Latest news with #MarcSiegel
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ozempic users report surprising cravings for certain smells: Here's what to know
While Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have been shown to have myriad benefits, they can also present some unwelcome effects, primarily nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Some are also reporting changes in their sense of smell — sometimes referred to as "Ozempic smell" — as one of the lesser-known side effects of GLP-1 medications. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people taking these drugs could be suddenly drawn to sugary perfumes and scents, possibly even craving them. Is Ozempic Ruining Your Teeth? What To Know About Impact On Dental Health Some users on Reddit have reported unexpected cravings and appreciations for perfumes. "I started semaglutide in April last year and have lost 80lbs and gained a newfound appreciation for fragrances," wrote one user. Read On The Fox News App Another user replied, "My scent obsession started when I started my shots…" GLP-1 receptor agonists work by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps to regulate blood sugar and maintains a feeling of fullness. Originally created as an agent to treat diabetes, the class of medications has become a popular weight-loss solution. Weight-loss, Diabetes Drugs Linked To Vision Problems In Small Study The regions that control people's senses of taste and smell are also primary sources of this natural hormone, studies have shown. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, says that while he hasn't observed this phenomenon in his own patients, the medications do alter digestion. "I have seen an increase in reflux and burping related to delayed gastric emptying with these drugs," he told Fox News Digital. "This can lead to an acidic or sour taste, which could theoretically affect smell as well." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The reported side effect aligns with another trend: Gourmand fragrances (sweet-smelling, sugary perfume scents like cake batter and caramel) are rising in popularity, as reported by Forbes. The gourmand fragrance market has been rising in recent years, and is expected to exceed $35 billion in 2025, market research shows. Searches for "caramel perfume" in particular are expected to grow by 42% this year. So far, no specific studies have determined what link, if any, GLP-1 medications have to proclivity for sugary perfumes. "This [effect] would be in a relatively small number of cases," Siegel said, referring to patients who develop an olfactory sweet tooth. For more Health articles, visit Further research is required to investigate the potential link between GLP-1 medications and changes in perception of the way people taste and smell, he article source: Ozempic users report surprising cravings for certain smells: Here's what to know
Fox News
5 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Ozempic users report surprising cravings for certain smells: Here's what to know
While Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have been shown to have myriad benefits, they can also present some unwelcome effects, primarily nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Some are also reporting changes in their sense of smell — sometimes referred to as "Ozempic smell" — as one of the lesser-known side effects of GLP-1 medications. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people taking these drugs could be suddenly drawn to sugary perfumes and scents, possibly even craving them. Some users on Reddit have reported unexpected cravings and appreciations for perfumes. "I started semaglutide in April last year and have lost 80lbs and gained a newfound appreciation for fragrances," wrote one user. Another user replied, "My scent obsession started when I started my shots…" GLP-1 receptor agonists work by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps to regulate blood sugar and maintains a feeling of fullness. Originally created as an agent to treat diabetes, the class of medications has become a popular weight-loss solution. The regions that control people's senses of taste and smell are also primary sources of this natural hormone, studies have shown. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, says that while he hasn't observed this phenomenon in his own patients, the medications do alter digestion. "I have seen an increase in reflux and burping related to delayed gastric emptying with these drugs," he told Fox News Digital. "This can lead to an acidic or sour taste, which could theoretically affect smell as well." The reported side effect aligns with another trend: Gourmand fragrances (sweet-smelling, sugary perfume scents like cake batter and caramel) are rising in popularity, as reported by Forbes. The gourmand fragrance market has been rising in recent years, and is expected to exceed $35 billion in 2025, market research shows. Searches for "caramel perfume" in particular are expected to grow by 42% this year. So far, no specific studies have determined what link, if any, GLP-1 medications have to proclivity for sugary perfumes. "This [effect] would be in a relatively small number of cases," Siegel said, referring to patients who develop an olfactory sweet tooth. For more Health articles, visit Further research is required to investigate the potential link between GLP-1 medications and changes in perception of the way people taste and smell, he noted.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show
As cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are on the rise, experts are warning of the hidden dangers associated with some common medications and supplements. Statistics show that DILI, also known as toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity — which is known to be a significant cause of acute liver failure — has been growing in Western countries since the 1960s. Around one-fifth of the total population who are prescribed medications will experience DILI, according to recent research published in the journal Toxicology Reports. Common Daily Vitamin Could Slow Biological Aging, Major Study Suggests Potential triggers of liver injury include herbal products, dietary supplements and medications, the study found. Those with pre-existing liver conditions and nutritional deficiencies are at a higher risk, as are pregnant women. Read On The Fox News App One of the liver's main functions is to break down substances taken orally, including supplements and medications, according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). For some people, the process of metabolizing these substances can be slower, increasing the risk of liver damage. Colorectal Cancer Risk Reduced By This Common Vitamin, Study Suggests Even medications that have been tested for safety and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can potentially cause liver injury in rare cases, stated the ACG. Common symptoms of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, generalized itching, dark urine and jaundice, although some people may notice no signs, per the above source. Alcohol Drives Up Liver Transplant Demand In Young People The recent study in Toxicology Reports identified several drugs that are most likely to cause liver injury. Paracetamol (acetaminophen), a common over-the-counter pain reliever Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often used to treat headaches, fever and chronic inflammatory disorders Aspirin, a common over-the-counter medication used as a fever-reducer, pain reliever and blood thinner Nimesulide, an NSAID used to relieve pain and reduce fever Methotrexate, an antimetabolite medication that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, leukemia and other cancers Corticosteroids, which are used to treat conditions involving inflammation or overactive immune systems Isoniazid, a first-line treatment for tuberculosis Tetracyclines, a class of antibiotics that treat multiple types of bacterial infections Halothane, which is used as a general anaesthetic during surgical procedures Medications aren't the only agents that can cause drug-induced liver injuries. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, spoke with Fox News Digital about the risks of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) affecting the liver. "The biggest problem with herbal supplements is that the amount you are taking of active chemicals isn't strictly regulated, so you don't know exactly what you are getting," he said. "And since several of the supplements are metabolized through the liver, there is now an increasing incidence of liver toxicity in users." Cases of DILI linked to herbal or dietary supplements have nearly tripled between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers identified the following most commonly used botanical products known for potential liver toxicity. Turmeric, a common spice added to foods Green tea Ashwagandha, an herb used for stress and anxiety Garcinia cambogia, a popular weight-loss supplement Red yeast rice, which is said to help lower cholesterol levels Black cohosh, a dietary supplement used to relieve menopause symptoms It is estimated that at least 15.6 million U.S. adults have used at least one of these six botanical products within the past 30 days. Common Supplement Could Help You Live Longer, Research Suggests "The most commonly implicated botanical products in the DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) include turmeric, kratom, green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia, with potentially severe and even fatal liver injury," the study stated. Drug-induced liver injury caused by HDS can be severe or even fatal, leading to death or liver transplantation, the researchers noted. Fox News' Siegel also warned against the potential liver-related risks of some of these named supplements. "Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and may be useful in small doses, but can be toxic in large doses," he cautioned. "Garcinia cambogia is very popular, especially as a weight-loss agent, but there is no real evidence that it actually works, and there is no reason to take it, especially with the new GLP-1 drugs." While red yeast rice has cholesterol-lowering statin-type properties, Siegel cautioned that the amount of active chemicals isn't as strictly regulated as approved medications. "I find it useful in some patients who are reluctant to start statins and are looking for a more natural alternative, but I must strictly monitor the amount taken and the effect on the liver," he said. Regarding green tea, Siegel noted that it does have antioxidant properties and can be useful to consume as a beverage (though it has a lot of caffeine) — "but there is no reason whatsoever to take more of it in an extract, where it can be toxic." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The FDA states on its website that it does regulate dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients, but under "a different set of regulations than those covering 'conventional' foods and drug products." "Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded," the agency says. "That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended by DSHEA and FDA regulations." For more Health articles, visit Fox News Digital reached out to several researchers and the FDA regarding the rise in drug- and HSD-related liver article source: Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top honeymoon destination is hit by highly contagious disease as 108 cases are reported
A top honeymoon destination is seeing a major outbreak of a highly contagious disease. Hawaii health officials announced last week that pertussis - perhaps better known as whooping cough - is on the rise in the popular tourist hotspot at a 'worrying rate,' according to Spectrum Local News. As of May 15, the state had already recorded 108 cases this year - surpassing last year's total cases of 84, the State of Hawaii Department of Health reported. It called whooping cough a 'highly contagious respiratory disease' that spreads from bacteria through the air. At first, the symptoms can resemble a cold - but they can quickly progress to 'intense coughing fits.' In children, those fits could be followed by a 'deep breath' that makes a 'whooping sound' due to clogged airways that are not fully formed, Fox News reports. Complications from the disease 'can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated,' health officials warned. Those complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) - and even possibly death. 'Pertussis is insidious and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases - including viruses,' Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel warned. He explained that whooping cough - which is a bacterial infection - can be treated with routine antibiotics but it is 'easily missed.' 'The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults,' Siegel suggested. The DTaP (diptheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under the age of seven, while the Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) vaccine is available for older children and adults. Neha Pathak, WebMD chief physician editor, told Fox News that about 98 out of 100 children who get the DTaP vaccine are protected from the diseases for at least one year after a fifth dose and about 70 percent are still protected up to five years later. She also said she suggests pregnant woman get the Tdap jab during their third trimester to pass antibodies onto their newborns who are too young to get the DTaP vaccine. Dr. Siegel further claimed that DTaP is 'highly effective' in children with nearly 100 percent protection with appropriate dosages. Still, multiple doses are also generally recommended for infants, children and adults. But in Hawaii, health officials say vaccination rates 'for all routinely-recommended vaccinations for school entry - including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chicken pox)' have declined since 2019. Its vaccination levels are now even below the national average, according to Hawaii News Now. 'The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy,' Pathak said. In fact, the rise in pertussis cases in Hawaii comes as experts warn America is poised for a measles explosion if vaccine rates continue to fall at their current pace. The research from Stanford University estimates that just a five percent decline in coverage with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) would lead to an estimated 5.7 million measles cases and at least 2,500 deaths over the next 25 years. That's the equivalent of 228,000 cases and 320 deaths each year. And in a devastating scenario, a 50 percent decline in vaccinations could flood the country with the life-threatening disease, potentially leading to 51 million cases, including 10.3 million hospitalizations and between 151,200 and 164,700 deaths. For context, the US has confirmed 5,567 measles cases over the past 25 years, averaging 223 per year. In 2019 alone, there were nearly 1,300 cases; in 2020, just 13. If rates stay where they are, the US could lose its measles elimination status within two decades. The US is facing its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, centered in Gaines and Lubbock counties, West Texas, where just 74 percent and 92 percent of children are vaccinated, respectively. Texas has confirmed 728 measles cases so far, with over 400 in Gaines County alone. Two children in Texas and one in New Mexico have died. New Mexico has reported 71 cases. Hawaii also confirmed two cases in April, but health officials since concluded there was no further spread. Still, health officials in the Aloha State warn they are not out of the woods on that yet, either. 'Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year,' they said in the news release last week. 'The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii and DOH recommends continued vigilance efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate.' It then stressed its 'strong' recommendation for children and adults to stay up-to-date on all vaccinations.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
While cases of measles continue to spread throughout the U.S., Hawaii is reporting a new type of infectious spread. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise at a "worrying rate" in the Aloha State, the State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed last week in a news release. As of May 15, there have been 108 cases of pertussis reported, already exceeding the 84 total cases in 2024. Cdc Removes Covid Vaccine Recommendation For Healthy Children And Pregnant Women The DOH labeled pertussis a "highly contagious respiratory disease" that spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Symptoms often resemble a cold but can progress to "intense coughing fits." Read On The Fox News App For children, these coughing fits can be followed by a "deep breath" that makes a "whooping" sound. "Health complications can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated," the DOH warned. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) and death. Doctors Warn Of 'Trifecta' Of Chronic Illnesses Plaguing Americans After Maha Report The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination, according to the DOH. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under 7 years old and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is for older children and adults. Multiple doses are generally recommended for infants, children and adults. "High vaccination rates protect individuals and communities and prevent cases from becoming outbreaks," the agency noted. "However, vaccination rates for all routinely recommended vaccinations for school entry – including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chickenpox) – have declined nationally and in Hawaii since 2019." Measles Outbreaks Emerge Across Us: See Which States Have Reported Cases Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel confirmed that Hawaii is below the national average in terms of childhood vaccines, noting that the DTaP vaccine is "highly effective" in children, with close to 100% protection with appropriate dosages. "Pertussis is insidious, and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases, including viruses," Siegel told Fox News Digital. "Pertussis, which is a bacteria, can be treated with antibiotics like doxycycline but is easily missed. The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults." Siegel explained that the "characteristic whoop" sound among children is caused by clogged airways that are not yet well-developed. Is Mmr Vaccine Safe For Kids? Dr. Nicole Saphier Addresses Concerns As Measles Cases Rise About one-third of babies under 1 year who contract whooping cough are at risk of hospitalization, according to the doctor. "The best protection is for everyone around them to be vaccinated," he said. "Pertussis outbreaks are now connected to a drop-off in early childhood vaccination." Neha Pathak, MD, WebMD chief physician editor, echoed that pertussis is "still a significant public health threat," especially for infants and people with weakened immune systems. "The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine offers strong protection to children — about 98 out of 100 children are protected for at least a year after the fifth dose, and about 70% are still protected for up to five years," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. While vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) can provide lifelong protection, pertussis immunity decreases over time, which means boosters are necessary for adolescents and adults, Pathak noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy," she commented. "Pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to pass antibodies to their newborns, protecting them before they can be vaccinated," the doctor suggested. Hawaii confirmed two cases of measles in early April and concluded there was no further community spread. Despite the current situation being under control, the health department warned that measles exposure is still a threat among travelers. For more Health articles, visit "Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year," the department noted. "The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii, and DOH recommends continued vigilance and efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate." The DOH stressed its "strong" recommendation for children and adults to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations for disease article source: American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn
