Latest news with #GLP
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Want Stability In 2025? Grow Slower, Serve Deeper, Stay Real
The siren call of scale is loud. Social media showcases startups ballooning overnight. Investors want big bets and fast returns. But for many small business owners, especially in 2025's unpredictable economy, that kind of speed feels less like success and more like risk. So, if you're not chasing hockey-stick growth, what should you be chasing? Strength. Stability. Impact. There are currently 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. This year, the most resilient in that group won't be those who grow the fastest — they'll be the ones who grow the deepest. That means investing in the places and people right in front of you, doing right by your customers even when it's inconvenient, and doubling down on relationships instead of automation alone. If you're looking for meaningful success that lasts, these four strategies can help you build it from the ground up. 1. Deepen your local roots When things get uncertain, people look closer to home. They want to know who they're doing business with. They want to feel like their dollars matter. And that's where your local connection becomes your superpower. Supporting your community isn't feel-good PR. It's smart strategy. Your neighbors are your most loyal potential customers, your most vocal advocates, and your clearest path to word-of-mouth growth. When you show up consistently and care about the people around you, they show up for you. That's not just theory; it's a lived strategy for many. As Austin Gardiner, founder and CEO of GL Pools, a local provider of commercial swimming pool services in San Diego, California, explains: 'We've always admired other local companies who have foregone geographic expansion to build deep relationships here in our city. There's sometimes a perception that this could limit growth, but for us, we believe the opposite — that re-investing our time and energy in one place can create a snowball effect that creates long-term momentum and awareness of our brand and services in our community.' Start here: Sponsor a local event. Collaborate with nearby vendors. Ask your customers not only what they want to buy, but also what they believe in. Community should be a two-way street. And when you show up for it, your business becomes more than just a place to shop. 2. Navigate with unwavering integrity In tight markets, shortcuts become tempting. But that's exactly when your integrity matters most. Being transparent — about pricing, supply chain issues, limitations, or even mistakes — builds long-term trust, the kind that no marketing budget can buy. Integrity isn't about perfection; it's about consistency. When customers know you're honest, they'll return, even when your competitor might be cheaper or faster. Transparency in business doesn't just build trust. It drives long-term success. That success may not show up on your balance sheet right away, but it can pay dividends in reputation, referrals, and resilience. Start here: Revisit your customer policies. Are they clear? Are they fair? Do they reflect the values you want to be known for? Your reputation is one of the few assets that appreciates in hard times. 3. Prioritize the human touch We're surrounded by bots, scripts, and auto-responders. And while those tools have their place in the business world, they can't replace what makes your company stand out: you. Your team. Your voice. Human service is still what people crave. Not because they expect perfection but because they want to feel seen. That sense of being seen isn't accidental; it's something you have to build with intention. As Gardiner explains, technology can support it but never replace it: 'Sincerity and empathy are the two foundational human elements that will always be needed to build lasting customer relationships. Technology can help us to improve both by giving us a clearer picture of our customers and their needs before they ever even reach out to us. When we can anticipate our customers' needs, and still deliver the human service they crave, we think we're hitting the sweet spot.' Start here: Consider how your customer interactions feel, not merely how fast they are. Are you building rapport, or just solving tickets? Can customers reach a real person when it matters most? Don't outsource empathy. 4. Focus on sustainable impact over rapid growth Don't feel pressured to chase every fleeting trend or prioritize aggressive scaling above all else. It's easy to get caught up in comparison, seeing others expand quickly or pivot toward whatever's buzzy. But sustainable success doesn't come from speed. It comes from clarity. Leadership consultant Ron Ashkenas writes in Harvard Business Review: 'Unless you have unlimited resources, you probably can't continue with your current strategy at full bore and take on something new. In some cases, the appeal of doing something new might actually divert or distract you and your team from the specific goal you are trying to attain.' When you stay anchored to your goals and values — your local community, your integrity, and your relationships — you build something that lasts. That's the kind of business that earns loyalty, adapts with purpose, and survives the ups and downs that come with any economy. Start here: Define what success looks like for you. Is it showing up for your community? Creating a great place to work? Becoming a trusted name in your city? If something doesn't support your core goals, it might be worth passing up, even if it looks exciting in the moment. Anchor your growth in what matters In 2025, success looks different than it did five years ago. For small business owners like you, the path forward isn't paved with speed. It's carved out by consistency, trust, and humanity. Growth will come, but it'll come from the strength of your roots, not the flash of your tactics. So dig in. Be honest. Stay human. That's not just how you survive — it's how you build something that truly lasts.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Weight loss jab Mounjaro linked to lower dementia risk
Academics said the benefits of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro – including for managing weight and blood sugar levels – are well known, but other health benefits of the popular drugs remain 'unclear'. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine date on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Around half were given GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. GLP agonists can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. 📢Important update Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025. ✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria ✅No need to contact your doctor More: During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Recommended reading: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Recommended reading: Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'Although interesting, we can't draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear. 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
Western Telegraph
6 days ago
- Health
- Western Telegraph
Weight loss jab Mounjaro linked to lower dementia risk
Academics said the benefits of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro – including for managing weight and blood sugar levels – are well known, but other health benefits of the popular drugs remain 'unclear'. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine date on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. — Paul Wischmeyer MD (@Paul_Wischmeyer) July 4, 2025 Around half were given GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. GLP agonists can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. 📢Important update Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025. ✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria ✅No need to contact your doctor More: — NHS Dorset (@NHSDorset) June 23, 2025 During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Recommended reading: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Recommended reading: Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'Although interesting, we can't draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear. 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Weight loss jabs 'could lower risk of dementia', scientists find
A new study found weight loss injections may help reduce the risk of dementia and stroke in people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes Weight loss injections could potentially prevent dementia and stroke, a recent study suggests. The research also indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who use these medications may have a lower risk of premature death. Academics note the benefits of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight and blood sugar management are well-documented, but that other potential health benefits remain "unclear". The study involved Taiwanese experts analysing data from 60,000 global participants, averaging 58-years-old, all of whom had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approximately half were administered GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – marketed as Wegovy and Mounjaro respectively. Semaglutide is also the primary component in the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic. GLP agonists can curb appetite, slow digestion, decrease liver-produced sugar, and stimulate insulin production when necessary. The remaining participants used alternative anti-diabetic drugs. Over a seven-year follow-up period, it was observed that those given the GLP agonist drugs seemed to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke, reports Plymouth Live. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. Further analysis revealed even greater benefits among participants aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Reacting to the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.'
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Weight loss jab Mounjaro linked to lower dementia risk
Academics said the benefits of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro – including for managing weight and blood sugar levels – are well known, but other health benefits of the popular drugs remain 'unclear'. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine date on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. — Paul Wischmeyer MD (@Paul_Wischmeyer) July 4, 2025 Around half were given GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. GLP agonists can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. 📢Important update Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025. ✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria ✅No need to contact your doctor More: — NHS Dorset (@NHSDorset) June 23, 2025 During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Recommended reading: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Recommended reading: Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'Although interesting, we can't draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear. 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
