Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Dementia Caregivers Often End Up Being Nieces And Nephews Of The Family

Caring for a family member who has <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span> is a herculean task. Not only does one have to be patient but also vigilant, keep track of things as well as find make sure to communicate with the person they are taking care of. Not many people feel up to the task and often experience caregiver’s burnout sooner or later. However, when a family member does get diagnosed with dementia, who usually steps up to the task? 

A recent small study reveals that two-thirds of nieces and nephews who care for an older relative with dementia never anticipated taking on that responsibility. These caregivers often found themselves in the role either gradually or due to family circumstances, according to findings published in The <span>Gerontologist</span>. 

One researcher noted that while this unplanned care shows immense love, it also hides a lot of stress. These caregivers juggle their own households, children, and jobs alongside their primary caregiving duties. 

Despite the unexpected nature of the role, these nieces and nephews often had strong, lifelong connections with their aunts and uncles. They were shaped by family ties to potentially become caregivers. 

Many participants expressed feeling like they were "paying back the love" their aunt or uncle showed them growing up. This suggests that when care comes from a place of genuine gratitude rather than just obligation, caregivers are more likely to persevere, even when resources are scarce and stress is high. 

For this study, researchers talked in depth with 20 nieces and 5 nephews who were caring for an aunt or uncle. These caregivers were between 38 and 67 years old and lived in several states. All of them either lived with their relative or saw them at least three times a week. 

This research is especially important now because as the population gets older, many more extended family members might find themselves in unexpected caregiving roles. 

<h2>Deep Family Bonds and <span rel="noindex">Unexpected Demands</span> </h2>

The study revealed that most of these caregivers grew up in the same town as their aunts and uncles. They often described their relatives as "fun" or their "favorite," someone they could talk to or get advice from. In a couple of families, the aunt was even like a second mother. These younger relatives kept strong connections with their aunts and uncles over the years. 

Despite these close bonds, most of the caregivers (19 out of 25) never expected to become primary caregivers. For example, one nephew took on the role because his wife and her sisters worked outside the home, and he had a flexible remote job. Another niece stepped in because her own mother, who was initially caring for the aunt, became too sick to continue. She even described tough situations where her aunt would throw food. 

The study also showed that a person's current life situation played a bigger part in them becoming a caregiver than factors like being single or not having children. Surprisingly, nearly half of the relatives with dementia had their own children still alive, and most had living brothers or sisters, yet the nieces and nephews still became the main caregivers. 

<h2>Recognizing Non-Traditional Caregivers </h2>

These findings highlight that support systems need to recognize that non-traditional caregivers, like nieces and nephews, are often stepping in to fill crucial roles. Understanding what these extended family caregivers go through gives a more complete picture of how families care for their loved ones. 

Learning about their experiences will help us figure out what support they're missing and create programs to help them stay healthy and well. This benefits everyone involved: the person with dementia, the caregiver, and society as a whole. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Dementia

unexpected demands

gerontologist

Dementia Caregivers

Family Dementia Caregivers

caring for a sick family member

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Caring for a family member who has dementia is a herculean task. Not only does one have to be patient but also vigilant, keep track of things as well as find make sure to communicate with the person they are taking care of. Not many people feel up to the task and often experience caregiver’s burnout sooner or later. However, when a family member does get diagnosed with dementia, who usually steps up to the task? A recent small study reveals that two-thirds of nieces and nephews who care for an older relative with dementia never anticipated taking on that responsibility. These caregivers often found themselves in the role either gradually or due to family circumstances, according to findings published in The Gerontologist. One researcher noted that while this unplanned care shows immense love, it also hides a lot of stress. These caregivers juggle their own households, children, and jobs alongside their primary caregiving duties. Driven by Love, Not Just Duty Despite the unexpected nature of the role, these nieces and nephews often had strong, lifelong connections with their aunts and uncles. They were shaped by family ties to potentially become caregivers. Many participants expressed feeling like they were "paying back the love" their aunt or uncle showed them growing up. This suggests that when care comes from a place of genuine gratitude rather than just obligation, caregivers are more likely to persevere, even when resources are scarce and stress is high. Who Are These Caregivers? For this study, researchers talked in depth with 20 nieces and 5 nephews who were caring for an aunt or uncle. These caregivers were between 38 and 67 years old and lived in several states. All of them either lived with their relative or saw them at least three times a week. This research is especially important now because as the population gets older, many more extended family members might find themselves in unexpected caregiving roles. Deep Family Bonds and Unexpected Demands The study revealed that most of these caregivers grew up in the same town as their aunts and uncles. They often described their relatives as "fun" or their "favorite," someone they could talk to or get advice from. In a couple of families, the aunt was even like a second mother. These younger relatives kept strong connections with their aunts and uncles over the years. Despite these close bonds, most of the caregivers (19 out of 25) never expected to become primary caregivers. For example, one nephew took on the role because his wife and her sisters worked outside the home, and he had a flexible remote job. Another niece stepped in because her own mother, who was initially caring for the aunt, became too sick to continue. She even described tough situations where her aunt would throw food. The study also showed that a person's current life situation played a bigger part in them becoming a caregiver than factors like being single or not having children. Surprisingly, nearly half of the relatives with dementia had their own children still alive, and most had living brothers or sisters, yet the nieces and nephews still became the main caregivers. Recognizing Non-Traditional Caregivers These findings highlight that support systems need to recognize that non-traditional caregivers, like nieces and nephews, are often stepping in to fill crucial roles. Understanding what these extended family caregivers go through gives a more complete picture of how families care for their loved ones. Learning about their experiences will help us figure out what support they're missing and create programs to help them stay healthy and well. This benefits everyone involved: the person with dementia, the caregiver, and society as a whole.  

dementia caregivers often end up being nieces and nephews of the family

Supriya Ramesh

BPA in Lipsticks? Doctor Shares How Your Makeup Bag Could Be Full Of Endocrine Disruptors

Credits: Canva

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Parenting

Why Some Families Only Have Boys Or Girls? Science May Finally Have The 'Secret Code'

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For many, swiping a bold red or a soft pink might just be about putting on some makeup and heading out. But have you ever stopped to think about what else you are putting on your lips? Your favourite lipstick could be a silent killer, interfering with your hormones, cycles, and even fertility. And it all comes down to one banned ingredient, that is, <span>Bisphenol A</span>, or BPA. It is known as an endocrine disruptor that might be making its way into your makeup kit.

BPA has been around since the 1960s and is widely known for its use in <span>plastic bottles</span>, canned food linings, and even cosmetic containers. Though it was officially banned in makeup formulations in 2006, loopholes and lack of strict regulation mean some low-cost products still manage to include it either in their formula or packaging.

“Some cheap cosmetic products could be loaded with BPA,” warns Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine specialist. “BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor which is found in plastic packaging and unregulated cosmetics.”

<strong>How BPA Wreaks Hormonal Havoc</strong>

BPA behaves like an impostor. It mimics oestrogen and binds to the body’s <span>oestrogen receptors</span>, sending mixed signals to your hormonal system. “BPA mimics oestrogen; therefore, it binds to oestrogen receptors and confuses the <span>hypothalamus</span> and urinary system,” says Dr Gabale in a post shared on Instagram. “This shuts down the normal HPO axis, blocks ovulation, alters <span>menstrual cycles</span> and can even trigger symptoms like <span>PCOS</span>," he adds. 

Yes, your favourite <span>nude gloss</span> or budget compact could be doing more than giving you a glow. It might be playing tricks on your body’s most delicate hormonal functions.

<strong>From Your Lips to Your Hormones: The Health Dangers of BPA</strong>

The problem is not just about your makeup routine. BPA exposure has been linked to a host of long-term health risks:

<ul><li>Hormonal Disruption: By mimicking oestrogen, BPA confuses your endocrine system, leading to imbalances that affect mood, metabolism, and reproduction.</li><li><span rel="noindex">Fertility Issues</span>: BPA exposure has been shown to reduce fertility in both men and women.</li><li>Higher Cancer Risk: Hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, have been linked to elevated BPA levels.</li><li>Heart Health at Risk: Some studies have found a correlation between BPA exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.</li><li>Child Development Concerns: Pregnant women exposed to BPA may risk their baby’s behavioural and cognitive development.</li></ul>

<strong>BPA is Not Just in Food Packaging</strong>

BPA may be infamous for leaching into canned beans or plastic water bottles, but it also lurks in your beauty routine. Containers used for lipsticks, foundation tubes, and skincare jars may contain BPA, especially if they are made from certain plastics or exposed to heat during storage or travel.

Even if the product itself is free of BPA, storing it in containers that contain the chemical can allow BPA to seep in, especially when exposed to high temperatures.

<strong>How to Dodge BPA in Your Makeup Routine</strong>

<ul><li>Read the Label: Look for cosmetics clearly marked as BPA-free and paraben-free.</li><li>Avoid Plastic #7: This category often includes BPA. Steer clear of products packaged in these plastics.</li><li>Store Smart: Keep your cosmetics in cool, dry places. Heat can increase the rate at which BPA seeps into the formula.</li><li>Switch to Safer Packaging: Go for glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.</li><li>Research Before You Buy: Eco-conscious labels openly advertise BPA-free packaging.</li></ul>

BPA in lipsticks

endocrine disruptors

Bisphenol A

plastic bottles

oestrogen receptors

hypothalamus

menstrual cycles

PCOS

nude gloss

fertility issues

For many, swiping a bold red or a soft pink might just be about putting on some makeup and heading out. But have you ever stopped to think about what else you are putting on your lips? Your favourite lipstick could be a silent killer, interfering with your hormones, cycles, and even fertility. And it all comes down to one banned ingredient, that is, Bisphenol A, or BPA. It is known as an endocrine disruptor that might be making its way into your makeup kit.BPA has been around since the 1960s and is widely known for its use in plastic bottles, canned food linings, and even cosmetic containers. Though it was officially banned in makeup formulations in 2006, loopholes and lack of strict regulation mean some low-cost products still manage to include it either in their formula or packaging.“Some cheap cosmetic products could be loaded with BPA,” warns Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine specialist. “BPA is a powerful endocrine disruptor which is found in plastic packaging and unregulated cosmetics.”How BPA Wreaks Hormonal HavocBPA behaves like an impostor. It mimics oestrogen and binds to the body’s oestrogen receptors, sending mixed signals to your hormonal system. “BPA mimics oestrogen; therefore, it binds to oestrogen receptors and confuses the hypothalamus and urinary system,” says Dr Gabale in a post shared on Instagram. “This shuts down the normal HPO axis, blocks ovulation, alters menstrual cycles and can even trigger symptoms like PCOS," he adds. Yes, your favourite nude gloss or budget compact could be doing more than giving you a glow. It might be playing tricks on your body’s most delicate hormonal functions.From Your Lips to Your Hormones: The Health Dangers of BPAThe problem is not just about your makeup routine. BPA exposure has been linked to a host of long-term health risks:Hormonal Disruption: By mimicking oestrogen, BPA confuses your endocrine system, leading to imbalances that affect mood, metabolism, and reproduction.Fertility Issues: BPA exposure has been shown to reduce fertility in both men and women.Higher Cancer Risk: Hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast and prostate cancers, have been linked to elevated BPA levels.Heart Health at Risk: Some studies have found a correlation between BPA exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Child Development Concerns: Pregnant women exposed to BPA may risk their baby’s behavioural and cognitive development.BPA is Not Just in Food PackagingBPA may be infamous for leaching into canned beans or plastic water bottles, but it also lurks in your beauty routine. Containers used for lipsticks, foundation tubes, and skincare jars may contain BPA, especially if they are made from certain plastics or exposed to heat during storage or travel.Even if the product itself is free of BPA, storing it in containers that contain the chemical can allow BPA to seep in, especially when exposed to high temperatures.How to Dodge BPA in Your Makeup RoutineRead the Label: Look for cosmetics clearly marked as BPA-free and paraben-free.Avoid Plastic #7: This category often includes BPA. Steer clear of products packaged in these plastics.Store Smart: Keep your cosmetics in cool, dry places. Heat can increase the rate at which BPA seeps into the formula.Switch to Safer Packaging: Go for glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible.Research Before You Buy: Eco-conscious labels openly advertise BPA-free packaging.

bpa in lipsticks? doctor shares how your makeup bag could be full of endocrine disruptors

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Imagine applying a cream to soothe your itchy, irritated skin, only to later find yourself bedridden, burning from the inside out, with no end in sight. This is the haunting reality of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a devastating condition that some people develop after stopping common steroid creams used to treat <span>eczema</span> and other skin conditions.

Topical corticosteroids are widely prescribed. They’re found in medicine cabinets around the world and are often recommended by doctors as a first line of defense against inflammation. But for some, particularly those who’ve used them for years, the consequences of withdrawal are nothing short of horrifying.

<h4>“Like Pouring Boiling Water Over My Skin”</h4>

Kelly Barta, reports The New York Post, was just 38 when she decided to stop using the topical steroid creams she had relied on since childhood. Diagnosed with eczema as a young girl, she began using hydrocortisone and gradually moved to stronger prescriptions as her condition worsened.

By adulthood, Barta was using one of the most potent steroid creams on the market.

“When I quit, it felt like someone poured boiling water over my whole body,” she recalled. Her entire body turned red and itchy. She couldn’t sleep. The burning sensation never stopped—for five long years.

Her life unraveled. She lost her job, her marriage, her hair, and nearly her life. “You’re imprisoned in this body with unrelenting pain,” she said. “Don’t try to get to tomorrow—just survive the next hour.”

According to the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), TSW can leave sufferers housebound or bedridden for months or years. Symptoms include extreme redness, relentless itching, nerve pain, and “oozing” skin. Many describe it as being “trapped in your own half-alive corpse.”

Though eczema affects around 31 million Americans, most are unaware of TSW. Doctors, too, often misdiagnose the condition as a worsening of eczema, and the standard recommendation is more steroids—further fueling the cycle.

“I was getting to the point where I’d reach into my purse and come out with hives,” Barta said. Her general practitioner dismissed her concerns, suggesting lifelong steroid use. But a pharmacy technician warned her she might be overusing the medication.

No one had ever explained that long-term use could make her skin thinner, more reactive, and vulnerable to new allergies. Barta’s own research revealed the disturbing truth—that what was supposed to help her had actually been harming her.

Jada Jones, now 23, tells the Post that she was also diagnosed with eczema as a child. When a dermatologist prescribed her mid-strength steroids, her skin improved quickly. Encouraged, she continued using them on and off—until high school stress triggered a flare-up.

Jones asked her doctor about TSW, but was reassured it wasn’t a risk. Instead, she was bumped up to the strongest Class 1 steroids.

Her condition worsened in 2022 while pursuing a creative career in Los Angeles. “It looked like purplish bruising. Not eczema,” she said. A scheduled photo shoot had to be abandoned midway. “I was bedridden from that day on for the next four months.”

Her body was on fire, her skin cracked, and pain consumed every waking moment. “They’re looking at you like you’re damn near a burn victim,” she said of her baffled doctors.

<h4>Healing in Unconventional Places</h4>

With traditional medicine offering little support, Jones took matters into her own hands. She moved to Tulum, Mexico, to try healing saltwater and later traveled to Thailand for Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) therapy—a lesser-known treatment that has shown promise for TSW.

While she still battles symptoms, her condition has improved. Today, she manages her skin using infrared and red-light therapy.

“My skin has very mild eczema symptoms now,” she said. “I’d rather tolerate this for the rest of my life than ever go through that again.”

Despite its severity, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome remains under-researched and poorly understood. There is no official diagnostic criteria, no universally accepted treatment, and many doctors still dispute its existence.

Patients are left to advocate for themselves, rely on online support groups, and explore alternative treatments. ITSAN continues to push for awareness and research funding.

Both Barta and Jones believe education is key. Steroids can help—but only if used sparingly and for short periods. “You think you’re getting help,” Barta said, “but then you end up 100 times worse than you were before.”

skin and hair

Skin & Hair

health and wellness

eczema

skin problems

Imagine applying a cream to soothe your itchy, irritated skin, only to later find yourself bedridden, burning from the inside out, with no end in sight. This is the haunting reality of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a devastating condition that some people develop after stopping common steroid creams used to treat eczema and other skin conditions.Topical corticosteroids are widely prescribed. They’re found in medicine cabinets around the world and are often recommended by doctors as a first line of defense against inflammation. But for some, particularly those who’ve used them for years, the consequences of withdrawal are nothing short of horrifying.“Like Pouring Boiling Water Over My Skin”Kelly Barta, reports The New York Post, was just 38 when she decided to stop using the topical steroid creams she had relied on since childhood. Diagnosed with eczema as a young girl, she began using hydrocortisone and gradually moved to stronger prescriptions as her condition worsened.By adulthood, Barta was using one of the most potent steroid creams on the market.“When I quit, it felt like someone poured boiling water over my whole body,” she recalled. Her entire body turned red and itchy. She couldn’t sleep. The burning sensation never stopped—for five long years.Her life unraveled. She lost her job, her marriage, her hair, and nearly her life. “You’re imprisoned in this body with unrelenting pain,” she said. “Don’t try to get to tomorrow—just survive the next hour.”Her case is not unique. According to the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), TSW can leave sufferers housebound or bedridden for months or years. Symptoms include extreme redness, relentless itching, nerve pain, and “oozing” skin. Many describe it as being “trapped in your own half-alive corpse.”Misunderstood and MisdiagnosedThough eczema affects around 31 million Americans, most are unaware of TSW. Doctors, too, often misdiagnose the condition as a worsening of eczema, and the standard recommendation is more steroids—further fueling the cycle.“I was getting to the point where I’d reach into my purse and come out with hives,” Barta said. Her general practitioner dismissed her concerns, suggesting lifelong steroid use. But a pharmacy technician warned her she might be overusing the medication.No one had ever explained that long-term use could make her skin thinner, more reactive, and vulnerable to new allergies. Barta’s own research revealed the disturbing truth—that what was supposed to help her had actually been harming her.A  Shared BattleJada Jones, now 23, tells the Post that she was also diagnosed with eczema as a child. When a dermatologist prescribed her mid-strength steroids, her skin improved quickly. Encouraged, she continued using them on and off—until high school stress triggered a flare-up.Jones asked her doctor about TSW, but was reassured it wasn’t a risk. Instead, she was bumped up to the strongest Class 1 steroids.Her condition worsened in 2022 while pursuing a creative career in Los Angeles. “It looked like purplish bruising. Not eczema,” she said. A scheduled photo shoot had to be abandoned midway. “I was bedridden from that day on for the next four months.”Her body was on fire, her skin cracked, and pain consumed every waking moment. “They’re looking at you like you’re damn near a burn victim,” she said of her baffled doctors.Healing in Unconventional PlacesWith traditional medicine offering little support, Jones took matters into her own hands. She moved to Tulum, Mexico, to try healing saltwater and later traveled to Thailand for Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) therapy—a lesser-known treatment that has shown promise for TSW.While she still battles symptoms, her condition has improved. Today, she manages her skin using infrared and red-light therapy.“My skin has very mild eczema symptoms now,” she said. “I’d rather tolerate this for the rest of my life than ever go through that again.”The Medical Mystery of TSWDespite its severity, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome remains under-researched and poorly understood. There is no official diagnostic criteria, no universally accepted treatment, and many doctors still dispute its existence.Patients are left to advocate for themselves, rely on online support groups, and explore alternative treatments. ITSAN continues to push for awareness and research funding.Both Barta and Jones believe education is key. Steroids can help—but only if used sparingly and for short periods. “You think you’re getting help,” Barta said, “but then you end up 100 times worse than you were before.”

a common medication that leaves you trapped 'in your own half-alive corpse' condition

Fitness

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Nutrition

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Poor Dental Health Could Be Linked To Chronic Health Condition

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<span>Ozempic</span> or the famous weight-loss injection is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The injection was initially used to help people lower their risk of heart diseases and prevent loss of kidney function. However, it recently gained a lot of popularity as the ‘weight-loss jab’ as one of the effects of the injection was losing weight. 

As popular as it got, many failed to understand the original purpose of the Ozempic, focusing on the superficial benefit of the medicine. However, there are many other aspects of the medication. People are slowly learning about other factors of the medication, topics are ‘Ozempic Feet’, or ‘Ozempic face’, started trending, as the understanding that along with weight loss a person who takes Ozempic may face these symptoms as well. To understand what the other nuances of the vaccine are and how to ensure the health of people who take it, researchers have looked into what the diet of a person who has received the medication should be. 

<h2>What Should You Eat And What You Shouldn’t </h2>

A new study suggests that eating less protein might lead to more muscle loss for people taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This finding, presented at the ENDO 2025 conference, points to how important diet is for keeping your muscles healthy when you're losing weight quickly. 

When you lose weight fast, no matter how you do it, you usually lose some muscle along with fat. Losing muscle can be risky, especially for older people or those who already have weak bones, as it can increase the chance of falls and broken bones. It can also make it harder for your body to control your blood sugar. 

For people using newer weight loss medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic), researchers found that what you eat might be even more important for protecting your muscles. 

For the study, 23 people were given semaglutide (the main ingredient in Ozempic), and the other 17 tried to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes. After three months, the semaglutide group lost more weight (6.3%) than the diet and lifestyle group (2.5%). Both groups lost about the same amount of muscle. In the semaglutide group, older people, women, and those who ate less protein at the start of the study tended to lose the most muscle. More muscle loss in this group was also linked to less improvement in blood sugar levels. 

Experts explained that the study wasn't a perfect experiment, it suggests that eating more protein seemed to help prevent muscle loss in those taking semaglutide. 

Even though this study didn't prove that protein stops muscle loss, we already know that protein is very important for muscle health. 

The British Heart Foundation recommends that his patients eat about 0.75 grams of protein for every kilogram of their body weight. This means eating roughly 45 grams for women to 55 grams for men each day. 

You can find a lot of protein in seafood, lean meats, chicken, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, and seeds. Remember that you also need a balanced diet with fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. 

Experts also suggest doing resistance training, like push-ups, squats, or lifting weights. A study from 2021 showed that for people taking another GLP-1 drug called liraglutide, resistance training helped them keep their muscle mass.

It is stressed that just taking medicine for weight loss without also being active and eating smart can put people at risk for problems like falls and broken bones. 

Some people taking GLP-1 drugs might feel sick or not have much of an appetite, which can make it hard to exercise or eat enough protein. It is suggested that one must talk to their doctor about finding a dose that has fewer side effects. She encourages patients not to rush to the highest dose, saying that starting low and slowly increasing the dose can help reduce stomach problems. 

ozempic

good foods for protein you

Weight loss injection

Ozempic Muscle Loss

Protein and Ozempic

Why protein diet is important for ozempic users

Ozempic or the famous weight-loss injection is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The injection was initially used to help people lower their risk of heart diseases and prevent loss of kidney function. However, it recently gained a lot of popularity as the ‘weight-loss jab’ as one of the effects of the injection was losing weight. As popular as it got, many failed to understand the original purpose of the Ozempic, focusing on the superficial benefit of the medicine. However, there are many other aspects of the medication. People are slowly learning about other factors of the medication, topics are ‘Ozempic Feet’, or ‘Ozempic face’, started trending, as the understanding that along with weight loss a person who takes Ozempic may face these symptoms as well. To understand what the other nuances of the vaccine are and how to ensure the health of people who take it, researchers have looked into what the diet of a person who has received the medication should be. What Should You Eat And What You Shouldn’t A new study suggests that eating less protein might lead to more muscle loss for people taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This finding, presented at the ENDO 2025 conference, points to how important diet is for keeping your muscles healthy when you're losing weight quickly. When you lose weight fast, no matter how you do it, you usually lose some muscle along with fat. Losing muscle can be risky, especially for older people or those who already have weak bones, as it can increase the chance of falls and broken bones. It can also make it harder for your body to control your blood sugar. For people using newer weight loss medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic), researchers found that what you eat might be even more important for protecting your muscles. What the Study Found For the study, 23 people were given semaglutide (the main ingredient in Ozempic), and the other 17 tried to lose weight through diet and lifestyle changes. After three months, the semaglutide group lost more weight (6.3%) than the diet and lifestyle group (2.5%). Both groups lost about the same amount of muscle. In the semaglutide group, older people, women, and those who ate less protein at the start of the study tended to lose the most muscle. More muscle loss in this group was also linked to less improvement in blood sugar levels. Experts explained that the study wasn't a perfect experiment, it suggests that eating more protein seemed to help prevent muscle loss in those taking semaglutide. Ways to Reduce Muscle Loss Even though this study didn't prove that protein stops muscle loss, we already know that protein is very important for muscle health. Eat Enough Protein The British Heart Foundation recommends that his patients eat about 0.75 grams of protein for every kilogram of their body weight. This means eating roughly 45 grams for women to 55 grams for men each day. Good Foods for Protein You can find a lot of protein in seafood, lean meats, chicken, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, soy products, nuts, and seeds. Remember that you also need a balanced diet with fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Do Muscle-Building Exercises Experts also suggest doing resistance training, like push-ups, squats, or lifting weights. A study from 2021 showed that for people taking another GLP-1 drug called liraglutide, resistance training helped them keep their muscle mass.It is stressed that just taking medicine for weight loss without also being active and eating smart can put people at risk for problems like falls and broken bones. Some people taking GLP-1 drugs might feel sick or not have much of an appetite, which can make it hard to exercise or eat enough protein. It is suggested that one must talk to their doctor about finding a dose that has fewer side effects. She encourages patients not to rush to the highest dose, saying that starting low and slowly increasing the dose can help reduce stomach problems. 

is protein the anti-hero for ozempic muscle loss?

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