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- Popular weight-loss medications linked to hidden side effects, study finds
In a sweeping analysis of more than 400,000 Reddit posts, researchers have revealed some little-known GLP-1 side effects.GLP-1 receptor agonists — such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) — have been most commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.A new study published in Nature Health, however, uncovered some overlooked effects.SHOULD YOU MICRODOSE OZEMPIC? EXPERTS ARE SPLIT ON RISKS VS BENEFITSUniversity of Pennsylvania researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze more than five years of Reddit posts from more than 67,000 people taking the popular drugs for diabetes or weight loss.While clinical trials are still the "gold standard," the researchers noted that Reddit community feedback reflects a different population."People often use medications differently than they're prescribed, so it's also important to look at real-world usage, which can diverge from usage in a clinical trial," lead researcher Neil Sehgal, a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital. "So there are many possible reasons we're seeing signals that the trials may have missed."Nearly half of the users reported one or more side effects. The most common were nausea, vomiting and constipation, which aligned with what clinical trials found, according to Sehgal."We did notice a few side effects that have not previously been reported for these drugs," he told Fox News Digital. "For example, about 4% of users who described side effects reported menstrual irregularities. Other Redditors described unusual temperature-related symptoms, like chills or hot flashes."OBESITY EXPERT REVEALS THE BEST WAY TO DECIDE IF GLP-1S ARE RIGHT FOR YOUNearly 13% of users also experienced psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. More than 5% also complained of abdominal pain, acid reflux, headache and dizziness."Fatigue was also the second most commonly reported symptom overall, but has met relatively few reporting thresholds in existing trials," Seghal noted. "This gap between what patients are self-reporting online and what gets captured in trials is really what motivated this whole line of work."Dr. Sue Decotiis, a New York City-based board-certified weight-loss physician, noted that many of the reported symptoms, such as disorientation and fatigue, are most likely due to dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)."Patients should be carefully monitored using a structured protocol that ensures proper nutrition and adequate hydration, ideally under the direct supervision of a physician experienced in metabolism and weight loss," Decotiis, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "Additionally,… [TheTopNews] Read More.2 days ago - Cancer risk linked to common blood-related condition, research revealsAnemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for developing cancer.That's according to new research from Sweden, which sought to discover whether newly developed anemia is an early warning sign of cancer or death from any cause.The study, published in BMJ Journals, looked at registry data from more than 380,000 Swedish adults – half were people with new-onset anemia and the other half were the same age and gender, but did not have anemia.All participants were over 18 years old and cancer-free at the start of the study.The results showed that people with incident anemia – new cases occurring over a specific period – had a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer, especially in the first three months, according to a press release. This included 6.2% of men and 2.8% of women.Individuals with anemia also had a much higher chance of death during the 18-month follow-up.Specific types of anemia were individually linked to disease progression and mortality, the researchers discovered.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESMicrocytic anemia – where the red blood cells are smaller than normal – was more frequently linked to cancer, especially types of disease that impact the digestive system and the blood.Macrocytic anemia, a type of anemia where the red blood cells are larger than normal, was more strongly linked to overall mortality than cancer.The researchers concluded in the study that new-onset anemia is a "strong and sustained risk marker" for both incident cancer and all-cause mortality.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERLead study author Elinor Nemlander, researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at the Karolinska Institutet, commented on the findings in a press release from the Swedish medical university."We found that both the risk of cancer and the risk of death are highest during the first months after anemia is detected, but that the increased risk persists later during follow-up as well," she said. "Our findings suggest that anemia may be a sign of underlying disease rather than a condition in its own right."Speaking with Fox News Digital, Nemlander noted that measures like red blood cell size are already "routinely available" in primary care, and that the study highlights how this existing data can be used to identify early risk."At the same time, the elevated risks persist over time, underscoring the need for structured follow-up and clear plans for continued evaluation, even when cancer is… [TheTopNews] Read More.3 days ago
- Dementia risk could be tied to your mindset and outlook on life, study suggestsNew research has identified a possible link between a person’s outlook on life and their risk of developing dementia.The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined whether having higher levels of optimism could reduce the chances of cognitive decline over time.Researchers analyzed data from more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy at the start of the study. Participants were followed for up to 14 years, with more than 3,000 developing dementia during that period.SIMPLE BRUSHING ROUTINE COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK, SAY DENTAL HEALTH EXPERTSThose who reported higher levels of optimism on a questionnaire had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with less optimism, even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, depression and major health conditions, according to a study press release.The findings were consistent across demographic groups and remained largely unchanged after accounting for health behaviors and mental health status.The results suggest that emotional and psychological factors may play a role in brain health as people age, the researchers noted."Our personal emotional and social resources — like how hopeful and positive we feel about the future — may be related to keeping our brains healthy," said lead study author Säde Stenlund, a social and behavioral sciences researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in the release.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESThe findings align with previous research linking optimism to other health benefits.People with a more positive outlook were shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and may be more likely to live longer.The researchers noted that the study was observational, meaning it only shows an association and cannot prove that optimism directly reduces the risk of dementia.Other factors not measured in the study may have influenced the results, and changes in mood might be an early sign of dementia rather than a cause of it, they added.Still, the findings point to a potential area for future research."Since optimism may be increased through relatively simple, low-intensity programs, it is helpful to understand how it is related to health in aging," Stenlund said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERMore studies, including clinical trials, are needed to determine whether boosting optimism could have a measurable impact on long-term dementia risk.Fox News Digital previously reported that while dementia cases are rising, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce risk.New York neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas previously told… [TheTopNews] Read More.3 days ago
- More patients demand ‘unvaccinated’ blood, doctors warn of growing health ri...An increasing number of patients are requesting "unvaccinated" blood for transfusions, which can delay care and pose risks to patients’ health, experts warn.There is no evidence that unvaccinated blood presents any safety benefit, according to a new study published in the journal Transfusion.There is currently no process for checking whether donated blood comes from vaccinated or unvaccinated donors, experts say.CANCER SURVIVAL APPEARS TO DOUBLE WITH COMMON VACCINE, RESEARCHERS SAYVanderbilt University in Tennessee, which conducted the research, received 15 requests for unvaccinated blood between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025. The median age of patients was 17 years old and more than half were children, the university reported.Thirteen of the patients received blood donated specifically for them by family members, which is known as "direct donation." This can be risky, because most direct donors are giving blood for the first time, and their donations are more likely to contain "potentially harmful pathogens," the authors noted. "Despite being framed as ‘safer,’ directed donations may paradoxically increase risk."COVID VACCINE UNDER NEW SCRUTINY AFTER STUDIES REVEAL POSSIBLE HEALTH RISKSAmong the studied patient group, two became much sicker after refusing a standard blood transfusion. One patient developed anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen. The other developed hemodynamic shock, a serious condition in which there is insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the body’s tissues, potentially leading to organ failure.Requests for unvaccinated blood spiked after the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, posing a "recurring challenge for transfusion services and clinicians," the researchers stated."These requests were associated with care delays, escalation and inefficiencies," they indicated.FAMILY PLEADS FOR HELP AS TEEN FACES LIFE-THREATENING BONE MARROW FAILUREThe researchers recommend that health systems create standardized policies to handle these types of requests."Regulatory and professional organizations have opposed these non-evidence-based policies, emphasizing that blood centers do not record or convey donor COVID-19 vaccination status and that evidence demonstrates transfusion from vaccinated donors poses no unique risk."The Vanderbilt study had some limitations, the researchers noted. It looked at a small number of cases and only included situations where special blood donations made it to the blood bank, so it doesn’t show how often people made this request overall. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESIt also didn’t include cases where concerns were resolved through conversations with doctors or ethics teams, the team noted.As this was an observational study and not a controlled experiment, it only showed… [TheTopNews] Read More.3 days ago
- Doctors expose ‘buffalo hump’ as potential sign of hidden health conditionsA fatty bulge at the base of the neck — commonly known as a "buffalo hump" — isn’t always just a cosmetic concern, as experts say it can sometimes signal an underlying condition.As more Americans grapple with poor posture, obesity and chronic conditions requiring long-term medications, experts warn that these factors can contribute to the development of "buffalo humps." There are a range of possible causes and treatments for the commonly misunderstood condition, Health.com recently reported.DOCTOR SHARES 3 SIMPLE CHANGES TO STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT AS YOU AGE"A buffalo hump is a fullness at the base of the neck or upper back area," Dr. Dahlia Rice, a Chicago-based plastic surgeon and founder of DMR Aesthetics, told Fox News Digital.Posture can make a hump appear more pronounced, even if someone does not have much excess fat, Rice said. A forward head posture or rounding of the upper spine can contribute to this effect."Depending on the pattern and timing, it could also signal an underlying medical issue," the expert said.The condition is often linked to weight, according to Dr. Rachel Mason, a Las Vegas-based plastic surgeon and founder of La Femme Plastic Surgery, though that is not always the case."In some cases, it can be associated with medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome or long-term use of steroids," she told Fox News Digital.GLP-1 DRUGS LINKED TO HIGHER FRACTURE RISK, OSTEOPOROSIS AND GOUT, NEW STUDIES SUGGESTElevated levels of cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone — can also lead to fat deposits in the neck and upper back, experts say. Certain medications, including some HIV treatments, may also play a role, according to Health.com.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZExperts emphasize the importance of distinguishing between a true buffalo hump and other conditions. The buffalo hump is often confused with a posture-related "dowager’s hump," which is caused by spinal curvature rather than fat buildup."A true buffalo hump will feel soft and fatty," Mason said. "Structural, posture-related issues require a completely different approach than fat reduction."If the lump appears suddenly, continues to grow or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended, according to doctors."If it's paired with fatigue, muscle weakness or changes in blood pressure, patients should seek medical evaluation," Rice advised.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERMason added that symptoms such as easy bruising, hormonal changes or purple stretch marks could point to an endocrine disorder rather than a cosmetic issue.Treatment… [TheTopNews] Read More.4 days ago
- Early Parkinson’s symptoms misdiagnosed for years, Terry Crews’ wife revealsParkinson’s disease most commonly affects older adults, with the average age of onset in the early to mid-60s. However, a smaller subset of patients develop early-onset symptoms before age 50.Former NFL linebacker Terry Crews' wife, Rebecca King Crews, 60, recently announced that she’s been battling Parkinson's disease for over a decade. She first began noticing symptoms in 2012 and was diagnosed in 2015.During an appearance on Monday's episode of "Today," King Crews got candid about living with the disease and shared how a newly approved procedure has helped manage her symptoms.EARLY PARKINSON’S COULD BE DETECTED DECADES BEFORE SYMPTOMS WITH SIMPLE BLOOD TESTKing Crews detailed how she had "some slight numbness" in her left food at first. Her trainer also noticed a lack of swing in her arm when she walked."Then I woke up one morning and my hand was shaking," she recalled. "I said, 'Now that's a tremor,' because my grandmother had tremors. So I went to the doctor, and he told me, 'Oh, you're having anxiety, you'll be fine.'"King Crews, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said she visited multiple doctors before receiving her Parkinson’s diagnosis.It is not common to see Parkinson’s disease in people under 50 years old, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, with only 2% of people diagnosed earlier than age 40.The Parkinson’s Foundation has reported that about 4% of all cases begin before age 50, with the incidence of disease increasing with age.COMMON SLEEP PROBLEM TIED TO SERIOUS NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER IN MAJOR NEW STUDYAn estimated 1.1 million Americans are living with Parkinson's, and that number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.Symptoms tend to develop slowly over time, usually including tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movement and balance problems, according to Dr. Zachary Jordan, a neurologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.Patients with young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) are more likely to experience involuntary muscle contractions called dystonia, which occurs in different parts of the body, Jordan told Fox News Digital.People with YOPD also report more involuntary body movements, but less frequent dementia-related symptoms. These patients tend to experience a slower progression over time, usually staying functional and "cognitively intact" for much longer.Dr. Joel Salinas, a Harvard-trained behavioral neurologist and chief medical officer at Isaac Health, shared that Parkinson's "often announces itself subtly."TERRY CREWS' WIFE REVEALS SHE BATTLED PARKINSON'S IN SECRET FOR YEARS BEFORE FINDING HOPE IN NEW TREATMENT"Many people don't realize how… [TheTopNews] Read More.4 days ago
- Americans wait overnight for access to free healthcare as costs soar ‘out of r...The Trump administration’s recent pullback on health insurance has left fewer Americans with coverage.For the uninsured, being treated for certain conditions may be out of the question due to high costs.This has led some Americans to wait multiple days, some even sleeping overnight in their cars, to seek free free healthcare from volunteer clinics like Remote Area Medical (RAM).LEANN RIMES' EMOTIONAL REACTION TO JAW RELEASE THERAPY SPARKS WIDESPREAD BUZZThe Tennessee-based nonprofit organization, founded in 1985, employs volunteer healthcare professionals to treat Americans without insurance at no cost.In a recent episode of CBS News’ 60 Minutes, host Scott Pelley spoke with people waiting to be brought into the clinic.In February, Sandra Tallent drove 200 miles from Huntsville, Alabama, to RAM’s pop-up clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, to have her teeth examined.SIMPLE BRUSHING ROUTINE COULD REDUCE DEMENTIA RISK, DENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS SAYShe arrived at the clinic site at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and spoke to Pelley from her car at 5 a.m. Friday, after sleeping for two nights in the parking lot.Pelley asked, "If you didn't have RAM, how would you get your teeth taken care of?" Tallent responded, "I wouldn’t."Tallent was later seen by a dental expert and had dentures created in RAM’s 3D denture-printing lab.Connor Gibson, a 22-year-old engineer, uses computer design to get the job done in just about an hour, according to the report. This is a process that can typically take weeks."We see grown men cry sitting in the chair," Gibson told 60 Minutes, describing what it’s like for patients to see themselves with a new set of teeth for the first time.This includes Tallent, who looked in the mirror and smiled with tears in her eyes, expressing her gratitude.In an interview with Fox News Digital, RAM CEO Chris Hall shared how their clinics pop up and move across the country to expand access for more Americans."All of our services are provided free of cost to patients on a first come, first serve basis," he said. "And we do that through our team of dedicated volunteers and professionals that come from all around the county."TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZRAM provides cleanings, fillings and extractions, as well as comprehensive eye exams and access to an eyeglass lab that can manufacture eyewear and dentures, according to Hall.About 60% of patients seek dental care, he said, and about 30% to 35% seek vision care.RAM has recently expanded its services… [TheTopNews] Read More.5 days ago
- What is butt microneedling? Behind the ‘desperate’ procedure Kelly R...Talk show host Kelly Ripa recently revealed she receives a niche procedure to enhance the appearance of her behind.During a recent episode of her podcast, "Let's Talk Off Camera," the 55-year-old opened up about getting microneedling done "on my a-- cheeks," after her guest, actor Lukas Gage, shared that he had also undergone the treatment."I’m going to tell you something … just as old as before," she said after Gage asked her if she saw an improvement. "Desperate times call for desperate measures."DO COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS REALLY IMPROVE SKIN? MAJOR REVIEW REVEALS THE TRUTHDermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Indiana, described the cosmetic dermatologic procedure during an interview with Fox News Digital."Butt microneedling is where a device with very fine, sterile needles is used to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin of the buttocks," she said."This process stimulates the body’s natural wound healing response, which boosts collagen and elastin production over time."Microneedling is often used to improve skin texture concerns like acne scarring, stretch marks or uneven tone, especially in the rear end area, according to Spearman.The treatment can be performed in an office by a trained professional and is sometimes paired with topical serums to enhance results."While the concept may sound trendy, the underlying technology is the same as traditional microneedling used on the face and body," Spearman said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESMicroneedling the buttocks can lead to smoother, firmer and more even-looking skin after a series of treatments.An increase in collagen production over time can "subtly improve skin laxity," Spearman said, with results building gradually over multiple sessions."Consistency and realistic expectations are key," the dermatologist said.As with any procedure that disrupts the skin barrier, there are potential risks, according to Spearman, especially if it’s performed improperly or in a non-sterile environment.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERThese potential side effects include irritation, infection and prolonged redness. In some cases, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur in patients with deeper skin tones."There is also a risk of worsening acne or folliculitis if the area is not properly assessed beforehand," Spearman said. "Overly aggressive treatments can lead to scarring rather than improvement, which is why technique and needle depth matter significantly.""It’s important that patients seek care from a qualified medical professional to minimize these risks."Although this treatment is gaining viral popularity on social media, it should still be regarded as a medical procedure requiring proper training… [TheTopNews] Read More.5 days ago
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