With everything being change din the health sector under the tag of "Make America Healthy Again", for Trump administrations no quest is bigger than targeting the ultra processed foods for "MAHA".

Robert F Kennedy Jr., who is the nation's new health secretary, has cited "highly chemically processed foods" as the main culprit behind an epidemic of chronic diseases in the US. Among them includes ailments like obesity, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

RFK Jr. has also vowed to work to remove such foods from federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the SNAP. He called these foods to be "poisoning" people, particularly the children. "I will do everything in my power to put health of Americans back on track," he said.

Speculations remain whether the key to the goal would be a total erasure of such food or to make sure that consumers understand basic facts about ultra-processed foods and the role it plays in daily meal. As per a 2021 study titled Ultra-Processed Foods and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study, ultra-processed foods make up about 60% of the US diets. For kids and teens, the range is even higher, about two-thirds of what is consumed. These include cereals at breakfast or a frozen pizza at dinner and in-between snacks like potato chips, sodas, and ice creams.

Why Are Ultra-processed foods not a great choice?

Food manufacturers have argued that processing foods actually boost food safety and supplies and offers a cheap and a more convenient way to provide a diverse and nutritious diet. According to a 2023 study published in Nature Communications, titled Machine learning prediction of the degree of food processing, ultra-processed food makes up to 70% of the US food supply.

The claim by the food manufacturers do not hold ground when tested. As a BMJ study from 2024, titled Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses states, "Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder and mortality outcomes."

The study analyzed 14 meta-analysis studies and 45 pooled analysis around ultra-processed foods to draw the conclusion. The biggest concern about ultra-processed food as per the study is that it can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, and common mental disorder. This is concerning because earlier too ultra-processed foods have been linked to depression and dementia, apart from the physical impact on the body. Many research, including a recent one also suggests that eating such foods can increase the risk of early death.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Most foods are processed whether it is by freezing, grinding, fermented, pasteurized or through other means. In 2009, Brazilian epidemiologist Carlos Monterio and his colleagues proposed a system that classifies food based on the among of processing it undergoes, and not by the nutrients it contains.

Kevin Hall, a researcher specializing in metabolism and diet at the National Institutes of Health, explains that the highest tier of the four-tier scale includes foods produced through industrial processes using ingredients like additives, colors, and preservatives—components that can't be easily replicated in a home kitchen.

As the use of anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic continues to grow, more people are trying to understand what daily life looks like on these injections. Beyond weight loss results, concerns often centre on side effects, especially those linked to digestion. Many users of GLP-1 agonist medicines report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. In recent months, another pattern has caught attention. Several people say they feel sick after eating greasy or oily food.

To understand why this happens, we spoke to Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record Holder Dietician and Weight Management Specialist, who explains that this reaction is more common than people realise.

What Ozempic Does Inside the Body

Ozempic, medically known as semaglutide, was originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It is now widely prescribed for weight management because of how it influences appetite and digestion.

According to Dr Bhardwaj, Ozempic works by slowing down gastric emptying and acting on appetite-regulating centres in the brain. “Food stays in the stomach longer, and the feeling of fullness comes earlier than usual,” he explains. This change helps people eat less but also alters how the body handles certain foods.

Why Greasy Food Can Trigger Nausea On Ozempic

Fatty and oily foods naturally take longer to digest. When this process is further slowed by Ozempic, the stomach can struggle to cope with heavy meals.

Dr Bhardwaj says that eating large portions, especially foods high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system. “When fatty foods sit in the stomach for too long, they can trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhoea,” he notes. This is why some people feel unwell shortly after eating fried snacks, fast food, or rich gravied dishes.

Is This an Allergy or Something Else?

Many patients worry that vomiting after eating greasy food might be a sign of an allergic reaction. Dr Bhardwaj clarifies that this is not the case. “This response is physiological, not allergic,” he says. It reflects how the body adapts to the medication rather than an intolerance to the drug itself.

Clinically, doctors observe that tolerance for oily foods drops sharply after starting Ozempic. Vomiting is more commonly reported during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is being gradually increased.

Can This Side Effect Be Beneficial?

Interestingly, this reaction can support healthier eating habits. Dr Bhardwaj points out that the discomfort acts as a natural reminder to change food choices. Patients are often advised to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and include more fibre-rich vegetables in their meals.

Lower-fat foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause nausea. Over time, many people find that their preferences shift away from heavy, greasy meals.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

While occasional nausea can be expected, persistent vomiting should not be ignored. Dr Bhardwaj advises consulting a doctor if symptoms continue. In some cases, a dose adjustment or personalised nutrition plan may be needed to reduce discomfort while continuing treatment safely.

Ozempic can be effective, but understanding how it interacts with food is key to managing side effects and maintaining long-term health.

Lionel Messi is here in India and is ready for his touch down in Delhi on December 15 as part of his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour's India visit. Argentina's World Cup-winning captain is also set to visit Hyderabad after his visit in Delhi, for now, he has met his fans in Mumbai and Kolkata. All things said and done, what every one is always curious about is a sports person's fitness regime. The 38-year-old football star undergoes a strict fitness regime, which includes consistency, but it is not based on heavy lifting, but agility training, and a simple not-too-fancy diet.

However, his fitness journey was not traditional in any manner. In fact, during his early years, he was known for eating without much of a thought. So, what changed him? What is his secret to a fit life?

How Messi Changed His Eating Habits To Stay Fit

In 2013-14 World Cup, which was disappointing for Messi, ESPN India reported that Messi improved his performance by adapting a new diet. Charly Rexach, the then FC Barcelona's sporting director, who signed the then 13-year-old Messi to the club in 2000 on a napkin, said that Messi had previously "eaten too many pizzas".

In an interview to America TV's La Cornisa, Messi admitted about his eating habits and poor diet, which had even led to bouts of vomiting, nausea, and even lethargy. The footballer said, "I don't know what I ate, but I ate badly for many years. At 22, 23...[it was] chocolate, alfajores [South American sandwich cookies], fizzy drinks."

It was nutritionist Giuliano Poser who helped Messi make changes in 2014. His diet was nothing fancy, nothing too difficult, but it was controlled.

Five Pillars Of Messi's New Diet

Messi's new diet was based on five pillars:

• Water
• Olive oil
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Messi also shared in an interview, "Now I eat well: fish, meat, vegetables, salads. Everything is organized and taken care of. Sometimes a bit of wine, but that's not a problem."

This diet helped him reduce inflammation and recover his muscles faster. When it came to avoiding certain foods Poser stressed the importance of eating little sugar and refined flour. Poser called these two "the worst thing for the muscles". "The farther he stays away from sugars, the better. Refined flours are also a big problem as these days, it’s difficult to find uncontaminated wheat.”

Water

Studies published in the Journal of Athletic Training and Journal of Physical Therapy Science, show that dehydration increases markers of muscle damage and inflammation after exercise. Research also notes that adequate hydration supports blood flow and nutrient delivery, which are essential for muscle repair.

Olive oil

Research in Nature and the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry highlights that extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal and polyphenols, compounds shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to mild anti-inflammatory drugs, helping reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.

Whole grains

According to studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole-grain intake is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation. Their complex carbohydrates and magnesium content support muscle function and recovery after physical activity.

Fruits

Research published in Nutrients and Sports Medicine shows that antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and citrus help reduce oxidative stress caused by exercise, which can otherwise delay muscle recovery and increase inflammation.

Vegetables

Large observational studies, including reports in The BMJ, link high vegetable intake with reduced systemic inflammation. Their vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals support immune response and tissue repair, aiding post-exercise muscle recovery.

What Does Messi's Workout Regime Look Like? 3s Of Messi's Fitness

As per reports, Messi's training is not as rigorous as players like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it does not mean that there is not consistency. In fact, his primary training focuses on three factors:

• Speed
• Strength
• Stretching

The footballer’s fitness does not come from heavy weightlifting. Instead, it is built on a balanced routine that focuses on strength training, agility, speed, extensive stretching, and overall muscle health. His workouts include short, explosive sprints, bounding drills like hurdle hops and pillar skips, all aimed at keeping his body sharp, responsive, and match-ready.

Mounjaro has reshaped weight-loss journeys by powerfully reducing appetite, but doctors are now flagging an important concern. Dr Hasia, who recently addressed this on her Instagram, explained that when food intake drops sharply on Mounjaro, protein intake often falls with it. The result is weight loss that may include muscle, not just fat.

How Mounjaro’s Appetite Suppression Affects Muscle

Mounjaro works by influencing hormones that control hunger and blood sugar, helping people feel full faster and eat less. Dr Hasia notes that while this is effective for fat loss, it can quietly lead to muscle breakdown if protein is not prioritised. When protein is low, the body turns to muscle tissue for essential amino acids, weakening the body over time.

The Protein Rule Dr Hasia Recommends on Mounjaro

In her Instagram post, Dr Hasia shared a simple guideline for those using Mounjaro. Aim for 1.0 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms should target roughly 70 to 100 grams of protein daily. This amount supports muscle preservation even when overall calories are reduced.

Why Protein on Mounjaro Protects Metabolism

How Protein on Mounjaro Supports Skin and Strength

Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to sagging skin and weakness. According to Dr Hasia, protein supports collagen production, which helps maintain skin firmness. It also preserves strength, making day-to-day activities easier and reducing the sense of physical depletion some people report while on Mounjaro.

Easy Protein Meals to Tolerate on Mounjaro

Smart Protein Snacks While Using Mounjaro

On days when full meals feel difficult, Dr Hasia recommends small protein-rich snacks. Boiled eggs, edamame, tuna cups, cottage cheese, or a simple protein bar can help meet daily needs without overwhelming the stomach. These options make it easier to stay consistent.

How to Space Protein Intake on Mounjaro

Dr Hasia also highlights the importance of spreading protein throughout the day. Instead of eating it all at once, aiming for 20 to 30 grams per meal allows better absorption and ongoing muscle support. On Mounjaro, consistency matters more than portion size.

Protein, as Dr Hasia reminds her followers, is not an extra on Mounjaro. It is a foundation. Protecting muscle now helps protect metabolism