Semaglutide -based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity for their ability to suppress hunger and aid in quick weight loss but with the buzz, more and more people are still hesitant about medication use long-term—particularly with the gastrointestinal side effects and price tag that come with most of these injections. What if you could mimic some of the processes of these medications naturally without ever setting foot in a pharmacy?

Science today reveals that it's possible. Through the power of nutrition, timing, and meal form, you can boost your body's own levels of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)—the hormone semaglutides are engineered to copy. No diet or habit can duplicate the pharmacological effect of Ozempic, but the correct lifestyle changes can have significant, long-term weight loss—without the risks.

What's Body's Natural "Fullness" Signal?

GLP-1 is a gut hormone that signals fullness, delays gastric emptying, and regulates insulin. How semaglutide drugs do this is by increasing levels of GLP-1 and preventing it from being broken down, prolonging that feeling of fullness from a matter of minutes to a few days. That's what triggers the dramatic reduction in appetite experienced with Ozempic.

But recent research shows that GLP-1 can even be boosted by natural methods—namely, with focused food selection, attentive consumption, and timing strategies.

What Are The Nutrients That Naturally Increase GLP-1?

At the center of any pharmaceutical-free weight reduction technique is food. But calories alone—certain nutrients direct the body's endocrine reactions, including GLP-1.

Fibre: Richly found in beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, fibre is fermented within the gut by resident beneficial bacteria to release short-chain fatty acids that induce the release of GLP-1. Diets rich in fibre are always linked with weight loss—even when calories aren't limited.

Monounsaturated Fats: Olive oil, avocado, and nuts such as pistachios contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, which have been proven to raise GLP-1. Even a small trial comparing bread with olive oil to bread with butter showed higher levels of the hormone with the olive oil combination. Even combining carbs with any source of fat (such as cheese) increases GLP-1 over consuming carbs on their own.

Whole Foods Combinations: Placing avocado on a typical bagel breakfast or adding fibre-dense nuts as a snack can provide an GLP-1 kick. Foods that pair fibre and healthy fat—such as pistachios—are particularly potent.

Why Timing and Order of Meals Matter?

The tale doesn't end with ingredients—it continues to behavior. How, when, and in what order you eat is an important contributor to hormonal balance.

Meal Order: Beginning meals with protein or vegetables first, then eating carbs, results in more GLP-1 release. This easy adjustment—protein or greens first—is a key that can stabilize blood sugar and promote feelings of fullness.

Circadian Rhythms: GLP-1, as with all hormones, has a biological clock. Breakfast meals release much more GLP-1 than dinner meals. Eating a high-calorie breakfast results in greater satiety and improved metabolic effects compared to a calorie-dense dinner. Front-loading your calorie intake—eating "breakfast like a king"—isn't simply an old maxim; it's science.

Chewing and Rate of Eating: The chewing act might be more significant than you realize. In one study, eating chopped cabbage (one needed to chew it) resulted in higher GLP-1 levels than having the same vegetable as a purée. Further, eating a dessert, such as ice cream, at a slow rate over 30 minutes generated higher GLP-1 levels than rapid consumption in five. Eating more slowly can transmit stronger "full" messages to the brain.

How Natural GLP-1 Levels Compare to Medications?

It is worth noting the limitations of food intervention. Semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic raise GLP-1 levels to about 65 nanograms per millilitre of blood—more than a thousand times the 59 picograms induced by even the healthiest foods.

But weight loss is not the sole indicator of success. The Mediterranean diet that naturally increases GLP-1 through olive oil, nuts, vegetables, and lean meats has been proven to decrease the risk of heart disease by 30%. Semaglutide drugs, on the other hand, decrease cardiac risk by 20%. For overall health benefits, food trumps medicine.

Drug-Free Blueprint for Weight Loss

If you want a drug-free weight management that is in harmony with your body's natural rhythms and biochemistry, here are things worth considering incorporating into your lifestyle:

• Eat breakfast as the biggest meal of the day.
• Eat at least one high-fibre food per meal.
• Emphasize healthy fats, particularly olive oil, avocado, and nuts.
• Start meals with vegetables or proteins first, and then carbohydrates.
• Munch slowly and thoroughly.
• Space out meals to coincide with your body's circadian rhythm—eat sooner, not later.
• Add in snacks such as pistachios or almonds, which pair fibre with healthy fat.

These practices won't provide magic in a single night, but they provide long-term weight control and metabolic wellness without side effects, addiction, or prescription renewals.

A U.S. medical journal has issued a cautionary note about relying on artificial intelligence for health guidance after a 60-year-old man developed a rare medical condition following advice he reportedly sought from ChatGPT about eliminating table salt from his diet.

Case Reported in Leading Medical Journal

The case, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by researchers from the University of Washington, describes how the man developed bromism, also known as bromide toxicity, after substituting sodium chloride (table salt) with sodium bromide.

Bromism was a recognized condition in the early 20th century and is believed to have accounted for nearly one in ten psychiatric admissions at the time.

The man told doctors he had read about the negative effects of sodium chloride and consulted ChatGPT for alternatives. He said the chatbot mentioned that chloride could be replaced with bromide, albeit “likely for other purposes, such as cleaning.” Despite this, he began taking sodium bromide regularly for three months.

Sodium bromide, historically used as a sedative, has largely been abandoned in modern medicine due to safety concerns.

Unclear What Advice Was Originally Given

The researchers noted that they could not access the patient’s original ChatGPT conversation log, making it impossible to verify the exact wording or context of the advice. However, when the authors themselves asked ChatGPT about replacing chloride, the AI’s answer also mentioned bromide, provided no explicit health warning, and did not question the intent behind the inquiry.

“In our view, a medical professional would have sought clarification and avoided suggesting bromide for human consumption,” the authors wrote.

AI Risks in Medical Decision-Making

The authors warned that ChatGPT and other AI tools can produce scientifically inaccurate information, fail to critically evaluate potential risks, and unintentionally spread misinformation. They stressed that while AI may be useful in connecting scientific concepts with the public, it can also promote “decontextualized information” that could lead to preventable adverse health outcomes.

They recommended that medical professionals consider whether patients have been influenced by AI when assessing symptoms and history.

Also Read: Illinois Becomes First US State To Ban AI-Powered Mental Health Therapy; Why Is This Step Important In Ensuring Patient Safety?

Patient’s Hospitalization and Symptoms

According to the report, the man arrived at a hospital believing his neighbor was trying to poison him. He presented with multiple dietary restrictions and paranoia, refusing water offered by staff despite being extremely thirsty. Within 24 hours, he attempted to leave the hospital, prompting his involuntary admission for psychiatric care.

He was diagnosed with psychosis and treated accordingly. Once stable, he reported additional symptoms characteristic of bromism, including facial acne, persistent thirst, and insomnia.

OpenAI’s Response and Recent Updates

The case predates the recent launch of ChatGPT’s latest version, GPT-5. OpenAI claims the updated model is better equipped to answer health-related queries and proactively flag potential concerns, including serious physical or mental health risks.

The company maintains that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical care, a stance reflected in its user guidelines.

However, the University of Washington authors argue that even with advancements, AI tools should never be relied upon as primary sources for medical decision-making.

The report underscores a growing concern within the medical community: as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, patients may increasingly turn to chatbots for health advice without consulting qualified professionals. Experts say this case is a stark reminder of the dangers of self-medicating based on unverified or misunderstood online information.

Dietician Omy Naidoo, based in South Africa, has recently shared his views on osteoporosis, which, he says, impacts 1 in 3 women in South Africa. The head dietician at Newtricion Wellness Institute, calls this a "Silent Thief", says it is because it can progress without any noticeable symptoms until a fracture occurs.

He also shares that lack of vitamin D and calcium are "massive drivers" for this condition, and recommends lifestyle changes. "Your peak bone mass, your highest reserve, is around your early to mid-20s. We have got to think of it quite routinely," he says in a podcast.

Furthermore, he also notes the importance of physical activities, especially resistance training, to enhance muscle mass, as this "creates a physical cushion to protect your bone structure".

What Dietary Changes Can Prevent Osteoporosis

Dairy Products

Low-fat and non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Many dairy products are also fortified with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium more effectively.

Fish

Some fish offer double benefits for bone health. Canned sardines and salmon (with bones) provide calcium, while fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in vitamin D.

Fruits and Vegetables

Leafy greens like collard greens, kale, turnip greens, and Chinese cabbage are good calcium sources. Spinach, beet greens, okra, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and prunes supply magnesium, which works with calcium to maintain bone density. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, papayas, and oranges help balance the body’s acid levels, protecting bone minerals. For vitamin C, which supports collagen formation in bones, look to red and green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and pineapples. Vitamin K, found in kale, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts, also plays a role in bone metabolism.

Fortified Foods

Some juices, breakfast cereals, soy milk, rice milk, breads, and snacks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Including these in your diet can help you reach your daily nutrient targets.

Other Potential Bone Boosters

Research hints that olive oil, soybeans, blueberries, and omega-3-rich foods like fish oil and flaxseed oil may also benefit bone health. While the evidence isn’t conclusive, their other health benefits make them worth adding to your meals.

Tips for Eating for Bone Health

Beans (Legumes)

Beans provide calcium, magnesium, and fiber, but they also contain phytates, which can block calcium absorption. Soaking beans before cooking and using fresh water can reduce phytate levels.

Protein

Adequate protein supports bone health, especially in older adults who may not get enough. However, very high-protein diets, particularly those heavy in meat, can increase calcium loss. Balance your intake by including protein sources that also contain calcium, like dairy.

Salty Foods

Too much sodium can cause calcium loss and weaken bones. Limit processed and canned foods, and check nutrition labels — a food is high in sodium if it has 20% or more of the daily value per serving. Aim for under 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

Oxalate-Rich Foods

Spinach, rhubarb, beet greens, and some beans are high in oxalates, which reduce calcium absorption. They still offer valuable nutrients but should not be counted as primary calcium sources.

Wheat Bran

100% wheat bran is the only food known to significantly reduce calcium absorption from other foods eaten at the same time. If you eat wheat bran cereal, consider taking calcium supplements at least two hours before or after.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Heavy alcohol use can lead to bone loss. Caffeine from coffee, tea, and sodas can interfere with calcium absorption, so consume these in moderation. Drinking more than three cups of coffee daily may have a negative effect.

Soft Drinks

Colas, which contain caffeine and phosphoric acid, may be linked to bone loss, especially if they replace milk or fortified drinks in your diet. The carbonation itself isn’t harmful, but ensure you’re still meeting your calcium needs.

A balanced diet with a variety of these nutrient-rich foods, along with healthy lifestyle habits, can go a long way toward keeping your bones strong for years to come.

Australians who recently stocked up on Cadbury’s Marvellous Creations Jelly Popping Candy Beanies might want to check their cupboards. Cadbury Australia has recalled its 10-piece share bags (160g) after Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) warned they may contain plastic.

The recall affects products with a best-before date of May 21, 2026, sold at Coles, Woolworths, Drakes, The Reject Shop, IGA, and other independent retailers.

The advice is clear: do not eat it. Return it for a refund, and if you have already consumed them, seek medical advice if you feel unwell. Cadbury assures that no other products are affected.

But the uncomfortable truth is that even if you avoid this recalled chocolate, there is still a good chance you are consuming plastic every single day. Wonder why I would say that? Read on...

While we all love a wholesome, clean meal, full of steamed veggies, a slice of grilled fish, and a glass of water, the burning question is if it is really clean. Invisible to the naked eye, lurking on that dinner plate could be thousands of microscopic plastic particles. From our kitchens to our bedrooms, plastic reigns supreme and it looks almost impossible to get rid of it. Anyway, let us get into the nitty-gritty of how we are directly or indirectly surrounded by plastic and what happens to our bodies.

The Effects of Microplastics on the Human Body

Plastic pollution has long been the most hated when it comes to environmental damage, but now it has got a more personal twist—it is in us. Microplastics, the tiny pieces and fibres that flake off larger plastic items or are manufactured at minuscule sizes, have stealthily infiltrated our food, our air, and even our bodies.

According to current research, the average person unknowingly ingests anywhere between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles each year. And if you include breathing them in? The number climbs higher. We are inhaling and swallowing tiny plastic bits from seafood, vegetables, salt, and even the humble protein powder you down after yoga.

Also Read: Breast Milk Ice Cream Hits The Shelves, But Do Adults Really Need It?

The Pathways of Microplastics to the Human Body

How do these microplastics get in? The main pathway is oral intake—what we eat and drink. Microplastics have seeped into agricultural soil via sewage sludge, compost, and plastic mulching. From there, they travel up through plant roots and into fruits and vegetables. If you thought organic carrots were safe, they are not. If they are grown in contaminated soil, they are just organic carrots with sides of polyethylene.

Your Favourite Takeway

Takeaway food does not get off the hook either. Those aesthetic-looking plastic containers? They shed microplastics too. According to a report published in ACS Publications, if you are the kind to order in 4–7 times a week, you could be chomping down on an extra 12 to 203 microplastic fragments just from the packaging alone.

The Air You Breathe

Breathing is not safe either unless you have figured out how to inhale filtered mountain air all day. Most of the plastic in the air comes from roads like tyre dust and synthetic fibres floating invisibly around us. These tiny particles find their way into our lungs, and interestingly, scientists have found that the ones lodged deep in lung tissue are even smaller than what is floating in the atmosphere.

Skin-Deep Exposure

Skin contact, although less of a direct route, still adds to the exposure. Think face creams, scrubs with plastic microbeads, or even that trusty phone case. While our skin usually holds the line, it is not foolproof. Plastics can cling to us, ride into our systems via hand-to-mouth contact, or just hang around, increasing the risk of further exposure.

The Truly Unsettling Part?

Microplastics have been detected in human blood, liver, lungs, spleen, breast milk, and even the placenta. They have become part of us, literally. While the full scope of their long-term impact is still being researched, we already know they can cause oxidative stress, mess with our metabolism, interfere with the immune system, and wreak havoc on reproduction and development.

Small, mindful changes can help reduce your exposure

• Ditch the plastic water bottles and go for stainless steel or glass. Stop microwaving food in plastic because heat produces chemicals like BPA to leach into your food.

• Choose ceramic over plastic for food storage. Swap plastic chopping boards and utensils for hardwood and metal alternatives.

• Even your skincare routine could use a detox. Get mineral-based sunscreens and plastic-free moisturisers.

• Avoid detergent pods, scrutinise your tea bags, and maybe give your takeaway habit a little break.