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A new study out of Lebanon finds that apple cider vinegar reduces the body mass index, triglycerides, and cholesterol of overweight people.

Drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before consuming food helped overweight people shed up to 18 pounds in just three months, a new study out of Lebanon has found.

Apple cider vinegar could be a promising antiobesity supplement that does not produce any side effects, study author Dr. Rony Abou-Khalil, of Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, declared in a statement to SWNS.

Apple cider vinegar, the fermented juice from crushed apples, has been shown in research to lower blood glucose levels after meals and reduce appetite. Now, the Lebanon study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, finds that the popular salad dressing ingredient also reduces the body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (a type of fat in blood), and cholesterol of overweight people.

The study included 46 males and 74 females at an average age of 17 who were overweight or obese, with a BMI between 27 and 34.

The 120 young participants were divided into four groups.

The first three groups drank 5, 10, or 15 milliliters of apple cider vinegar every morning before breakfast, for 12 weeks.

The fourth group was given a dummy placebo liquid.

The participants recorded their eating habits in a diet diary and provided information on their physical activity.

The researchers found that each of the three quantities of apple cider vinegar made a difference in waist and hip measurements and body fat ratio.

Those drinking the highest dose of 15 milliliters, about a tablespoon, experienced the largest decrease in weight loss and BMI after 12 weeks, dropping from an average of 170 pounds to around 155 pounds.

At 10 milliliters, about 2 teaspoons, the participants average weight went from 174 pounds to 159 pounds, and at 5 milliliters, about 1 teaspoon, they dropped from 174 pounds to 163 pounds.

Their BMIs fell from 31 to nearly 27 depending on their dosage.

The study sample was small, so potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings, and a period of 12 weeks isnt long enough to gauge the possible long-term side effects of apple cider vinegar, Abou-Khalil acknowledged about the findings.

But Abou-Khalil hopes that the results of the study might contribute to evidence-based recommendations for the use of apple cider vinegar as a dietary intervention in the management of obesity.

Shane McAuliffe the senior visiting academic associate for NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health said future apple cider vinegar studies would need to include detailed reporting of dietary recall or nutritional intake and further explore the impact on biochemical markers (lipids and blood glucose) in addition to weight loss.

While the results are promising, experts have advised against calling apple cider vinegar a cure-all, warning that over-indulgence can erode tooth enamel and exacerbate acid reflux.

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Lose up to 18 pounds in 3 months with 'promising' supplement: study - AOL

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Summary

Devin Hoofman has transformed her physique since appearing on 90 Day Fianc season 10. The 24-year-old joined the show alongside Seungdo Nick Ham, Devin's now husband. She quickly gained attention because of her looks, which changed drastically between episode 1 and Tell All. In March 2024, Devin revealed the real reason she got into shape and why she gained weight in the first place. Devin said she had put on a lot of weight from binge-drinking and eating, adding that she did it to cope with the anxiety from filming the show.

Like most cast members who drastically change their looks, Devins transformation isn't surprising. Many accused Nick of making her insecure by calling her piggy, pushing her to change herself. Others felt her newfound confidence likely allowed her to become more self-loving. Devin has shared her weight-loss transformation on social media, showing her followers how much she has changed. Her Instagram posts also tell the whole story of her extraordinary weight loss, showing exactly how she gained weight and dropped it.

Devin looked beautiful when she debuted on 90 Day Fianc season 10; however, she clearly was unhappy with herself, which kick-started her weight-loss journey. Devins pictures from 2017 show she had a slender physique and a more youthful style. She wore colorful outfits and loved posting her photos on social media. One of her old pictures from December 2017 shows her sporting a red dress alongside long black shoes. Devin also has brown hair in her old photo instead of blonde.

In December 2023, Devin posted her wedding photo album, where she wore her gorgeous and elegant white wedding gown. She looked charming and very happy. As expected, Devins post got many lovely comments from her 90 Day Fianc co-stars. Anali Vallejos wrote, the most beautiful bride! Citra Herani commented, So jealous I wish I had that photographer. Devin got thousands of likes from her followers, showing her love.

Throughout Devins run on 90 Day Fianc, she never looked overweight. Instead, she always had a glow and a sweet smile that oozed positivity. Even when Nick called Devin piggy, she would laugh and respond nicely. Devin told her parents that Nick's words didnt bother her. She had an average physique throughout the season and never looked unfit or unhealthy. She and Nick even looked perfect together during their wedding ceremony.

Devin shocked fans with her weight-loss transformation when she posted a full-body photo of herself in January 2024. Devin stood alongside her co-star, Clayton Clark, and her husband, Nick, but stood apart because of her new slimmer physique and radiant glow. She captioned her post, we had a very nice time, highlighting that shes happier than ever. The reality star sported a cute short jacket alongside a white crop top, proudly showing off toned mid-drift. Devin looked more confident than ever, appearing calm and content with herself while exploring Atlanta, Georgia.

Whether Nicks name-calling against Devin was malicious or not, it did both her in some way. Compared to Devin, Nick's fashion sense is average at best and isn't much fitter than she was. Hes no longer the smaller one in the relationship, which gives Devin a chance to call him a name if she wants to. She has achieved a model-like physique, and most of her new photos show that.

Devin has upped her fashion sense. In December 2023, she shared a video, revealing what she would've worn on 90 Day Fianc if she had more confidence while filming.

She wrote, outfits I wouldve worn on 90 Day Fianc if I had more confidence and less wardrobe restriction.

In the video, Devin wore several outfits, showing her true style. She wore denim shorts, white socks, and black shoes, looking like an urban artist. She then sported glasses, a cute black top, baggy jeans, and heavy boots. The 90 Day Fianc star also wore other cute outfits, like a black dress.

While Devin looked great throughout 90 Day Fianc, her video proved that she gained a lot of confidence after losing weight. Fans also love Devins self-assured personality, as many are impressed with how she's changed, which fans praise her for in the comments. In her outfit video, many followers congratulated Devin for rediscovering herself. While one social media user commented, you are beautiful with any outfit, another wrote, looks beautiful as always!! People are happy that Devin is now free to be herself.

During the 90 Day Fianc season 10 Tell All, Devin shared that she had lost a lot of weight since filming. One 90 Day Fianc fan account, 90dayfianceupdate, recently shared Devins look from Tell All, where she looks incredibly different from how she used to look. She has a sharp jawline and prominent collar bones. A social media user commented on the post, I thought no way she lost 100 lbs. Hopefully, the 90 Day Fianc star will continue to focus on staying healthy.

90 Day Fianc: Happily Ever After? season 8 premieres Sunday, March 17 at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.

Sources: Devin Hoofman/Instagram, Devin Hoofman/Instagram, Devin Hoofman/Instagram, Devin Hoofman/Instagram, 90dayfianceupdate/Instagram

90 Day Fiance is a reality TV series that follows the trials and tribulations of Non-U.S. citizens who travel from abroad each season to meet their potential spouses utilizing a K-1 visa. This three-month visa gives the pair 90 days to determine whether or not their romantic and life goals are aligned before they're forced to return home unmarried. Drama and tension unfold as the couples navigate the tricky dynamics of international marriage.

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90 Day Fianc: Devin Hoofman's Extraordinary Weight Loss Milestone (See Her Body Transformation In Pictures) - Screen Rant

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By Charles Passy

Winfrey has faced backlash since announcing she's taken a weight-loss medication - and now she's hosting a TV special about the injectable drugs

Leave Oprah alone.

Yes, Oprah Winfrey has been in the news of late for her decision to sell her stake in WW International (WW) (otherwise known as WeightWatchers) and exit the company's board. The decision came after Winfrey announced, to considerable backlash, that she was taking a weight-loss drug to help her in her longtime battle to lose some pounds and keep them off.

Now, Winfrey is even going back to television to talk about the whole category of injectable drugs, such as Ozempic (NVO), Wegovy (NVO) and Mounjaro (LLY). "An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution" will air on ABC (DIS) on March 18 and stream on Hulu the following day.

Winfrey had once said using a weight-loss drug was "the easy way out." And indeed, as the public face of WeightWatchers, a company that touted a more traditional diet-based approach to battling obesity, one could see why Winfrey might have made such a remark.

But after changing course and admitting to hopping on the medication bandwagon, Winfrey was labeled a hypocrite on social media. Some also likely saw her announcement as opportunistic and self-serving given that it followed WW's acquisition of Sequence, a company that provides access to the popular fat-fighting medications..

Either way, Winfrey was bound to face some criticism if for no other reason than the fact many view the new wave of drugs as the lazy person's solution to shedding pounds. It's the whole why-don't-you-just-have-more-willpower? stigma that has always been part of the weight-loss discussion.

It's unclear if and how any of this may have played a part in Winfrey's decision to leave WW. Winfrey issued a statement, saying, "I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in elevating the conversation around recognizing obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity."

But as someone who has spent all their adult life dealing with a weight problem, I go back to what I said up top: Leave Oprah alone.

'It's never fun being fat'

It's never fun being fat. It drains you physically. It subjects you to all sorts of verbal and emotional abuse - crass remarks from strangers at a bar, sneering looks from airplane passengers when you try to squeeze into your assigned seat.

And perhaps worst of all, it forever leaves you thinking it's all your own fault and forever has you searching for a solution in turn. More often than not, you don't want to do things the "easy" way because you want to show the world you can beat this thing.

Until you finally realize it's not, well, so easy.

At my heaviest about 15 years ago, I weighed nearly 300 lbs. and had roughly crossed the line into the "morbidly obese" category. Now, at age 60, I'm down around 90 pounds. I'm happier and healthier, even if I recognize my journey is far from over. Obesity is very much a chronic disease and it must be treated as such, medical experts increasingly note.

But to get to where I am, I also had to stop thinking that relying on my own sheer will, as in sticking to any of the gazillion diets I've tried, could be the solution. In my case, that involved making two key decisions.

To be fat is to live with a constant mirror, real or imagined, in front of you, asking yourself, "Why am I this way?"

First, I had weight-loss surgery - specifically, the gastric-band (or LAP-Band) procedure that restricts the amount of food you can easily consume. That got me about halfway there. And when the new weight-loss drugs came on the market, I followed a doctor's advice and went on one of them - namely, Mounjaro - and dropped the rest.

How do I relate my story to Winfrey's? Like I said, I was long skeptical of solutions that didn't align with some preconceived notion about the right way to lose weight. But it's also because I know how confusing it all is: To be fat is to live with a constant mirror, real or imagined, in front of you, asking yourself, "Why am I this way?"

I'm hardly alone, of course. Oprah and I have lots of people in our camp. (For the record, nearly 40% of U.S. adults are obese.) And I suspect most of us live with a degree of shame - the very shame Winfrey spoke about when she revealed she was taking a weight-loss drug after years of struggle (she has yet to reveal which one she's been prescribed).

And it's all compounded by a society that questions if our weight-loss is "earned" if it's via drugs.

Just listen to the story of Anne Ahola Ward, a 45-year-old resident of Austin, Texas. Like me, Ward has struggled with a weight problem her whole life, but has lost 63 pounds in the past year after being prescribed Wegovy. Still, she feels the stinging judgment of others in her decision to go the drug route.

"How is it anybody's business the choices I've made?" she told me.

Plus, there's an important context here: Most of us fighting to get thinner aren't doing this so we can enter some beauty contest. We're literally fighting for our lives, given all the medical issues - heart disease, cancer, you name it - associated with obesity. The weight-loss drugs then become those lifesavers.

Dr. Michael Glickman, a Washington, D.C.-based physician who specializes in obesity medicine, said we need to see the weight-loss medications in the same way we look at cancer treatments, like radiation or chemotherapy. What's needed is needed.

"You would never tell a friend who has cancer, 'Why don't you go out and get more exercise?'" Glickman told me.

The irony to all this is that weight-loss drugs should not be viewed so much as a solution, but rather as a tool.

That is, you don't magically shed pounds when you're on them. But they help with reducing cravings - I can certainly attest to that - so it's easier to maintain a proper diet. In the end, you still need to do the work, which typically means being on a sensible eating plan, such as that promoted by WeightWatchers, and getting in some exercise.

As Winfrey herself explained last year of her regimen: "It's not one thing. It's everything."

Let's respect Winfrey for finally finding that "everything" and being frank about her weight-loss journey. I, for one, wish her nothing but the best.

-Charles Passy

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-09-24 1405ET

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Oprah to host ABC special on weight-loss drugs. Why people should stop criticizing her for taking them. - Morningstar

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Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk teased promising early-stage trial results of its experimental weight loss pill amycretin last week, resulting in the companys stock surging.

Does Novo Nordisk already have the next Ozempic?

On Mar. 7, the company told investors that a small trial of the pill found that it could be twice as effective as the companys current blockbuster weight loss drug.

Does Novo Nordisk already have the next Ozempic?

A day later, Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen said that amycretin could develop into a best-in-class medicine.

Novo Nordisk is credited with ushering in the weight loss drug revolution after the FDA approved its drug Wegovy in 2021. Before that, the firms diabetes medication Ozempic had become known for its slimming side effects. Since then, skyrocketing demand for Ozempic and Wegovy has turned Novo Nordisk into the most valuable company in Europe, surpassing luxury conglomerate LVMH last year. Sales of the medications even helped boost Denmarks GDP by 1.8% in 2023.

Now, news of this next-gen weight loss drug lifted the companys market cap above Teslas and made it the12th-most valuable company in the world.

Here is everything you need to know about the powerful pill that has whipped investors into a frenzy.

The main difference between amycretin and Wegovy is that the former stimulates two different gut hormones while the latter only stimulates one.

In addition to stimulating glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), like Wegovy, amycretin also stimulates amylin. Both GLP-1 and amylin impact blood sugar levels and appetite.

Another major difference between the two medications, is that amycretin is taken once daily as a pill and Wegovy is a weekly injection.

A small ongoing trial of the drug on obese Japanese men found that the pill helped users lose an average of 13% of their body weight after 12 weeks. For comparison, a larger clinical trial of Wegovy found that it helped users lose about 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Its important to note that larger phase II, III, and IV trials, involving thousands more participants, could return different results.

Jrgensen told CNBC on Mar. 8, that he doesnt expect amycretin to completely replace Wegovy in the market.

We believe in the future, there will be different segments of anti-obesity treatments, different patients having different preferences, Jrgensen said. Some will prefer an injectable. And we really believe that a once-weekly injectable is a very convenient offering.

Novo Nordisk said its will begin a phase II trial of the drug in the second half of the year, however, results of the trial wont be available until early 2026.

Still, the companys head of development Martin Holst Lange told Reuters the drug could launch this decade.

I never commit to timelines but I would be very comfortable to say at the very least within this decade, Lange told the outlet.

Continue reading here:
Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk is working on a weight loss pill that's even more powerful. Here's what to know - Quartz

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Wegovy, the blockbuster weight loss drug, is now approved for a new use: reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular-related death in adults who have heart disease and are overweight or have obesity.

The new indication, which the Food and Drug Administration announced on Friday, will pave the way for even more patients to use the sought-after medication and could potentially broaden insurance coverage. The drugs maker, Novo Nordisk, said it had also filed for an expanded label in the European Union.

The F.D.A. approval was based on the results of a large study of over 17,000 adults ages 45 and older. Researchers either gave participants shots of Wegovy or a placebo and followed them for several years. Among those who received placebo shots, 8 percent had a heart attack, stroke or died from a cardiovascular event, compared with 6.5 percent of participants who took Wegovy.

While its not clear whether the effect of the drug is purely from weight loss, or whether the drug has other heart benefits, the data shows that when you treat obesity seriously in people who have a high burden of disease, you can get really good outcomes, said Dr. Melanie Jay, director of the N.Y.U. Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity.

The new indication comes at a challenging moment for the relatively new class of drugs that includes Wegovy and Ozempic. The medications are highly effective, but costly: Wegovy has a list price of over $1,300 for about a months supply. And doctors typically say patients may need to take these drugs for the rest of their lives. Those cost considerations have led some employers and health plans to stop covering the medications, or to limit access or cap spending amid soaring demand.

The updated label will likely deepen the pressure on payers and employers to cover the drugs. Many of the patients who could qualify for Wegovy under the new indication may be on Medicare, said Dr. Andrew Kraftson, clinical associate professor in the division of metabolism, endocrinology and diabetes at Michigan Medicine.

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Wegovy Approved By FDA to Reduce Heart Attack Risk - The New York Times

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Summary

My 600-lb Life alum, Krystal Stoor, didnt have an easy weight-loss journey while filming season 12. The reality show recently returned to TV and premiered with Krystal's story, a 36-year-old Idaho resident who struggled with obesity. The first episode of My 600-lb Life season 12 started with Krystal waking up and talking about her current situation. She revealed she lived with her parents but hated that they had to care for her like a child. Krystal also discussed being in constant pain, even allowing the film crew to film her in the shower.

Krystals family talked about how she had always struggled with weight, being nearly 105 pounds in kindergarten. They were worried about her health but couldnt do anything about her food addiction. Krystal talked about how she got run over by an SUV in childhood, and it became a pivotal point, resulting in her weight gain. She also got pregnant at a young age and went through multiple breakups, which pushed her toward obesity. Krystal revealed she was finally happy with her latest boyfriend, Damian; however, she wanted to lose weight before getting married, so she should have a fresh start.

Krystals weight-loss journey began when she decided to consult Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. While she was worried about the 25-hour trip, it didnt stop her from taking the first step toward a healthier life. When Krystal did her first weigh-in, she discovered she weighed 690 pounds; however, Krystal was happy she wasnt over 700 pounds, but Dr. Now quickly humbled her. The surgeon gave her some exercise options and lifestyle changes to allow her to drop enough weight so she's cleared for bariatric surgery.

Krystal began working on herself in the coming months, exercising twice a day and making rapid progress. She began planning her wedding with Damian and getting ready to become his wife. Halfway through her episode, Krystal finally took the big step and tied the knot with her boyfriend. She couldnt wait to lose more weight and have her first dance with him. Dr. Now kept encouraging Krystal to stay active, and she continued to make him proud by sticking to her routine. Ultimately, the My 600-lb Life star lost 186 pounds, reaching 505 pounds, and received theweight-loss surgery.

Like most My 600-Lb Life cast members, Krystal was excited about her new life after bariatric surgery. She felt free as she was able to be more active and social after years of being trapped. According to Distractify, Krystal returned to Idaho and began living in Idaho Falls as a stay-at-home mom. She also broke up with Damian, which was unfortunate, because she saw a future with him. In mid-2023, the My 600-lb Life star hinted more at a new relationship. Unfortunately, she didnt say much about her weight loss or ongoing lifestyle.

Krystal reached 505 pounds in 12 months. She dropped a lot of weight ahead of her weight-loss journey but has since not shared about her ongoing wellness journey. Krystal may return to My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now sometime in 2024 to share real-time updates on her life. Since Krystal is part of the latest season, it wouldnt be beneficial for her to share her updates. Shell likely share more about her life if she returns to the spin-off.

Many My 600-lb Life cast members face mistreatment outside the show. The preview clip of episode 1 showed Krystal at a grocery store with her family and noticed people making fun of her body. Luckily, Krystal had her family by her side and defended her by calling these people out for laughing and taking pictures of Krystal. The preview clip also showed Krystals daughter supporting her.

Things must have improved for Krystal over the last two years. At the end of her episode, she weighed 505 pounds, and Dr. Now even said Krystal should lose more weight post-surgery. The grocery incident occurred when Krystal was at her lowest point, weighing 690 pounds. However, Krystal has made efforts to improve herself since, and hopefully, she wont get the same reaction from people anymore.

Krystal is on social media but doesnt post much. She goes by Krystal Anglesey on Facebook, a newer account. According to her bio, she lost access to her other account and had to make a new one. Krystal has shared a few updates since the conclusion of her reality TV journey. She has seemingly moved to Idaho Falls, which she labels as her current city. She also started a relationship with Joey Ormsbee, which she discussed in November 2023.

Krystal hasnt posted many new photos since her weight-loss surgery and doesnt seem to have an Instagram. However, her new boyfriend is active on social media and has shared some recent pictures of Krystal. In January 2024, Joey posted a close-up selfie of Krystal, where she looked better than ever. Joey titled the post, isnt she beautiful yall, and got an immediate thank you from Krystal. The My 600-lb Life star looked much healthier and happier, suggesting shes likely to stick to her weight-loss regime and diet after the show.

My 600-lb Life airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on TLC.

Sources: Distractify, Krystal Anglesey/Facebook, Joey Ormsbee/Facebook

My 600-lb Life is a reality television series that airs on TLC. Since 2012, each episode follows a year in the life of a morbidly obese person. These individuals seek help from renowned bariatric surgeon, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, AKA Dr. Now. He performs weight loss and skin removal surgeries on the patients. My 600-lb Life is an inspiring series that documents the patients' setbacks and successes.

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What Happened To Krystal S. After My 600-Lb Life Season 12? - Screen Rant

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the weight-loss drug Wegovy as a treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults who are overweight, the first approval of its kind that could dramatically expand the already huge market for the drug.

Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient as diabetes drug Ozempic, already had FDA approval to treat patients who are obese or overweight. It has become a cultural sensation and a blockbuster, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue for its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy is now the first weight loss medication to also be approved to help prevent life-threatening cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight, John Sharretts, a director in the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement Friday.

We recognize how important this moment is for the millions of people who live with excess weight or obesity and known heart disease, and we will continue to advance options that put their needs first, Doug Langa, head of Novo Nordisks North American operations, said in a statement.

The FDAs expansion of Wegovys regulatory label comes after a closely watched clinical trial last year found that the drug dramatically reduced the risk of heart problems for overweight people. In a five-year study of more than 17,600 patients, Wegovy cut the risk of strokes, heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems by 20 percent among overweight adults with a history of heart disease. Expanding Wegovys regulatory label could also entice more insurers to cover the pricey drug, according to researchers and Wall Street analysts.

The result will pressure insurers and the federal government to cover this medication, said Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist at the Yale School of Medicine. It will be increasingly difficult to deny people access to these medications, as this is not about appearance but concerns health.

Wegovy, whose active ingredient is semaglutide, works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). It slows the emptying of the stomach and sends a signal of fullness to the brain.

Some financial analysts say GLP-1 drugs, as theyre sometimes called, including Eli Lillys tirzepatide-based products Mounjaro and Zepbound, could become the biggest-selling class of drugs ever. In a December report, Goldman Sachs compared Novo Nordisk and Eli Lillys innovations with Amazon and Apple, saying they have the opportunity to expand into categories far beyond what most investors are currently contemplating.

But their dominance is far from assured, as competitors large and small are creating their own weight-loss drugs that rival the market-leading drugs. In addition, the high cost of the drugs the list price for a months supply of Wegovy costs more than $1,300 means some employers and insurance plans have been reluctant to cover the medications. Undesirable side effects, including nausea and vomiting, can also limit how long patients are willing to take the weekly injectable drug.

Demand for Wegovy has been so intense that Novo Nordisk has struggled to churn out enough, leading the FDA to declare the drug in shortage beginning in March 2022. Novo and Lilly are racing to secure enough manufacturing power to keep up with the growing demand for their marquee products.

Denmark-based Novo said in January that it had begun boosting supplies of Wegovy in the United States, after curtailing starting doses last year to ensure there would be enough for existing patients. Then in February, Novos controlling shareholder acquired Catalent, a manufacturer based in New Jersey, an unusual move that would give the drugmaker three new manufacturing plants.

On the front lines of battling obesity, some doctors caution that the FDAs decision does not mean insurers will quickly embrace paying for the drugs. At the Stanford Lifestyle and Weight Management Center at Stanford University, insurers routinely deny patients who qualify for the weight-loss drugs, often for opaque reasons, said Dan Azagury, the centers medical director.

He said he doesnt expect that to change, but the FDAs decision on Wegovy gives physicians one more leg to stand on when they are trying to justify to insurance companies that this treatment is the right treatment.

Dana P. Goldman, an economist at the University of Southern California, said insurers will eventually be able to negotiate lower prices for GLP-1 drugs. We are going to see a very steep discount on these products in the next couple years, he said, adding, The challenge will be scaling up production.

Continued here:
FDA approves weight-loss drug Wegovy to reduce heart-disease risks - The Washington Post

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The popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, which has helped millions of Americans shed pounds, can now be used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks and other serious cardiovascular problems in patients who are overweight or who have obesity,federal regulators said Friday.

The Food and Drug Administration approved a label change requested by drugmaker Novo Nordisk that expands the use of semaglutide.

The decision was based on theresults of a studythat found that Wegovy cut the risk of serious heart problems including heart attack, stroke and heart-related deaths. Higher-weight patients with heart disease but not diabetes were 20% less likely to experience those problems compared with patients who took placebo, or dummy shots, the study found.

Wegovy is the first medication approved to help prevent the potentially life-threatening events in this population, the agency said.

Providing a treatment option that is proven to lower this cardiovascular risk is a major advance for public health, said Dr. John Sharretts, who directs FDAs division of diabetes, lipid disorders and obesity.

The move will change the way many heart patients are treated, said Dr. Martha Gulati, a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. It confirms that the new class of obesity medications are useful for improving health, not just losing weight.

The hope is that insurers will start understanding that this is not a vanity drug, said Gulati, who estimated that nearly 70% of her heart patients could be eligible for treatment.

Wegovy is a higher-dose version of Ozempic, the diabetes treatment that was previously approved to cut the risk of serious heart problems in people with that disease. The weight-loss drug typically costs about $1,300 a month.

Novo Nordisk has also asked European Union regulators to expand the use of the drug for heart problems. EU regulators have not weighed in on the request.

The FDA cautioned that Wegovy carries the risk of serious side effects, including thyroid tumors and certain cancers. Other possible side effects can include low blood sugar; pancreas, gallbladder, kidney or eye problems; and suicidal behavior or thinking.

About a third of the more than 17,600 participants in the clinical trial reported serious side effects. About 17% in the group that took Wegovy and about 8% of those who received placebo left the study because of those effects.

The new indication could increase coverage of the drug by Medicare, experts said. The federal health insurance program for older Americans is currently barred by law from covering drugs for weight loss alone. The agency spent nearly $3 billion in 2021 covering Ozempic to treat diabetes, according to latest available figures.

Im not sure it opens the floodgates, but it would open the door to allow more people on Medicare to gain access to Wegovy, said Tricia Neuman, a Medicare policy specialist at KFF, a nonprofit that researches health policy.

Private insurers will evaluate the new indication for Wegovy before making coverage decisions, said a spokesperson for AHIP, Americas Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group.

Drugmakers and obesity advocates have been pushing for expanded coverage,including legislationthat would require Medicare to pay for the obesity drugs.

At issue has been whether the cost of the expensive medications will be offset by the savings of reduced spending on medical care related to obesity and, now, heart disease.

One lingering obstacle to broader use is limited supply of the drug, which has beenin shortagefor more than a year, according to the FDA. Novo Nordisk officials say theyre working to increase production.

Wider access cant come soon enough, said Gulati.

Everybodys waiting to get this medication, she said. Lower the cost, dont be greedy and make sure the drug is available for use.

Read more:
Weight-loss drug Wegovy approved by FDA to cut heart attack, stroke risk - New York Post

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Media mogul, bread-lover, and weight-loss warrior Oprah Winfrey is releasing a new TV special on March 18 on ABC (and streaming on Hulu March 19) called An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution. This special will be exploring the controversial, growing trend of people using alternative methods to lose weight. It will feature a signature sit-down conversation with Oprah with medical experts and everyday people who have used Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and other prescription diabetes and weight loss medications.

In a press statement, Winfrey said, It is a very personal topic for me and for the hundreds of millions of people impacted around the globe who have for years struggled with weight and obesity.

The billionaire will talk to her guests about health equity and obesity, intending to ultimately release the shame, judgment, and stigma surrounding weight.

Oprah doesnt do anything without intention. And its obvious that from the start of her stance in the spotlight, Winfrey has dealt with weight loss issues and has been transparent about her struggle. Shes been scrutinized, judged, and ultimately shamed through the years for her weight loss journey.

Winfrey decided to rid herself of any shame attached to getting assistance with her weight loss. She told PEOPLE, The fact that theres a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. Im absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself. And now, she also wants the public to rid themselves of the shame with her special.

I had an awareness of [weight-loss] medications, but felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way, Winfrey said as she moderated a The State of Weight panel alongside obesity specialists Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford and Dr. Melanie Jay, psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman and Sima Sistani, the CEO of WeightWatchers in 2023. A very svelte Winfrey shared how she overcame her own shame related to taking medication to slim down, though avoiding details on what medication she took.

Winfrey said, Even when I first started hearing about the weight loss drugs, at the same time I was going through knee surgery, and I felt, Ive got to do this on my own. Because if I take the drug, thats the easy way out. She continued, It should be yours to own and not to be shamed about it. As a person whos been shamed for so many years, Im just sick of it. Im just sick of it. Im just sick of it.

Winfrey was also a spokesperson and board member for Weight Watchers, a weight loss lifestyle brand. She has since stepped down and proposed donating her 10% share in the company to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

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Oprah Winfrey To Address Ozempic And Other Weight Loss Aids In New TV Special - BET

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A SHOT of apple cider vinegar daily could help you lose weight in weeks, a study shows.

People who endured a sour start to the day shed up to 8kg (18lb) in just three months, Lebanese researchers found.

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They also had better blood sugar and cholesterol measures after starting the routine.

Researchers said new guidelines could suggest obese people start taking a daily dose of the vinegar although perhaps not on chips.

Dr Rony Abou-Khalil, of Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, said: Apple cider might have potential benefits in improving metabolic parameters related to obesity.

The results might contribute to evidence-based recommendations for the use of apple cider vinegar as a dietary intervention in the management of obesity.

Around a quarter of English adults are obese, with a further 38 per cent overweight but not obese.

More than one billion people around the world are now obese, according to the World Health Organization.

Research has shown overweight people cost the NHS an extra 13.7billion a year.

Obesity is linked with a range of deadly conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and various forms of cancer.

Previous studies have shown drinking a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar can help people lose up to 4lb of weight in three months.

The latest research, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, found the kitchen staple may have a larger effect.

Researchers gave doses of 5, 10 or 15ml of apple cider vinegar or a placebo mixed with 250ml of water to 120 young people.

This included 46 men and 74 women with an average age of 17 who were overweight or obese with a BMI between 27 and 34.

They recorded what they ate in a diet diary, and provided information on their physical activity.

Those drinking the vinegar lost between 6kg and 9kg on average and reduced their BMI by 2.7 to three points, depending on the dose.

People drinking the highest dose saw the largest weight loss and BMI drop, falling from an average of 77 kg to just over 70 kg.

Apple cider vinegar may offer benefits for weight loss and for lowering blood sugar

At 10ml, the average weight went from 79 kg to 72 kg, and at 5ml they dropped from 79 to 74kg.

Those on the placebo were left with a sour taste in their mouth, seeing their weight stay around 79kg on average

Independent experts said the amount of weight lost by people on apple cider vinegar was remarkable but warned it is not a silver bullet for health.

Dr Daisy Coyle, of the George Institute for Global Health, said: Apple cider vinegar may offer benefits for weight loss and for lowering blood sugar.

While apple cider vinegar may offer some short-term health benefits, particularly for young and overweight individuals, it should not be viewed as a solution to the obesity epidemic.

Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures.

The NHS tips - which can be adopted slowly - include:

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Daily shot of kitchen cupboard staple could help you shed 18lb in just 3 months, scientists say... - The Sun

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