Ozempic Lawsuit: "This week's study doesn't suggest that GLP-1 cause your eyes to fall out exactly, but, as you will see in a second, it is not that far off," says Dr F Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, physician, researcher, educator, and writer, at Yale School of Medicine, before he begins to explain what the new study suggests of the side effects.

Weight loss drugs have gained popularity up recently. The popularity is for all the right, and the wrong reasons too. While up recently, we have Wegovy being approved for treating MASH, we also have unheard side effects of the popular drug Ozempic, and not to mention, the cases of pancreatitis reported in the UK, and the ongoing lawsuit on Ozempic.

So, what does this new study add to all this?

Weight Loss Medication And Vision Loss

Two studies, published in JAMA, analyzed how semaglutide, an injection used to treat type 2 diabetes that helps control your blood sugar, and tirzepatide, an antidiabeteic medication, also used to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight loss, administering via injections, which include popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, impacted eye health in Americans with type 2 diabetes over a 2-year period.

What Did The Study Find?

One of the studies found a modest risk of developing a non-arteritis anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN), which is a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss due to lack of blood flow. This condition has close links with the consumption of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Out of more than 159,000 participants with type 2 diabetes, 35 developed NAION, compared to 19 people in the comparison group. The Ohio-based researchers also noted an increased risk of developing "other optic nerve disorders" identified in 93 patients.

The second study found no statistically significant link between GLP-1 drug use and NAION, a rare eye condition, but reported a slight uptick in cases of diabetic retinopathy, a retinal disease that can cause vision loss.

The study observed that individuals with type 2 diabetes who were treated with GLP-1 drugs faced a modestly higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. However, researchers emphasized that fewer patients progressed to sight-threatening stages of the disease. They concluded that all patients with type 2 diabetes receiving GLP-1 therapies should undergo regular screening and monitoring for potential eye complications, regardless of whether they already have diabetic retinopathy.

"These findings suggest that all patients with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 RAs, regardless of preexisting diabetic retinopathy, should be regularly screened and monitored for potential complications," the study authors concluded.

What Are The Experts Saying?

As questions continue to mount about the potential connection between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and vision problems, experts stress that more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Sue Decotiis, M.D., a medical weight-loss doctor in New York City, said she believes additional studies are required to confirm whether the drugs increase the risk of vision loss, pointing to conflicting findings so far.

"NAION is a rare condition of the optic nerve that, although serious, has not really been shown to be increased by these studies," Decotiis, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "We need more studies for certain."

She noted that diabetic patients already face a heightened risk of eye disease due to blood flow and nerve damage. "Eye complications are often directly related to the degree or lack thereof of diabetes control," she explained.

According to Decotiis, GLP-1 drugs often help reduce the severity of type 2 diabetes, which can in turn lower the risk of eye disease. These medications have also been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks, such as hypertension, and improve circulation, both of which may benefit eye health.

For patients beginning GLP-1 treatment, she advised proactive monitoring. "We should take precaution with methodical ophthalmic care for diabetics on these drugs," she said. "However, let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water."

Ashley Brissette, M.D., an ophthalmologist in New York City, echoed that perspective, calling NAION an "extremely rare" but serious medical condition. She emphasized that the risk associated with GLP-1 drugs is also “extremely rare, at a risk of about one in 10,000, according to other studies.”

"I think caution with anything is warranted," Brissette told Fox News Digital. "And remember these are associations, not causations, so it's not to say that GLP-1 use causes NAION or worsening retinopathy, but their use is associated with these conditions."

She underscored the importance of thorough eye care: "From an ophthalmologic standpoint, these findings underscore the importance of baseline and follow-up eye examinations for patients starting GLP-1 therapy, especially those with pre-existing retinal or optic nerve risk factors."

Brissette added that while the benefits of GLP-1 drugs in reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risks are “substantial,” patients should be counseled on potential vision-related side effects, and “any sudden visual symptoms should prompt immediate ophthalmic referral.”

When contacted by Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, said it stands by the safety of its medications.

"Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously. NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) as per the approved labels in the U.S."

The company added: "Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. Our current assessment is that these data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events."

A sudden and unusually early rise in norovirus infections, often called the “winter vomiting disease”, has been reported across the United States, adding yet another health concern to a season already crowded with respiratory illnesses, as noted by Axios. Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that positive norovirus tests have doubled over recent weeks, climbing from seven percent in August to 14 percent by mid-November.

This spike has arrived sooner than expected and at a time when cases of COVID, whooping cough, and seasonal flu are also climbing.

Winter Vomiting Disease: What Is The Norovirus?

Norovirus leads to intense vomiting and diarrhea because it irritates the stomach and intestines, as described by the CDC. This has earned it the informal name “extreme vomiting disease.”

It is the most frequent cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the country. Nearly 20 million people deal with norovirus each year, according to Scientific American. It is different from the common “stomach bug” or “stomach flu” and has no link to the influenza virus.

Winter Vomiting Disease: Norovirus Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and often include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Dehydration (usually due to repeated vomiting and diarrhea)

Less often, people may also experience fever, headaches, or body aches.

Winter Vomiting Disease: Who Is At Risk For Norovirus?

Norovirus outbreaks can affect anyone, but children and older adults face a higher chance of serious illness, the CDC notes. Since several strains of the virus exist, people may get sick more than once. Genetics may also influence how likely someone is to catch it.

Winter Vomiting Disease: How Does Norovirus Spread?

Health officials describe norovirus as extremely contagious. It spreads quickly through droplets, contaminated surfaces, or unsafe food.

Norovirus is a human virus usually spread through the fecal-oral route,” explained Robyn Chatman, a Cincinnati physician, to the American Medical Association. This means the virus can transfer from contaminated hands to the mouth during routine activities. It can remain on surfaces for days or even weeks and moves rapidly in crowded places such as nursing homes, child care centers, and cruise ships, the AMA notes.

Winter Vomiting Disease: Why Are Norovirus Cases Spreading In The US?

A norovirus “outbreak,” as defined by the CDC, occurs when two or more similar illnesses stem from the same suspected or confirmed source. The CDC records about 2,500 such outbreaks each year.

Between August 1 and November 13, 153 outbreaks were reported. By comparison, only 69 outbreaks had been recorded by the final week of November last year. In early December 2023, the U.S. logged 65 outbreaks, according to AP.

Everyday Health reports that a new norovirus strain may be contributing to the current jump in cases. For many years, most infections were linked to the strain GII.4. Now another strain, GII.17, has become dominant, responsible for around 75 percent of outbreaks during the 2024–2025 season, up from about 10 percent during 2022–2023.

What to Do if You Get Sick With Norovirus?

There is no specific treatment for norovirus, as Cleveland Clinic explains. The infection needs to run its course. Staying well-hydrated, resting, and choosing mild, easy-to-digest foods can help ease symptoms. Seek medical care if you cannot keep fluids down or if your symptoms continue beyond three days.

To prevent spreading the virus, the CDC advises avoiding food preparation or caring for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first-ever recommendation endorsing GLP-1 medications as part of a long term strategy to manage obesity in adults. Earlier, in the guidance to deal with obesity, the main focus was given to diet and lifestyle changes. Thus, this is a big shift from how the UN agency has traditionally approached obesity treatment.

Until now, WHO guidelines only focused on lifestyle changes including physical activity and diet. The new recommendation acknowledges that medication can play a supportive role when combined with counseling on healthy eating and regular exercise.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the guideline describes long-term use as continuous treatment for at least six months. In its note, WHO called obesity a “chronic, relapsing disease” that affects more than one billion people worldwide and contributes substantially to illness, early death, and economic strain on health systems. GLP-1 therapies, the organization wrote, offer “clinically meaningful weight loss and broad metabolic benefits” when used appropriately.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

GLP-1 drugs mimic the action of the natural hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. They work by increasing insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, decreasing the liver's production of glucagon, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which helps lower blood sugar levels after a meal. They also act on the brain to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake.

In people with type 2 diabetes, notes Harvard Health, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin and body does not produce enough insulin, or both. This is when GLP-1 agonists stimulate pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon.

These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes.

Why WHO’s Guidance Matters

In September, WHO added GLP-1 drugs to its list of essential medicines, but only for treating diabetes, not for obesity alone. The new guideline extends that conversation, offering a more formal stance on their use in obesity management. The recommendations were developed by a committee of experts in obesity, pharmacology, and public health, following requests from several WHO member states. They also align with approvals already granted by regulators like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Obesity: A Global Health Challenge

Obesity is now recognized as one of the most widespread health concerns worldwide, linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions, including cancers, heart disease, and metabolic disorders. Beyond physical health, it also impacts mental well-being and quality of life. With more than a billion people affected globally, the economic burden on healthcare systems continues to grow.

Also Read: Only 1 in 10 People With Obesity Have Access To Popular GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs, Says WHO

However, the accessibility still remains a major issue. n the United States, the most widely used medications: Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, carry list prices exceeding $1,000 per month. Recently, the Trump administration announced agreements with pharmaceutical companies aimed at lowering costs for people paying out of pocket or covered under Medicare or Medicaid.

Every year on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed. It is a UN day that works towards promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of personal with disabilities in all aspects of life.

At the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO), IDPD events are organized to educate the public, raise awareness, advocate for political will and resources, and celebrate WHO's achievement.

Who Are Persons With Disabilities?

As per the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or the UNCRPD, persons with disabilities are individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that restrict their ability to participate in society on equal terms.

India’s commitment to accessibility stems from Article 9 of the UNCRPD, which mandates equal access to physical spaces, transportation, and services.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016: India’s RPwD Act, 2016, aligns with this definition and adds the term “benchmark disability,” which refers to individuals with at least 40% of a specified disability.

This Act sets accessibility standards for public spaces and digital platforms.

The Act increased reservation for PwDs from 3% to 4% in jobs and 3% to 5% in higher education.

The RPwD Act expanded the list of disabilities from 7 to 21 categories, including conditions like:

• Autism spectrum disorders.
• Acid attack survivors.
• Multiple sclerosis and chronic neurological conditions.

As per the 2011 Census, India is home to 26.8 million persons with disabilities, which means at least 2.21% of its total population. The highest prevalence is observed between the age group of 10 to 19 years. Among them, 20% have mobility impairments, 19% have visual impairment, 19% have hearing impairment, and 8% suffer from multiple disabilities.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Theme

This year, the theme is 'Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress, while in 2024, the theme was: 'Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future'.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Origin

This was first established by the United Nations in 1992, to raise awareness and creating inclusive society for all. The aim was to create an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society where no one is left behind.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Significance

The main role of this day in observance is to educate people. As more than 1 billion people in the world, which is around 20% of the world population live with some kind of disability. Thus, in such a scenario it is important for people to be sensitive towards their need. This day also helps address and solve the barriers faced by people living with disabilities, which include:

Limited access to education and employment

Inaccessible public spaces and transportation

Social stigma and discrimination

Insufficient healthcare and rehabilitation services

Lack of assistive technologies and accessible digital platforms