Most households in South Wales are not testing their 'silent killer' alarm
New data from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform, supported by Wales & West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks, and SGN, revealed that 95 per cent of carbon monoxide alarms went untested in 2024.
This data was gathered from more than 50,000 digital alarms and suggests that many households could be unknowingly exposed to danger.
Carbon monoxide, known as the 'silent killer', cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, making it especially hazardous.
Sophie Shorney, vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance manager at Wales & West Utilities, said: "It is concerning to hear that most households are not testing their carbon monoxide alarms.
"We cannot stress enough the dangers households could be putting themselves into if they either do not own a carbon monoxide alarm or are not testing to see if their alarm works.
"A simple action of pressing a button for a couple of seconds could save your life."
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness are easily mistaken for less serious conditions.
While carbon monoxide is often associated with winter, gas cookers, boilers, and portable appliances like barbecues and camping stoves pose a risk year-round.
With school holidays underway, families are being urged to test their alarms at home and while travelling.
Wales & West Utilities offers free CO alarms to eligible households through its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) programmes, which are funded by Ofgem.
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Vogue
an hour ago
- Vogue
These Are the Best Radio Frequency Devices to Stimulate Collagen Production
At-home access to the best radio-frequency devices is one of the chicest new perks in beauty tech. Beauty aficionados often trace the trend back to CurrentBody's 2024 RF debut—before then, you'd have to sit yourself in a dermatologist's chair for a skin-snatching appointment. And while radio frequency may sound like sci-fi jargon, the reality is far more enticing. London-based medical and cosmetics doctor Leah Totton notes that radio frequency boosts collagen production without harming the epidermis (a.k.a the skin's outermost layer). 'Heat penetrates deep into the skin's layers, triggering the body's natural healing response. This stimulates new cell production, while bolstering collagen and elastin production,' Totton tells Vogue. 'Consistent treatment can help skin to become noticeably firmer and tighter. Plus, radio frequency devices can also improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.' Vogue's Favorite Skin Care Devices Another perk of these at-home beauty devices? Saying so-long to down time. In-clinic RF treatments usually result in some post-treatment redness and soreness, whereas the lower energy levels of at-home devices reveal results over time. That said, there still aren't very many RF devices on the market—though we chatted with experts and derms for the seven of the best picks. Scroll to discover to more. In This Story Best Overall: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device $385 CURRENTBODY Why We Love It : The at-home RF tool that arguably ignited the craze? CurrentBody's device. Designed to mimic the anti-aging wonders of professional treatments, it gently warms the skin to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the gadget continuously self-adjusts to keep skin at the optimal in-clinic temperature for safe, effective results. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks. 'It delivers a gentle heat as you glide it across your skin, and it never gets uncomfortably hot. The sensor maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for collagen production, according to experts,' Vogue contributor Iman Balagam previously said.'I like to focus on my forehead, the 11s, crow's-feet, and around my laugh lines since I'm always hee-heeing in a corner somewhere.' : The at-home RF tool that arguably ignited the craze? CurrentBody's device. Designed to mimic the anti-aging wonders of professional treatments, it gently warms the skin to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the gadget continuously self-adjusts to keep skin at the optimal in-clinic temperature for safe, effective results. According to Currentbody, 89% saw an improvement in skin tightness in eight weeks. 'It delivers a gentle heat as you glide it across your skin, and it never gets uncomfortably hot. The sensor maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for collagen production, according to experts,' Vogue contributor Iman Balagam previously said.'I like to focus on my forehead, the 11s, crow's-feet, and around my laugh lines since I'm always hee-heeing in a corner somewhere.' Target Treatment Area: Full face Full face Treatment Time: 5–70 minutes 5–70 minutes Treatment per week : Once : Once Specs: FDA-cleared FDA-cleared Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture How to Use: Apply Currentbody's radio frequency gel to clean, dry skin then glide the device in circular motions across the face. You can do this for up to 70 minutes maxoimum, or, follow one of the device's five-minute regimens. Best for Daily Use: Medicube Age-R Ultra Tune 40.68 Why We Love It: Surely you've heard of Medicube's viral Age-R Booster Pro, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to Hailey Bieber. Another device from the brand that deserves more hype is the Ultra Tune. A favorite amonst K-beauty devotees, this sleek tool pairs high-frequency energy with microcurrent technology to help sculpt and smooth the complexion. What makes it especially compelling is its safety for daily use (and doesn't require a specific gel)—the calibrated frequencies are gentle enough to support skin elasticity without triggering irritation, meaning you can reach for it regularly to achieve cumulative, long-term results rather than reserving it only for occasional treatments. Surely you've heard of Medicube's viral Age-R Booster Pro, beloved by everyone from beauty editors to Hailey Bieber. Another device from the brand that deserves more hype is the Ultra Tune. A favorite amonst K-beauty devotees, this sleek tool pairs high-frequency energy with microcurrent technology to help sculpt and smooth the complexion. What makes it especially compelling is its safety for daily use (and doesn't require a specific gel)—the calibrated frequencies are gentle enough to support skin elasticity without triggering irritation, meaning you can reach for it regularly to achieve cumulative, long-term results rather than reserving it only for occasional treatments. Target Treatment Area: Full face Full face Treatment Time: 5–10 minutes 5–10 minutes Treatment per week : Gentle enough for daily usage : Gentle enough for daily usage Specs: 40.68 MHz RF waves, three intensity levels, compact handheld build 40.68 MHz RF waves, three intensity levels, compact handheld build How to Use: After applying using your favorite hydrating serum or gel, glide in circular motions across the cheeks, forehead, and jawline. Ensure all six tips of the device are touching your skin. If you feel a hot sensation, remove the device and lower your settings. Best for Beginners: Foreo FAQ 101 LED Therapy & Massage Device Why We Love It: Combining RF with red light tools, and a soothing massage, this pick from Foreo is a true multitasker. 'This is a great option for gentle at-home maintenance and can complement in-office treatments nicely,' says Rufolo. Plus, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp adds that this pick is a great choice for beginners. 'Perfect for individuals who are new to at-home skincare technology. It offers a gentle but effective combination of RF and pulsed red LED therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and hydration,' he adds. Combining RF with red light tools, and a soothing massage, this pick from Foreo is a true multitasker. 'This is a great option for gentle at-home maintenance and can complement in-office treatments nicely,' says Rufolo. Plus, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp adds that this pick is a great choice for beginners. 'Perfect for individuals who are new to at-home skincare technology. It offers a gentle but effective combination of RF and pulsed red LED therapy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin tone and hydration,' he adds. Target Treatment Area: Full face and neck Full face and neck Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Treatment per week : Three to five times per week : Three to five times per week Specs: red LED, multiple massage modes, USB rechargeable red LED, multiple massage modes, USB rechargeable Best For: those seeking daily skin revival in a compact form those seeking daily skin revival in a compact form How to Use: Glide over clean, dry skin for 3 minutes, focusing on areas prone to dullness or fatigue. Best Multipurpose: Silk'n Titan Multiplatform Why We Love It: Call it a triple threat, this tool blends radio frequency, LED, and IR heat for an all-in-one rejuvenating treatment. 'This is a well-designed RF device that penetrates deeper into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production,' Rufolo, noting patients often notice firmer skin with consistent use. 'This is a great option for those looking for deeper skin tightening and collagen stimulation at home,' adds Dr. Camp. 'It combines the three effective technologies of bipolar RF, near infrared, and low-level laser therapy to target dermal layers for firmer and smoother skin.' Best of all, there's a small RF platform, and attachment for larger areas. Call it a triple threat, this tool blends radio frequency, LED, and IR heat for an all-in-one rejuvenating treatment. 'This is a well-designed RF device that penetrates deeper into the skin to encourage collagen and elastin production,' Rufolo, noting patients often notice firmer skin with consistent use. 'This is a great option for those looking for deeper skin tightening and collagen stimulation at home,' adds Dr. Camp. 'It combines the three effective technologies of bipolar RF, near infrared, and low-level laser therapy to target dermal layers for firmer and smoother skin.' Best of all, there's a small RF platform, and attachment for larger areas. Target Treatment Area: Face, neck, and decolletage Face, neck, and decolletage Treatment Time: 10-15 minutes per treatment area 10-15 minutes per treatment area Treatment per week : Twice weekly : Twice weekly Specs: tri-polar RF, red LED, IR heat, USB rechargeable tri-polar RF, red LED, IR heat, USB rechargeable Best For: multitaskers who want multiple technologies in one device multitaskers who want multiple technologies in one device How to Use: Use with the brand's conductive gel, gliding evenly across the skin for 10–15 minutes per session. Best Travel-Friendly: Skin Gym Glowlit RF Tool Skin Gym GlowLIT RF Tool $130 REVOLVE Why We Love It: For RF on the go, Skin Gym's pick is perfectly portable, with a travel-friendly design that doesn't skip on results—and yes, it's another multipurpose beauty tool. 'This is an extremely versatile tool that integrates radio frequency, LED light therapy, and sonic massage,' says Dr. Camp. 'This is a great supplement to a skincare regimen focused on prevention and maintenance. Plus, it suits a variety of concerns from acne and redness, to pigmentation and early signs of aging.' Best of all, it's one of the more affordable picks of the bunch. For RF on the go, Skin Gym's pick is perfectly portable, with a travel-friendly design that doesn't skip on results—and yes, it's another multipurpose beauty tool. 'This is an extremely versatile tool that integrates radio frequency, LED light therapy, and sonic massage,' says Dr. Camp. 'This is a great supplement to a skincare regimen focused on prevention and maintenance. Plus, it suits a variety of concerns from acne and redness, to pigmentation and early signs of aging.' Best of all, it's one of the more affordable picks of the bunch. Target Treatment Area: Face Face Treatment Time: 10 to 15 minutes 10 to 15 minutes Treatment per week : Two to three : Two to three Specs: RF technology, LED indicator lights, portable size RF technology, LED indicator lights, portable size Best For: skincare minimalists who still want high-tech results skincare minimalists who still want high-tech results How to Use: After applying a hydrating gel, glide upward along the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Best for Contouring: Amiro R3 Turbo Facial Device Amiro R3 Turbo Facial Device $320 AMAZON Why We Love It: No need to juggle multiple beauty devices—Amiro's RF tool merges the benefits of RF and microcurrentin one sleek device. 'This tool combines RF with EMS, which can give both a tightening effect and visible contouring of the face. It's a solid choice for people looking to maintain definition between professional treatments,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp adds that it's particularly effective for those with skin laxity, under-eye bags, or concerns around jawline definition. No need to juggle multiple beauty devices—Amiro's RF tool merges the benefits of RF and microcurrentin one sleek device. 'This tool combines RF with EMS, which can give both a tightening effect and visible contouring of the face. It's a solid choice for people looking to maintain definition between professional treatments,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp adds that it's particularly effective for those with skin laxity, under-eye bags, or concerns around jawline definition. Target Treatment Area: Face Face Treatment Time: Up to five minutes Up to five minutes Treatment per week : Two to three : Two to three Specs: FDA Approved, RF technology, EMS microcurrents, adjustable intensity levels FDA Approved, RF technology, EMS microcurrents, adjustable intensity levels Best For: time-pressed users seeking quick, noticeable results time-pressed users seeking quick, noticeable results How to Use: Apply a conductive gel and massage over the skin for 5–10 minutes, focusing on areas of concern. Best with LED: Althaea Skin CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit Althaea Skin CARA Multi-Modal Tool Kit $350 ALTHAEA SKIN Why We Love It: Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We're talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Sure, other RF devices may offer an LED mode—but none with as many options as this Althaea Skin pick. We're talking three LED light settings to target different skin concerns, microcurrent technology for toning, and a massage function to boost circulation and ease facial tension. Essentially, it's a professional-level facial condensed into just a few minutes of daily ritual, making it effortless to keep your complexion refreshed and sculpted from the comfort of your home. Plus, it works with any (generously applied) serum—so you aren't beholden to using a single specific conductive gel. Target Treatment Area: Face, jawline, and neck Face, jawline, and neck Treatment Time: 10 minutes 10 minutes Treatment per week : Three to five : Three to five Specs: RF, LED light modes, massage functionality RF, LED light modes, massage functionality Best For: skincare maximalists who love professional results at home skincare maximalists who love professional results at home How to Use: Select the desired mode and glide gently across the face for 5–15 minutes, adjusting technique to the function. Everything You Need To Know How do radio frequency devices trigger collagen production? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Radio frequency works by safely heating the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen production. The heat has a tightening effect on existing collagen fibers and signals your body to start making new collagen and elastin over time,' says Rufolo. 'This helps your skin become firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking, with results that continue to improve for several months after the treatment.' Are RF devices worth investing in? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'As with most aesthetic treatments, not all radio frequency devices are created equal—some deliver much better results than others,' says Rufolo. Dr. Camp agrees, and while he notes these beauty tools absolutely can be effective, it's important to be realistic about results. Subtle skin tightening? Sure. Face lift contouring? No. 'Radio frequency devices are perfect for people seeking mild, non-surgical skin tightening, or improved skin texture—but you have to be willing to use them consistently,' he says. How often can you use an at-home RF device? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'Although the usage of an RF device typically varies by brand, they are generally used around two to three times per week in the first few months of usage, then lowered to one to two times for maintenance,' says Dr. Camp, noting that when it comes to these devices, more is not always best. 'It's important not to overdo RF usage as this may lead to skin irritation such as dryness or redness when the skin barrier is disrupted.' Dr. Totton agrees, adding that a rest period of a day or two in-between sessions is ideal. 'It's worth bearing in mind that in-clinic radio frequency treatments are performed by an experienced aesthetic therapist and temperature is usually moderated throughout use for patient safety,' says Dr. Totten, adding thats it's all the more important to closely follow your devices specific instruction manual to ensure maximum safety. What's the difference between in-clinic and at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron 'In-clinic treatments that utilize radio frequency are an effective way to boost the production of collagen and elastin, offering a gentle alternative to more invasive options. They can reduce skin laxity on the face, neck and body, addressing sagging skin and fine,' says Dr. Totton, noting that while at-home devices work in the same way, they aren't as strong. 'Consequently, results from at-home devices will take longer and more consistent use to be achieved.' How long does it take to see results from at-home RF? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Remember, patience is key when experimenting with at-home radio-frequency devices. Dr. Totton reminds us that their effectiveness depends on consistent use over several weeks and months. 'All devices will vary in results depending on their energy levels, the specific skin concerns of the user, and also how effectively and consistently they are being used,' she says. 'However, in general users can expect to see and feel improvements to skin within a month, which should continue to improve as the months progress.' If you're the impatient type and want a clearer sense of when the results really kick in, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth previously told Vogue that collagen production can take 12 to 16 weeks—or even longer—with at-home devices. Meet the Experts AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island. Natia Rufolo, FNP, NP-C is a board-certified aesthetic injector, PDO thread specialist, and founder of INJX BY NAT Aesthetics. Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. Dr. Leah Totton, MBBS, MBCAM, is a London-based medical doctor and an award-winning cosmetic doctor with 11 years experience and a post-graduate diploma in dermatology. Totton is also the founder of Dr Leah Skin Clinics.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rein Therapeutics Wins U.K. Approval to Launch Phase 2 Clinical Trial of LTI-03 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
AUSTIN, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rein Therapeutics ("Rein") (NASDAQ: RNTX), a biopharmaceutical company advancing a novel pipeline of first-in-class medicines to address significant unmet medical needs in orphan pulmonary and fibrosis indications, today announced that the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorized the Company to initiate its Phase 2 'RENEW' clinical trial of LTI-03, the Company's lead drug candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a serious, progressive lung disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. It scars the lungs, leaving patients short of breath and with limited treatment options. Median survival after diagnosis is just 3–5 years. Rein's LTI-03 is a first-in-class therapy that is designed to directly target fibrosis while also protecting the lung's ability to regenerate healthy tissue. If successful, it could represent a major breakthrough in how pulmonary fibrosis is treated. Brian Windsor, Chief Executive Officer of Rein Therapeutics, commented, 'This MHRA approval marks an important milestone not only for Rein, but also for patients living with IPF. We are now working towards patient recruitment in the U.K., advancing LTI-03 into the next stage of development. Our approach is designed not only to slow disease progression, but also to preserve, and potentially restore, the lung cells that are critical to everyday breathing and quality of life. We believe LTI-03 has the potential to transform outcomes for patients while also creating substantial value for our shareholders.' Next Steps The RENEW trial is expected to enroll up to 120 patients worldwide, evaluating two dose groups of LTI-03 against a placebo. The primary objective of the trial is to assess safety and tolerability over 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints will include measures of lung function and imaging-based assessments of fibrosis progression. Rein is actively working with clinical sites in the UK to begin patient recruitment soon, with initial data expected in 2026. About Rein Therapeutics Rein Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing a novel pipeline of first-in-class therapies to address significant unmet medical needs in orphan pulmonary and fibrosis indications. Rein's lead product candidate, LTI-03, is a novel, synthetic peptide with a dual mechanism targeting alveolar epithelial cell survival as well as inhibition of profibrotic signaling. LTI-03 has received Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and is in clinical development. Rein's second product candidate, LTI-01, is a proenzyme that has completed Phase 1b and Phase 2a clinical trials for the treatment of loculated pleural effusions. LTI-01 has received Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and E.U. and Fast Track Designation in the U.S. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements of Rein Therapeutics, Inc. ("Rein", the "Company", "we", "our" or "us") within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements with respect to expectations for the Company's LTI-03 product candidate, the planned UK Phase 2 clinical trial of LTI-03 and the initial data readouts from the planned UK clinical trial. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "hope," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "would," "can," "could," "should," "continue," and other words and terms of similar meaning to help identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including (i) the risk that the Company may not be able to successfully undertake the planned UK Phase 2 clinical trial of LTI-03, (ii) success in early phases of pre-clinical and clinicals trials do not ensure later clinical trials will be successful; (iii) the risk that the Company may not be able to obtain additional working capital with which to initiate and complete planned UK clinical trial, (iv) the risk that the Company may not be able to announce initial data readouts from the planned UK clinical trial in 2026 or, if it is able to do so, that the data may not be favorable and (v) those other risks disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in subsequent filings that the Company files with the SEC. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's view as of any date after the date of this press release, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Rein Investor Relations & Media Contact: Investor Relations IR@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medscape
6 hours ago
- Medscape
Can Weight Loss Boost Pregnancy Rates?
A 10%-25% weight loss can help women considered overweight or having obesity become pregnant — even if they weren't trying to conceive — and reduce their chances for some pregnancy-related conditions and complications, according to a new study on reproduction. The study included patient data from nearly 250,000 women in the UK aged 18-40 years who had a BMI ≥ 25, which is considered overweight. BMI measures an estimate of body fat based on height and weight. Patients with obesity, who have a BMI ≥ 30, were also part of the study. Women in these categories who dropped the weight with a median loss of 14% had a small increase, about 5%, of becoming pregnant in the following 3 years compared with those with stable weight, according to the study published in Human Reproduction by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. The study used patient data collected from primary care practices linked to hospital records in England between January 2000 and May 2022. Nearly 80% of the women in the study kept a stable weight and the rest lost weight. Of the women who became pregnant (9%), those who lost weight had a 'statistically significant reduction' in the risk for gestational diabetes and emergency caesarean section, the study found. The women who lost weight also saw reduced pregnancy-induced hypertension with fewer babies born considered large for their gestational age compared with women of stable weight. Novo Nordisk — the maker of weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic — funded the study, and most of the study authors work for the pharmaceutical company and/or hold shares or stock. Medscape Medical News asked a few clinicians, including Ob/Gyns with specialized training to treat patients with obesity, to weigh in on the study's findings. 'There is a lot of data to support that women that have obesity or are overweight have higher risks in their pregnancy but also have a more difficult time conceiving,' said Deidre Neyhart-McIntosh, MD, an Ob/Gyn with the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, who is trained in obesity medicine. The study shows that the healthier a woman can be prior to conceiving, the easier it will likely be for her to conceive and have a more successful pregnancy, McIntosh said. In her practice, McIntosh has seen that women who lose even 5% of their body weight can reduce their blood pressure, glucose, lipids, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk. McIntosh said she speaks with patients who want to be pregnant about the risks of having obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, pre-term delivery, or caesarian section of a large baby. She advises women to try to lose weight 6 months before they want to become pregnant and to study the habits that help them lose weight to continue eating healthy during pregnancy. Patients who are overweight may seek her help if they have difficulty becoming pregnant or have risk factors such as high blood pressure or prediabetes, she said. In those cases, McIntosh might discuss nutrition, exercise, or prescribe weight-loss medicine to help them improve their chances of a healthy pregnancy. McIntosh finds that most of her patients have tried other methods to lose weight before requesting weight-loss medicine. Depending on the medication, they should stop the drugs either immediately prior to conceiving or 2 months beforehand. Despite the study's connection to a weight-loss drug maker, McIntosh said she still believes the findings are valid. 'Obviously, we're going to pick out some of the biases, but overall, they looked at a wide variety of women and didn't focus on women that were just taking weight-loss medications either,' she said. Weight-Loss Medications The FDA has approved some of the newer medications for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or if they are overweight, with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Johanna Finkle, MD, an Ob/Gyn and weight-loss specialist with the University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, Kansas, said that although the study doesn't specifically mention weight-loss drugs, a weight loss of 10%-25% is typically only seen in women taking the medicine for weight loss. From her experience, diet and exercise only produce a 3%-5% weight loss in a year, Finkle said. The study also cited previous research with different diets and exercise that didn't show decreased pregnancy complications or increased spontaneous conception, she noted. Finkle believes the new study looked at weight loss because women are losing significant weight on the medicines Novo Nordisk manufactures, namely GLP-1 receptor agonists. 'The question that they are trying to answer: Is this going to be beneficial to a preconception population and how much weight loss [is optimal] because these drugs are producing more weight loss than we see with diet and exercise alone,' she said. Optimal Weight Loss 'Right now, what we counsel is about 10% weight loss of body weight prior to pregnancy,' Finkle said. 'Any weight loss may be beneficial.' There are also risks to losing too much weight, especially in patients losing 30% of their body weight, she said. 'What I'm seeing in my patients is sometimes they're not consuming enough calories or even enough water,' Finkle said. 'I'm having to remind them that they need to eat more frequently. We discuss sufficient protein.' Others may experience hair loss. When patients lose a significant amount of weight, it can affect pregnancy. Patients who went through bariatric surgery have a risk for preterm delivery, Finkle said. 'I worry about small-for-gestational-age babies and an increased risk for miscarriage when people have a rapid trajectory of weight loss,' she said. Finkle said she counsels patients who are rapidly losing weight to try not to conceive while on the medication because 'the data on teratogenic risk of the weight-loss medications is not yet known.' Ideally, patients who want to lose weight before they conceive should come to her a year in advance, Finkle said. 'But if they're wanting to conceive in 3 months, then we discuss healthy behaviors, lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise counseling. We discuss: What is your goal? When do you want to conceive and how does weight loss play a role in that? How much weight loss can we achieve?' she said. Research Implications While previous research may have focused on the outcomes of women undergoing fertility treatment, the Novo Nordisk study wasn't restricted to women trying to conceive, so study authors said that the benefits of weight loss may be greater in women who are actively trying to become pregnant. Erin LeBlanc, MD, who conducts similar research about weight loss and pregnancy, believes the Novo Nordisk study provides further evidence that women having trouble becoming pregnant because they are overweight or have obesity could benefit from weight loss. In other words, if having a higher BMI is associated with decreased fertility rates, weight loss among that population could have the opposite impact, she said. LeBlanc, an epidemiologist and endocrinologist with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, said the Novo Nordisk study also aligns with research she led showing that women who lost weight had lower rates of gestational diabetes in early pregnancy. Because some women in the clinical trial gained weight back later in pregnancy, she stressed the importance of weight management throughout pregnancy. Women in her study who met with health coaches weekly for 6 months and then monthly for 18 months or until the end of their pregnancy were able to start pregnancy at a healthier weight. However, they experienced more weight gain during pregnancy, likely because it was challenging to maintain the healthy lifestyle changes they made prepregnancy without ongoing support, she said of the study originally published in 2021 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. ' What I would say from my research is that if women have been able to lose weight before pregnancy, they just need to be sure that they get support during pregnancy to help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle,' LeBlanc said. LeBlanc also said the new study may help inform future recommendations from the National Academy of Medicine, formerly the Institute of Medicine, which advised in 2009 that women achieve a healthy weight before becoming pregnant and remain within the gestational weight gain guidelines during pregnancy. Women with a healthy weight should gain 25-35 pounds; women who are overweight, 15-25 pounds; and women with obesity, 11-20 pounds, according to those guidelines. Study Limitations Among the limitations of the study, Finkle said using participants from the UK cannot necessarily be applied to those from the US. 'They did not cite the composition of their patient population,' she said. 'The United States is very diverse.' Finkle said that the median age of the patients (30 years) is also important to note. 'When you are talking about fertility, age plays a much larger role than necessarily body weight when looking at someone's ability to conceive.' Study authors said they didn't know whether women had intended to become pregnant or whether that intention was why they lost weight. Including women who don't intend to conceive may also affect the findings by underestimating the relationship between weight loss and chance of pregnancy, the authors said. And while they observed a link between weight loss and increased chance of pregnancy, they said they couldn't imply higher pregnancy rates were caused by weight loss. In her practice, Finkle often sees patients trying to lose weight prior to conception. 'So if more patients in the group that was actually trying to lose weight wanted to conceive, they're going to have higher rates of pregnancy than a weight stable group that maybe wasn't trying or had any intention of conceiving and were using maybe other methods to prevent pregnancy,' she said. Overall, Finkle found promising the study's finding of a small increase in conception from weight loss. She said more studies are needed to look at weight loss and pregnancy, including how weight gain during pregnancy affects the delivery and health of the mother and child. 'There's this phenomenon called weight cycling,' Finkle said. 'You may lose weight, then regain the same — or more — during pregnancy, and the question becomes: How will that affect outcomes such as large-for-gestational-age babies, cesarean-section deliveries, or hypertensive disorders? Many questions remain unanswered.'
