may encourage more people to take these medications to help treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. When using any GLP-1 medication, it’s still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. A new GLP-1 oral tablet has shown promising results in a phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Officials at AstraZeneca report that their new medication, elecoglipron, helped people with type 2 diabetes reduce blood glucose levels and lose 10.5% of their body weight at 26 weeks. The results were reported at the American Diabetes Association 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans and were published in The Lancet on June 8. AstraZeneca’s elecoglipron is the latest GLP-1 medication to be developed in pill form, rather than injectable treatments like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. The first oral pill was Rybelsus, a tablet manufactured by Novo Nordisk, initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In December 2025, the FDA approved a new Wegovy pill, also manufactured by Novo Nordisk, for weight loss treatment. In April, FDA officials gave the green light to Foundayo, an oral tablet manufactured by Eli Lilly, which is also used for weight management. Experts not involved in AstraZeneca’s trial say the results are a promising step toward treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. “It’s exciting to see another new oral medication that reinforces the positive effects of non-injectable GLP-1 medications,” said Pouya Shafipour, MD, a family and obesity medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. “The

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HHS to Update Testosterone Therapy Labels for Prostate Cancer, Hypogonadism

HHS announced it would request updates to the warning labels for testosterone replacement therapy products. Malorny/Getty Images The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed key changes to the labeling of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products. The proposed changes could expand access to TRT for men with idiopathic and age-related hypogonadism. According to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the changes reflect the most current scientific evidence on the risks and benefits of TRT. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans on June 18 to update label information for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products, marking a significant shift in policy. The proposed changes would remove longstanding restrictions on TRT related to age-related hypogonadism, revise warnings about prostate cancer risk, and update safety information concerning benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. “During Men’s Health Month, we are putting science back at the center of men’s healthcare,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in the announcement. “By updating testosterone therapy labels to reflect current evidence, we are giving patients and physicians clearer information, supporting informed medical decisions, and improving care for millions of American men.” The announcement follows a December 2025 meeting of FDA experts, during which the panel signaled broad support for expanding access to TRT. In April, the FDA made an announcement encouraging manufacturers of approved TRT products to explore a potential new indication for low libido in males with idiopathic hypogonadism, or low testosterone without a known underlying cause. Currently, FDA-approved TRT products may only be prescribed for forms of hypogonadism with specific genetic or structural causes. Federal officials say the changes reflect a growing body of evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of testosterone therapy when approp

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Drinking Alcohol May Lead to Ultra-Processed Food Cravings. Here’s Why

Drinking Alcohol May Lead to Ultra-Processed Food Cravings. Here’s Why

New research found that more unhealthy, savory foods were consumed on drinking days versus non-drinking days. Jovana Milanko/Stocksy Drinking alcohol may lead to increased consumption of ultra-processed savory foods. Researchers found that alcohol can amplify the FGF21 hormone, which can cause cravings for protein and savory foods. Natural cravings for protein may be disrupted due to the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods that taste savory but lack protein. Drinking alcohol may cause people to over-consume savory ultra-processed foods. Researchers at the University of Sydney found that alcohol consumption may amplify a biological drive for salty, umami-flavored foods. The findings were recently published in Obesity Reviews. “Many people will recognise the experience of having a few drinks and suddenly craving something salty, like chips, French fries, pizza or other savoury foods. Now we have a better understanding of the hormonal dynamic at play, which may be driving overconsumption of ultra-processed foods,” Amanda Grech, lead study author and a researcher at the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, said in a press statement. The research dovetails with mounting evidence showing that alcohol consumption in any amount is associated with negative health outcomes. If you choose to enjoy alcohol in moderation, here’s what you should know about pairing alcohol with your diet. More savory foods consumed on drinking days In conducting their study, the researchers examined data from the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) to explore patterns of food intake associated with alcohol consumption. They found that more savory foods were consumed on drinking days than on non-drinking days. For every standard drink consumed, there was an increase in savory food intake as well as a reduction in sweet food intake. The researchers say that drinking alcohol triggers an increase in levels of a hormone known as FGF21. This can

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Flavanol-Rich Fruits, Veggies May Be Best for Heart Health. Here's Why

Research shows that certain fruits and vegetables may be higher in flavanols, which improve heart health. Image Credit: Alex_Schmidt/Getty Images A recent study has found that most people are not getting enough flavanols in their diet. Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds that are found in various foods and drinks, including fruits and vegetables. Research has found that eating around 500 mg of flavanols per day can reduce your risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Not all fruits and vegetables are equal. Some have higher levels of flavanols than others. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is an important part of a healthy and balanced diet. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 2–3 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) takes this a step further and recommends 5 portions of fruits and vegetables each day. Whichever recommendation you choose to follow, a recent study published in Food and Function found that most people are not getting enough flavanols in their diets to protect heart health. The researchers note that some fruits and vegetables are higher in flavanols than others. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat the lower-level ones, but it may mean you want to eat more of the higher-level ones, especially if you’re concerned about cardiovascular disease risks. “Flavanols can significantly reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, but only if you consume enough of them,” Javier Ottaviani, PhD, director of the Core Laboratory of Mars Edge, part of Mars Inc, and lead author of the study, said in a press statement. “Most people assume that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables covers this, but what this research shows is that the specific choices you make matter far more than the total amount. Including a handful of blackberries, a whole apple, or having a cup of green tea alongside your meal could make a real difference to how much of these beneficial compounds you

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Mayim Bialik's GLP-1 Experience Left Her With ‘Uncontrollable’ GI Symptoms

Mayim Bialik recently shared the “nightmare” experience she had after using a GLP-1 drug. Image Credit: Laurent Koffel/Getty Images Actor Mayim Bialik has shared her “nightmare” experience that left her with weeks of side effects after one GLP-1 medication dose. Bialik said her symptoms included severe diarrhea and full-body aches. She revealed that she tried a GLP-1 after her doctor suggested it may help with her autoimmune disease symptoms. Emmy Award-winning actor Mayim Bialik, of “Blossom” and “Big Bang Theory” fame, opened up about her experience with a GLP-1 medication. In an essay for The Free Press, Bialik wrote, “To say I had an adverse reaction would be somewhat of an understatement.” After one low dose injection of the GLP-1 medication, she said she began to experience gastrointestinal symptoms that left her unwell for weeks. When Bialik visited a gastroenterologist about her symptoms, she was told that dramatic side effects from GLP-1 drugs can be quite common. The doctor also informed Bialik that the other medications she was taking may have contributed to her symptoms. Here’s why Bialik turned to GLP-1s and why her autoimmune disease symptoms may have exacerbated her side effects. Bialik’s GLP-1 experience was a ‘nightmare’ Bialik shared that she had gained around 20 pounds during early menopause. However, that wasn’t why she started using a GLP-1 medication. She had been told that the medication may help ease some of the symptoms she had lived with most of her adult life. She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, when she was 23. At 48, Bialik consulted with various specialists for other symptoms she was experiencing after perimenopause. Each physician gave her a separate autoimmune diagnosis, but none seemed 100% certain. She decided to try a GLP-1, not for her postmenopause weight gain, but because three separate doctors suggested she try it to help with her autoimmune symptoms. There is evidence to show GLP-1s may help reduce

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Setting a Goal Weight May Lead to Greater Success With GLP-1s Like Zepbound

Setting a weight loss goal may yield greater success with GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound. Image Credit: Crispin la valiente/GettyImages A recent study found that people who set personal weight loss targets may achieve greater results with GLP-1 medications. People using tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro) saw more weight loss if they set goals or had previously tried structured diet plans. The results also indicate that women tended to experience greater weight loss with GLP-1s than men, suggesting sex-specific differences. Millions of people have achieved significant weight loss with GLP-1 medications, a blockbuster class of drugs that mimic an appetite-suppressing hormone to trigger significant metabolic changes. Some people may experience more weight loss than others while using these medications, but there are various strategies that can help promote long-term weight loss. New research examined weight loss outcomes among people using tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro). The study included people who set personal weight loss goals and those without pre-existing conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. The findings show that females lost more weight than males, and those who set personal weight loss goals experienced greater weight loss. The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal but were presented at ENDO 2026, held from June 13–16 in Chicago, IL. “These findings align with my own clinical experience. I have found that patients who set realistic goals and actively work toward them through dietary and lifestyle changes are more likely to see significant benefits from weight loss medications,” said Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. Ali wasn’t involved in the study. Goal setting yields greater weight loss with GLP-1s The study analyzed data from 80,942 individuals with an average age of 43 who had just begun treatment with a GLP-1 drug containing the active i

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