The ‘dangerous' threat of fake weight loss injections
Cybersecurity researchers uncovered over 5,000 bogus pharmacy sites selling counterfeit versions of popular drugs like Ozempic, Rybelsus, Viagra, and fertility pills, with some containing no active ingredients.
Health regulators warn that taking these unregulated medications can cause illness, be fatal, and lead to personal data theft, as they do not meet safety standards.
Criminal networks exploit the high demand for weight-loss drugs and other medications, using sophisticated, AI-generated websites to deceive consumers.
Authorities and experts advise consumers to only use licensed online pharmacies and to be vigilant for red flags such as unusually low prices, missing contact details, or requests for cryptocurrency payments.
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Medical News Today
6 minutes ago
- Medical News Today
The secret to weight loss? Opt for minimally processed foods
People whose diet contained fewer processed foods lost more weight than people who ate more ultra-processed foods, a recent study both groups lost weight, those eating less in the way of processed foods shed twice as many key to weight loss in both groups was likely that they both consumed a well-balanced diet, with the only difference being the amount of ultraprocessed foods they who ate a diet of minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as other people consuming ultra-processed foods in a new randomized crossover groups shed pounds during the weight-loss trial, in which all participants followed a diet based on the UK Eatwell Guide. The only difference between their diets was the proportion of processed foods they people in the minimally processed foods group lost twice as much weight as those in the ultra-processed foods group, suggesting that eating less processed foods can better help one maintain a healthy on a minimally processed foods diet consumed 289.9 fewer calories per day, and lost 2% of their body weight on average. According to the study authors, this could amount to as much as a 13% weight loss for men and 9% for women over a period of 1 eating ultra-processed foods reduced their daily calorie intake by less, 119.5 calories, and lost 1% of their weight over the course of the study appears published in Nature processed foods linked to fewer cravings, more weight lossAt the outset, the authors of the study ran a battery of tests on all 55 participants, capturing measurements for a comprehensive suite of health were divided randomly into either the minimally processed or ultra-processed foods group, and followed the corresponding diet for 8 the individuals could choose what to eat, they chose from food delivered to them by the researchers that matched both the Eatwell profile and the minimally processed foods/ ultra-processed foods group to which they had been food they received contained more calories than they needed, and they were instructed to eat as much as they wanted. Participants regularly responded to questionnaires on which they reported their food Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished, who was not involved in the study, commented to Medical News Today that 'the free-living setup makes the findings more realistic but also introduces variables that are hard to control, so while the results seem compelling, they should be interpreted with caution.'Individuals on the minimally processed foods diet reported greater success at resisting cravings, although they were the group that turned out to be losing the most 8 weeks, a 4-week washout period took place, during which participants returned to their normal diet. This was followed by a 2-week baseline period in which the researchers performed additional health tests to observe the effects of individuals' 8-week minimally processed foods or ultra-processed foods this break, participants switched sides, with the individuals in the minimally processed foods group moving to the ultra-processed foods diet and vice versa for another 8 the end of those 2 months, the researchers once more assessed both groups' health metrics.'The study's crossover design and use of a washout period strengthened its internal reliability, and coaching likely improved adherence,' noted Routhenstein.'However,' she said, 'reliance on self-reported food diaries and the exclusion of certain dietary groups limit generalizability.''Unusual' finding: Ultra-processed foods may not increase bad cholesterolUnexpectedly, the researchers found that the ultra-processed foods diet was associated with a lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol level. Ultra-processed foods are often criticized for adding unhealthy elements into a person's described this finding as 'unusual,' saying that it 'doesn't align with most existing research.' She noted, however, that 'it may reflect the specific types of ultra-processed foods consumed, such as those lower in saturated fat or fortified with cholesterol-lowering ingredients.''This underscores the importance of considering the full dietary context rather than judging foods by broad categories alone,' Routhenstein a balanced diet can aid weight lossIt is likely that the reason both groups lost weight is that they both ate to Routhenstein, 'a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, such as the one outlined in [United Kingdom] guidelines, helps to support weight management, metabolic function, heart health, and healthy aging by providing the essential nutrients the body needs.''While ultraprocessed foods are often linked to poor outcomes,' she said, 'what we choose to include in our diet may matter even more than what we avoid.'MNT also spoke with Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, who was not involved in this told us that:'What we recommend to our patients, and what is the basis for most successful diets, is reducing carbohydrate and sugar intake and emphasizing protein and non-starchy vegetables in the diet. Minimizing carbohydrates and sugars helps direct the body towards burning fat.''Ultraprocessed foods,' he cautioned, 'tend to have additional additives that can be detrimental, so it is better to minimize these foods as well. Therefore, having the proper nutrients and a good source are both important.''It's also,' added Routhenstein, 'important to consider the nutritional quality of individual foods, as not all [ultra-processed foods] are the same, and broad labels can miss meaningful differences in the nutritional composition, and therefore health impact.'How do ultra-processed foods affect weight loss?'While ultra-processed foods may not directly hinder weight loss, prior research has linked them to poor metabolic health, increased cardiovascular risk, higher mortality, and negative impacts on gut health,' Routhenstein told us.'Their engineered flavors, low satiety, and high palatability can lead to overeating, and they often contain additives, preservatives, or contaminants with unknown long-term effects,' she ultra-processed foods still afforded study participants a measure of weight loss, the trial 'did show a benefit of minimally processed foods over ultra-processed foods,' Ali further shakes are one type of processed food that may be of value in healthy dieting — with some caveats — said Ali. They 'can be helpful for weight loss, provided they have the right ingredients.' He cited 'smoothies with a lot of fruit, though not ultraprocessed.''Low-sugar shakes that are high in protein can be beneficial, but not ultraprocessed [shakes, which] will not help weight loss due to sugar content,' he added.
The Guardian
36 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Puppy fat jabs: are our pets next in line for weight-loss drugs?
Where humans lead, their dogs tend to follow – now it seems that might even apply to weight-loss wonder drugs. Medications such as Wegovy have become ubiquitous among people hoping to shed pounds quickly. But businesses keen to cash in on the science behind the weight-loss jabs are now investigating other applications for the drugs, and our four-legged friends could be the next in line for a slimming solution. The active ingredients in the drugs mimic a hormone called GLP-1, which makes people want to eat less. One biotech firm has just announced trials for an implant that reproduces the effect in dogs, with the aim of bringing it to the market as soon as 2028. The hope is that the same science can be used to quell the voracious appetite of some dog breeds that can lead to them piling on the pounds. While experts say such medications could be beneficial for some overweight animals, their use outside of humans is not without complication or the potential for controversy. What is not contentious is that pet weight is a real issue for many owners. Neutering, age, a lack of activity and overfeeding are among the factors that can contribute to the problem. According to a 2024 report by the trade body UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs and 43% of cats are overweight. Excess weight can shorten the lifespan of pets and reduce their quality of life; tubby cats, for instance, face a greater risk of problems including diabetes, urinary tract issues and cancer, while overweight canines are more likely to have to contend with conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, breathing problems and cancer. Commonly recommended solutions are increased exercise and strict prescription diets that are high in fibre and protein but low in calories. Dr Eleanor Raffan, a veterinary surgeon and expert in canine genetics and obesity at the University of Cambridge, said some good old-fashioned discipline should be the first option. 'I would [advise] owners, both for the benefit of their pockets, and possibly for the benefit of their pets, to try modifying their dog's diet and exercise regime first, because I think we know that that can be safe and effective if done well,' she said. 'But if that fails, or if there's an urgent need to get weight loss, then I see no reason why using [GLP-1 mimic] drugs shouldn't be a reasonable option, so long as they are tested in proper, prospective, well-designed, randomised clinical trials before being widely offered in practice.' A strong selling point of the medication is that it helps pet owners navigate one of the biggest obstacles to pet weight loss: what many vets describe as 'pester power', or, to put it another way, humans' inability to say no to their loyal companions. 'What our research shows in our group … is that that if you have a very foodie dog, you have to work much harder,' she said. 'You have to really resist the big brown eye treatment and that can be really hard in our busy lives today.' Appetite suppressants may help stop the kind of begging that most pet owners are familiar with, but they come with one major drawback: that a pet's appetite is often an important marker of their health. Some experts worry that if humans are unable to tell if their animal has stopped eating because they are unwell or because the weight loss drugs are doing their job, it could prove dangerous. 'If cats stop eating for a few days, they can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis and other problems, which can be life threatening,' said Raffan. Michael Klotsman is the chief executive of Okava, one of the companies developing a long-acting implant called OKV-119 that contains a GLP-1 mimic called exenatide. He said behavioural changes from OKV-119 were quite different from illness-related appetite loss. 'What owners should expect to see is their pet eating appropriate portions without the previous food obsession – they'll still eat regularly and show interest in meals, just without the excessive begging, scavenging or gulping behaviour,' he said. The company is planning trials in dogs, and hopes to launch its implant commercially in 2028 or 2029. Klotsman said: 'OKV-119 represents an additional tool for veterinarians treating pets where conventional approaches have been insufficient, similar to how GLP-1 therapies have provided new hope for human patients struggling with obesity despite their best efforts with diet and exercise.' Prof Peter Sandøe, of the University of Copenhagen and the director of the Danish Centre for the Study of Companion Animal Welfare, said such drugs could potentially help some pets, such as food-obsessed dogs. However, he added, if owners were concerned enough about their pet's weight to consider such medications, then there were many other – probably cheaper – options they could try, from activity feeders to extra walks, microchip-controlled feeders, and switching out treats for fun and games. 'Why take the medical solution if there's some other solutions that actually might be better for both human and animal welfare?' he said.
Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 35-minute home workout that saves time and boosts heart health
The perfect moment for a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout is at the end of one of those two-hour online meetings, or straight after an undignified argument about whose turn it was to mow the lawn. HIIT sessions are an explosive release of energy and need be carried out close to your full capacity, so a little pent-up frustration is the perfect fuel. They bring all manner of benefits, but you need to go hard. These are workouts that require a decent check-up at the GP, a bouncy pair of trainers and access to a warm shower. They are a combination of tough, short bursts and little rests that allow you to find your peak performance once again. They can be carried out in a brief slice of your day and leave you drained but satisfied. But how hard is hard enough? Samuel Quinn, the personal training lead at Nuffield Health gym group, says, 'It needs to be at 90 per cent of maximum effort.' The best way to ascertain this without hooking yourself up to a lab full of equipment is perceived effort – how hard you feel you are working. 'To get the physiological adaptations – the improvements in heart-lung strength – it needs to be a really hard effort.' This will depend on your level of fitness – Usain Bolt's tough 30 seconds will be quite different from yours and mine. Can anyone do a HIIT workout? Quinn says, 'For anyone with any heart conditions, it's not advised.' He says he often eases people into the HIIT format, familiarising them with the pattern of rest and exertion without taking them up to the full intensity until they are acclimatised. 'My clients vary in age and ability. It's a really effective form of training where you can start quite gently and introduce the concept at relatively low intensity, which may not be the most effective, but it can start people off so they understand the concept.' Quinn advises a gradual familiarisation with the intervals so someone who isn't training regularly can build up gently to working at higher levels of oxygen intake. 'You can gradually adapt to that form of training and then incrementally start to increase the intensity,' he says. 'You can start with a rest period twice as long as the work period, so work for 20 seconds and rest for 40 seconds. It's enough to raise your heart rate, and you can start with just five intervals and then build to 10.' For example, he suggests running on a treadmill at 7km/hr and increasing the speed or gradient as your fitness develops – until you are able to run twice as fast, once your fitness has adapted. HIIT is no more dangerous for older people than other forms of workout. An article published in the Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital in Australia says: 'Elderly individuals who have been medically cleared for exercise are safe to engage in regular HIIT. 'Research suggests there is no increase in serious adverse cardiac events or musculoskeletal injuries when engaging in HIIT compared with moderate intensity exercise.' Benefits of HIIT workouts Saves time 'What makes it appealing to the average working person is that it's time-efficient and effective compared with steady-state cardio such as a 30-minute jog. To get the same calorific effect you'd have to do that for a long period,' says Ignacio Ferran, a trainer at F45 Camden and competing bodybuilder. In other words, it's harder but faster than regular cardio. Improves your heart and lungs Ferran says: 'HIIT training is the most effective way to improve your VO2 max – the capacity to use oxygen – and that has massive links to all-cause mortality. If your VO2 max is healthy, you're going to be healthier.' Good for mental health An international meta study found moderate improvements in mental health after HIIT. The researchers said, 'These findings support the use of HIIT for mental health in the general population.' One element that may contribute to this effect is the sense of being in control and capable. Also the intensity releases a rush of positive brain chemicals. Reduces risk of diabetes HIIT is every bit as good as more time-consuming conventional exercise when it comes to controlling blood sugar. A study carried out in Michigan, US, found, 'Peripheral insulin sensitivity was around 20 per cent greater the day after the final exercise session compared to pre-training.' Helps your brain Research carried out in Shenghang, China, found that HIIT training created small improvements in information processing, executive functioning and memory. Examples of HIIT workouts 4 x 4 Norwegian This requires four minutes of work at 85-95 per cent intensity with a three-minute rest. This needs four rounds and you should choose whatever pulse-raising exercise you are most at home with – running and cycling are popular; anything involving complicated skills may get in the way of the heart workout. Tabata This one is 20 seconds' work with 10 seconds' rest for eight sweaty rounds, carried out at 85-95 per cent intensity – hard but effective. 20:40 x 10 Twenty seconds' work with 40 seconds' rest for a harsh 10 rounds. Emom (every-minute-on-the-minute) You perform a specific number of repetitions and rest for the remainder of the minute once you've completed the task. The 35-minute home HIIT workout by Samuel Quinn This home workout requires no equipment beyond a steely determination to keep going. 1. 20 seconds of squats How to do it: Feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees as if you're going to crouch and burst up again. Then take 40 seconds of rest. 2. 20 seconds of press-ups How to do it: Hands beneath shoulders, bend your arms until your nose is just above the floor and straighten once again. Keep your back and bottom in a straight line. Then take 40 seconds of rest. 3. 20 seconds of lunges How to do it: Feet parallel, take a step forward, almost touching the back knee to the floor, keeping movement under control at all times. Treat yourself to 40 seconds of rest. 4. 20 seconds of plank How to do it: Keeping your body straight and tensed, lie above the floor, resting on your elbows. This is a static exercise. Do take 40 seconds rest. 5. 20 seconds of burpees How to do it: A combination of press-up and squat. Start from standing position, drop to a press-up before pushing back into a squat, add an optional jump if you're feeling particularly perky. You will probably need the 40-second rest here. 6. 20 seconds of high-knee running How to do it: It helps to place your hands as a target for your knees to reach. The 40 seconds of rest will feel important by now. 7. 20 seconds of mountain climbers How to do it: A combination of press-up and running. Stay in the top of a press-up position and alternate knees to chest. And yes, enjoy 40 seconds of joyful rest. Repeat the full workout for five rounds. HIIT workout FAQs How many days a week should I do a HIIT workout? For a beginner, we recommend one or two; someone well trained could do more but they would still need a recovery day between sessions. 'Because the workout is very intense it's very taxing on the central nervous system. It's difficult to do HIIT on successive days,' says Ignacio Ferran. Is HIIT better than cardio? HIIT is an intense form of cardio. If time-efficiency and calorie burn is your main goal, then it will definitely burn more calories in a shorter time than moderate-intensity or light-intensity. But the need for recovery means that rest is essential, which could have an effect on your overall workout week. 'HIIT is more engaging because it's shorter, but it could affect your performance in your other workouts,' says Ferran. Do HIIT workouts burn fat? Roughly speaking, someone doing a full-on HIIT workout can burn the same number of calories in 20 minutes as they would in an hour of walking up an incline for one hour. 'I can burn 400 calories in 20 minutes if I was doing repeated interval sprints on a treadmill. It's very effective,' says Quinn. For the calories to burn fat, you'd have to be in an overall calorie deficit – that is, using more than you are eating.
