Latest news with #GLP1
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
How Ozempic Impacts Beauty Standards By Changing Your Smile
In an era where social media fuels our obsession with perfection, a new beauty anxiety has emerged from an unexpected source. As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic promise rapid weight loss, users are discovering that achieving the "ideal" body may come with an unintended trade-off: a transformed smile that doesn't match society's beauty standards. The phenomenon, dubbed "Ozempic mouth," has become increasingly visible as celebrities and influencers showcase dramatic physical changes following prolonged use of these medications. What was once celebrated as a medical breakthrough for weight management has revealed a complex relationship between our pursuit of one beauty ideal and the unintended consequences that can undermine our confidence in other ways. How Your Smile Changes Because Of Ozempic Fat loss in the cheeks and jawline, common side effects of rapid weight loss, can cause gums to appear more prominent and smiles to look aged or sunken. For many, this creates a cruel irony: achieving the body they wanted while potentially compromising the smile they once loved. This shift reflects our ever-evolving beauty standards, where one "fix" can inadvertently create another perceived flaw. As Dr. Sandra García Martin, founder of DR. S LONDON on Harley Street, observes, she's witnessing increasing numbers of patients seeking solutions for oral health issues that weren't present before their weight loss journey began. The Medical Reality Behind "Ozempic Mouth" The dental changes associated with GLP-1 drugs extend far beyond cosmetic concerns. Dr. Martin has documented a range of oral health issues in her patients, including xerostomia (chronic dry mouth) leading to reduced saliva production, gum inflammation and recession that can permanently alter smile appearance, delayed healing following dental procedures like extractions or implant placement, altered taste sensation affecting eating habits and oral care, and increased tooth decay due to reduced protective saliva. "Dentists should check for signs of xerostomia, increased caries, gingival inflammation, and tooth wear suggesting bruxism that wasn't there previously," Dr. García Martin explains. The mechanism behind these changes is multifaceted. Ozempic's appetite-suppressing effects often lead to reduced fluid intake and dehydration. Additionally, according to Harvard Medical School, the gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, and silent reflux expose teeth to harmful stomach acids. Many patients unknowingly worsen the problem by consuming acidic beverages like citrus water or flavored teas to combat nausea. Professional Solutions To Prevent and Treat "Ozempic Mouth" Dental professionals are developing targeted approaches to address these challenges. Dr. Ali from Emerdency emphasizes the importance of protective strategies, explaining, 'We need to look at remineralization strategies such as gentle brushing, fluoride treatments, and avoiding brushing immediately after reflux episodes.' Immediate protective measures include prioritizing hydration throughout the day, rinsing with bicarbonate water or fluoride mouthwash after vomiting episodes, maintaining a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages, and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. As Dr. Ali notes, "avoid sugary and acidic foods and book frequent dental check-ups to look out for early signs of gum issues or enamel wear. You can also chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva and use fluoride toothpaste." Professional treatments may involve regular fluoride varnish applications, saliva stimulants for persistent dry mouth, antimicrobial rinses used judiciously to prevent staining, and protective restorations or composite bonding for severely damaged enamel. Dr. Martin adds that while these dental treatments can help, antimicrobial rinses should only be used for short periods as they can stain teeth. Don't ignore warning signs that could indicate serious dental damage. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience new cavities appearing rapidly, persistent dry mouth despite increased water intake, increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, loose, cracked, or shifting teeth, or chronic bad breath that doesn't improve with oral hygiene. How Ozempic Can Impact Mental Health The mental health implications of Ozempic and other weight loss drugs cannot be understated. In a society where a bright, full smile is synonymous with youth, health, and attractiveness, changes to oral appearance can trigger significant anxiety and self-consciousness. Social media's relentless focus on aesthetic perfection only amplifies these concerns, creating pressure to address every perceived imperfection. As medical interventions become increasingly accessible, we must develop a more nuanced understanding of the trade-offs involved in pursuing physical transformation. The key is to make informed decisions with comprehensive support from medical and dental professionals.
Medical News Today
8 hours ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Does semaglutide really contribute to vision loss?
As the popularity of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss continues to increase, more research is being done to further examine potential side effects of these medications. One such side effect is possible eye issues and vision loss, for which there is currently a great deal of conflicting studies link GLP-1 use to an increased risk for ocular diseases such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), diabetic retinopathy, papillitis, and optic nerve disorders. A new study reports that using semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk for eye disorders or diabetic this new study found a connection between semaglutide use and NAION, researchers say that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive connection between the two. As the popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) used for the treatment of diabetes and in some cases for weight loss continues to increase, more research is being done to further examine potential side effects of these medications. One such side effect is possible eye issues and vision loss, for which there is currently a great deal of conflicting information. For example, a study published in July 2024 found participants taking semaglutide — the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy — were potentially at a higher risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Research published in February 2025 linked use of both semaglutide and tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro — to not only an increased risk for NAION, but also papillitis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy. More recently, two studies published earlier this month showed similar findings. One study discovered that those taking semaglutide or tirzepatide may be at a higher risk of developing NAION than previously reported, as well as an increased risk of developing other optic nerve while the second study did not find a correlation between GLP-1 use and an increased risk for NAION, it did report a possible heightened chance for diabetic an additional study, also published this month in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, reports that semaglutide is not associated with an increased risk for eye disorders or diabetic while the study did find a connection between semaglutide use and NAION, researchers say that the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive connection between the two. Why is there so much conflicting information on GLP-1s and eye issues? For those currently using or considering using GLP-1 medications, it can be confusing and frustrating to have multiple studies with differing — and sometimes conflicting — findings around a potential risk to eye health and vision. 'We've seen a couple of studies now that are coming out, especially because of how regularly these medications are being used now,' Benjamin Bert, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA — who was not involved in any of these studies — told Medical News Today.'And as expected, when we're talking about rare diseases, especially things like NAION, we do see some variability in the results that have been coming out,' added Bert.'Most of the research that's been published, including one of these two recent studies, does continue to support the idea that there is an increased risk of NAION occurring in patients that are taking these GLP-1 medications,' he continued.'It really just tells me that it's important, again, to go over all the risks and benefits with the patients of these different medications, and just let them know, hey, this is something new, we're still finding out about it, but there have been these reports of increasing the incidence,' Bert told us. 'We are seeing so many patients utilizing these drugs [that] we will see other complications during patient use that some would attribute to side effects of the medication,' David I. Geffen, OD, FAAO, director of optometric and refractive services at the Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, CA, who was not involved in the research, explained to MNT. 'At this time early research in general shows the plus side of these medications outweighs some potential side effects.'Semaglutide not associated with diabetic retinopathy or eye disordersIn this most recent study, researchers conducted a systematic review of 78 clinical trials involving semaglutide use and ocular issues — including NAION, diabetic retinopathy, and eye disorders — encompassing more than 73,000 study participants. 'The risk of diabetic retinopathy came with the results of the SUSTAIN 6 trial, the first that compared the effect of semaglutide in cardiovascular outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes,' Fernando Gerchman, MD, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil and senior author of this study, told MNT. 'Observational data demonstrated a possible association between semaglutide and NAION,' Gerchman continued. 'This was replicated for others, but not in all studies published that look at this. We had the unique opportunity to meta-analyze with data derived from clinical trials. Our results confirmed these findings. However, there is some imprecision in our analyses and our findings need to be replicated.' Upon analysis, researchers found that semaglutide use was not associated with an increased risk for diabetic retinopathy or eye disorders. And although they did find a correlation between semaglutide use and NAION, scientists believe the evidence currently available is not enough to establish a definitive conclusion and more studies are needed.'These findings reassure [those] who prescribe semaglutide about the safety of doing that in diabetes and obesity,' Gerchman said. 'The risk of NAION needs to be taken into account and may help to decide about a more conservative approach in the definition of beginning semaglutide for those subjects without a clear indication for that.'Do I need to worry about my eyes when taking Ozempic? When looking at the results of these studies, Bert said it's important to note that when looking at the increases of percentages, it demonstrates that it is still very, very rare for a condition like NAION to occur.'[This study] reported in the control population that it was about 0.02% of the patients (with NAION), and in the treated group, the ones that were taking the GLP-1 medications, it went up to 0.04%,' he explained. 'So you could kind of sensationalize it and say, look, it doubled the risk for the patients to take the medication. But again, 0.02 to 0.04 is such a small amount that the overall risk is still very low.' Geffen commented that it is hard to tell a patient not to take GLP-1 medications unless they are already at high risk for NAION.'I feel the benefits for overall health make it a risk for the average person to take,' he continued. 'We need better studies developed for all the potential side effects of GLP-1 medications, not just eye related ones. So far these meds seem a godsend for many individuals.' For those considering starting GLP-1 medications, Bert advised talking to their physician and endocrinologist, and make sure to have an annual eye exam. 'It would be beneficial to have a baseline exam before you start the medication,' he explained. 'And then if you are high risk, of course, have another exam done shortly after starting just to make sure that you're not one of the people that fall into one of those categories where there can be worsening of the disease.' 'I think it's most important that these types of research projects continue to be done, and the benefit of having our electronic medical record systems, and we see in other countries that have kind of universal systems, you can do these very large population-based statistical analyses. And I think that needs to be continued as we progress into using these medications for longer periods of time, to ensure that we know the entirety of the risks and the benefits of them. So I would like to just continue to see this research being done and all these details flushed out.' – Benjamin Bert, MD
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Canada approves Ozempic to reduce risk of diabetic kidney disease progression
(Reuters) -Canada's health regulator has approved Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug, Ozempic, to reduce the risk of kidney failure and disease progression, as well as death due to heart problems in diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease, the Danish drugmaker said on Tuesday. The approval makes Novo's Ozempic, which belongs to the GLP-1 class of drugs, the first approved treatment in Canada to address type 2 diabetes as well as related kidney disease progression, the drugmaker said. The drug gained U.S. approval for the same indication earlier this year.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Viking Therapeutics Rises as Phase 3 Trials and Oral Formulation Progress Accelerate
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is one of the 11 Best Short Squeeze Stocks to Buy Now. The company plans to accelerate the oral formulation of VK2735 following Phase 2 results and has also initiated Phase 3 VANQUISH registration trials. A microbiologist in protective gear studying samples in a laboratory. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX), based in San Diego, develops novel therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. The company's pipeline includes GLP-1/GIP and thyroid hormone receptor beta agonists for obesity, NASH, fibrosis, and rare genetic conditions like X-ALD, with multiple programs advancing through Phase II/III trials. On June 25, 2025, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) announced the initiation of Phase 3 VANQUISH registration trials for its subcutaneous obesity therapy, VK2735. The Phase 2 VENTURE study has previously yielded positive top-line results. Following Phase 2, the Phase 3 program includes two studies: VANQUISH-1, targeting approximately 4,500 adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, and VANQUISH-2, targeting approximately 1,100 adults with type 2 diabetes who are also obese or overweight. In both trials, the company will assess the efficiency and safety over 78 weeks. Additionally, Viking also plans to accelerate the development of an oral formulation of VK2735, with results obtained from the previously initiated Phase 2. Oral VK2735 at a 40-mg dose resulted in a 3.3% reduction in mean body weight versus placebo, with an excellent safety profile, even at higher doses. CNN noted a consensus Buy rating on the stock from 17 analysts. And with a 26.22% short float reflecting substantial short interest, Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) is gaining investor interest. While we acknowledge the potential of VKTX as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best REIT Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Stocks with Huge Catalysts on the Horizon Disclosure. None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Novo Nordisk (NVO) Receives FDA Approval for Wegovy
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is one of the Most Profitable Large Cap Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On August 15, Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) announced that the FDA had approved the use of its new drug Wegovy to treat adults with noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. The drug also moderates advanced liver fibrosis. The approval follows positive results from the ESSENCE trial, where the drug depicted better results compared to the placebo. At week 72, 36.8% of patients taking Wegovy improved their liver fibrosis without worsening steatohepatitis. Whereas the placebo only improved results in 22.4% of the patients. With the approval, Wegovy is now the first and only GLP-1 drug approved for noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. An elderly couple receiving insulin from a pharmacist, representing healthcare company's successful pharmaceutical products. Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is a global healthcare company specializing in diabetes and obesity care. While we acknowledge the potential of NVO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
