More Green, Less Sugars: Ozempic Alters Eating Patterns In People, New Research Shows

Updated Apr 15, 2025 | 10:08 PM IST

SummaryA new research has concluded that consumers currently taking a GLP-1RA consume significantly fewer calories than the other groups surveyed.
More Green, Less Sugars: Ozempic Alters Eating Patterns In People, New Research Shows

Credit: Canva

We've heard how the use of drugs like Ozempic can drive weight loss, as well as potentially boost heart health and cut out alcohol cravings. While a debate on its side effects is ongoing, a new study has revealed how it can alter your food habits. The study has been published in the journal Food Quality and Preference.

Ozempic Is GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Ozempic is what is known as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) implying that it mimics the body's natural response to food to reduce appetite and slow digestion. While originally created for people suffering from type 2 Diabetes, it has now become popular for its weight loss effects.

New Study Shows Changes In Eating Patterns

Led by the US Department of Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness, the study analyzed the eating habits of 1,955 participants, split into four groups: those currently taking GLP-1RAs, those who had taken them in the past, those who were planning to take them, and those who had never taken them and weren't planning to. Researchers concluded that there was a significant difference in the kind of food they ate.

Researchers also concluded that consumers currently taking a GLP-1RA consume significantly fewer calories than the other groups surveyed, and calorie reduction while taking a GLP-1RA for weight loss could be around 720 to 990 calories. People who took GLP-1 RAs significantly consumed lesser processed foods

During the research, it was found that people on these blockbuster weight loss drugs like ozempic, wegovy and muanjaro significantly reduced their consumption of processed and high-carb and sugar foods. Interestingly, there was a twist in the data story- people taking GLP-1RAs reported that they still wanted to eat high-calorie foods like processed foods and sugary drinks as much as before; they just chose not to, for whatever reason. Those effects could be the subject of future studies, the researchers suggest.

What Should You Be Careful About While Consuming Ozempic?

Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs are not without their side effects and can trigger digestive problems in some people. In some studies with rodents, Ozempic medicines that work like Ozempic caused thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. While it is not known if Ozempic causes thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people, the company has warned that if any family member has had MTC or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), then they should avoid using Ozempic. Some serious side effects of Ozempic include inflammation of the pancreas. It could cause severe pain in the stomach area with or without vomiting.

Using Ozempic with certain medications like sulfonylureas or insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar, with symptoms like dizziness, irritability, and sweating. Health experts have warned that many people get these gastrointestinal side effects, which shouldn't be managed on their own. It can also worsen kidney issues in those with dehydration from nausea or diarrhoea.

However, in very rare cases, Ozempic could cause serious allergic reactions or gallbladder issues, signalled by symptoms like severe abdominal pain or jaundice. As per Novo Nordisk, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and inform your doctor if any severe symptoms appear.

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India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet Study

Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 11:53 AM IST

SummaryA new Lancet study shows India as an outlier in global health trends, with rising deaths from chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, while most countries report declines. Alarmingly, Indian women face a sharper increase in risk, raising concerns about health equity, long-term care access, and meeting global disease reduction goals.
India Sees Rising Death Risk From Chronic Diseases While Other Countries Report Decline, Finds Lancet Study

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A new global analysis published in The Lancet has revealed that the probability of dying from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease has increased in India over the past decade. The study points out that while four out of every five countries saw a decline in chances of dying from a chronic disease, India may stand as an outlier in this health trend.

The study, conducted by researchers from Imperial College London, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other global institutions, looked at mortality data from 185 countries and territories between 2010 and 2019. India registered a worrying rise, with women experiencing a sharper increase than men.

Also Read: A Viral Instagram Post Makes Several Claims On What Makes Your Kids Sick After A Swimming Session, We Fact Checked It For You, Here's What We Found

What the Numbers Show

Globally, the probability of dying from an NCD between birth and age 80 declined in 82% of countries for females and in 79% for males. These improvements were largely due to fewer deaths from cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and conditions such as stroke.

In stark contrast, India joined a small group of countries, including Papua New Guinea,, where deaths from chronic illnesses went up for both genders. The analysis noted that “deaths from most causes of chronic disease increased in India, with heart disease and diabetes contributing heavily.”

The report also underlined that among large nations, countries such as China, Egypt, Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil recorded declines in both male and female chronic disease death risks, highlighting India’s outlier status.

Women Face Higher Risk

The Lancet study highlighted an alarming gender divide in India. While both men and women saw an increase in mortality risk, the rise was steeper for women. This suggests that Indian women are facing growing vulnerability to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, potentially compounded by limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Also Read: A Higher Dose Of Semaglutide Helps 1 In 3 Obese Adults Lose 25% Body Weight: Lancet Study

Globally, women have generally benefited more from improved chronic disease management compared to men. India’s reversal of that trend raises fresh concerns about the country’s ability to meet health equity goals.

What Is Driving the Trend?

Experts say India’s growing urbanization, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, and high levels of air pollution are fueling the surge in NCDs, as is also stated in a recent 2025 study published in Cureus, titled: Urban-Rural Health Transitions in India: A Comprehensive Review of Non-communicable Disease Trends and Risk Landscapes. Additionally, another 2023 study published in Cureus, titled: The Transformation of The Indian Healthcare System, notes that the country has long struggled with health system constraints, including unequal access to preventive and primary care.

While deaths from communicable diseases have declined due to better vaccination and treatment, the vacuum has been filled by chronic conditions that demand long-term management. The study points to heart disease and diabetes as the leading drivers of India’s rising death risk, alongside growing cases of dementia, alcohol-related disorders, and cancers of the pancreas and liver.

Global Commitments Under Pressure

The findings come at a critical time. Nations, under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have pledged to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. The upcoming Fourth High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly is expected to set out a new vision for tackling these conditions, including scaling up prevention and treatment.

For India, however, the new data suggests the country risks falling further behind on these global commitments.

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AI Can Predict Blindness Years Before It Happens: Major Breakthrough in Eye Health

Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 05:00 AM IST

SummaryVision loss can happen due to many reason, some of which are preventable while others may not be. However, there are also times diseases, which were not recognized early enough, end up causing people to lose their sight. So, how can we increase the rates of diagnosis, could AI be of help?
AI Can Predict Blindness Years Before It Happens: Major Breakthrough in Eye Health

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The past year we have observed more and more incorporation of AI in different aspects of our life. Not just for writing or making pictures, it is also now being used to identify people’s faces through facial recognition software, helping in documentation as well as in medicine. New software are being developed to assist medical professionals, not only does this help them identify diseases but also speeds up the process.

Having AI in medicine could also lower the cost and help many people get the help they need. This has led researchers to look for different ways to teach AI how to recognize and diagnose issues. One such disease that can cause people blindness, could actually be identified by AI, according to new research.

A new study has shown that artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately predict which patients with a condition called keratoconus need treatment to save their vision. This research, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), is a major breakthrough for managing this eye disease, which often affects young adults. The findings were shared at a major conference for eye surgeons.

What is Keratoconus?

Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear, front part of the eye, starts to bulge outwards and change shape. This causes vision to become blurry and distorted. If the condition gets worse, a person might eventually need a cornea transplant, which is a major surgery.

Right now, doctors can only track the disease by having patients come in for frequent check-ups over many years. This is time-consuming for both the patient and the hospital. The main treatment, called cross-linking, is very successful at stopping the disease, but doctors haven't had a reliable way to know which patients will get worse and need the treatment right away versus those who can just be watched.

How the AI Algorithm Works For Medicine

Researchers from a London eye hospital and a university created an AI program to help with this problem. They trained the AI using over 36,000 images of patients' eyes taken with a special scanner. The AI looked at these images and other patient data to learn how to predict the disease's future course.

The AI's performance was very impressive. It was able to correctly sort patients into two groups from their very first visit: a low-risk group that didn't need immediate treatment, and a high-risk group that did. The AI was correct about two-thirds of the time. When the researchers added data from a second visit, the AI's accuracy jumped to 90%, meaning it was right nine out of ten times.

Patient Care

This new AI tool could change how doctors treat keratoconus. By using the AI to identify high-risk patients early, doctors could perform the preventative cross-linking treatment before vision gets worse. This would help patients avoid vision loss and the need for a major surgery like a corneal transplant.

For low-risk patients, the AI would prevent them from having to make unnecessary and frequent hospital visits, which would also free up doctors and hospital resources. The researchers are now working on making the AI even better, with the goal of using it to help with other eye problems as well, such as infections and inherited diseases.

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British Tourists Urged to Take This Step Before Travelling as Measles Cases Soar: How To Identify It

Updated Sep 16, 2025 | 01:00 AM IST

SummaryMeasles is one of the most contagious diseases present in the world and recently there has been a sharp incline in the number of cases globally. However, what is causing this rise and how can we make sure it does not affect us or anyone around us. Here is what you need to know.
British Tourists Urged to Take This Step Before Travelling as Measles Cases Soar: How To Identify It

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging British tourists to take one simple step to prevent their autumn holiday from being "ruined" by illness. Amid a potential rise in infections this year, the agency is advising travelers to make sure they are protected against measles before heading abroad.

What is Measles?

Measles is a very contagious illness that can make you feel quite sick. It's caused by a virus and can be serious, sometimes leading to dangerous problems like brain swelling or pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get the measles vaccine. The first signs of measles can feel like a bad cold or flu. You might have:

  • High fever
  • A cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red or watery eyes
  • Tirednes
  • Sore throat and muscle pain

Are Measles Cases Rising Globally?

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause a fever, a cough, red eyes, and a rash. It can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that measles cases in Europe have reached a 25-year high, with over 127,000 cases reported last year. More than half of these cases required hospitalization, and there were 38 recorded deaths.

The UKHSA issued a message on social media platform X, stating, "Planning an autumn or winter getaway? Don't let measles ruin your holiday. Two doses of the #MMR vaccine give you full protection, and you can catch up at your GP practice if you've missed any."

Why Vaccination Is Key For Measles

Getting vaccinated against measles is a critical step in staying healthy. Measles isn't just a simple rash; it's a serious illness that can lead to severe, life-threatening problems like pneumonia (a lung infection), meningitis (brain inflammation), and even blindness.

The good news is that the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, as well as mumps and rubella. In the UK, all children are offered this vaccine, and two doses can give you protection for life. If you're not sure if you or your child has had the vaccine, you can contact your local doctor's office (GP surgery), which can provide it for free. Health experts emphasize that when more people are vaccinated, it protects everyone, especially those who can't get the vaccine themselves.

What Measles Looks Like: How To Identify Measles?

According to Center of Disease Control and Prevention, a measles rash is a key sign of the illness, and it has a very specific pattern. It usually begins as flat, red spots on your face near the hairline. Over the next few days, it will spread downwards to cover your neck, body, arms, and legs.

Facial Rash: The rash often appears as small, red, raised spots on the forehead and cheeks. It might look different depending on a person's skin tone. as small, red, raised spots. It can look different on various skin tones.

Body Rash: The rash won't stay on your face; it will spread across your entire body.

Other Symptoms: The rash is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough.

Healing: As you start to recover, the rash will fade, and your skin may begin to peel or flake off.

Koplik spots: One of the earliest signs of measles is tiny white spots with a bluish center that show up inside the mouth. These are called Koplik spots and often appear a few days before the main rash.

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