Heart-attack deaths: Biocon founder disapproves of CM Siddaramaiah doubting Covid vaccine
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw refuted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's suggestion that Covid-19 vaccines might be linked to recent heart attack deaths in Karnataka. She emphasized the rigorous approval process and global safety standards followed for Indian-developed vaccines. Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted that attributing heart attacks to vaccines after four years is scientifically implausible, citing other potential causes.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Andhra: Junior doctors support foreign medical graduates over delay in permanent registration
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (APJUDA) on Friday expressed solidarity with nearly 500 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who have been waiting for over 13 months to receive their permanent registration (PR), an official said. APJUDA noted that the FMGs are yet to receive their PR despite completing internships of one to two years, as required by the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council (APMC). "APJUDA is deeply concerned about the undue delay in granting PR to nearly 500 FMGs who have completed their internships," its general secretary, A Nikhil Singh, told PTI. Singh alleged that despite the constitution of a new APMC three months ago, the issue remains "unresolved due to administrative delays". The registrar's office has yet to begin shortlisting eligible candidates as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, prolonging uncertainty for FMGs in the state, he added. According to an APJUDA press release, FMGs held a silent protest in Vijayawada on July 1, National Doctors' Day, which was "disrupted by police intervention", drawing criticism from the association. Meanwhile, APMC chairman Srihari Rao and registrar Ramesh clarified that FMGs were allotted internships in the southern state as per NMC-issued guidelines and instructions. FMGs who completed courses offline abroad, including those returning during Covid-19 or Ukraine war and later went back, were allotted one-year internship in medical colleges across Andhra Pradesh, said Rao in an official press release. FMGs who studied online from India without returning to their universities abroad were allotted two-year internships, said Ramesh in the press release, adding that NMC later issued guidelines requiring clerkship based on year-wise online study. While some FMGs resumed their two-year internship, others approached the high court, however, it upheld NMC rules, dismissing compensation certificates, and one appeal is subjudice, said Ramesh. "Without waiting for the final court judgment, FMGs began protests on July 2 of which the APMC was unaware and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav met protestors at NTR University and assured resolution," said Rao. The minister held a meeting on July 2, instructing APMC officials to visit Delhi and represent FMG grievances before NMC. FMGs, however, continued protests despite assurances, said Rao. APMC said most compensation certificates lacked clarity on online study periods, hence, NMC directed two-year internships, and APMC's allotment orders were fully justified and rule-based. The council appealed to FMGs to stop protests and follow NMC norms, adding that the minister is committed, and clarity will come soon from the court or NMC. Meanwhile, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the government for using "police force" against FMGs demanding PR despite completing their internships and exams. He questioned the police action on FMGs' peaceful march to meet the NTR Health University registrar on June 1, alleging that many were "manhandled, detained, and removed" from the site. Reddy further alleged that over 700 doctors were forced into extended, unpaid internships, preventing them from applying for postgraduate courses and causing severe career "setbacks and emotional distress". "The N Chandrababu Naidu-led administration is exploiting FMGs as unpaid labour for private colleges while deliberately withholding PRs to serve corporate interests," Reddy alleged in a post on 'X' on June 2. Reddy demanded the immediate issuance of PRs to all eligible FMGs as per NMC norms and questioned the government's alleged attempt to "demoralise students" who chose to pursue medical education abroad. PTI
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
How a silver revolution is taking place in Indian gyms
The moment you enter a gym, you're mostly greeted by loud, thumping music. The mecca of movement is always abuzz with commotion. While some are busy clicking mirror selfies to announce their gym attendance on social media, others are sweating it out on the treadmills, with many struggling to lift weights. The oohs and aahs of pushing the body for just one more rep echo throughout. So do the clangs of iron as barbells and dumbbells are finally released after a strenuous bulked-up men further chiselling their frames, women striving to be in their best shape, or young teens working on their physique metamorphosis, gyms, over the years, have become more inclusive. It is obviously no longer a workout arena for young men. Women are now equally serious about their fitness game. And it is no more limited to the so-called fat-melting cardio sessions.A new set of fitness enthusiasts is finally hitting Indian gyms: people in their 50s and 60s. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashu Jain (@ revolution in Indian gyms When I re-entered the gym this month, years after first trying it, something felt different. In the cardio section, a man in his early 70s, crowned with a head of shining silver hair, was cycling with the other side of the gym, a 57-year-old woman was performing weighted squats. That day, she had brought her daughter along to get her a gym membership too.I could easily spot four to five more elderly individuals around – including my 60-year-old father, who has been a regular at the gym for over a month reason for hitting the gym at 60 was to manage a few health issues that surfaced earlier this year. Alongside medication, he consulted a nutrition and lifestyle coach, who recommended some basic dietary changes, fixed his meal timings, and strongly encouraged him to start weight training. It is not uncommon to see elderly people working out in gyms now. (Photo: Unsplash) Sandeep, a Noida-based gym trainer with over three decades of experience, says that earlier, even doctors used to discourage the idea of going to the gym. 'Now, doctors themselves advise their patients, even older ones, to make strength training a part of their routine. It helps prevent muscle loss, controls many diseases, and supports a pain-free life,' he Singh, a fitness instructor based in Raipur, also acknowledges the rise in the number of elderly people joining gyms.'There is increased awareness, especially after Covid-19, because of which more people in their 50s and 60s are beginning their gym journeys,' Singh tells India the beginning – a long way to goMeanwhile, many fitness trainers also believe that this silver revolution in Indian gyms has just begun, and has a long way to go.'When I began my fitness journey almost 15 years ago, there were hardly any elderly people in gyms. Now, I do see a few, but I'd still call it a rarity,' says Yash Kumar, a 31-year-old Delhi-based fitness Fitness, a prominent fitness brand with a nationwide presence, shares that memberships from the 50-and-above age group have been increasing steadily at a rate of about 5.6% per year since 2019.'Compared to five years ago, we've seen a mindset shift where fitness is no longer viewed as a youth-centric activity. Post-Covid, awareness around immunity, mobility, and long-term health has made the older demographic more conscious about physical well-being. Many of them now see gym routines as a preventive and lifestyle necessity rather than a reactive measure,' Dr Richa Mishra, personal trainer and VP, Operations at Anytime Fitness India, tells India lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes and fatty liver are among the key reasons why there is a silver influx in gyms.'Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being, all of which are especially relevant after 50. It also supports healthy ageing by reducing the risk of falls, fractures, frailty, and lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension,' says Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New media leading the movementAshu Jain, a fitness influencer known as 'Not Just A Grandma' on Instagram, began her fitness journey at the age of 54 after being diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol. She started with regular walks and home workouts, eventually transitioning to gym Mohan, a popular model, was also 54 when he began his fitness journey, battling a host of health issues at the time. Choosing fitness as a way to fight back and reclaim his life, he is now 66, a professional model, and confidently flaunts his enviable physique on the ramp. View this post on Instagram A post shared by dinesh mohan silverfox India (@ Jain and Mohan have been vocal on social media about starting their fitness journeys late in rise of fitness influencers and health experts championing strength training for the elderly for an improved quality of life is also pushing this silver Ramprasad is one such influencer championing senior fitness, both online and offline. Through video content featuring his parents, he encourages young followers to take charge of their own parents' fitness journeys. While he doesn't necessarily advocate gym workouts, he highlights the importance of strength training for the elderly, even if at home with tools like resistance bands, to combat sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass), mobility issues, and other age-related growing trend of older adults lifting dumbbells or using resistance bands, rather than limiting themselves to just morning yoga or park walks, is also driven by children motivating their parents to adopt a more active, strength-focused training matters more with ageThe benefits of being physically active are ample. But so are the injury risks. So, while starting gym or any other fitness activity in older age, one should not skip personal training. Look for a trainer with experience in training people of your want someone who understands your health issues and works on an approach to build strength gradually, improve flexibility, and ensure heart-friendly endurance without every elderly member undergoes an initial fitness assessment to create a personalised plan, supervised closely by our fitness is never too late to start working out. Fitness experts as well as doctors agree with it. But having a personal trainer should be non-negotiable.'Many people have had the luxury of exercising and getting into weight training while they were young. They carry it forward into old age. But just because you didn't do it earlier doesn't mean you can never start,' celebrity fitness trainer Shivohaam told India too, emphasises the importance of personal need someone to correct the form and posture. It will ensure you don't get injured. 'As you are above a certain age, the risk of injury is higher. So don't exercise without a trainer,' he in case you have serious health issues, it is imperative you first consult a doctor and have a trainer guide you accordingly.- Ends
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Wegovy Here, Ozempic Next: Big Focus On India's Obesity & Diabetes Crisis, Says Novo's Cai
India is among the top two countries in terms of type 2 diabetes cases and third in terms of obesity; hence, the need for weight loss and anti-diabetic drugs is huge Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is working to bring its blockbuster drug Ozempic to India 'as soon as possible", Dr Yan Cai, senior vice president of clinical development, medical affairs, and regulatory affairs for international operations, told News18. Reaffirming the Danish drugmaker's commitment, she noted that India is among the top three countries globally in terms of both obesity and type 2 diabetes prevalence, making it a high-priority market. 'I can reassure that India is a very important market for us. With a large population living with type 2 diabetes, we are committed to bringing Ozempic to India. Wegovy and Ozempic serve different populations—Ozempic is for managing diabetes, while Wegovy is for weight loss," Dr Cai told News18 in an exclusive interaction. When asked about the timelines planned for the launch of Ozempic, she said, 'as soon as possible… it is our commitment." Ozempic, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, shot to global fame as a weight loss sensation—fuelled by Hollywood celebrity endorsements and off-label use. Its surging demand has made it one of the world's best-selling drugs, breaking revenue records and reshaping the global obesity and diabetes treatment market. Talking about the relevance of Wegovy for the Indian market, Cai said, India ranks third globally—after the US and China—in obesity prevalence, with over 200 million people estimated to be obese. 'It is also among the top two countries in terms of type 2 diabetes cases. The magnitude of these conditions is huge. We will continue to offer innovative treatments to help people live healthier lives," she said. According to Dr Cai, Wegovy has proven clinical evidence showing it reduces risks related to heart disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction. 'It is the only anti-obesity drug that provides both weight loss and cardiovascular benefits. For people living with obesity or overweight—and especially those with a history of cardiovascular disease—it offers protective benefits," she said. Wegovy is based on semaglutide, the same molecule used in Ozempic. Dr Cai explained that the molecule has a long history and has been used by over 33 million people worldwide. 'Semaglutide has been tried and trusted over the years in terms of safety. Its profile is well understood," she added. She said Novo Nordisk has been a pioneer in the field of obesity treatment, having started research over 25 years ago. 'With Wegovy now launched and Ozempic in the pipeline, the company sees India as a core focus for future medical innovation." 'We will continue to provide treatments that make a meaningful difference. The scale of obesity and diabetes in India calls for urgent and sustained efforts—and we're committed to being part of the solution." How Wegovy works—The science and the journey Semaglutide is part of a drug class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by acting on receptors in the brain to suppress appetite, particularly the desire for fatty food. 'We have solid data from both human and animal studies showing reduced cravings. People feel full earlier, eat less, and some patients also tell us that they start choosing healthier foods—like salads—on their own," said Cai. 'It's not just about 'eat less, walk more.' Obesity is a complex disease that needs to be managed holistically—with medication, lifestyle changes, exercise, and an overall support system." She emphasised that Wegovy helps balance energy intake and expenditure. 'It helps control cravings and hunger. People respond differently—some experience rapid weight loss, while others lose weight more gradually." Journey of a patient on Wegovy Starting Wegovy requires a careful dose titration process. Patients typically begin on a low dose, which is gradually increased every four weeks under medical supervision. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, especially in the early weeks. 'These side effects are usually mild and transient, and they are a natural reaction to this drug class. Around 50–60% of patients don't experience any symptoms at all," Cai noted. 'Most important is not to drop off too soon. The body adjusts over time." Patients are advised to stay at the same dose for four weeks to allow their body to adapt. Based on Novo Nordisk's data and Dr Cai's own experience, 50% of patients stay at 1.7 mg, while 20–30% titrate up to 2.4 mg, which is the highest dose. 'Cardiovascular benefits kick in at higher doses. My advice is to work with your doctor to find the right dose and continue long enough to receive the full benefit. Cardiovascular improvements can be seen as early as 20 days into treatment, with more visible weight loss beginning around 12 to 16 weeks." In clinical studies, 80–90% of patients achieved clinically significant weight loss, defined as more than 5% of body weight. 'More impressively, over 30% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight within 6 to 8 months of starting treatment." Is this the right price for Indian market? Wegovy is currently priced between Rs 17,000 and Rs 26,000 per month for five doses. Replying to the question on affordability and price-sensitive Indian consumers, Cai said, 'Novo Nordisk has introduced an India-specific pricing model to make the drug more accessible." top videos View all 'We have ensured that the first three dosing categories are priced the same, so patients don't face financial hurdles early in their treatment. This allows them to sustain the therapy without additional burden," Cai explained. She added that Novo Nordisk is also developing new innovations to target different segments of patients in India, with future drugs to be priced accordingly, hinting that those who cannot afford this treatment can expect other new-age drugs from the company's portfolio in the coming years. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : diabetes health Obesity Weight Loss Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 05, 2025, 08:00 IST News india Wegovy Here, Ozempic Next: Big Focus On India's Obesity & Diabetes Crisis, Says Novo's Cai | Exclusive
