Latest news with #BrettOsborn
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness – but what about mental health? Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda. Advertisement Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and 'exacerbating mood disturbances.' The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this 'potential risk.' But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank. Advertisement While GLP-1 RA variants had 'consistent cardiometabolic effects' across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were 'more varied,' concluding that any behavioral changes are 'likely not acting directly through [the medications].' 5 Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. tmc_photos – Doctors weigh in on medications and mood Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is 'no consistent causal relationship' between these medications and mental illness. 'Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation — and they didn't find it,' he summarized. Advertisement People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. 5 Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. nazif – 'These conditions take a toll – physically, emotionally and socially,' he said. 'So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But that's not because of the drug — that's because of the disease.' Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Advertisement 'GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health,' Osborn noted. 'They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines.' 5 People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. K KStock – 'And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less.' Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others 'don't have that at all.' 'Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication,' he said. 'It's really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes,' he added. 'I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet.' Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a 'big boost' in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem. 5 Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Tinnakorn – Advertisement 'It really depends on the person and the support system they have,' he said. 'You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss.' 'It's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history.' For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. 'Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects,' he said. Advertisement Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a 'holistic approach' to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication. 5 For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. alones – Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, told Fox News Digital that 'obesity is complicated.' 'Obesity specialists … are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work,' she said. Advertisement 'With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, it's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history before prescribing [them].' Nazario stressed that it's 'vital' for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders. 'Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right — your health depends on it,' he added. Advertisement Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. 'They are not all negative — they have the potential to improve mood as well,' she said. 'Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness – but what about mental health? Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda. Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. Weight-loss Drugs' Impact On Cancer Risk Revealed In New Study The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and "exacerbating mood disturbances." The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this "potential risk." Read On The Fox News App But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank. While GLP-1 RA variants had "consistent cardiometabolic effects" across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were "more varied," concluding that any behavioral changes are "likely not acting directly through [the medications]." Semaglutide Found To Have Shocking Benefit For Liver Disease Patients In New Study Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is "no consistent causal relationship" between these medications and mental illness. "Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation — and they didn't find it," he summarized. People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are "often already depressed" without the medication, the doctor pointed out. "These conditions take a toll – physically, emotionally and socially," he said. "So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But that's not because of the drug — that's because of the disease." Here's Why Belly Fat Is More Common As We Age, And 3 Ways To Prevent It Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. "GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health," Osborn noted. "They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines." "And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less." Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others "don't have that at all." First Glp-1 Pill For Weight Loss, Diabetes Shows Success In Late-phase Trial "Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication," he said. "It's really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes," he added. "I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet." Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a "big boost" in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem. "It really depends on the person and the support system they have," he said. "You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss." For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. "Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects," he said. Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a "holistic approach" to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication. Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, told Fox News Digital that "obesity is complicated." "Obesity specialists … are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work," she said. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, it's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history before prescribing [them]." Nazario stressed that it's "vital" for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders. "Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right — your health depends on it," he added. For more Health articles, visit Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. "They are not all negative — they have the potential to improve mood as well," she said. "Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image."Original article source: Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fake Ozempic drugs found in US drug supply, FDA warns
As counterfeit Ozempic circulates in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to Americans. In an April 14 announcement, the FDA stated that Novo Nordisk — manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy — notified the agency that "several hundred units of counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 1 mg" were in the U.S. drug supply chain. Ozempic is an injectable medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, the same drug but at a higher dose, is approved to treat obesity. Cheap Ozempic Knock-offs Have Risen In Popularity — But Are They Safe? "The counterfeit products were distributed outside the Novo Nordisk authorized supply chain in the U.S.," the FDA stated in its announcement. "FDA seized the identified counterfeit products on April 9, 2025." The FDA has advised patients, wholesalers, retail pharmacies and healthcare professionals to check any Ozempic products in their possession. Read On The Fox News App Any medications labeled with lot number PAR0362 and with a serial number starting with the first eight digits 51746517 should not be used, sold or distributed, per the agency. "FDA is aware of six adverse event reports associated with this lot. However, none of them appear to be associated with the counterfeit product," the statement said. "All six adverse events were reported by Novo Nordisk." Ozempic Push For Seniors? Some Doctors Say More People Age 65 And Over Should Be On It Dave Moore, executive vice president of US operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc., provided the below statement to Fox News Digital. "At Novo Nordisk, patient safety is our top priority, and we take the growing number of incidents involving counterfeit versions of Ozempic very seriously," he said. "It is gravely concerning, and we do all we can to alert patients, healthcare professionals, wholesalers and retail pharmacies about counterfeit incidents when they arise." The seized products are currently being tested by the FDA and Novo Nordisk to determine the identity, quality or safety of the drugs. The FDA's investigation is ongoing, the agency added. Diabetes And Weight-loss Drug 'Changed My Life,' Says Senator: 'I Feel A Decade Younger' Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity doctor who has prescribed semaglutide medications to his patients, has previously spoken about the dangers of cheaper, counterfeit versions. "Due to the cost of brand-name Ozempic, more and more people are turning to cheaper knock-off versions, often found online or through non-regulated channels," he told Fox News Digital. "These knock-offs are synthesized in non-medical environments without the necessary quality assurance or quality control, making them inherently risky." These medications can be harmful when there's no oversight of their source or production quality, Osborn warned. "When they're made in unregulated environments, there's no telling what you're putting into your body." Medications like Ozempic require "precision in manufacturing," according to Osborn. "You should only be using pharmaceutical-grade versions prescribed by a licensed doctor," he said. "The risk with these variants is too high, and there's no regulation to ensure they are made properly." People should use caution when ordering any medication online, doctors agree. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "Unless you're getting the medication from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from a doctor, purchasing Ozempic or its knockoffs online is dangerous," Osborn warned. "You can't verify the product's source, ingredients or safety." Osborn reiterated that medications like Ozempic should only be prescribed by a physician licensed to write prescriptions — "not a nurse practitioner via a telemedicine visit or a chiropractor." For more Health articles, visit "When used correctly, these medications are powerful tools, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands," he said. "Always consult a healthcare provider with the proper training and experience in using these medications. Safety first."Original article source: Fake Ozempic drugs found in US drug supply, FDA warns
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obesity will affect over half of adults in 25 years, study predicts
Obesity has long been classified as a global epidemic — and new data published in The Lancet journal spotlights how much worse it could get. A team of researchers found that in 2021, one billion men and 1.11 billion women over 25 years of age worldwide qualified as overweight or obese — twice as many as in 1990. In 2021, more than half of the world's overweight and obese adults lived in eight countries: China (402 million), India (180 million), the U.S. (172 million), Brazil (88 million), Russia (71 million), Mexico (58 million), Indonesia (52 million), and Egypt (41 million), according to a press release. This Disease Kills More People Than All Cancers And Accidents Combined If the increase continues at this same pace, the study projects that more than half (57.4%) of men and 60.3% of women will be overweight or obese by 2050. The three countries expected to have the highest rates of overweight or obesity by 2050 are China (627 million people), India (450 million) and the U.S. (214 million). Read On The Fox News App The study also found that by 2050, nearly one-quarter of obese adults will be 65 or older. The researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, spanning 204 countries and territories. Ozempic's Health Benefits Keep Growing, But Are The Risks Worth It? "The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure," said lead author Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, in the release. "Governments and the public health community can use our country-specific estimates on the stage, timing and speed of current and forecasted transitions in weight to identify priority populations experiencing the greatest burdens of obesity who require immediate intervention and treatment, and those that remain predominantly overweight and should be primarily targeted with prevention strategies." Another finding was that "more recent generations are gaining weight faster than previous ones and obesity is occurring earlier." This increases the risk of younger people developing obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and multiple cancers. There were some limitations to the study, the researchers acknowledged. "Predictions are constrained by the quantity and quality of past data as well as systemic biases from self-reported data, which are likely to remain despite attempts to correct for bias," they wrote. They also noted that the definition of overweight and obesity is based on BMI (body mass index), "which does not account for variations in body structure across ethnic groups and subpopulations." The study also did not take into account the effects of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications and other interventions. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert at Senolytix, called out obesity as the "single greatest modifiable threat to longevity, economic stability and national security." "Yet, instead of confronting the problem head-on, our culture continues to coddle bad habits, normalize obesity and abandon personal responsibility," he said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Weight Loss May Be Helped By Drinking This, Study Suggests "This crisis is not about food deserts genetics or corporate greed — it's about choices. And we are making the wrong ones." The obesity crisis can be linked to sedentary lifestyles, ultraprocessed foods and an "entitlement mentality that demands a pill for every problem," according to Osborn. "The reality is simple: Obesity is caused by caloric surplus and a lack of movement," he said. "When you consistently eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. Period." If cases rise to the study's projections by 2050, Osborn warned that "obesity-related diseases will cripple healthcare systems worldwide." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "The recent Lancet study projects over 1.3 billion global diabetes cases and more than two million obesity-driven cancers annually," he said. "Cardiovascular disease will double in prevalence across multiple regions, and the economic burden will exceed $4 trillion per year. This is unsustainable." "Our healthcare system was never designed to support a world where over half the population has a preventable, self-inflicted disease." The fight against obesity isn't about aesthetics, Osborn said — "nor is this a personal affront to overweight or categorically obese people. This is about survival." "The world has two choices: Act aggressively now or pay an unfathomable price later," he went on. "The time to fight obesity — relentlessly and unapologetically — is now." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was conducted by the GBD 2021 Adolescent and Adult BMI Collaborators. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for article source: Obesity will affect over half of adults in 25 years, study predicts
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Obesity will affect over half of adults in 25 years, study predicts
Obesity has long been classified as a global epidemic — and new data published in The Lancet journal spotlights how much worse it could get. A team of researchers found that in 2021, one billion men and 1.11 billion women over 25 years of age worldwide qualified as overweight or obese — twice as many as in 1990. In 2021, more than half of the world's overweight and obese adults lived in eight countries: China (402 million), India (180 million), the U.S. (172 million), Brazil (88 million), Russia (71 million), Mexico (58 million), Indonesia (52 million), and Egypt (41 million), according to a press release. This Disease Kills More People Than All Cancers And Accidents Combined If the increase continues at this same pace, the study projects that more than half (57.4%) of men and 60.3% of women will be overweight or obese by 2050. The three countries expected to have the highest rates of overweight or obesity by 2050 are China (627 million people), India (450 million) and the U.S. (214 million). Read On The Fox News App The study also found that by 2050, nearly one-quarter of obese adults will be 65 or older. The researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study, spanning 204 countries and territories. Ozempic's Health Benefits Keep Growing, But Are The Risks Worth It? "The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure," said lead author Professor Emmanuela Gakidou from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, in the release. "Governments and the public health community can use our country-specific estimates on the stage, timing and speed of current and forecasted transitions in weight to identify priority populations experiencing the greatest burdens of obesity who require immediate intervention and treatment, and those that remain predominantly overweight and should be primarily targeted with prevention strategies." Another finding was that "more recent generations are gaining weight faster than previous ones and obesity is occurring earlier." This increases the risk of younger people developing obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and multiple cancers. There were some limitations to the study, the researchers acknowledged. "Predictions are constrained by the quantity and quality of past data as well as systemic biases from self-reported data, which are likely to remain despite attempts to correct for bias," they wrote. They also noted that the definition of overweight and obesity is based on BMI (body mass index), "which does not account for variations in body structure across ethnic groups and subpopulations." The study also did not take into account the effects of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications and other interventions. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert at Senolytix, called out obesity as the "single greatest modifiable threat to longevity, economic stability and national security." "Yet, instead of confronting the problem head-on, our culture continues to coddle bad habits, normalize obesity and abandon personal responsibility," he said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Weight Loss May Be Helped By Drinking This, Study Suggests "This crisis is not about food deserts genetics or corporate greed — it's about choices. And we are making the wrong ones." The obesity crisis can be linked to sedentary lifestyles, ultraprocessed foods and an "entitlement mentality that demands a pill for every problem," according to Osborn. "The reality is simple: Obesity is caused by caloric surplus and a lack of movement," he said. "When you consistently eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. Period." If cases rise to the study's projections by 2050, Osborn warned that "obesity-related diseases will cripple healthcare systems worldwide." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "The recent Lancet study projects over 1.3 billion global diabetes cases and more than two million obesity-driven cancers annually," he said. "Cardiovascular disease will double in prevalence across multiple regions, and the economic burden will exceed $4 trillion per year. This is unsustainable." "Our healthcare system was never designed to support a world where over half the population has a preventable, self-inflicted disease." The fight against obesity isn't about aesthetics, Osborn said — "nor is this a personal affront to overweight or categorically obese people. This is about survival." "The world has two choices: Act aggressively now or pay an unfathomable price later," he went on. "The time to fight obesity — relentlessly and unapologetically — is now." For more Health articles, visit The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was conducted by the GBD 2021 Adolescent and Adult BMI Collaborators. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for article source: Obesity will affect over half of adults in 25 years, study predicts
