Weight loss is a dynamic process which is affected by many factors. There are times when one may be struggling to lose weight, only to find out, the reason why they could not do so is a habit or something we do unconsciously. While you may not know, breathing plays a very important part in your weight loss.

As we know, the simple principle of weight loss is you go into a calorie deficit which helps you lose weight by using the excess fat in your body by converting it to energy. The Cleveland Clinic points out that your body uses energy in many different ways, when you are active like doing an exercise, or eating as your digestive system needs to break down the food into nutrients as well as when you are resting. Your body needs energy to pump your lungs, so they breathe, and your brain keeps receiving oxygen.

So can we assume that breathing has an effect on our weight? A 2014 BMJ report looked into this and understood that our lungs are the main way that fat leaves your body. When you exercise and get your heart pumping, your body is working harder and needs more energy. To get that energy from fat, the fat cells go through a process, and one of the main things that happens is that carbon is released. This carbon then travels in your blood to your lungs, and when you breathe out, you're actually getting rid of that carbon in the form of carbon dioxide. So, every time you exhale, you're helping to shuttle fat out of your body.

Stress Could Hinder Your Weight Loss

While breathing hard when you're exercising is a good sign that you're burning energy and helping to get rid of fat, the way you breathe when you're just sitting around can tell a different story. If you find yourself breathing very quickly and taking short, shallow breaths even when you're not doing anything active, it could be a sign that you're feeling stressed. MedlinePlus explains that this happens when cortisol kicks into our system. The reason why too much cortisol can affect your weight is because it causes you to crave foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat.

How Breathing Is The Right Tool To Combat Stress

When you take slow, deep breaths and focus on letting all the air out, it sends a signal to your body that it is okay to relax. There are lots of different ways to practice breathing for relaxation, but one of the easiest and safest is called deep, diaphragmatic breathing. You can do this anywhere, but it's often helpful to lie down flat on your back to start. You just put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, and then you breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly rise. Then you breathe out slowly, feeling your belly fall. 2017 study in Frontiers suggested that diaphragmatic breathing for 15 minutes can reduce negative feelings. Over a longer period, those who did the deep breathing regularly also had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bodies. So, while deep breathing isn't going to magically make you lose weight, by helping you feel less stressed, it can stop you from reaching for those unhealthy comfort foods that can mess up your weight loss plans.

An increasing number of GLP-1 drug users are reporting a peculiar shift in their senses- a sudden, intense affection for ultra-sweet dessert-perfume-like scents. Dubbed the "Ozempic Smell" this unexpected side effect is causing both curiosity and conversation in the global health and beauty community, but what's actually happening here? Is it merely a trend, or is your weight-loss shot literally rewiring your brain and nose?

With the growing popularity of using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro around the world, so also is the count of lesser-discussed side effects increasing. Apart from appetite reduction and meaningful weight loss, an interesting phenomenon is now surfacing among the users—a change in the sense of smell.

This surprising side effect has not only attracted the notice of clinicians but also of consumers, with numerous users claiming an unprecedented craving for sweet, dessert-like fragrances. From vanilla frosting to toasted marshmallow and caramel glaze, such gourmand perfumes are booming in a manner which appears to track the popularity of weight-loss shots. Is it, however, merely coincidence, or might Ozempic be re-mapping how we find pleasure?

What Is Ozempic Smell?

The "Ozempic Smell" is not a scent itself that is released by the body, but rather a perceivable shift in perfume likes among users of the drug. Social media posts and anecdotal accounts suggest an increasing desire for scents that smell like baked items and sweets.

This trend is mirrored by a worldwide boom in the market for gourmand fragrances, which is now worth over £24 billion (around $30 billion). Such perfumes have long been popular, but the recent increase in demand appears to coincide with the rise in GLP-1 drug use. In the U.K. alone, more than 500,000 individuals are said to be on the drugs. In America, estimates recently put the figure at almost 12% of the population using or having used a GLP-1 agonist.

Could Weight-Loss Injections Be Changing How You Smell?

New research indicates the link may be more than in the mind. GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide (active in Ozempic and Wegovy) are meant to imitate a hormone secreted in the intestines after meals. Though their major effect is to curb appetite and control blood sugar, they also act on GLP-1 receptors in the brain—namely, regions that control taste, scent, and reward.

Some research indicates that these drugs can improve or numb the sense of smell in various ways. An investigation of sensory changes by a research group observed, "Our smell can be affected by GLP-1 agonists—leading to increased or decreased sensitivity."

This may be the reason why users quit craving sugary foods, yet at the same time become fixated on sweet-smelling perfume. Rather than consuming sweets, users may be unwittingly redirecting their sensor cravings to smell—a calorie-free, safer means of receiving that burst of dopamine.

Link Between Dopamine, Desire, and Dessert-Scented Perfume

Scientists speculate that the brain's pleasure and reward neurotransmitter, dopamine, is central to this effect. If you've been living on candy bars and cookies to get your pleasurable fix, GLP-1 medications may suppress your hunger and reward reaction you get from eating.

As a consequence, you might begin seeking out new means of engaging the same reward system. One of these is through smell—particularly gourmand fragrances that prompt your brain to remember the food you no longer consume.

Some clinical trials have even indicated that smelling vanilla or cinnamon decreases sugar cravings. It's no surprise, therefore, that dieters describe spritzing dessert-like fragrances to deceive their brain into thinking that it's received a sweet treat.

Other Unusual Ozempic Side Effects

"Ozempic Smell" is merely one aspect of a wider, ongoing discussion regarding the lesser-known effects of these medications.

1. Ozempic Mouth

Searches for "Ozempic + teeth" have increased more than 200% in the past few weeks. Patients are complaining of dry mouth, bad breath, and heightened sensitivity—presumably secondary effects of altered hydration and metabolism. Oral care is paramount, but this new symptom complex is attracting the interest of dentists and medical professionals as well.

2. Ozempic Feet

A rapid weight loss will result in fat pad depletion on the bottom of the feet, a condition now becoming referred to as "Ozempic Feet." Without the cushioning, the users are walking on "bone," with more pain during everyday activities.

These are not life-threatening but indicative of the deep and multi-system effect these drugs can have—often in ways that we least anticipate.

Interestingly, embracing the gourmand fragrances might also be a sign of empowerment and self-control. As people deny themselves calorie-rich foods and reclaim wellness, they may be indulging in scent as a guilt-free indulgence. This fits with a larger cultural trend toward "emotional consumption"—applying non-food strategies to satisfy psychological wants.

Men are obsessed with their beard—at least many of the ones I know. They wash, groom, style it. But recently a discussion on how hygienic are beards has taken the internet by storm. Several articles floating on the the interent post the same question—Do they harbour germs akin to those on a toilet seat? If yes, what should a person do to keep them clean? Or Is shaving them the only solution?

So Are Beards Really As Dirty As A Toilet Seat?

Recently, The Washington Post published an article highlighting that while beards do harbor microorganisms, these are generally not harmful. In fact, a study involving over 400 healthcare workers found that clean-shaven individuals might carry more pathogenic bacteria due to micro-abrasions from shaving.

However, an earlier study, published in the journal Medicine in 2022, involved 80 male healthcare workers—61 bearded and 19 clean-shaven. After analysing both groups, researchers dicovered that bearded participants had a significantly higher facial bacterial load compared to their clean-shaven counterparts. Moreover, among the bacterial isolates, 27.1% were resistant to meropenem, with 77.8% of these resistant strains found in bearded individuals. However, this difference was not statistically significant.

However, cotrasting results came from a small experiement back in 2015, when a reporter for a local news segment in Albuquerque, New Mexico, swabbed a small number of men's beards and had the samples analyzed by a microbiologist. The analysis detected the presence of "enteric bacteria," which are typically found in the human gut and can also be present in fecal matter. This triggers a huge debate online.

Later, health experts clarified that the presence of enteric bacteria on the skin or hair doesn't necessarily indicate poor hygiene or health risks. Such bacteria can be transferred through common activities, like touching one's face after handling various objects or surfaces. Moreover, the human skin naturally hosts a diverse array of microorganisms, many of which are harmless or even beneficial.

So Should You Shave Your Beard?

If you’d like to, sure — but not because of germs. As long as you regularly groom and clean your beard, as you do the hair on your head, you are not at greater risk for disease than people without beards.

Science is just beginning to learn about the many species of bacteria that live within our bodies and what purpose they serve. We do know that most bacteria isn’t bad for us—many are beneficial and, in some cases, required for good health.

Here Are Three Steps You Can Follow To Get Better Beard

1. Shampoo and condition your beard a few times a week, like you'd do the hair on your head

2. Give your berd a trim every now and then to keep it healthy and eliinate split ends

3. Develop healthier habits to support a healthier brain. Eat a healthier diet, get plenty of sleep and excercise.

ALSO READ: Selenium, Zinc And Iodine: How These Nutrients Balance Your Thyroid Naturally?

Pneumonia has been feared for its deadliness and unpredictability. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it claimed countless lives. Sir William Osler, often called the father of modern medicine, once referred to pneumonia as “the most fatal of all acute diseases,” as it was responsible for the death of one in four individuals infected during the Civil War.

Though medical advances have significantly reduced the mortality rate, pneumonia still presents a major global health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it sends over 1.4 million Americans to the emergency room annually and causes around 41,000 deaths in the U.S. alone.

So, what exactly is pneumonia, how does it spread, and—most importantly—is it contagious?

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung tissue, most often caused by infections. It can affect one or both lungs and can range from mild to life-threatening, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, or those with underlying health conditions.

There are several types of pneumonia, classified based on their causes—bacterial, viral, and fungal—and each has distinct patterns of transmission and severity.

What Causes Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is not a single disease but a syndrome resulting from various infectious agents:

Bacterial Pneumonia: This is the most common type, often developing as a secondary infection after a cold or flu. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent culprit.

Viral Pneumonia: Caused by viruses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), this type often starts in the upper respiratory tract and spreads to the lungs.

Fungal Pneumonia: This type is less common and usually affects individuals with weakened immune systems. It's typically contracted through environmental exposure, such as to soil or bird droppings.

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

The answer is both yes and no—depending on the cause. Viral and bacterial pneumonia are contagious forms of the illness, capable of spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets, once inhaled, can allow harmful pathogens to infiltrate the lungs and cause infection. In contrast, fungal pneumonia is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Instead, it is typically contracted by inhaling spores present in the environment, often found in soil or bird droppings. However, being exposed to a contagious form of pneumonia doesn't necessarily mean an individual will become ill. People with strong immune systems can often fend off the infection without developing symptoms. Those with weakened immunity—such as older adults, young children, or individuals with chronic health conditions—are more susceptible to serious illness from these infections.

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Pneumonia can be insidious. It often begins with symptoms that mimic the flu: headache, fatigue, and fever. But as the infection progresses, signs become more serious:

• Persistent cough with green, yellow, or even bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
• High fever, chills, and night sweats
• Confusion, especially in the elderly
• Nausea or loss of appetite

The severity of symptoms often depends on the individual's age, overall health, and the type of pneumonia contracted.

What Is "Walking Pneumonia"?

Walking pneumonia—medically known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae—is a milder form of bacterial pneumonia. It’s dubbed “walking” because people often feel well enough to carry on with their daily routines despite being infected.

Though it’s less severe, it is still contagious and can spread in schools, workplaces, and homes. Symptoms can linger for weeks and include a dry cough, low-grade fever, and fatigue. It's often mistaken for a common cold, which makes controlling its spread more difficult.

Certain groups are more prone to catching pneumonia or suffering severe complications:

• Adults over age 60
• Children under age 2
• Hospitalized patients or those in long-term care facilities
• Individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• Smokers and people with compromised immune systems

Seasonality also plays a role—cases spike during colder months as people spend more time indoors in close proximity, facilitating the spread of germs.

How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed and Treated?

Doctors diagnose pneumonia through a combination of clinical examination, chest X-rays, and laboratory tests, including blood work and sputum analysis. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause of the infection. Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, and most patients recover within a few days to weeks if treated promptly. Viral pneumonia, on the other hand, is managed with antiviral medications along with supportive care such as rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medications. Fungal pneumonia requires antifungal medications and often involves a longer recovery period. In more severe cases—especially when oxygen levels drop or complications develop—hospitalization may be necessary to ensure proper medical support and monitoring.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing pneumonia cases and severity:

• Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for older adults and people with certain medical conditions.
• Flu shots help prevent influenza, a major cause of viral pneumonia.
• COVID-19 and RSV vaccines also play a preventive role.
• Wash hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and use hand sanitizer when soap isn't available.
• Don’t smoke, limit alcohol, eat a nutrient-rich diet, and ensure adequate sleep to support a strong immune system.
• Keeping diseases like diabetes, COPD, and heart conditions under control reduces vulnerability.

While pneumonia may not be the lethal giant it once was, it still commands attention—particularly for its contagious potential. Understanding the ways it spreads, the differences between its types, and how to recognize and respond to symptoms can make a world of difference.