Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

257 Active Cases of COVID-19 In India - What Is The New Strain And Safety Guidelines To Follow?

COVID-19 Update: 257 Active Cases In India, 2 New Deaths In Mumbai

With cases rising in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand experts have warned against the new JN.1 variant of Omicron, which is causing the current spike. The new <span>COVID</span> wave has highlighted the JN.1 variant of Omicron, which is causing the current spike in the numbers. With 257 active cases in India, the conversation regarding safety, new guidelines and health concerns have begun. 

<h2>Initial Rise In <span rel="noindex">COVID-19</span> Cases </h2>

The infections in Singapore increased to over 14,000 in early May, when previously the numbers had been 11,100 in the last week of April. This rise in numbers was due to the two subvariants of JN.1 namely LF.7 and NB.1.8. Experts have mentioned that India could face a similar wave as the immunity of the population decreases. 

Currently, in India, while the situation is nor dire, more cases are being reported. Kerala has the most cases with 69, followed by Maharashtra with 44, and Tamil Nadu with 34. Other states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have also reported new infections. The two COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, causing some concern locally in that area. However, an important thing to note is that these cases had previously confirmed critical illnesses, one patient suffering with nephrotic syndrome, while the other was a cancer patient. 

Health experts from important groups like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have stated that India's overall situation is still under control. 

<h2>What Is JN.1 Variant of Omicron? </h2>

According to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a new variant called JN.1 has emerged. It's a "child" of BA.2.86. JN.1 has one or two new mutations that are able to surpass immunity and are thus spreading easily. 

COVID-19 variant called BA.2.86, which is a sub-variant of Omicron appeared in late 2023. Scientists noticed it because it had around 30 more changes, or mutations, in comparison to other variants. These mutations helped it to better avoid our body's defenses, or immunity. 

However, BA.2.86 never became the most common variant in late summer or early fall of 2023. 

<h2>What Are The Symptoms of JN.1 COVID Strain?</h2>

The symptoms observed in the current COVID-19 wave differ slightly from earlier strains. While cough and sore throat remain prevalent, new symptoms include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and eye irritation (conjunctivitis). The JN.1 variant, specifically, presents symptoms similar to previous COVID-19 strains like dry cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, but reports from institutions like Johns Hopkins suggest it may be more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues, especially diarrhea. 

<h2>Do We Need Booster Shots For Safety? </h2>

Even though the current number of cases is low, it's really important to keep watching the situation closely. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the U.S. has recommended yearly COVID-19 boosters for almost everyone, unlike Europe which limits recommendations to older or high-risk individuals. However, many Americans and healthcare workers haven't been getting these boosters, and general trust in vaccines is falling. 

Moving forward, the FDA is changing its approach. They will approve COVID-19 vaccines for those over 65 and anyone over 6 months old with high-risk health conditions, based on how well the vaccine helps the body create antibodies. For healthy people aged 6 months to 64 years, the FDA will require more rigorous studies (randomized controlled trials) to show the actual clinical benefits before approving boosters. 

Around the world, Singapore has seen a 28% jump in its weekly COVID-19 cases. Hong Kong also recently reported 31 COVID-related deaths, which is its highest number in a year. Experts are advising people in India to be careful. They are urging everyone to follow safety rules, especially in crowded or risky places, to avoid any problems. 

<h2>Core Preventive Strategies For COVID-19 </h2>

While there have been no urgent changes to the guidelines regarding preventive measures of covid, here are the core strategies for prevention one must partake in according to the Centers Of Disease Control and Prevention. 

Stay current on COVID-19 vaccines, practice good hygiene, and improve indoor air quality to reduce germ spread. If sick, isolate yourself and know when to safely resume activities. Consider masking and social distancing, and seek prompt medical care if at higher risk for severe illness. 

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COVID-19

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With cases rising in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Thailand experts have warned against the new JN.1 variant of Omicron, which is causing the current spike. The new COVID wave has highlighted the JN.1 variant of Omicron, which is causing the current spike in the numbers. With 257 active cases in India, the conversation regarding safety, new guidelines and health concerns have begun. Initial Rise In COVID-19 Cases The infections in Singapore increased to over 14,000 in early May, when previously the numbers had been 11,100 in the last week of April. This rise in numbers was due to the two subvariants of JN.1 namely LF.7 and NB.1.8. Experts have mentioned that India could face a similar wave as the immunity of the population decreases. Currently, in India, while the situation is nor dire, more cases are being reported. Kerala has the most cases with 69, followed by Maharashtra with 44, and Tamil Nadu with 34. Other states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have also reported new infections. The two COVID-19 related deaths have been confirmed at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, causing some concern locally in that area. However, an important thing to note is that these cases had previously confirmed critical illnesses, one patient suffering with nephrotic syndrome, while the other was a cancer patient. Health experts from important groups like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have stated that India's overall situation is still under control. What Is JN.1 Variant of Omicron? According to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a new variant called JN.1 has emerged. It's a "child" of BA.2.86. JN.1 has one or two new mutations that are able to surpass immunity and are thus spreading easily. COVID-19 variant called BA.2.86, which is a sub-variant of Omicron appeared in late 2023. Scientists noticed it because it had around 30 more changes, or mutations, in comparison to other variants. These mutations helped it to better avoid our body's defenses, or immunity. However, BA.2.86 never became the most common variant in late summer or early fall of 2023. What Are The Symptoms of JN.1 COVID Strain?The symptoms observed in the current COVID-19 wave differ slightly from earlier strains. While cough and sore throat remain prevalent, new symptoms include nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and eye irritation (conjunctivitis). The JN.1 variant, specifically, presents symptoms similar to previous COVID-19 strains like dry cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, but reports from institutions like Johns Hopkins suggest it may be more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues, especially diarrhea. Do We Need Booster Shots For Safety? Even though the current number of cases is low, it's really important to keep watching the situation closely. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the U.S. has recommended yearly COVID-19 boosters for almost everyone, unlike Europe which limits recommendations to older or high-risk individuals. However, many Americans and healthcare workers haven't been getting these boosters, and general trust in vaccines is falling. Moving forward, the FDA is changing its approach. They will approve COVID-19 vaccines for those over 65 and anyone over 6 months old with high-risk health conditions, based on how well the vaccine helps the body create antibodies. For healthy people aged 6 months to 64 years, the FDA will require more rigorous studies (randomized controlled trials) to show the actual clinical benefits before approving boosters. State Of COVID –19 Globally Around the world, Singapore has seen a 28% jump in its weekly COVID-19 cases. Hong Kong also recently reported 31 COVID-related deaths, which is its highest number in a year. Experts are advising people in India to be careful. They are urging everyone to follow safety rules, especially in crowded or risky places, to avoid any problems. Core Preventive Strategies For COVID-19 While there have been no urgent changes to the guidelines regarding preventive measures of covid, here are the core strategies for prevention one must partake in according to the Centers Of Disease Control and Prevention. Stay current on COVID-19 vaccines, practice good hygiene, and improve indoor air quality to reduce germ spread. If sick, isolate yourself and know when to safely resume activities. Consider masking and social distancing, and seek prompt medical care if at higher risk for severe illness. 

covid-19 update: 257 active cases in india, 2 new deaths in mumbai

Riya Baibhawi

Health & Wellness

This So-Called Healthy Routine May Be Ruining Your Gut from the Inside

this so-called healthy routine may be ruining your gut from the inside

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Longest Covid Infection Reported Lasted 505 Days Nonstop; What Are Persistent Infections?

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About 2 Out Of 5 Heart Failure Patients Don’t See A Cardiologist Even Once A Year

about 2 out of 5 heart failure patients don’t see a cardiologist even once a year

As <span>antimicrobial resistance</span> (AMR) continues to threaten global health, a collaborative team of researchers from France and India has introduced a cutting-edge <span>artificial intelligence</span> (AI)-based method to help tackle the problem. The innovative system, developed jointly by Inria Saclay in France and the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), is designed to recommend alternative <span>antibiotics</span> for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections, using the principle of repurposing existing drugs.

AMR arises when bacteria evolve to withstand antibiotics that once killed them. This makes routine infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and wound infections more difficult—and sometimes impossible—to treat. According to recent data, more than 70% of hospital-acquired infections in low- and middle-income countries are resistant to at least one commonly used antibiotic, posing serious challenges to public health systems.

The traditional route of developing new antibiotics is often slow, costly, and uncertain, taking over a decade and massive financial resources. In light of these limitations, the scientific community is increasingly turning to drug repositioning—finding new uses for existing medicines—as a more feasible solution.

In this context, the AI-based system developed by the France-India research team could mark a breakthrough. Led by Dr. Emilie Chouzenoux from Inria Saclay and Dr. Angshul Majumdar from IIIT-Delhi, the project also involves research engineer Stuti Jain and graduate students Kriti Kumar and Sayantika Chatterjee.

The team’s AI model uses a hybrid machine learning approach, moving beyond fixed rule-based systems. It draws on real-world clinical data, including antibiotic usage protocols sourced from top Indian hospitals, offering a nuanced view of current treatment practices. The system is further enriched by molecular data—such as bacterial genome sequences and chemical profiles of antibiotics—to pinpoint lesser-known or underutilised drugs that may prove effective against resistant strains.

The AI method was tested in case studies involving multidrug-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis—organisms known for causing hospital infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis. In each scenario, the AI tool suggested potentially effective antibiotics, which were then validated against existing resistance databases and expert evaluations.

“This is an excellent example of how AI and international collaboration can come together to solve real-world medical challenges,” said Dr. Majumdar. “Our method enables smarter, faster decision-making using existing knowledge, and brings us closer to curbing the global AMR threat.”

The researchers believe the AI system could be especially useful in hospitals and public health settings, helping doctors and microbiologists reduce treatment delays while promoting more responsible antibiotic use. It may also prove beneficial in regions with limited diagnostic capabilities, offering clinical support where resources are scarce.

With further development, the team envisions the tool becoming part of routine infection management, enhancing antibiotic stewardship and contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. 

Antimicrobial resistance

Artificial Intelligence

AI tool to combat Antimicrobial resistance

drug resistant bacterial infections

Antibiotics

As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to threaten global health, a collaborative team of researchers from France and India has introduced a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI)-based method to help tackle the problem. The innovative system, developed jointly by Inria Saclay in France and the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), is designed to recommend alternative antibiotics for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections, using the principle of repurposing existing drugs.AMR arises when bacteria evolve to withstand antibiotics that once killed them. This makes routine infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and wound infections more difficult—and sometimes impossible—to treat. According to recent data, more than 70% of hospital-acquired infections in low- and middle-income countries are resistant to at least one commonly used antibiotic, posing serious challenges to public health systems.The traditional route of developing new antibiotics is often slow, costly, and uncertain, taking over a decade and massive financial resources. In light of these limitations, the scientific community is increasingly turning to drug repositioning—finding new uses for existing medicines—as a more feasible solution.In this context, the AI-based system developed by the France-India research team could mark a breakthrough. Led by Dr. Emilie Chouzenoux from Inria Saclay and Dr. Angshul Majumdar from IIIT-Delhi, the project also involves research engineer Stuti Jain and graduate students Kriti Kumar and Sayantika Chatterjee.The team’s AI model uses a hybrid machine learning approach, moving beyond fixed rule-based systems. It draws on real-world clinical data, including antibiotic usage protocols sourced from top Indian hospitals, offering a nuanced view of current treatment practices. The system is further enriched by molecular data—such as bacterial genome sequences and chemical profiles of antibiotics—to pinpoint lesser-known or underutilised drugs that may prove effective against resistant strains.The AI method was tested in case studies involving multidrug-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis—organisms known for causing hospital infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis. In each scenario, the AI tool suggested potentially effective antibiotics, which were then validated against existing resistance databases and expert evaluations.“This is an excellent example of how AI and international collaboration can come together to solve real-world medical challenges,” said Dr. Majumdar. “Our method enables smarter, faster decision-making using existing knowledge, and brings us closer to curbing the global AMR threat.”The researchers believe the AI system could be especially useful in hospitals and public health settings, helping doctors and microbiologists reduce treatment delays while promoting more responsible antibiotic use. It may also prove beneficial in regions with limited diagnostic capabilities, offering clinical support where resources are scarce.With further development, the team envisions the tool becoming part of routine infection management, enhancing antibiotic stewardship and contributing to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. 

ai tool developed to identify alternative antibiotics for drug-resistant infections

Valley Fever Cases Surge In California-How To Identifiy This Lung Infection

Influenza Raises Heart Attack Risk By 6X– Here's Another Reason To Get Your Flu Shot

influenza raises heart attack risk by 6x– here's another reason to get your flu shot

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fda approves new covid vaccine but not everyone qualifies

California may be heading toward another record year of <span>Valley fever</span> infections, with early 2025 data already showing a troubling increase in reported cases. Health officials have confirmed over 3,100 infections across the state—figures that surpass last year’s numbers for the same period and nearly double those recorded in 2023.

 Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a serious lung infection caused by the <em>Coccidioides</em> fungus, which thrives in the dry, dusty soils of the western U.S. California, where the disease was first identified, consistently reports the highest number of cases nationwide. If left untreated, the illness can lead to severe, long-term respiratory issues and even death if it spreads to the brain.

 “There is no question that the number of cases is enormously higher than before,” said Dr. Royce Johnson, director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical. “If you want to see me, you’d have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too,” he told NBC News, highlighting the growing strain on healthcare systems in affected regions.

 The majority of recent infections have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties—areas long known as hotspots. But the illness is now expanding its reach. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay region, cases have tripled compared to 2023. Nearby Merced and San Bernardino counties are also reporting significant spikes.

 “It appears to be spreading out,” noted Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health.

 Valley fever infections occur when people inhale spores released into the air from soil containing <em>Coccidioides</em>. These spores can be stirred up by wind, construction, and agricultural activities. While anyone can get infected, those most at risk include people over 60, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, diabetics, and those of Black or Filipino descent. Outdoor workers also face higher exposure.

 Symptoms typically resemble those of the flu and may include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. While most recover, about 10 percent develop chronic lung issues, and approximately 1 percent experience dissemination of the infection to the skin, bones, joints, or brain.

 Health experts also point to a concerning link between <strong>climate change</strong> and the disease's rising prevalence. Shifts from prolonged drought to intense rain—common in California’s recent weather patterns—create favorable conditions for the fungus to grow and later release spores as the land dries.

 “As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for <em>Coccidioides</em> exposure,” said Simon Camponuri, a PhD researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

 With forecasts predicting a hot and dry summer following recent floods and mudslides, health officials are bracing for continued spikes in Valley fever cases in the coming months. Public health campaigns are urging increased awareness, especially among vulnerable populations and those living in high-risk regions.

Valley Fever

US Health News

Valley Fever symptoms

How To Identify Valley Fever

California valley fever

California may be heading toward another record year of Valley fever infections, with early 2025 data already showing a troubling increase in reported cases. Health officials have confirmed over 3,100 infections across the state—figures that surpass last year’s numbers for the same period and nearly double those recorded in 2023. Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is a serious lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in the dry, dusty soils of the western U.S. California, where the disease was first identified, consistently reports the highest number of cases nationwide. If left untreated, the illness can lead to severe, long-term respiratory issues and even death if it spreads to the brain. “There is no question that the number of cases is enormously higher than before,” said Dr. Royce Johnson, director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical. “If you want to see me, you’d have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too,” he told NBC News, highlighting the growing strain on healthcare systems in affected regions. The majority of recent infections have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties—areas long known as hotspots. But the illness is now expanding its reach. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay region, cases have tripled compared to 2023. Nearby Merced and San Bernardino counties are also reporting significant spikes. “It appears to be spreading out,” noted Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health. Valley fever infections occur when people inhale spores released into the air from soil containing Coccidioides. These spores can be stirred up by wind, construction, and agricultural activities. While anyone can get infected, those most at risk include people over 60, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, diabetics, and those of Black or Filipino descent. Outdoor workers also face higher exposure. Symptoms typically resemble those of the flu and may include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and skin rashes. While most recover, about 10 percent develop chronic lung issues, and approximately 1 percent experience dissemination of the infection to the skin, bones, joints, or brain. Health experts also point to a concerning link between climate change and the disease's rising prevalence. Shifts from prolonged drought to intense rain—common in California’s recent weather patterns—create favorable conditions for the fungus to grow and later release spores as the land dries. “As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure,” said Simon Camponuri, a PhD researcher at the University of California, Berkeley. With forecasts predicting a hot and dry summer following recent floods and mudslides, health officials are bracing for continued spikes in Valley fever cases in the coming months. Public health campaigns are urging increased awareness, especially among vulnerable populations and those living in high-risk regions.

valley fever cases surge in california-how to identifiy this lung infection

Tanya Dutt

GLP-1 Drugs Fight Fat, Curb Appetite And May Also Reduce Cancer Risk

Nutrition

Ozempic Without The Side Effects? Try This Drug-Free Method

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Joe Biden Is Diagnosed With Aggressive Prostate Cancer: All That You Need To Know

joe biden is diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer: all that you need to know

What if the one injection that is helping you lose weight and manage diabetes also protect you from <span>cancer</span>? That's the surprising promise emerging from a new study on <span>GLP-1 drugs</span>, drugs already drawing attention for their ability to battle obesity and regulate blood sugar. Now scientists have discovered a potential new advantage: a much reduced risk of cancers related to obesity.

While the global use of GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda and Byetta is gaining speed, this research unlocks a thrilling new era in preventive care. But just how do such medications function and why could they be protecting us against cancer?

After once being touted as miracle drugs for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications such as Saxenda and Byetta are now uncovering a new benefit: a reduced risk of cancer. New research in the journal eClinicalMedicine identifies that these initial weight-loss medications may have more to their credit than just reducing waistlines—they can cut the risk of developing obesity-linked cancers by a dramatic 41%.

This finding has the potential to change forever the way that we think about the wider ramifications of GLP-1 treatments, particularly in a world where metabolic diseases are closely associated with cancer susceptibility. But why might this new benefit exist? And how do these drugs actually work?

<h2>What Are GLP-1 Drugs and How Do They Work?</h2>

GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a type of drug that mimics the effect of an endogenous hormone involved in the modulation of appetite, blood glucose levels, and digestion. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they've become very popular due to their capacity to cause weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing gastric emptying.

Drugs such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (Byetta) are usually given through subcutaneous injection. Newer forms, including semaglutide (<span>Ozempic</span>) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), have greater efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control, although they were not part of this specific study.

GLP-1 acts via a cascade of hormonal action:

<ul><li>It triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar.</li><li>It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar.</li><li>It reduces the rate at which the stomach empties following meals.</li></ul>

Perhaps most importantly for managing weight, it sends satiety messages to the brain to make people feel fuller for longer.

<h2>Missing Link Between Cancer Risk and Obesity </h2>

Both type 2 diabetes and obesity are firmly established as risk factors for many forms of cancer, such as breast, colon, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer. This can be explained by the chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance that accompany excess fat stores.

For their new study, scientists from Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv, Israel, analyzed electronic health records of more than 6,300 adults age 24 and above. Everyone involved had both type 2 diabetes and obesity and received either GLP-1 medication or weight-loss surgery between 2010 and 2018. The group was followed through to December 2023 to record cancer diagnoses.

During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, approximately 300 individuals developed cancer of the obesity type—predominantly breast (26%), colon (16%), and uterus (15%).

Although bariatric surgery has been the obesity treatment gold standard for decades—and was in turn found to lower cancer risk—scientists discovered obesity-associated cancers were equal in both the surgery and GLP-1 groups. This was unexpected because surgery tends to induce greater and more immediate weight loss.

Still, additional statistical examination found that the GLP-1 medications offered a 41% lower risk of cancerous developments than surgery indicated that their anti-cancer benefit might extend beyond weight loss alone.

<h2>Reason Behind the Anti-Cancer Effect</h2>

According to co-lead researcher Dr. Dror Dicker, who heads the Obesity Clinic at Hasharon Hospital-Rabin Medical Center, the anti-cancer effects of GLP-1 drugs likely stem from multiple mechanisms. “Reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and altering cellular growth pathways may all play a role,” he noted in a news release.

While more recent, more powerful GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound were not included in the study, researchers are convinced they may provide even stronger protective effects. However, additional long-term studies are necessary to determine their impacts on cancers that are not related to obesity.

This new evidence indicates a paradigm shift of foundational importance in the way we think about metabolic health interventions. GLP-1 medications could soon be hailed not merely as weight-loss supplements or treatments for diabetes but as prevention against one of the world's most dreaded illnesses.

Nevertheless, prudence is still advisable. Long-term experience with these drugs is lacking, and their side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and possible hazards for thyroid tumors, need to be weighed. A boxed warning is now placed on the list of the FDA for some GLP-1 drugs for thyroid C-cell tumors, although this has so far been seen most commonly in animal models.

With the worldwide obesity epidemic on the rise, so is the need to know how drugs such as GLP-1 agonists can change not only waistlines, but also long-term health endpoints. The notion that a single class of medication might lower the risk of cancer in addition to managing blood glucose and reducing appetite is revolutionary.

Additional research, particularly with next-generation GLP-1 drugs, will be necessary to more fully investigate and validate these benefits but for the time being, this study introduces an exhilarating and promising new chapter at the nexus of <span>cancer prevention</span> and obesity treatment.

cancer

glp-1 drugs

cancer prevention

weight loss medication

obesity-related cancer

saxenda study

glp-1 cancer risk

diabetes and cancer

ozempic

What if the one injection that is helping you lose weight and manage diabetes also protect you from cancer? That's the surprising promise emerging from a new study on GLP-1 drugs, drugs already drawing attention for their ability to battle obesity and regulate blood sugar. Now scientists have discovered a potential new advantage: a much reduced risk of cancers related to obesity.While the global use of GLP-1 agonists such as Saxenda and Byetta is gaining speed, this research unlocks a thrilling new era in preventive care. But just how do such medications function and why could they be protecting us against cancer?After once being touted as miracle drugs for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications such as Saxenda and Byetta are now uncovering a new benefit: a reduced risk of cancer. New research in the journal eClinicalMedicine identifies that these initial weight-loss medications may have more to their credit than just reducing waistlines—they can cut the risk of developing obesity-linked cancers by a dramatic 41%.This finding has the potential to change forever the way that we think about the wider ramifications of GLP-1 treatments, particularly in a world where metabolic diseases are closely associated with cancer susceptibility. But why might this new benefit exist? And how do these drugs actually work?What Are GLP-1 Drugs and How Do They Work?GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a type of drug that mimics the effect of an endogenous hormone involved in the modulation of appetite, blood glucose levels, and digestion. Initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they've become very popular due to their capacity to cause weight loss by reducing hunger and slowing gastric emptying.Drugs such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and exenatide (Byetta) are usually given through subcutaneous injection. Newer forms, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), have greater efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control, although they were not part of this specific study.GLP-1 acts via a cascade of hormonal action:It triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, lowering blood sugar.It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood sugar.It reduces the rate at which the stomach empties following meals.Perhaps most importantly for managing weight, it sends satiety messages to the brain to make people feel fuller for longer.Missing Link Between Cancer Risk and Obesity Both type 2 diabetes and obesity are firmly established as risk factors for many forms of cancer, such as breast, colon, uterine, pancreatic, and liver cancer. This can be explained by the chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance that accompany excess fat stores.For their new study, scientists from Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv, Israel, analyzed electronic health records of more than 6,300 adults age 24 and above. Everyone involved had both type 2 diabetes and obesity and received either GLP-1 medication or weight-loss surgery between 2010 and 2018. The group was followed through to December 2023 to record cancer diagnoses.During a median follow-up of 7.5 years, approximately 300 individuals developed cancer of the obesity type—predominantly breast (26%), colon (16%), and uterus (15%).GLP-1 vs. SurgeryAlthough bariatric surgery has been the obesity treatment gold standard for decades—and was in turn found to lower cancer risk—scientists discovered obesity-associated cancers were equal in both the surgery and GLP-1 groups. This was unexpected because surgery tends to induce greater and more immediate weight loss.Still, additional statistical examination found that the GLP-1 medications offered a 41% lower risk of cancerous developments than surgery indicated that their anti-cancer benefit might extend beyond weight loss alone.Reason Behind the Anti-Cancer EffectAccording to co-lead researcher Dr. Dror Dicker, who heads the Obesity Clinic at Hasharon Hospital-Rabin Medical Center, the anti-cancer effects of GLP-1 drugs likely stem from multiple mechanisms. “Reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and altering cellular growth pathways may all play a role,” he noted in a news release.While more recent, more powerful GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Zepbound were not included in the study, researchers are convinced they may provide even stronger protective effects. However, additional long-term studies are necessary to determine their impacts on cancers that are not related to obesity.Can It Change Cancer Treatment?This new evidence indicates a paradigm shift of foundational importance in the way we think about metabolic health interventions. GLP-1 medications could soon be hailed not merely as weight-loss supplements or treatments for diabetes but as prevention against one of the world's most dreaded illnesses.Nevertheless, prudence is still advisable. Long-term experience with these drugs is lacking, and their side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal upset, and possible hazards for thyroid tumors, need to be weighed. A boxed warning is now placed on the list of the FDA for some GLP-1 drugs for thyroid C-cell tumors, although this has so far been seen most commonly in animal models.With the worldwide obesity epidemic on the rise, so is the need to know how drugs such as GLP-1 agonists can change not only waistlines, but also long-term health endpoints. The notion that a single class of medication might lower the risk of cancer in addition to managing blood glucose and reducing appetite is revolutionary.Additional research, particularly with next-generation GLP-1 drugs, will be necessary to more fully investigate and validate these benefits but for the time being, this study introduces an exhilarating and promising new chapter at the nexus of cancer prevention and obesity treatment.

glp-1 drugs fight fat, curb appetite and may also reduce cancer risk

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