Weight loss drugs can double risk of eye disease: Study
Credit: Getty Images
Weight loss drugs could double the risk of getting eye diseases, a large-scale study has found.
The weight loss drugs that belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) can increase the risk of getting age-related eye disease.
This eye disease, known as macular degeneration, affects the central vision, primarily impacting older adults with diabetes.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are medicines that help the body lower blood sugar levels. They work like a natural hormone called GLP-1, which tells the body to release insulin after eating.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
These drugs are often used to treat type 2 diabetes and sometimes help with weight loss too.
Academics at the University of Toronto examined medical data from more than 1 million Ontario students with diabetes. Nearly all of them were taking semaglutide, a popular diabetes and weight loss drug.
The study found that those taking semaglutide for at least six months had twice the risk of developing macular degeneration.
As per the study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, diabetic patients who were older and had an even higher risk of developing macular degeneration.
"Based on our data, I would advise exercising particular caution when prescribing GLP-1 RAs to older [diabetic] patients or those with a history of stroke," said Marko Popovic, a co-author of the study.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
28 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
NBEMS announces Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) June 2025 results, details here
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) June 2025 results. Candidates can check their results on the official website, NBEMS announces FMGE June 2025 results(Getty Images/iStockphoto) Also read: NBEMS releases schedule for NEET SS, FMGE & other examinations, check dates here The exam was conducted on July 26 at test centres across the country. Along with the FMGE June 2025 result, NBEMS has also shared the marks obtained by the candidates. FMGE June 2025 result direct link NBEMS said all the questions asked in the test were reviewed for technical correctness by faculty members from the concerned speciality area, and none of the questions were found incorrect. Individual scorecards of the candidates can be downloaded from the NBEMS website, on or after August 21, 2025, it added. Also read: NEET PG 2025 over, NBEMS warns candidates against sharing exam content; check details here Qualified candidates will have to collect their pass certificates in person after identity and credential verification, the schedule for which shall be notified separately on the NBEMS website. NBEMS further added that the result of five candidates has been kept 'WITHHELD' and are subject to outcome of NBEMS Examination Ethics Committee/ Unfair Means Case/ Court Matter, as may be applicable. For any queries, candidates can contact NBEMS at 011-45593000 or write to its Communication Web Portal. Also read: NEET-PG exam conducted across 301 cities; over 2,42,000 candidates appear FMGE June 2025: Steps to check results Go to Go to the FMGE June 2025 result link. Open the PDF and click on the result link. Check your result using your roll number or application ID. FMGE is a screening test for foreign medical graduates who want to practice in India. This test is essential for Indian citizens and overseas citizens of India possessing a primary medical qualification awarded by any medical institution outside India.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Giant virus discovered in Pacific Ocean with the longest tail ever recorded
Scientists exploring the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre have uncovered a giant virus with a tail longer than any seen before. Dubbed PelV-1, the virus infects a type of plankton called Pelagodinium and boasts a 2.3-micrometer-long tail, roughly 19 times longer than the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. Its 200-nanometer capsid is dwarfed by the unprecedented appendage, which researchers say may help the virus attach to and enter host cells. While most viruses either lack tails or have tiny ones, PelV-1's structure is unique. Time-lapse imaging shows the tail attaching to plankton cells during infection, yet newly formed viruses inside the cells appear tail-less, suggesting the appendage forms only after the virus exits its host. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S News of the Discovery Undo PelV-1 was discovered at Station ALOHA, a long-term monitoring site north of Hawaii . Scientists collected seawater from 25 meters below the surface, isolating the plankton and unexpectedly identifying the viral hitchhiker. Viruses that infect dinoflagellates like Pelagodinium are extremely rare; only two other large DNA viruses are known to target this group. Understanding these viruses could shed light on energy flow, nutrient cycles, and even harmful algal blooms in ocean ecosystems. Live Events The genome of PelV-1 is massive for a virus, with 467 genes across 459,000 base pairs. Remarkably, some of these genes are typically found only in living cells, including parts of energy production cycles, light-harvesting proteins, and rhodopsins, light-sensitive molecules that may help the virus capture sunlight. The study also revealed a second, rarer virus in the same culture, named co-PelV. Unlike PelV-1, it lacks a tail but carries metabolic genes that could alter its host's behavior and energy use. Future research will explore how PelV-1 assembles its tail, the role it plays in infection, and whether other long-tailed viruses exist in the oceans.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
5 heart-healthy foods to add to your diet
Cardiovascular diseases claim millions of lives annually, highlighting the importance of heart health. Incorporating leafy greens rich in Vitamin K, whole grains high in fiber, and berries abundant in flavonoids can significantly improve cardiovascular function. Avocados, packed with monounsaturated fats, and fatty fish containing omega-3 acids also contribute to a healthier heart. About 17.9 million die each year due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) every year. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally, according to the WHO. Maintaining heart health is crucial, and diet plays a pivotal role in it. Here is a list of foods that can improve your heart health. Leafy greens Eat your greens. Yes, that's right. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are nutritional powerhouses. They are an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps protect arteries and promote proper blood clotting. A recent study from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia, and the Danish Cancer Institute has shown that a cup and a half of leafy green vegetables could go a long way to addressing atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD's). The study found that higher dietary intake of Vitamin K1 can reduce the risk of ASVD. 'Leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, like spinach, kale, and broccoli, contain Vitamin K,1 which may assist in preventing vascular calcification processes that characterise cardiovascular disease. The great news is that these vegetables can be easily incorporated into your daily meals,' the lead researcher said. Whole grains Refined grains are your heart's biggest enemy. Instead, switch to whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole wheat. They are high in fiber, which helps reduce cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A 2021 study showed that eating more refined grains increases the risk of major cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Estimated Cost of a 1-day Gutter Guards Installation HomeBuddy Click Here Undo Whole grains, on the other hand, are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Berries Who knew eating something as sumptuous as berries could actually boost your heart health! These include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. They contain flavonoids, which can lower blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. A 2019 study by researchers at the University of East Anglia found that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease. "Previous studies have indicated that people who regularly eat blueberries have a reduced risk of developing conditions, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This may be because blueberries are high in naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins, which are the flavonoids responsible for the red and blue colour in fruits. We found that eating one cup of blueberries per day resulted in sustained improvements in vascular function and arterial stiffness - making enough of a difference to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by between 12 and 15 per cent," the researchers of the study said. Avocados Yes, the creamy green fruit can not only bless your taste buds, but also boost your heart health. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and increase 'good' HDL cholesterol. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating two or more servings of avocado weekly was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The participants in the study, who ate at least two servings of avocado each week, had a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who never or rarely ate avocado. Diet to reduce body inflammation: Foods that help reduce inflammation. Fatty fish Another way to enhance your heart health is to add more fatty fish to your diet. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve overall heart health. A 2023 study by researchers from Karolinska Institute found that the risk of CVDs can be reduced by eating more fatty fish. People with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease may also benefit from eating more oily fish.
