Jonathan Van Ness, the star is best known for his charming on-screen presence on Netflix's 'Queer Eye', has shocked fans with a drastic new look. The 37-year-old recently went on social media to announce he has lost 66 pounds, posting before-and-after photos highlighting his impressive weight loss. Though his journey involved the use of GLP-1 medications, Van Ness also made considerable changes to his lifestyle in order to reach his outcomes.

Van Ness, who has always been open about his body image and mental health struggles, posted his weight loss progress through Instagram Stories. The comparison pictures showed an older picture of his with more of a fuller build next to his current, thinner version of himself. The overlay caption boasted, "Lost 66 pounds!" and was accompanied by the MyFitnessPal logo, insinuating that the use of dietary tracking helped in his makeover.

His honest disclosure immediately fueled discussions, not only on his remarkable weight loss, but also on the regimen he used to get there. One month ago, Van Ness had also quelled rumors, confessing in a TikTok video that he was taking an GLP-1 medication—one of the most buzzed-about weight-loss drugs in recent years.

Van Ness confirmed that he had been prescribed a GLP-1 drug after a consultation with his physician. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that regulates blood glucose and hunger. Originally intended for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, such drugs—such as brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—have become trendy among celebrities and the general public for their weight-reducing attributes.

"I've lost and gained weight many times quite publicly, but this time, I required a little bit of additional assistance," Van Ness described, pointing out that his most recent weight gain had been motivated by private personal struggles in the last couple of years. He acknowledged that binge-eating disorder was the central reason behind his weight changes, causing him to experience compulsive eating and guilt.

After attempting a pill form of the medication to no avail, Van Ness moved to an injectable GLP-1 in September 2023. The effect was near-instant. "For the first time ever in my life, I had control over what I ate," he explained, noting the medication has been "massively helpful."

Lifestyle Changes That Made the Difference

Although GLP-1 drugs were part of his change, Van Ness stressed that his weight loss was not only because of the medication. He consciously and sustainably changed his lifestyle so that he would take back control of his well-being.

"I want to mention GLP-1s have been a huge help, but I have also made huge other changes," he said in a social media post. These included:

Healthier Diet: Van Ness overhauled his diet, adopting healthier and more balanced meals.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption was an important factor in enhancing his physical as well as mental health.

Adopting Group Fitness: He emphasized that group Pilates had been the most important modification in his process, enhancing his overall mental and physical health.

"My mental state and overall mood is a different world since last year, and the most significant change was group fitness," he added.

Psychological Impact of Weight Loss and Body Image

Van Ness has been a long-time advocate for mental health awareness, frequently writing about the overlap between body image and emotional health. His recent weight gain, he conceded, had left him feeling "depressed and out of control." He credits medication, but also therapy, exercise, and self-care, with helping him find balance again.

His tale emphasizes a significant discussion regarding weight loss and the emotional price it extracts. Most people struggling with weight issues go through phases of bingeing, self-criticism, and anxiety. Van Ness' honesty regarding his experience motivates others to reach out and find various methods that suit them.

Are GLP-1 Medications a Growing Trend in Hollywood?

Van Ness is not the first public figure to speak about taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Over the past few years, a number of celebrities have admitted to taking the drugs.

Whoopi Goldberg has revealed that she lost considerable weight after taking Mounjaro, a GLP-1 drug taken for Type 2 diabetes.

Oprah Winfrey has talked about taking a GLP-1 agonist, although she has not revealed which exact drug.

Kelly Clarkson also revealed taking a weight-loss drug, though she claimed it was not Ozempic but did not provide more information.

The increasing discussion of these drugs has led to arguments about their availability, long-term health impacts, and ethics. Though they have been a miracle for those with weight-related health conditions, there is still fear of their overuse and social pressure to achieve specific body ideals.

With all the ongoing talk about GLP-1 meds, Van Ness' openness reminds us that weight loss isn't simply numbers on a scale but about being better, whole, and complete.

Dementia is one of the most common cognitive diseases people are affected by. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define various cognitive disabilities that affect a person’s memory, thinking as well and behavioral capabilities. About 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, many of whom do not have enough resources to get the proper treatment. It is a disease with no cure; however, you can control its symptoms. The cause of this disease is still unknown, but there are many potential links to the disease.

A new study suggests that the bacteria living in our mouths and guts, collectively known as the microbiome, could play a role in Parkinson's disease, particularly in the worsening of memory problems. Researchers reported their findings on June 9th in the journal Gut Microbes.

Gut-Mouth Connection in Cognitive Decline

The study found a specific link between changes in these bacteria and cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients. Notably, the movement of harmful bacteria from the mouth to the gut was associated with Parkinson's patients experiencing a shift from mild memory issues to full-blown dementia.

While researchers aren't yet sure if these bacteria directly cause the cognitive decline or if changes in the body due to Parkinson's allow them to thrive, they believe these microbes might be actively worsening symptoms.

Parkinson's disease is mainly known for causing issues with movement, like shaking, stiff muscles, and trouble with balance. However, as the disease gets worse, people often start to have memory problems.

Bacteria that naturally live in our mouths and guts are increasingly being linked to diseases that affect the brain and nerves. When the way our gut and brain talk to each other – what scientists call the "gut-brain axis" – gets messed up, it can cause inflammation and immune responses that might hurt brain cells. For example, a common type of bacteria found in gum disease has even been pointed to as a possible factor in Alzheimer's disease.

Bacterial Differences and Toxins

For the study, researchers analyzed mouth and gut bacteria from 114 individuals, including Parkinson's patients with mild cognitive impairment and those with dementia. They found clear differences in the types and functions of bacteria between these groups.

Patients with more severe cognitive impairment had a greater presence of harmful bacteria in their gut, many of which appeared to have migrated from the mouth. These bacteria were found to produce toxins that can damage gut tissue, promote inflammation, and potentially impact the brain.

New Treatments and Lifestyle Changes

These findings suggest that the toxins produced by these bacteria could serve as "biological markers" to identify Parkinson's patients at higher risk of developing dementia. In the future, these toxins might even become targets for new treatments aimed at protecting the brain by altering the gut environment.

The research also highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors for people with Parkinson's, such as maintaining a good diet and practicing excellent oral hygiene. As Parkinson's progresses, patients may become more reliant on caregivers, and routine practices like oral care and proper nutrition might be neglected.

Promoting a healthy microbiome through consistent oral care, a balanced diet, and potentially even targeted probiotic interventions could help improve disease management in Parkinson's. Future research will explore how these bacteria and toxins affect brain function and whether lifestyle changes can help slow or prevent dementia in these patients.

Parents of teens are always complaining about the amount of sleep their kids get. No matter how many hours teens sleep, they always seem tired. However, that is not a coincidence. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, teens experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. They also need nine or more hours of sleep every day. That is because they are at a crucial stage of cognitive development, a stage of cognitive maturation, which is supported by appropriate amounts of sleep.

So, what happens when they do not sleep as much? Does it hinder their cognitive development?

A new study reveals that sleep deprivation in teenagers can lead to significant brain changes, potentially increasing impulsive and aggressive behaviors. Published on June 13th in the journal Brain and Behavior, the findings highlight the critical role sleep plays in adolescent brain development and mental well-being.

Default Mode Network and Behavior

This study looked at how sleep affects a special part of the brain called the "default mode network" (DMN). Think of the DMN as your brain's "idle mode" or "daydreaming mode." It's active when you're just relaxing, not trying to focus on something specific, maybe thinking about yourself or letting your mind wander. The researchers found that when teens didn't get enough sleep, the different parts of this daydreaming network became less connected.

These same teens also tended to have more behavior problems. This means they might be more aggressive, have trouble paying attention, or be very hyper. It's like a messy room – when the DMN isn't well-connected, things can get a bit chaotic, leading to difficult behaviors. As one of the main researchers said, how long and how well teens sleep is directly linked to these brain connections, which then predict behavior problems.

Importance of Adolescent Sleep

The default mode network (DMN) is really important for things like thinking about yourself, understanding your own feelings, and being creative. When this network is working well, people can connect ideas better and even understand what others are thinking.

Teenage years are a super important time for the brain to grow and develop. It's like building the foundation of a house – if you don't build it right, the rest of the house might have problems. And sleep is absolutely critical for this brain development. It helps all those brain connections form properly and get stronger. The sad truth is, many teenagers simply aren't getting the good quality sleep they need.

Disparities in Sleep and Behavior

The study also noticed that some groups of teenagers were more likely to get less sleep and have more behavioral problems. This included boys, older teenagers, and kids from certain racial minority groups. This finding suggests that there might be different factors at play that make it harder for these particular groups of teens to get enough sleep, and it highlights a need for more support for them.

It really emphasizes that we need to make sure teenagers get enough good sleep. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about helping their brains develop properly and keeping them mentally healthy.

On World Blood Donor Day, observed every year on June 14, the spotlight turns to the vital act of blood donation—an effort that saves millions of lives each year. Yet, many potential donors still hold back due to confusion or misinformation. To help clear the air, we spoke to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, about the do’s and don’ts of blood donation. Here’s what we learned.

ALSO READ: Who Can Donate Blood To Whom?

Can Women Donate Blood During Their Period?

This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Pathak, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.

What If You’re Recovering from Illness or Taking Medication?

Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.

Alcohol, Smoking and Blood Donation—What’s the Deal?

While an occasional drinker may not be entirely disqualified, heavy alcohol consumption is a red flag. “Anyone who is under the influence or shows signs of intoxication should not be donating blood,” Dr. Pathak warns. Ideally, toxic substances like alcohol or nicotine should be avoided for several hours before donation, and if there is an emergency and the only available donor has consumed alcohol recently, it's safest to look for another eligible person.

Basic Eligibility: Age, Weight, and Health

• To donate blood in India, you must be:
• 18 to 65 years old (first-time donors should not be older than 60)
• Weigh at least 45 kg (for 350 ml of whole blood)
• Hemoglobin levels of at least 12.5 gm/dl

For apheresis (platelet or plasma donation), the minimum weight is 50 kg, and the age range is 18 to 60 years. Chronic illnesses and poor general health are automatic grounds for deferral.

Tattoos and Piercings: Are You Temporarily Ineligible?

Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.

TO KNOW MORE, READ: How Long After a Tattoo or Piercing Can I Donate Blood?

What to Eat (or Avoid) Before and After Donation

A proper meal before donating is important, but fasting is not advised. “The donor should not be on an empty stomach, and their last meal should be at least four hours before donation,” explains Dr. Pathak. Avoid fatty foods before donating as they can interfere with blood testing. After donation, staying hydrated and consuming a light snack helps restore energy levels quickly.

A Note on Low Hemoglobin

Women, especially, often have concerns about low hemoglobin levels. If your levels are below 12.5 gm/dl, you won’t be allowed to donate—for your own safety. It’s best to get your iron levels checked regularly if you plan to be a repeat donor.

YOU MAY WANT TO READ: Can You Have Anemia By Donating Blood?

Blood donation is a safe, simple, and generous act that can make a life-or-death difference. On this World Blood Donor Day, let’s pledge to stay informed and encourage more people to donate responsibly. As Dr. Pathak says, “With the right awareness and care, we can all contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate society.”