Patients taking weight-loss drugs often make 5 critical mistakes, doctor warns

GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1s) have exploded in popularity in recent years – initially as a way to control diabetes and then as tools for weight loss.

Growing research suggests that these drugs – which include semaglutide and tirzepatide – potentially have benefits beyond weight loss, with stronger evidence for cardiovascular and kidney health.

Even so, experts caution that these medications are not foolproof — and using them the wrong way can undermine results or even create new health problems.

OZEMPIC’S HEALTH BENEFITS KEEP GROWING, BUT ARE THE RISKS WORTH IT?

Dr. Meena T. Malhotra, MD, a functional medicine doctor and weight-loss specialist in a suburb of Chicago, confirmed that she has seen myriad health improvements in patients taking GLP-1s – particularly those with diabetes who were "very sick."

"We observed that this sick population was doing better than the diabetics who were on other diabetes medicines," she shared with Fox News Digital, noting that she observed improvements in brain health, memory, heart health, circulation, and liver and kidney function. "We realized there was more to the drug than just sugar control and weight loss."

Malhotra said she believes many people can safely microdose GLP-1s, but she cautions against the following common mistakes.

Anyone considering GLP-1s should first focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, Malhotra emphasized – a view widely shared by endocrinologists and obesity medicine specialists.

GLP-1 medications work by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite and improving insulin signaling. People with preexisting GI symptoms may be more prone to discomfort or intolerance, though responses vary, and formal evidence is limited.

JELLY ROLL'S WIFE SAYS WEIGHT-LOSS DRUG SENT HER INTO ‘WORST SUICIDAL DEPRESSION’

Before beginning the medication, Malhotra recommends improving basic nutritional habits, such as increasing intake of whole, minimally processed foods, and prioritizing protein and fiber to support satiety and gut health.

Even small improvements can lead to early weight loss, reduced fluid retention and improvements in insulin sensitivity, doctors agree. 

Once GLP-1 medications are started, these lifestyle modifications may reduce the necessary dose amount, result in fewer side effects and help preserve lean muscle mass.

The growing trend of obtaining GLP-1 medications online without proper medical oversight can pose serious health risks, Malhotra warned.

"Nobody examines the patient – they just fill out a form and the medicine shows up at their door," she said.

WEIGHT-LOSS DOCTOR SHARES HOW GLP-1S COULD REWIRE BODY AGAINST DISEASE

Patients should see a medical provider for a thorough exam and blood work before starting the drugs, the doctor emphasized.

"If something is off, it needs to be addressed," she said. "Whether it’s a thyroid issue, a heart condition or another factor slowing your metabolism, any underlying problems should be fixed first."

During treatment, Malhotra recommends that her patients come in once a month to make sure they are losing fat and not lean muscle mass. "That's very important, because if you lose lean mass, your body is not getting healthier," she said.

This ongoing monitoring also helps to ensure that the patient is following a balanced diet, getting adequate protein and adhering to strength training. "There's more to it than just giving yourself a shot," Malhotra added.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when taking GLP-1s is cutting calories but not getting sufficient protein, according to Malhotra.

"If you are decreasing the calories but not fixing the nutritional foundation, you will lose lean mass," the doctor said. "But if you're eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and doing strength training with a smaller dose of the drug, you will get better results and your health will improve."

DOCTOR REVEALS SECRETS TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT COUNTING CALORIES

Most people need about 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day to maintain muscle and support overall health, according to medical experts. For a 200-pound person, that would equate to roughly 100 to 160 grams of protein daily.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Higher amounts may be needed for those who are physically active or trying to build strength. "The amount of protein you need will depend on the frequency and intensity of your workouts," Malhotra said. 

Another common mistake is rushing the process and increasing GLP-1 doses too quickly in hopes of faster results, according to the doctor.

"You may start to see results within the first week or month, but some people do need a higher dose over time," she said. "The key is to be patient and increase it gradually — typically month by month."

If a patient doesn’t see results after the first injection, that doesn’t mean the dose should be doubled right away, according to Malhotra. 

"That’s a recipe for problems, including side effects like pancreatitis," she said. "Your body needs time to adjust and adapt."

"You can go up if you hit a plateau or if it's not helping, but we usually wait a month to increase the dose."

While many expect "instant gratification," health is about balance, Malhotra added. "It won't take 20 years, but give it two months, I think that's fair."

A general rule of thumb, according to the doctor, is "don't start too soon, don't stop too soon."

GLP-1 side effects can often be prevented by building a strong foundation of health and keeping everything in balance, according to Malhotra. 

"That said, some people will still have side effects, and there are ways to manage them," she said.

The doctor recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions — ideally about the size of your fist. 

It’s also important to keep fat intake low, she advised – GLP-1 medications already slow stomach emptying and fat can slow it even further, which may worsen nausea.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

For nausea and constipation, simple strategies can go a long way, according to the doctor. Some patients find ginger helpful for nausea, she said, though it is not a substitute for medical guidance.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Incorporating more liquids, such as shakes, soups and broths, can be easier on the stomach, she suggested. Prunes and other fiber-rich foods can help support digestion and prevent constipation.

"These little lifestyle hacks can help a lot with managing the side effects, instead of stopping and then finding that your weight is yo-yoing," Malhotra said.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/1V5ZBRj

Read More

‘No contact’ on the rise: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans cut ties with loved ones

More Americans are choosing to walk away from difficult relationships instead of working through them, a new survey has revealed.

Nearly two in five Americans — 38% — say they have gone "no contact" with a friend or family member in the past year, according to a survey of 2,000 adults conducted in March by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace.

"These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common," Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, said in a statement. "But that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness."

'DOORMAT MOM' CUT OFF BY DAUGHTER AMID ESTRANGEMENT TREND: ‘COMPLETELY BLINDSIDED’

Younger Americans were far more likely than older generations to report cutting someone off. The survey found that 60% of Gen Z respondents had gone "no contact," compared to 50% of millennials, 38% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers.

John Puls, a Florida-based psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, said he has seen a growing trend of young adults, including Gen Zers, going no contact with their parents in his practice.

RELATIONSHIP COACH BLAMES OPRAH FOR PUSHING FAMILY ESTRANGEMENT "FOR DECADES"

"This generation appears to have a low tolerance for otherwise poor behavior from their parents," Puls, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "They are often conflict-avoidant, which prevents them from trying to meaningfully work through their issues with their parents."

Their parents, meanwhile, are often unwilling to examine their role in any of the conflict within the relationship, Puls added. "This creates a situation where neither party is willing to compromise or take ownership."

FAMILY BREAKUPS OVER POLITICS MAY HURT MORE THAN YOU THINK, EXPERT SAYS

Thirty-six percent of overall respondents said the top reason for severing ties with someone was feeling disrespected. Nearly 30% said the relationship negatively affected their mental health or that the other person was too negative.

The cutoffs often appear to last. Among those who said they went "no contact" in the past year, 59% said they are still not speaking to the person, according to the survey.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The findings also suggest that "no contact" may be part of a wider retreat from uncomfortable interactions. Nearly three-quarters of respondents, 73%, said their instinct during relationship problems is to distance themselves rather than communicate and work through the issue.

Other behaviors in the poll point in the same direction. More than a third of respondents said they had blocked a friend or family member on social media in the past year, while 30% said they had removed a loved one from a group chat.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

While the study was sponsored by a therapy platform and has not undergone peer review, experts have previously told Fox News Digital that "cutoff culture" is becoming normalized, with some arguing that media messaging — including from figures like Oprah Winfrey and the Beckhams — has helped drive the trend.

Many experts agree the tactic should be used only as a last resort.

Puls stressed that no case of going zero-contact with a family member or friend is the same and while it is necessary in rare situations, it often comes with long-term regret and resentment. "I always recommend my patients try ongoing family therapy, compromise and implementing boundaries," he said.

Nari Jeter, PhD, a Florida-based licensed marriage and family therapist, agreed. "Some people think that once you go no-contact, you’ll immediately feel peace — that’s usually not the case," she said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"This is often a heart-wrenching and even agonizing process," Jeter, who was not involved in the research, added.

But the move doesn't have to be forever, she noted: "No contact can become fertile ground for future reconciliation."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/CG7iT4m

Read More

5 ways to stay fit and healthy while navigating major life changes: 'Really powerful'

Riley Gaines, host of her podcast "The Riley Gaines Show," discussed in a recent episode how to make room for wellness even during life changes, and offered advice for others trying to stick to a routine.

Hosted by OutKick, a Fox News Media brand, the podcast features the former collegiate swimmer’s commentary on culture, politics and women’s sports, along with interviews spotlighting women advocating for their rights.

"I don't see anything wrong with wanting to achieve the healthiest version of yourself no matter what stage of life you're in," said Gaines, who gave birth to her first baby in September 2025.

JILLIAN MICHAELS REVEALS SIMPLE WORKOUT TO EXTEND YOUR LIFESPAN 'UP TO 7 YEARS'

Below are her top five tips for staying healthy as a new mom.

Focusing on health in the first 60 minutes after waking up helps ensure that your health doesn't get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, according to Gaines.

Even with her background as a competitive swimmer, "there's just always something that needs to be done or there's something that somebody needs from you," she said.

Carving out an early-morning window of time helps with building a mental edge before the world begins making demands, according to Gaines.

'I'M A DOCTOR — HERE'S THE WELLNESS ROUTINE I FOLLOW FOR A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE'

"I love the concept of already doing so many things, so many hard things, before most people even hit snooze on their alarm clock," she said.

To make this sustainable, Gaines suggests a simple preparation: laying out your gear the night before. "That way, in the morning when you wake up, all you have to do is throw it on."

Many people struggle with the natural loss of muscle mass and energy as they age. Gaines said her approach to nutrition isn't about dieting in the traditional sense, but about providing the body with the "brick and mortar" it needs to stay durable.

She was quick to bust the common myth that high protein leads to an unwanted bulky appearance.

"It's not true, myth busted. It will keep you lean, you will feel fuller for longer."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Gaines' rule of thumb is to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.

"If you don't have enough protein, then your body cannot effectively repair the tiny tears that happen during strength training, which is the good kind of damage that leads to stronger, more lean muscles," she said.

Gaines advocates for building a strong core through any movement, even during ordinary day-to-day activities.

"Every single time my car stops at a red light, I engage my core ... I contract and flex my abs," she said in the episode. "It's almost like you're training your muscles to contract without having to do the crunches or the planks or the sit ups."

Fitness is significantly harder when done in a vacuum, Gaines shared, noting that solo motivation "fades really, really fast," especially when life gets busy or energy is low.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

She recommends finding an accountability partner, such as a spouse, friend, or family member, who can celebrate your wins and check in on your progress. 

"Find something or someone or some way to keep you accountable," Gaines advised, noting that her family frequently works out together.

"Without consistency, you're just repeatedly starting over," Gaines warned.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"How many times have you guys said, '[the] diet starts Monday,' and maybe you make it to Wednesday, and then you're back ... You're really not doing anything, actually. You're confusing your body."

By showing up when you don't want to, you stop negotiating with yourself, she said.

"It's consistency that builds discipline, which turns into confidence," Gaines added. "You stop negotiating with yourself and start identifying as someone who follows through."

"That identity shift is really powerful, and it carries into every area of life."

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/coWjEaB

Read More

This common habit could be quietly hurting men’s fertility, experts warn

As the Trump administration moves to loosen federal restrictions on drugs — including a new step to ease regulations on state-licensed medical marijuana — questions are growing about cannabis use and its broader health effects.

Among them is a lesser discussed concern: men’s fertility.

During National Infertility Awareness Week, experts are drawing attention to the potential negative impact of both recreational and medical cannabis on male reproductive health.

MALE FERTILITY RATES CRASH AS DOCTORS REVEAL HEALTH THREATS

Cannabis use has been associated with changes in reproductive health for both males and females, though human evidence remains mixed.

"This is especially disheartening when men and women are actively trying to conceive and start a family," Dr. Alta DeRoo, chief medical officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Minnesota, told Fox News Digital.

A 2025 Harvard-linked study involving women undergoing fertility treatment revealed twice as many miscarriages among those using cannabis compared to non-users.

It’s a common misconception, however, that fertility issues are always due to an issue with the woman. Male infertility is more common than many think, according to Stephanie Seminar, MD, chief of the Reproductive Endocrine Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham in Boston, Massachusetts.

SPERM DONOR WITH HIDDEN CANCER GENE FATHERS NEARLY 200 KIDS, FAMILIES BLINDSIDED

"Many individuals think infertility is a woman’s problem, [but] male infertility is common and under-evaluated," Seminar told Fox News Digital.

Out of the 10% to 15% of couples worldwide who experience infertility, male factors cause or contribute to approximately 45% of those cases, data shows.

Having normal sexual drive and performance does not mean that a man has normal fertility, Seminar noted.

An evaluation of male infertility goes beyond semen analysis, examining factors like sexual dysfunction, toxin exposure, tobacco/cannabis use, childhood illnesses and past testosterone use, according to medical experts.

Cannabis use, particularly when heavy and chronic, can have negative effects on male fertility, Seminar cautioned. Those can include changes in reproductive hormones and semen parameters, including decreased sperm counts or mobility.

USING MARIJUANA TO COPE WITH STRESS OR TRAUMA MAY BACKFIRE, STUDIES WARN

Cannabis can also impact sperm quality, the doctor said. "The sperm count or volume can be lower, and those sperm produced may be malformed and unable to swim effectively," the doctor said.

Research supports this decline – a 2019 review published in The Journal of Urology found associations between cannabis use, especially the smoked form, and reduced semen quality.

Another study of 1,215 healthy young Danish men, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that smoking cannabis more than once per week was associated with a 28% lower sperm concentration and 29% lower total sperm count.

Combining marijuana with other recreational drugs more than once a week reduced sperm concentration and count even higher – by 52% and 55%, respectively.

The human body produces its own natural endocannabinoids to regulate vital functions like fertility, as described in a Nature Reviews Urology analysis.

Cannabis mimics these molecules with its two main compounds: cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interact directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

While THC can relieve pain or stimulate appetite, it also triggers the "high" that often leads to adverse side effects, like anxiety or paranoia, which have been widely documented in cannabinoid research.

When cannabis is consumed, external cannabinoids enter the body and bind to the same receptors as natural endocannabinoids, which may impair sperm quality and reproductive function, according to previous studies.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Cannabis may interfere with the brain’s regulation of reproductive hormones, with some research suggesting it can alter levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which signal the testes to support sperm production.

This hormonal suppression could contribute to fertility challenges in some cases, though researchers noted that human evidence remains mixed and continues to be studied.

Men planning to conceive should stop using cannabis, experts recommend, as it can significantly impair sperm quality, with higher usage correlating to worse outcomes.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Any negative effects may be reversible, as fertility can be improved when couples stop cannabis use, DeRoo noted.

Experts recommend discontinuing cannabis use at least three months prior to conceiving to allow the body to generate a full cycle of healthy sperm.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine also encourages couples trying to conceive to avoid recreational drugs to maximize their chances of a healthy birth.

"Stopping the use of cannabis improves other areas of health in a person’s life, and conception or pregnancy can be a strong motivator for abstinence," DeRoo added.

In 2021, nearly one in five Americans (52.5 million people) used cannabis, making it the most common federally illegal drug in the country, per CDC data.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Statistics show that about 30% of users may develop cannabis use disorder at some point, which adversely impacts their daily activities.

Recreational cannabis is legal in roughly half of U.S. states, while medical marijuana is legal in a large majority (well over 30 states), according to the CDC. A small number of states still prohibit most forms of cannabis use.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/ZqihOFl

Read More

Your daily coffee habit may be quietly reshaping your gut and mood, study finds

Coffee may do more than keep you going: It could have a noticeable impact on your digestive health, even if you drink decaf.

Researchers from APC Microbiome Ireland found that habitual coffee consumption alters the trillions of microbes living in the digestive tract, creating a chemical feedback loop that directly influences mood, stress levels and cognitive sharpness.

The study followed 62 participants to determine how coffee interacts with the microbiome. The group included 31 coffee drinkers and 31 non-coffee drinkers, who went through a series of psychological tests and kept detailed journals about their diet and coffee consumption.

YOUR DAILY DIET SODA COULD BE AGING YOUR BRAIN FASTER THAN YOU THINK, STUDY FINDS

The researchers defined "coffee drinkers" as those consuming three to five cups daily, a range the European Food Safety Authority deems safe and moderate.

After people stopped drinking coffee for two weeks and then started drinking it again, the bacteria in their digestive systems behaved differently than the non-drinkers, according to a press release.

"Coffee is more than just caffeine," study author Professor John Cryan, principal investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, said in a statement.

"It’s a complex dietary factor that interacts with our gut microbes, our metabolism and even our emotional well-being."

COMMON SWEETENER MAY TRIGGER FAT BUILDUP IN WAYS EXPERTS DIDN’T EXPECT

The coffee drinkers were found to have higher levels of specific beneficial bacteria, such as Eggertella and Cryptobacterium curtum.

These microbes play a vital role in releasing gastric acids and creating bile, both of which help the body eliminate harmful bacteria and manage inflammation, the researchers noted.

Both caffeinated and decaf drinkers reported lower levels of perceived stress, depression and impulsivity. This suggests that the non-caffeine components of coffee, like polyphenols and antioxidants, are doing the heavy lifting for mental health.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

However, the two types of brew offer different perks. Caffeinated coffee was specifically linked to reduced anxiety and better focus, while decaf was shown to lead to significant improvements in learning and episodic memory.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Researchers believe these cognitive gains in decaf drinkers may be tied to better sleep quality and increased physical activity.

The study’s findings are limited by a small sample size, which may not accurately represent the diverse microbiome profiles found across different global populations.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Because the research relied heavily on self-reported data regarding participants' coffee habits and mood levels, the results are subject to memory errors and subjective bias, the researchers noted.

The study also did not strictly control for other dietary variables, such as sugar and dairy additives, which could independently influence gut health and cloud the specific impact of the coffee bean itself.

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/yhLBJ2C

Read More

Highly contagious stomach bug surges in US as some groups face severe effects

→ Highly contagious stomach bug spreads fast, hitting certain patients hardest

→ Woman's longtime vaping habit leads to terminal lung cancer

→ Your favorite snacks could be quietly wrecking your knees, research suggests

→ Plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian speaks about the risks of traveling to other countries for plastic surgery procedures

→ Natural hormone may reduce obesity without cutting calories

→ Common sweetener may trigger fat buildup in ways experts didn’t expect

→ Common eating habit may trigger premature immune system aging

→ 'Nonnamaxxing' trend may improve mental and physical health

→ Psychedelic therapy may be coming to your doctor's office as questions swirl

→ Intermittent fasting’s real benefit may come after you start eating again

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/tZ1GlbP

Read More

First-ever gene therapy for hearing loss gets FDA approval: 'Groundbreaking'

A new therapy for genetic hearing loss has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The treatment, Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), is the first-ever dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy, meaning it uses two harmless viruses to deliver the therapy into cells.

In an FDA news release, the agency called the therapy "groundbreaking," noting its potential to treat both pediatric and adult patients with "severe to profound" hearing loss linked to the OTOF gene.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Positive results from drug trials were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2025, confirming that the gene therapy "improved hearing in patients with OTOF-related deafness, enabling natural acoustic hearing and normalizing hearing sensitivity in three of 12 treated patients."

The FDA approval marks the first disease-modifying treatment for OTOF-related deafness.

This is the sixth drug approval under the FDA commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program and the first gene therapy to be approved through the initiative, according to the announcement.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Today’s approval is a significant milestone in the treatment of genetic hearing loss," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Through the National Priority Voucher pilot program, the agency is accelerating therapies for rare diseases with unmet medical needs while proving we can successfully review even the most complex submissions — such as novel dual-vector gene therapies and combination products requiring coordination across multiple offices and centers — in significantly shortened time frames."

Otarmeni is administered surgically as a one-time treatment, using a needle and a tiny tube to deliver the medicine directly into the inner ear (the cochlea) in both ears.

The therapy works by delivering a healthy copy of the OTOF gene to key cells in the inner ear, helping to restore the protein otoferlin so auditory signals can be sent to the brain, according to the FDA.

The treatment is intended for patients with preserved outer hair cell function and for those with no prior cochlear implant in the same ear. Side effects may include middle ear infection, nausea, dizziness and procedural pain.

The FDA will host a public meeting June 4 to discuss program implementation, eligibility criteria and other processes for distribution, according to the announcement.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/OMDRJS1

Read More