The recent rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs has made space for more research to study the effect and efficacy of GLP-1 drugs. The drugs like Ozempic were approved to manage diabetes as it is great for controlling blood sugar levels as well as aid in weight loss. However, how do these drugs effect people of certain age?

A new study suggests an exciting possibility: hormone replacement therapy (HRT), often used by women going through menopause, might actually make popular weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound even more effective. This is potentially very good news for women navigating menopause who are also working to manage their weight. It could mean a powerful new approach for them.

Better Weight Loss for Women on Both Treatments

The study closely examined women who were taking Zepbound, a well-known drug for weight loss. What they found was quite promising: women who were also receiving hormone therapy lost significantly more weight. Specifically, after about a year and a half, these women shed an average of 17% of their total body weight, compared to only 14% for those who were just on Zepbound without HRT.

Even more impressively, nearly half (45%) of the women taking both Zepbound and hormone therapy achieved a major goal of losing at least 20% of their body weight, while only 18% of those not on HRT reached this same achievement. This strong difference really points to a powerful benefit when these two treatments are used together.

Why This Combination Might Work?

Researchers mentioned that similar positive results were also seen with another common weight-loss drug, Wegovy. This suggests that combining HRT with these types of obesity medications might be a generally effective strategy, not just for one specific drug.

More women are now choosing HRT to help manage uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, especially since newer research has shown it's safer than once thought. We know that menopause causes hormone shifts in a woman's body, which often leads to more belly fat and less muscle. These changes can make it harder to avoid weight gain, so HRT might help counter some of those effects.

For this research, scientists carefully observed the weight changes of 120 women who had already gone through menopause and were prescribed Zepbound. Forty of these women were also using hormone therapy, while the other 80 were not. GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound work by acting like a natural hormone in the body. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels, reduces how hungry you feel, and slows down how quickly food moves through your stomach, which helps you feel full longer.

The researchers highlighted that these new findings offer valuable insights. They could help create more effective and personalized ways to assist women after menopause in managing their weight and lowering their risk of health problems linked to being overweight or obese. The study also stresses that more research is urgently needed to fully understand how these obesity medications and menopause hormone therapy work together.

Gaining this knowledge could truly improve the health and well-being of millions of postmenopausal women. It also highlights the importance of making these helpful treatments more widely available to those who need them most.

However, it's important to remember that this initial study involved a relatively small number of women. To be absolutely sure about these findings and to understand exactly why hormone therapy seems to boost the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs, larger studies with many more women are definitely needed. Keep in mind that results presented at medical meetings are often preliminary and should be viewed as early findings until they have been thoroughly reviewed and published in an official scientific journal.

Every year, the month of July is marked as Sarcoma Awareness Month—a time when patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates across the world come together to shine a light on this rare and often overlooked group of cancers.

In 2025, the global theme is “Know. Act. Advocate.” It urges people to understand the signs, respond to early symptoms, and support timely diagnosis and treatment.

Unlike most common cancers that begin in internal organs, sarcoma often starts in the bones and soft tissues. That’s why experts say not all cancers begin from within.

“Sarcoma is often called the ‘forgotten cancer’ because of its rarity and the lack of awareness around it,” says Dr. Sunil Chopade, Consultant, Medical Oncology at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.

What Is Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

Sarcomas are a rare form of cancer that can arise from a wide range of tissues—muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and fibrous tissues. Based on their origin, they are categorized as bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas.

“Soft tissue sarcomas are classified into nearly 100 types based on the cell of origin and genetic changes,” explains Dr. Chopade. “While they make up less than 1% of adult cancers, in children, they account for about 10–15%.”

Common types include Ewing’s sarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma, especially in younger patients. These can occur in areas such as the extremities, chest wall, spine, or abdominal cavity.

When to Worry About a Lump

One of the earliest signs of sarcoma is a lump or swelling, but not all lumps are dangerous. So how do you tell the difference?

“Benign lumps like lipomas may stay the same size for years and are usually painless,” says Dr. Chopade. “But if the swelling is painful, growing in size, or limiting movement, it needs evaluation.”

He adds, “Unlike benign lumps, sarcomas can infiltrate surrounding tissues. If a lump persists or grows, don’t ignore it.”

Symptoms Depend on the Site

Symptoms of sarcoma can vary dramatically depending on where it develops. A tumor near the joints may limit movement, while one in the abdomen can cause pain, discomfort, or a feeling of fullness. Sarcomas near the spine may even lead to neurological issues.

Who Is at Risk?

Although sarcoma can strike without warning, some factors increase risk.

“Previous radiation exposure is a known cause,” Dr. Chopade says. “There are also genetic syndromes like Li-Fraumeni and retinoblastoma that are linked with sarcoma.”

As for lifestyle factors? “There is no evidence that any specific diet or supplement prevents sarcoma,” he clarifies.

Diagnosis and Why Early Detection Matters

Sarcoma diagnosis relies on imaging techniques such as MRI, CT, and PET-CT, followed by a biopsy to confirm the cancer type.

“Treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy,” Dr. Chopade says. “If detected early, sarcomas can be cured.”

Specialists to consult include medical oncologists, cancer surgeons, and orthopaedic oncologists, particularly those experienced in bone and soft tissue tumors.

Though immunotherapy has shown promise in many cancers, its application in soft tissue sarcomas is still under research, except in select cases.

The goal of Sarcoma Awareness Month is not just education, but empowerment. “Knowing the signs, acting on symptoms, and advocating for timely care can save lives,” stresses Dr. Chopade.

If you notice an unusual lump or persistent pain, don’t wait. Consult your doctor or oncologist. Early action can make all the difference.

CJ, a busy restaurant manager, was getting ready to turn 38. He worked 60-hour weeks and was planning a trip to Spain. In all that rush, he barely noticed a small, itchy bump on his thigh. He thought it was just a mosquito bite and didn't worry about it.

When a "Bite" Turns Dangerous

But this bump was different. It grew very quickly, and in just three months, it became a raised, half-inch lump that started to bleed. Even though he still believed it was harmless, the fast changes made CJ decide to see a skin doctor. The news was shocking: it was melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer. CJ described it as "the fastest moving train I've ever seen." Within two weeks of that first appointment, he had scans and urgent surgery. The cancer, a serious Stage IIIB melanoma, had already spread to the lymph nodes in his groin.

Finding Strength Through a Tough Battle

CJ and his husband had to cancel their trip to Spain. Instead, CJ spent the week recovering from surgery. It was incredibly hard for him to go from a healthy person with what he thought was a simple bug bite to a cancer patient facing treatment so quickly.

Despite feeling down and depressed at first, CJ held onto his positive attitude, largely thanks to his husband's constant support. His husband was his "cheerleader," reminding him that everything would be okay.

CJ went through his treatment, which included several rounds of IV medication. After that, he had regular check-ups with ultrasounds and CT scans for five years to make sure the melanoma hadn't come back. He approached these appointments like a checklist. CJ shared that cancer never defined him; he just wanted to get on with his life.

Living Cancer-Free and Helping Others

Recently, CJ got the wonderful news that he's been cancer-free for five years. CJ advises anyone facing a new diagnosis to acknowledge their mental health and seek support. While he has great resilience, he found value in connecting with others who had similar experiences. That's why he now shares his story and volunteers to help other cancer patients, including working with campaigns like the American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink.

Body Changes and Sun Protection

CJ's experience really highlights how crucial it is to pay attention to any changes in your body and see a doctor if something doesn't go away. What seemed like a minor irritation turned into a serious, life-threatening condition that needed immediate medical care.

His journey also serves as a strong reminder about protecting yourself from the sun. While anyone can get skin cancer, CJ's doctors believe his melanoma might be linked to a lot of sun exposure when he was younger. He knows that growing up in the 1980s meant less awareness about staying in the shade or using daily sunscreen. However, with his fair skin and red hair, studies show he was already at a much higher risk for skin cancer than people with darker hair and skin.

Today, CJ and his husband are new parents, and they make sure their son is protected from the sun every single day. Their son is "always the first one getting the sunscreen." CJ believes the choices we make daily affect our physical and mental health, and he wants to do everything he can to protect his son.

CJ now sees his cancer journey as a significant event that pushed him to make healthier choices, including better sun protection and a healthier diet. His career is now focused on fitness and nutrition, and he considers his past cancer experience just that – part of his past, thanks in part to the work of organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Diabetes is one of the most common health issues that many people go through. It is a condition where one’s blood sugar is higher than normal. The World Health Organization explains that the number of people who have diabetes has increased from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The drastic increase in numbers has been attributed to the increase in the prevalence of processed and sugary foods, lack of movement due to long working hours, etc.

While it is a prevalent condition, it needs specific tests to be diagnosed. So, does a person develop diabetes with no prior signs or warnings? There is in fact a warning step before you get diagnosed with diabetes known as prediabetes.

Understanding Diabetes and Prediabetes

There are also 2 types of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type, where your pancreas do not make enough insulin to breakdown the blood glucose. In type 1, a person’s pancreas stops working, causing high blood sugar levels.

However, before you develop type 2 diabetes, there is a ‘warning stage’ known as prediabetes.

Prediabetes, also called non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It's a serious concern because it significantly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Tell-Tales Signs of Prediabetes

By recognizing prediabetes and making changes to your daily life, you can significantly lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This includes-

Feeling Tired

Experiencing unusual tiredness or frequent energy dips could be a subtle clue. When blood sugar levels aren't stable, your body struggles to use energy efficiently, leaving you feeling drained even after rest. This ongoing fatigue is a common early warning.

Blurry Vision

Occasional or persistent blurry vision might indicate fluctuating blood sugar levels. High sugar can affect the fluid balance in your eyes, causing the lens to swell and change shape, leading to temporary or recurring fuzziness in your sight.

Increased Hunger

Feeling hungry more often than normal, even after eating, is a symptom known as polyphagia. If your body isn't effectively using glucose for energy, your cells might signal a constant need for more fuel, leading to persistent hunger pangs.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying, even when you're eating more, can be a surprising early sign. This happens because your body might not be getting enough energy from glucose, causing it to start burning fat and muscle for fuel instead, leading to unintended weight loss.

Darkened Skin Patches

You might notice areas of darkened, velvety skin, especially around your neck, armpits, or groin. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is a common visual sign of insulin resistance, where your body isn't using insulin effectively.

Skin Tags

While generally harmless, having an unusual number of small skin growths, or skin tags, can sometimes be linked to higher insulin levels and insulin resistance. They often appear in areas where skin rubs together, like the neck or armpits.

Slow-Healing Wounds

If your cuts, scrapes, or wounds take an unusually long time to heal, it could be a warning sign. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, reducing blood flow and the body's ability to repair itself efficiently.

Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination

Feeling unusually thirsty all the time and needing to urinate much more often, especially at night, are classic signs. When blood sugar is too high, your kidneys work overtime to filter out the excess sugar, pulling more water from your body and making you thirsty.

Getting Diagnosed and Checked

The exact cause of prediabetes isn't fully clear, but your family history and genes play a significant role. The only definite way to know if you have it is through a blood test ordered by your doctor. In the UK, if you're aged 40-74, the NHS Health Check includes a diabetes risk assessment and you should be invited for this check-up every five years to help detect early signs.