The Health and Me had previously reported on how many people faced problems with their pancreas post taking weight loss drugs and diabetes injections. These medicines are mostly Wegovy, Ozempic and other variants of GLP-1 medicines, or the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. This has led to an investigation by the authorities.

Not just this, but there are also reports of deaths that have been linked with GLP-1 medicines. Data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed that ever since these drugs were approved, there have been hundreds of cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

The data revealed that 10 people have died and among them, 5 were linked to active ingredients of these popular weight loss jabs.

What Did The Data Reveal?

• A total of 181 cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis have been reported in connection with tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, including five fatalities.
• Liraglutide was associated with 116 such cases, one of which was fatal.
• Semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—was linked to 113 cases, with one death reported.
• Exenatide was associated with 101 cases, including three deaths.
• Dulaglutide and lixisenatide were linked to 52 and 11 cases respectively, with no reported fatalities for either drug.

Based on the data, the Yellow Card Biobank project, which is launched by MHRA and Genomics England will investigate these instances and check whether these drugs could influence people's genetic make-up.

When we asked Dr Amrit Kaur Kaler, Consultant, Molecular Pathology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai about it, she said the "definitive answer to it is no". The doctor explained, "GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic the body’s own incretin hormone. Once injected, they bind to GLP-1 receptors located on pancreatic β-cells and in regions of the brain that regulate appetite. This action leads to an enhanced insulin secretion, helping the body respond appropriately to rising blood glucose levels." It also leads to appetite suppression, by activating neurocircuits that signal fullness. Furthermore, it delays gastric emptying, which prolongs satiety after meals.

In a nutshell, explained the doctor, the medicines "target receptors, not genes."

Though Dr Kaler also notes, "Although GLP-1 agonists themselves do not rewrite genes, any significant change in metabolism—such as substantial weight loss or improved insulin sensitivity—can lead to epigenetic modifications. These are biochemical tweaks, like adding or removing methyl groups on DNA or changing histone configurations, that influence gene activity without altering the underlying sequence." However, it is also important to note that the drugs do not introduce new mutations or make the pancreas produce abnormal DNA. "Individuals with inherited variants in genes like PRSS1, SPINK1, or CFTR already carry a higher baseline risk for pancreatitis," she explains.

The MHRA is encouraging individuals taking GLP-1 medicines who have been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis to report their experience through the Yellow Card scheme.

Following a report submission, the MHRA will reach out to patients to ask if they are willing to take part in a related study.

Participants will be asked to share further information and provide a saliva sample to help determine whether genetic factors may contribute to the risk of developing acute pancreatitis from specific medications.

What Are GLP-1 Medicines?

GLP-1 agonists, used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, are currently under increased scrutiny, according to Wales Online.

With an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK using weight loss injections, health authorities recognise their role in tackling obesity but warn against viewing them as a universal solution, citing potential side effects.

Commonly reported reactions include nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. Recent safety alerts have also highlighted concerns about Mounjaro possibly reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, stated: “Evidence shows that nearly a third of medicine-related side effects could be avoided through genetic testing. Adverse drug reactions are estimated to cost the NHS over £2.2 billion annually in hospital admissions alone.”

She added that data gathered from the Yellow Card Biobank will help identify patients at increased risk of side effects, enabling more personalised and safer prescribing based on individual genetic profiles.

What Happens To Your Body When GLP-1 Medicines Are Administered?

To understand what our body goes through, we spoke to experts in endocrinology and gastroenterology. Here's what they said.

Dr Pranav Ghody, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Wockhardt Hospitals at Mumbai Central explains that weight loss medications, particularly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, have become popular due to their effectiveness. "However, when misused taken without medical supervision, used in high doses, or by people with underlying health issues they can lead to serious side effects. Some complications, like pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal symptoms, may be life-threatening if not promptly addressed."

Why does it impact the pancreas? Dr Ghody explains that these medicines slow digestion and help control hunger, however, in some individuals, especially those predisposed or with a history of pancreatic issues, they can irritate the pancreas and trigger inflammation, leading to a condition called acute pancreatitis.

He also notes that in rare cases, acute pancreatitis can become severe. "It could lead to serious complications like organ failure of infections. If not diagnosed and managed early, it can be fatal. That said, such outcomes are uncommon and typically occur when early warning signs are ignored or the drug is misused."

Dr Saswata Chatterjee, Gastroentrologist at CMRI Hospital explained, "Cases of pancreatitis is more commonly seen in patient people who take terezaberatide. What occurs is there is a pancreatic duct through which the normal pancreatic secretions flow out of the pancreas and into the small intestine. This medicine has been shown to cause hyperplasia of cells around the pancreatic duct and therefore ductal occlusion occurs which leads to pancreatitis in some situations."

Dr Kashish Gupta, Consultant Endocrinology at PSRI Hospital, Delhi, points out that deaths reported in association with these drugs are usually related to severe complications like pancreatitis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or cardiac issues in patients who were either not properly monitored or had other underlying health risks. "Sometimes, patients also self-medicate or receive these injections without adequate clinical oversight, which adds to the risk."

He further adds, "People should be made aware of early warning signs of pancreatitis such as sudden, severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, persistent nausea, vomiting, and fever. If such symptoms occur, the medication must be stopped immediately and emergency medical care sought."

So, How Can One Ensure Safe Use Of Weight Loss Drugs?

"Always take these drugs under the guidance of a qualified endocrinologist or physician. A thorough evaluation including your medical history, current health status, and regular monitoring is crucial. Never self-medicate or take someone else’s prescription. Also, report any symptoms like persistent stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting immediately to your doctor," points out Dr Ghody.

Seconding to this. Dr Sachin Chittawar, Endocrinologist notes that drugs should be prescribed by an endocrinologist.

We have all popped our pimples even though we know how it could hurt us. Popping pimples could lead to marks and small infections, however for the satisfaction of being rid of it, many people do it. While they think the consequences of the same may not be as bad, this case may change your view.

Alisha Monaco, a 32-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital after she popped a pimple at the ‘triangle of death’ on her face. In a recent viral video shared on TikTok, Alisha explained how this pimple was just like many she has had each month. When she failed to squeeze it, she popped it with a sterilized spot-popping needle. However, unlike any other pimple, which would’ve popped and hurt for a moment, she detailed how her ears popped, followed by immediately feeling dizzy.

The 32-year-old explained how the pain was on the right side of her nostril and had spread towards her lip as well as that side of her face.

Even after hours of rest, she woke up with excruciating pain on the right side of her face and the whole right side of her face was swollen.

At the hospital, the healthcare professionals treated the situation promptly due to the high risk of infection in that area, and she was also prescribed medication to ensure no infection spreads. She later took to social media to warn people about the triangle of death.

What is The Triangle of Death?

According to 2023 article in the Journal of Morphological Sciences, the area that spans from the top of your nose to the sides of your face is known as the dangerous triangle of the face or triangle of death. This area is where our cavernous sinus (CS) is situated. The CS is a space in your brain behind your eyes that holds important nerves and blood vessels. Think of it as a busy intersection for nerves that control eye movement, and for a major artery that brings blood to your brain.

What Happens When The Triangle Of Death Gets Infected?

An infection in this area can be very serious. It can damage the nerves there, leading to problems with your eyes, like trouble moving them or feeling pain in your face. The infection can also easily spread to other parts of your head and body, causing:

Meningitis: A dangerous infection of the protective layers around your brain.

Abscesses: Pockets of pus in the brain or other organs.

Hormone problems: Since the sinus is close to a gland that controls your hormones, an infection can mess with your body's hormone levels.

What Should You Do Instead Of Popping The Pimple?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that It can be tough to resist the urge to pop a pimple, but there are safer ways to handle a breakout, especially in this risky area. Try these tips to help it heal faster without the danger:

Use a warm compress

Soak a washcloth in hot (not scalding) water and hold it on the pimple for 10-15 minutes. This can help draw the pus to the surface and speed up the healing.

Try a pimple patch

If the pimple has already opened, a patch can help absorb the fluid and protect the area overnight.

See a dermatologist

If you have a big event or need a quick solution, a doctor can safely treat the pimple with things like cortisone or antibiotic injections.

Counting On star Jana Duggar, 35, and her husband, Stephen Wissmann, are expecting their first baby. The couple, who tied the knot last year, shared their happy news on Instagram with a glowing caption. Fans went wild, but beyond the sweet announcement, there is something worth talking about: the earliest weeks of pregnancy, when so much of the story of new life quietly unfolds.

Pregnancy is often spoken about in trimesters, but the very beginning, the hush-hush early weeks, is where the groundwork is laid for everything to come. And whether you are a reality TV star or not, those first days carry immense importance.

Many women do not even realise they are pregnant in the earliest days, but the body is already in full construction mode. Hormones like hCG (the one that makes pregnancy tests turn positive) and progesterone start working overtime to prepare the uterine lining, support the embryo, and guard against early complications.

Why “Early Care” Is Everything

Doctors always stress that if you are planning a pregnancy or even just considering it, those first few weeks are the ones you need to prepare for the most. Folate, for instance, is a superhero nutrient in these early days. Adequate folic acid before and during early pregnancy can prevent neural tube defects, serious conditions that form in the embryo’s first month.

Skipping prenatal vitamins during this window is like forgetting to pack your parachute before a skydive. Most of the development of the brain and spinal cord happens before you even hit 12 weeks.

The Unseen Risks of Everyday Life

The early days are also when lifestyle habits make the biggest difference. Alcohol, smoking, and even certain over-the-counter medications can have a bigger impact during this time than later on. That is why many doctors advise women of childbearing age to adopt healthy routines before conception itself.

It is not just the headline habits either. Too much caffeine, poorly cooked meats, or even that unwashed salad can carry risks in early pregnancy when the immune system is slightly suppressed. It might sound fussy, but those small adjustments help lay a safe foundation for the months ahead.

Why Rest and Stress Matter A Lot

Everyone loves telling expectant mothers to “rest”, but in those early days, rest is not just about catching up on Netflix. It is about helping the body handle the metabolic overload of creating a new human. Fatigue is often one of the first pregnancy symptoms, and it is not just in your head; the body is literally doubling its workload.

Stress, too, plays a silent role. High cortisol levels can affect implantation and early growth. While it is impossible to live stress-free, the early days are when building calming routines, whether through gentle exercise, journaling, or mindfulness, can pay off in the long run.

The Emotional Rollercoaster Nobody Warns You About

The funny thing about early pregnancy is how invisible it feels. Outwardly, nothing looks different, but inside, everything is changing. That mismatch can be confusing. Some days it is all excitement, baby names, nursery ideas, and Instagram reveals. Other days it is nerves; what if something goes wrong?

That duality is completely normal. Roughly 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often during those early weeks, and while the statistic can be scary, it is also why early prenatal care and open conversations are so important. A good support system can help balance joy with realism.

Why Jana’s News Hits Different

At 35, 19 Kids and Counting star falls into what doctors call “advanced maternal age”, which simply means pregnancies need a little more monitoring. But it is also proof that every journey is unique. The fact that she and Stephen are openly celebrating the news shows how much hope and excitement early pregnancy carries, even in its uncertainty.

For her, January 2026 will bring a baby. For the rest of us, it is a reminder that the earliest weeks of pregnancy, while quiet and often unseen, are some of the most powerful days in the making of a new life.

While the first weeks of pregnancy may not come with a visible bump or cute baby kicks, they are the foundation of the entire nine-month journey.

Every summer, social media fills with unsettling images of backyard wildlife that look more like extras from a low-budget horror movie than neighborhood critters. This year, it’s squirrels with grotesque sores and rabbits sprouting what appear to be black, tentacle-like horns from their heads. While the sight is shocking, scientists say these conditions are less terrifying than they appear—and in many ways, they’re teaching us important lessons about viruses, immunity, and even human health.

In northern Colorado, residents recently spotted wild rabbits with twisted, horn-like growths protruding from their faces. Reports came in from Fort Collins, where some of these animals looked like they had sprouted black tentacles instead of fur.

What Are Frankenstein Rabbits?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) quickly confirmed the culprit- Shope papillomavirus, a virus first identified in the 1930s. The infection causes keratin-based growths made of the same material as human nails and hair—that can grow into elongated, horn-like shapes.

For most rabbits, the infection is temporary. “They’re able to clear it from their system on their own,” says Kara Van Hoose, CPW spokesperson. Once the immune system suppresses the virus, the horns dry out and eventually fall off. But in some cases, the growths can interfere with eating, foraging, or even vision. Rarely, they can develop into squamous cell cancers.

Importantly, Shope papillomavirus only infects rabbits and hares—not humans or pets. The growths themselves aren’t contagious. Instead, the virus spreads via bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, which is why sightings spike in summer and then fade with the first frosts.

A Virus with A Surprising Legacy

The rabbit virus may look like a strange wildlife quirk, but its scientific significance is immense. Richard Shope, the virologist who identified it in 1933, later contributed to research on influenza A and traced links to the deadly 1918 flu pandemic.

Even more importantly, his studies of rabbit papillomavirus helped scientists understand human papillomavirus (HPV), a pathogen now known to cause several cancers. This research eventually led to the development of the HPV vaccine, one of the most effective tools in modern cancer prevention.

In other words, the bizarre-looking horned rabbits of Colorado are part of a story that connects animal health, human medicine, and the fight against one of the world’s leading cancer-causing viruses.

What Are Zombie Squirrels?

If the horned rabbits weren’t alarming enough, homeowners across the U.S. and Canada have reported squirrels with grotesque, oozing sores. Dubbed “zombie squirrels” on Reddit and local news outlets, these animals often appear bald, scabby, and covered in tumors.

At first, some feared this was squirrelpox, a rare and often deadly virus primarily found in red squirrels in the U.K. But experts now say that in North America, most cases are actually squirrel fibromatosis, caused by a virus called leporipoxvirus.

Like the rabbit papillomavirus, fibromatosis creates wart-like growths that may burst and ooze fluid. The disease looks disturbing, but it usually clears up on its own within four to eight weeks. Gray squirrels, which are common across the U.S., generally recover fully.

How the Virus Spreads Among Animals?

Unlike the horned rabbit virus, which is spread by biting insects, squirrel fibromatosis spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or lesions. That means the backyard bird feeder—a favorite stop for squirrels—can act as a transmission hub. Infected squirrels may leave saliva on seeds, which is then picked up by others.

“Shevenell Webb, a wildlife biologist in Maine, explains it like this: ‘It’s like when you get a large concentration of people. If someone is sick and it spreads easily, others are going to catch it.’”

Although it’s upsetting to see squirrels in such poor condition, the disease does not spread to humans, dogs, or cats. Experts strongly advise against touching or attempting to “rescue” infected squirrels.

Should We Worry About Human Risk?

Here’s the key point: Neither rabbit papillomavirus nor squirrel fibromatosis poses a risk to people. These viruses are species-specific, meaning they evolved to target only their animal hosts.

That said, wildlife experts caution against close contact. Wild animals can carry other pathogens, and distressed animals can bite or scratch. The safest approach, they say, is observation from a distance.

At first glance, these conditions look like nothing more than cruel tricks of nature. But the history of virology shows that studying animal viruses has repeatedly advanced human medicine. The rabbit papillomavirus directly contributed to the eventual creation of the HPV vaccine. Even squirrel fibromatosis, though less studied, provides clues about viral behavior, transmission dynamics, and immune response.

There’s also a conservation angle. Tracking these conditions helps wildlife officials monitor population health and understand how environmental changes, including warmer summers and denser urban habitats, may amplify disease spread.

It’s worth noting that both the horned rabbits and zombie squirrels came into the public spotlight through viral photos online. Platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have become informal early-warning systems for unusual animal illnesses. While this sometimes fuels fear, it also provides wildlife agencies with useful crowd-sourced data.

As Van Hoose points out, it’s difficult for agencies to know whether multiple sightings represent several infected animals or just the same one seen repeatedly. Public reports when paired with expert analysis help build a clearer picture.

What to Do If You Spot A ‘Frankenstein Rabbits’ or ‘Zombie Squirrels’?

If you see a rabbit with horns or a squirrel with sores, the advice is straightforward:

• Do not touch or feed the animal.
• Do not attempt to trap or euthanize it.
• Report sightings to local wildlife authorities if requested in your area.

These animals, though unsightly, are usually not suffering long-term. Many recover naturally once their immune system clears the virus.

From rabbits with keratin “horns” to squirrels with wart-like sores, these strange cases highlight how deeply intertwined wildlife health is with human understanding of disease. They remind us that viruses are not just human problems—they shape ecosystems, influence evolution, and sometimes, unexpectedly, lead to breakthroughs that save lives.