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Tag: Weight Loss

  • GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Are Getting a Major Upgrade After New FDA Approval

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    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration just approved the pill form of weight-loss drug Wegovy for use in the U.S. The daily oral medication, made by Novo Nordisk, is the first of its kind used to treat obesity.  

    Both Novo Nordisk’s and competitor Eli Lilly’s injectable GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy and Zepbound, have helped transform obesity treatment around the world, and for the 100 million people in the U.S. impacted by the disease, according to NPR. But Eli Lilly’s oral drug orforglipron is still awaiting approval, with a decision expected by spring. 

    The Pill Versus Injectable Drug

    All GLP-1 drugs are known to cause similar side effects, like nausea and diarrhea. Around one in eight Americans have taken the injectable kind, according to a survey from nonprofit health policy research group KFF. But for even more people in need of the medication, the shots are too expensive. 

    “There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” Fatina Cody Stanford, an obesity expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, told NPR. “For me, it’s not just about who gets it across the finish line first. It’s about having these options available to patients.”

    While injectable GLP-1 drugs can cost over $1,000 a month, producing pills is typically much cheaper. Novo Nordisk has said customers will pay $149 per month for the Wegovy pill starting dose, with further cost information released next month. 

    “It’s all about the price,” said Angela Fitch, an obesity expert and chief medical officer at knownwell, a health care company. “Just give me a drug at $100 a month that is relatively effective.” 

    The Trial

    Chris Mertens is a pediatric lung doctor who participated in the Novo Nordisk trial starting in 2022. He told NPR he lost roughly 40 pounds using the Wegovy pill.

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  • FDA approves Wegovy pill, the first prescription pill for weight loss

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    The FDA has approved the pill version of the weight loss drug Wegovy, the first oral medication of its kind. The new pills are expected to be available in a few weeks. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook has more.

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  • FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss

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    U.S. regulators on Monday gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval handed drugmaker Novo Nordisk an edge over rival Eli Lilly in the race to market an obesity pill. Lilly’s oral drug, orforglipron, is still under review.Both pills are GLP-1 drugs that work like widely used injectables to mimic a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness.Video above: Doctor’s perspective on making GLP-1s more affordableIn recent years, Novo Nordisk’s injectable Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound have revolutionized obesity treatment globally and in the U.S., where 100 million people have the chronic disease.The Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks, company officials said. Availability of oral pills to treat obesity could expand the booming market for obesity treatments by broadening access and reducing costs, experts said.About 1 in 8 Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, according to a survey from KFF, a nonprofit health policy research group. But many more have trouble affording the costly shots.“There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Massachusetts General Hospital obesity expert. “For me, it’s not just about who gets it across the finish line first. It’s about having these options available to patients.”The Novo Nordisk obesity pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide. That’s the same ingredient in injectables Wegovy and Ozempic and in Rybelsus, a lower-dose pill approved to treat diabetes in 2019.In a clinical trial, participants who took oral Wegovy lost 13.6% of their total body weight on average over about 15 months, compared with a 2.2% loss if they took a placebo, or dummy pill. That’s nearly the same as injectable Wegovy, with an average weight loss of about 15%.Chris Mertens, 35, a pediatric lung doctor in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, joined the Novo Nordisk trial in 2022 and lost about 40 pounds using the Wegovy pill. The daily medication worked to decrease his appetite and invasive thoughts of food, he said.“If there were days where I missed a meal, I almost didn’t realize it,” Mertens said.Participants in a clinical trial who took the highest dose of Lilly’s orforglipron lost 11.2% of their total body weight on average over nearly 17 months, compared with a 2.1% loss in those who took a placebo.Both pills resulted in less weight loss than the average achieved with Lilly’s Zepbound, or tirzepatide, which targets two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, and led to a 21% average weight loss.All the GLP-1 drugs, oral or injectable, have similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea.Both daily pills promise convenience, but the Wegovy pill must be taken with a sip of water in the morning on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute break before eating or drinking.That’s because Novo Nordisk had to design the pill in a way that prevented the drug from being broken down in the stomach before it could be absorbed by the bloodstream. The drugmaker added an ingredient that protects the medication for about 30 minutes in the gut and makes it easier to take effect.By contrast, Lilly’s orforglipron has no dosing restrictions. That drug is being considered under the FDA’s new priority voucher program aimed at cutting drug approval times. A decision is expected by spring.Producing pills is generally cheaper than making drugs delivered via injections, so the cost for the new oral medications could be lower. The Trump administration earlier this year said officials had worked with drugmakers to negotiate lower prices for the GLP-1 drugs, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.The company said the starting dose would be available for $149 per month from some providers. Additional information on cost will be available in January.It’s not clear whether daily pills or weekly injections will be preferred by patients. Although some patients dislike needles, others don’t seem to mind the weekly injections, obesity experts said. Mertens turned to injectable Zepbound when he regained weight after the end of the Wegovy pill clinical trial.He said he liked the discipline of the daily pill.“It was a little bit of an intentional routine and a reminder of today I’m taking this so that I know my choices are going to be affected for the day,” he said.Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity expert and chief medical officer of knownwell, a health care company, said whatever the format, the biggest benefit will be in making weight-loss medications more widely accessible and affordable.“It’s all about the price,” she said. “Just give me a drug at $100 a month that is relatively effective.”

    U.S. regulators on Monday gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval handed drugmaker Novo Nordisk an edge over rival Eli Lilly in the race to market an obesity pill. Lilly’s oral drug, orforglipron, is still under review.

    Both pills are GLP-1 drugs that work like widely used injectables to mimic a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness.

    Video above: Doctor’s perspective on making GLP-1s more affordable

    In recent years, Novo Nordisk’s injectable Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound have revolutionized obesity treatment globally and in the U.S., where 100 million people have the chronic disease.

    The Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks, company officials said. Availability of oral pills to treat obesity could expand the booming market for obesity treatments by broadening access and reducing costs, experts said.

    About 1 in 8 Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, according to a survey from KFF, a nonprofit health policy research group. But many more have trouble affording the costly shots.

    “There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Massachusetts General Hospital obesity expert. “For me, it’s not just about who gets it across the finish line first. It’s about having these options available to patients.”

    The Novo Nordisk obesity pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide. That’s the same ingredient in injectables Wegovy and Ozempic and in Rybelsus, a lower-dose pill approved to treat diabetes in 2019.

    In a clinical trial, participants who took oral Wegovy lost 13.6% of their total body weight on average over about 15 months, compared with a 2.2% loss if they took a placebo, or dummy pill. That’s nearly the same as injectable Wegovy, with an average weight loss of about 15%.

    Chris Mertens, 35, a pediatric lung doctor in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, joined the Novo Nordisk trial in 2022 and lost about 40 pounds using the Wegovy pill. The daily medication worked to decrease his appetite and invasive thoughts of food, he said.

    “If there were days where I missed a meal, I almost didn’t realize it,” Mertens said.

    Participants in a clinical trial who took the highest dose of Lilly’s orforglipron lost 11.2% of their total body weight on average over nearly 17 months, compared with a 2.1% loss in those who took a placebo.

    Both pills resulted in less weight loss than the average achieved with Lilly’s Zepbound, or tirzepatide, which targets two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, and led to a 21% average weight loss.

    All the GLP-1 drugs, oral or injectable, have similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea.

    Both daily pills promise convenience, but the Wegovy pill must be taken with a sip of water in the morning on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute break before eating or drinking.

    That’s because Novo Nordisk had to design the pill in a way that prevented the drug from being broken down in the stomach before it could be absorbed by the bloodstream. The drugmaker added an ingredient that protects the medication for about 30 minutes in the gut and makes it easier to take effect.

    By contrast, Lilly’s orforglipron has no dosing restrictions. That drug is being considered under the FDA’s new priority voucher program aimed at cutting drug approval times. A decision is expected by spring.

    Producing pills is generally cheaper than making drugs delivered via injections, so the cost for the new oral medications could be lower. The Trump administration earlier this year said officials had worked with drugmakers to negotiate lower prices for the GLP-1 drugs, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.

    The company said the starting dose would be available for $149 per month from some providers. Additional information on cost will be available in January.

    It’s not clear whether daily pills or weekly injections will be preferred by patients. Although some patients dislike needles, others don’t seem to mind the weekly injections, obesity experts said. Mertens turned to injectable Zepbound when he regained weight after the end of the Wegovy pill clinical trial.

    He said he liked the discipline of the daily pill.

    “It was a little bit of an intentional routine and a reminder of today I’m taking this so that I know my choices are going to be affected for the day,” he said.

    Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity expert and chief medical officer of knownwell, a health care company, said whatever the format, the biggest benefit will be in making weight-loss medications more widely accessible and affordable.

    “It’s all about the price,” she said. “Just give me a drug at $100 a month that is relatively effective.”

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  • FDA approves Wegovy pill for weight loss, the first daily oral medication of its kind

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    U.S. regulators on Monday gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval handed drugmaker Novo Nordisk an edge over rival Eli Lilly in the race to market an obesity pill. Lilly’s oral drug, orforglipron, is still under review.

    Both pills are GLP-1 drugs that work like widely used injectables to mimic a natural hormone that controls appetite and feelings of fullness.

    In recent years, Novo Nordisk’s injectable Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound have revolutionized obesity treatment globally and in the U.S., where 100 million people have the chronic disease.

    The Wegovy pills are expected to be available within weeks, company officials said. Availability of oral pills to treat obesity could expand the booming market for obesity treatments by broadening access and reducing costs, experts said.

    About 1 in 8 Americans have used injectable GLP-1 drugs, according to a survey from KFF, a nonprofit health policy research group. But many more have trouble affording the costly shots.

    “There’s an entire demographic that can benefit from the pills,” said Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Massachusetts General Hospital obesity expert. “For me, it’s not just about who gets it across the finish line first. It’s about having these options available to patients.”

    The Novo Nordisk obesity pill contains 25 milligrams of semaglutide. That’s the same ingredient in injectables Wegovy and Ozempic and in Rybelsus, a lower-dose pill approved to treat diabetes in 2019.

    How much weight did people lose?

    In a clinical trial, participants who took oral Wegovy lost 13.6% of their total body weight on average over about 15 months, compared with a 2.2% loss if they took a placebo, or dummy pill. That’s nearly the same as injectable Wegovy, with an average weight loss of about 15%.

    Chris Mertens, 35, a pediatric lung doctor in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, joined the Novo Nordisk trial in 2022 and lost about 40 pounds using the Wegovy pill. The daily medication worked to decrease his appetite and invasive thoughts of food, he said.

    “If there were days where I missed a meal, I almost didn’t realize it,” Mertens said.

    Participants in a clinical trial who took the highest dose of Lilly’s orforglipron lost 11.2% of their total body weight on average over nearly 17 months, compared with a 2.1% loss in those who took a placebo.

    Both pills resulted in less weight loss than the average achieved with Lilly’s Zepbound, or tirzepatide, which targets two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, and led to a 21% average weight loss.

    All the GLP-1 drugs, oral or injectable, have similar side effects, including nausea and diarrhea.

    Both daily pills promise convenience, but the Wegovy pill must be taken with a sip of water in the morning on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute break before eating or drinking.

    That’s because Novo Nordisk had to design the pill in a way that prevented the drug from being broken down in the stomach before it could be absorbed by the bloodstream. The drugmaker added an ingredient that protects the medication for about 30 minutes in the gut and makes it easier to take effect.

    By contrast, Lilly’s orforglipron has no dosing restrictions. That drug is being considered under the FDA’s new priority voucher program aimed at cutting drug approval times. A decision is expected by spring.

    How much will the Wegovy pills cost?

    Producing pills is generally cheaper than making drugs delivered via injections, so the cost for the new oral medications could be lower. The Trump administration earlier this year said officials had worked with drugmakers to negotiate lower prices for the GLP-1 drugs, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.

    The company said the starting dose would be available for $149 per month from some providers. Additional information on cost will be available in January.

    It’s not clear whether daily pills or weekly injections will be preferred by patients. Although some patients dislike needles, others don’t seem to mind the weekly injections, obesity experts said. Mertens turned to injectable Zepbound when he regained weight after the end of the Wegovy pill clinical trial.

    He said he liked the discipline of the daily pill.

    “It was a little bit of an intentional routine and a reminder of today I’m taking this so that I know my choices are going to be affected for the day,” he said.

    Dr. Angela Fitch, an obesity expert and chief medical officer of knownwell, a health care company, said whatever the format, the biggest benefit will be in making weight-loss medications more widely accessible and affordable.

    “It’s all about the price,” she said. “Just give me a drug at $100 a month that is relatively effective.”

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  • Can Cannabis Help With Dr. Oz’s Holiday Advice

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    Explore can cannabis help with Dr. Oz’s holiday advice, especially when his annual food lectures feel harder to swallow than the cookies.

    Holiday celebrations are famously filled with  with people indulging in Christmas treats, lavish anticipated feasts, yummy cookies and nostalgic dishes denied the rest of the year. But in a Grinch move, Dr. Oz’s advice and direction to his staff at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is to eat less cookies and use smaller plates for meals. The former TV host has been pushing his direction since before Thanksgiving, yet putting his into practice can be easier said than done. Can cannabis help with Dr. Oz’s holiday advice?

    RELATED: How Marijuana Can Heighten Intimacy With Your Partner

    While cannabis is often stereotyped as a direct path to the munchies, the relationship between cannabis and appetite is far more nuanced. Different cannabinoids affect the body differently, and in controlled, thoughtful use, cannabis can help some people feel calmer, more focused, and less prone to stress-eating—one of the biggest drivers of holiday overindulgence.

    Microdosing—taking very small amounts of THC, often 1–3 mg—has gained popularity for its ability to take the edge off without creating the intense appetite spikes associated with higher doses. For many adults, a light microdose before a holiday gathering can ease social anxiety, reduce end-of-year stress, and help them make more deliberate decisions about what and how much they eat. When people feel calmer, they often default to moderation rather than mindless grazing.

    Another benefit is cannabis’s potential to reduce stress building up over the season. Many adults experience heightened workplace tension in December as deadlines stack up, calendars collide, and demanding bosses or unpredictable leaders increase pressure. Especially when you have a leader who can micromanage. This kind of stress commonly leads to “anxiety consumption”—mindless snacking, extra cookies, or overeating as a coping mechanism. Low-dose cannabis or CBD-dominant products may help relax the nervous system and ease tension, which can translate into fewer emotional calories consumed and more intentional choices around food. When people feel less overwhelmed, they’re less likely to reach for sugar as a soothing shortcut.

    CBD-dominant products also play a role. CBD does not stimulate appetite the way THC can, and early research suggests it may help regulate stress and promote a sense of balance. Pairing CBD with Dr. Oz’s “smaller plate” strategy can make mindful eating feel less like a chore and more like a grounded choice.

    RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

    Strain selection also matters. While some THC-heavy indica strains are known for enhancing appetite, many sativa-leaning or hybrid strains are reported by consumers to boost energy and focus rather than hunger. Choosing strains with higher CBD or THCV content may also support appetite control; THCV, in particular, has been studied for its potential to curb hunger signals.

    Cannabis is not a diet hack, nor should it replace healthy habits. But for adults who already use it responsibly, integrating thoughtful, low-dose cannabis into the holiday season may help them stay aligned with Dr. Oz’s advice: fewer cookies, smaller plates, and a calmer approach to celebration. With intention—and the right products—cannabis can support a holiday mindset which is joyful, balanced, and far less stressed.

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Semaglutide fails to slow progression of Alzheimer’s in highly anticipated trials, Novo Nordisk says

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    An oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in closely watched trials, Novo Nordisk said Monday.In two Phase 3 trials of more than 3,800 adults receiving standard care for Alzheimer’s, the company evaluated whether an older pill form of semaglutide worked better than a placebo. The drug was shown to be safe and led to improvements in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, the company said, but the treatment did not delay disease progression.Novo had long treated Alzheimer’s as a long-shot bet for the popular GLP-1 drugs. Use of these drugs for diabetes and weight loss has exploded in recent years, and they have shown benefits for a wide range of additional health conditions, such as protecting the heart and kidneys, reducing sleep apnea and potentially helping with addiction.Smaller trials and animal studies had suggested GLP-1s might help slow cognitive decline or reduce neuro-inflammation but larger trials like Novo’s were needed to confirm whether patients saw actual benefits.”Based on the significant unmet need in Alzheimer’s disease as well as a number of indicative data points, we felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutide’s potential, despite a low likelihood of success,” said Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk said in a statement on Monday that thanked trial participants.A one-year extension of the trials will be discontinued, Novo said. Results from the trials have not yet been peer-reviewed or published but will be presented at upcoming scientific conferences.Novo has been facing increased competition in the weight loss market and recently announced lowered prices for some cash-paying patients using Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo shares fell Monday after the Alzheimer’s trial announcement.

    CNN —

    An oral version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, failed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in closely watched trials, Novo Nordisk said Monday.

    In two Phase 3 trials of more than 3,800 adults receiving standard care for Alzheimer’s, the company evaluated whether an older pill form of semaglutide worked better than a placebo. The drug was shown to be safe and led to improvements in Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, the company said, but the treatment did not delay disease progression.

    Novo had long treated Alzheimer’s as a long-shot bet for the popular GLP-1 drugs. Use of these drugs for diabetes and weight loss has exploded in recent years, and they have shown benefits for a wide range of additional health conditions, such as protecting the heart and kidneys, reducing sleep apnea and potentially helping with addiction.

    Smaller trials and animal studies had suggested GLP-1s might help slow cognitive decline or reduce neuro-inflammation but larger trials like Novo’s were needed to confirm whether patients saw actual benefits.

    “Based on the significant unmet need in Alzheimer’s disease as well as a number of indicative data points, we felt we had a responsibility to explore semaglutide’s potential, despite a low likelihood of success,” said Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer and executive vice president of Research and Development at Novo Nordisk said in a statement on Monday that thanked trial participants.

    A one-year extension of the trials will be discontinued, Novo said. Results from the trials have not yet been peer-reviewed or published but will be presented at upcoming scientific conferences.

    Novo has been facing increased competition in the weight loss market and recently announced lowered prices for some cash-paying patients using Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo shares fell Monday after the Alzheimer’s trial announcement.

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  • Jelly Roll unveils dramatic transformation without signature beard after weight loss

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    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Jelly Roll is showing off a whole new look.

    The 40-year-old “Save Me” singer, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, took to Instagram on Thursday to share his new look, after shaving off his beard, which he has had for over a decade.

    “By now you have probably figured out that I look like a ninja turtle,” he said in the video. “Crazy. One of the reasons I even started growing a beard is I was so obese, it was just easier to cover up what was happening here.”

    Fans flooded the comments section with positive messages for the singer, telling him he is an inspiration. “Somebody call Gillette ‘cause Jelly lookin’ SHARP!” one fan wrote, while another added, “You are so deserving, Jelly. You truly are. 🙏.”

    Jelly Roll debuted a new look without his signature beard. (Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

    JELLY ROLL’S WIFE BODY SLAMS HIM IN PLAYFUL TIKTOK VIDEO AFTER SINGER SHEDS 200 POUNDS

    “You are an amazing human. You’ve come a long way in the right direction An inspiration for all be proud Brother 🤘💯♥️,” a third fan wrote.

    His unrecognizable transformation comes after the 2026 Grammy Award nominations were announced. Jelly Roll received three nominations ahead of the award show, including best contemporary country album and best country duo/group performance.

    Jelly Roll in a black outfit and hat without his beard

    Fans congratulated Jelly Roll in the comments section. (Jelly Roll Instagram)

    In the video, the singer gets emotional as he discusses what these nominations mean to him, calling it “probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my life.”

    “When i made it to my first Grammy of the year i had new artist i thought to myself this is the only time I’ll ever be at the Grammys, and to be coming back three years later with more nominations than I’ve ever had is just…first of all the gratitude.”

    Jelly Roll with a clean shaven face

    Jelly Roll got emotional while discussing his Grammy nominations. (Jelly Roll Instagram)

    “I don’t care what artists say, I don’t care what artists act like, I’m gonna tell you the real truth,” he added. “There’s not an artist in the world that didn’t grow up watching the Grammys when they were a kid and walk in their bedrooms afterwards and rehearse their speech.”

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

    He later held back tears as he embraced his nomination for country album, saying “win, lose or draw, dude, holy f— we won,” referring to him and his team.

    Jelly Roll speaking to the camera with a clean-shaven face

    Jelly Roll said there is no artist out there who didn’t pretend to win a Grammy when they were younger. (Jelly Roll Instagram)

    Jelly Roll began his weight-loss journey in December 2022, and has been open with his fans about his progress over the years.

    In April, he told fans during Pat McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” event that he had lost 183 pounds telling a cheering crowd, “I started at 540 pounds. I’m 357 pounds this morning, baby.” He added that he wants to lose another 100 pounds so that he could go skydiving with his wife, Bunnie XO.

    JELLY ROLL AND WIFE REMAIN FAITHFUL DURING DIFFICULT JOURNEY TO GET PREGNANT: ‘WE PUT IT IN GOD’S HANDS’

    A before and after split of Jelly Roll

    Jelly Roll before and after his over 200 pound weight loss.  (Getty Images)

    The “Church” singer then spoke with Fox News Digital at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards in May, noting that his biggest challenge when it comes to losing weight is food.

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    “If you’re really battling obesity, you got to start at the dinner table, man. The walking’s great, all the other stuff’s great, but you got to fight that addiction at the dinner table,” he said.

    WATCH: JELLY ROLL CONFESSES BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF LOSING WEIGHT

    JELLY ROLL BATTLES SEVERE ISOLATION AND ILLNESS DURING GRUELING FOREIGN TOUR

    In September, Jelly Roll celebrated another major weight-loss milestone, sharing with his Instagram followers that he can now fit into designer clothes, joking with his fans to “Pray for my bank account.”

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

    Lori Bashian is an entertainment production assistant for Fox News Digital. 

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  • What to Wear to Work When Your Clothing Size Changes – Corporette.com

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    This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    businesswoman looks at clothing in her home; she is wearing a white blazer and pale yellow camisole and looking at a blue wrap dress
    Image via Deposit Photos / serezniy.

    It’s common for the number on the scale to go up and down over the years (or months), especially if you’re a stress eater (or stress non-eater) — or maybe you’re purposely losing weight. Today we’re talking about what to wear to work when your clothing size changes, primarily sharing reader advice. (They’ve shared great tips on past posts!) These strategies can also help handle your changing body size during pregnancy, if you’re not eager to buy a bunch of maternity clothes.

    What do you think are the best things to wear to work when you go up or down in sizes? What have you found to not be not so versatile?

    (Note: If weight loss / weight gain is triggering to you, it might be best for you to skip this post.)

    What to Wear to Work While Losing Weight

    Choose Versatile Clothes That Can Adjust to Your Body

    Readers recommended the following:

    1. Wrap dresses: Simply tie the self-belt as tightly or as loosely as you need. A-line and fit-and-flare dresses can also be a good bet. In general, dresses and skirts will be more forgiving to your changing body than pants. (See our favorites below!)

    2. Jersey dresses: The stretchy fabric can adjust a bit to your body, and one reader specifically mentioned prints.

    3. Flowy tops: If you feel the upper half of your outfit looks shapeless or frumpy with blouses like this, try tucking them in.

    4. Skirts: As you change sizes, one skirt will be able to fit for a while; it will just either sit higher or lower on your waist.

    5. Wide belt: Use it to cinch dresses as needed, and — if your goal is to lose weight — to boost motivation as your waist gets smaller and you can use the buckle in the next hole.

    6. Multiples of the same item in different colors: If you don’t have much time for shopping and you find a particular piece that can adjust well to weight changes, snag it in a few colors or prints.

    7. Lightweight sweaters: One reader recommended wearing a cami or shapewear underneath them, and once you go down in size, layer with a button-front blouse.

    8. Black pants, black skirt, jardigan: If you keep one of each in your current size on hand, they’ll make a good foundation for multiple outfits (and make you feel good to wear something that fits you well.)

    9. Well-fitting bras: Here’s one place to spend some money, if you can. When your bra fits as it’s supposed to, your current clothes will look better, and you’ll feel more comfortable and confident. (We always recommend r/ABraThatFits subreddit for sizing help — and check out our recently updated post rounding up all the reader-favorite bras — this is their longtime favorite!)

    {related: where to recycle, donate, and sell your work clothes}

    Know Which Retailers Have Generous Return Policies

    While you don’t want to buy and return a million things, it is helpful to know which retailers have generous return policies in case you haven’t had a chance to wear your clothes before the next size strikes. We’ve talked a lot about Nordstrom’s generally generous return policy for new clothes with tags. This is also an excellent time to mention Universal Standard’s “Fit Liberty” program: if your size changes within one year, you can swap the clothing for a new size for free. The Fit Liberty Collection covers sizes 00-40, and includes blazers, pants, blouses and more great basics..

    How to Save Money When Your Clothing Size Changes

    Buying a whole new wardrobe as you move through clothing sizes is out of reach for most people, so here are some more affordable places to find workwear when you need new sizes:

    • Consignment shops (also consign your own ill-fitting clothes, if you like!)
    • Thrift stores
    • Garage sales
    • Community clothing swaps — or organize one with friends!
    • Resale sites, e.g,. Poshmark (see our recent post!)
    • Buy Nothing groups (do an “ISO” post, which means “in search of”)
    • Clothing rental services

    Buy Fewer New Clothes by Getting Your Current Pieces Tailored

    Tailoring can be pricey, depending on which shop you choose and where you live. You can look at this issue in one of two ways: (1) tailor your pricier clothing, because the alterations will be proportionally less expensive, or (2) get your cheaper clothes (sale or otherwise) tailored, because you’ve already saved money on the item itself. Something to ponder.

    {related: the pros and cons of thrifting for workwear}

    A few notes about tailoring:

    1. Jackets are more expensive to alter than pants and skirts, and skirts are simpler to tailor than pants, though YMMV.

    2. Ask your tailor if an item they take in can be taken in again, or easily let out if needed.

    3. All tailors are not created equal. Ask in local Facebook groups or check out Yelp, in addition to asking around.

    4. If you’ve been meaning to learn to sew, well, here’s the perfect opportunity. (We’ve even rounded up the best sewing patterns for work clothes!)

    The Eternal Question of What to Do When Your Clothing Size CHanges

    You have two basic choices when you’re heading downward (or upward) in sizes: ditch your former clothes, or keep them “just in case.”

    There’s no wrong answer here, and readers have shared opposite opinions. One advised to hold on to your bigger sizes for a few years, or when they go out of style, while others view the better strategy as ditching the clothing that’s now too big, partly as motivation to maintain your current weight. Another way to look at it: If you generally donate your unwanted pieces, the larger sizes in your closet or packed away can’t do any good.

    {related: how to sell workwear online}

    Readers, please share your advice on what to wear when your clothing size changes. If you’re intentionally losing weight or have reached your goal weight, how long do you keep larger sizes for?

    Image via Deposit Photos / serezniy.

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    Kate Antoniades

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  • Eye Opener: Flight cancellations begin at major aiports due to government shutdown

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    Eye Opener: Flight cancellations begin at major aiports due to government shutdown – CBS News










































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    Airlines begin slashing flights due to the ongoing shutdown. Plus, the White House announces a deal to cut the price of weight loss drugs for some Americans. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener.

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  • Trump to announce deal to lower weight loss drug prices in some cases

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    President Trump is expected to announce a deal Thursday to lower the price of some weight loss drugs, several sources told CBS News.

    The announcement is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday.

    The deal, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk officials, is expected to lower the price of obesity drugs to $149 per month in certain cases, the sources said, without sharing more specifics on those cases.

    In a statement, Eli Lilly said it’s “in discussions with the administration to further expand patient access, preserve innovation, and promote affordability of our medicines,” but said it didn’t have specific details to share.

    Novo Nordisk said it is “is engaged in constructive discussions with the Administration regarding the Most Favored Nation executive order. We remain focused on improving patient access and affordability, and we will continue to work to find solutions that help people access the medication they need.”

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

    Aaron Navarro

    contributed to this report.

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  • Poll: Americans Getting Skinnier, Weight Loss Drug Use Expands – KXL

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    FILE – This file photo shows a closeup of a beam scale in New York, April 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

    WASHINGTON, DC – America is reportedly getting skinnier and weight loss drugs may be a contributing factor. According to a self-reported Gallup poll, for the first time in more than 15 years, obesity rates in the U.S. have fallen from almost 40-percent in 2022 to 37-percent today. That’s an estimated seven-point-six million fewer obese adults.

    According to a self-reported Gallup poll, for the first time in more than 15 years, obesity rates in the U.S. have fallen from almost 40-percent in 2022 to 37-percent today. Acquired Through MGN Online

    The same poll reports 15-percent of women and just under 10-percent of men are on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, more than double the number who said they used them last year.

    More about:

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    Tim Lantz

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  • Obesity rate is declining as more Americans use weight loss drugs, survey finds

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    As more Americans turn to weight loss drugs, the U.S. adult obesity rate is declining, according to new survey data from Gallup.

    The data published Tuesday showed the obesity rate among participants has gradually declined to 37% in 2025 after previously hitting a record high of 39.9% in 2022. Results were based on data from three nationally representative surveys of 16,946 U.S. adults interviewed by web in the first three quarters of 2025.

    “This is a statistically meaningful decrease representing an estimated 7.6 million fewer obese adults compared with three years ago,” the report noted.

    In the report, obesity was defined using the federal standard of having a BMI of 30 or higher.

    The report also explored the simultaneous increase in GLP-1 drug usage for weight loss, including semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs are also used to treat type 2 diabetes, which the report noted was still at an all-time high, with 13.8% of Gallup’s Well-Being Index participants saying they’ve been diagnosed with the chronic disease.

    When Gallup first measured GLP-1 usage in February 2024, 5.8% of adults reported taking this type of medicine for weight loss. Now, the percentage has increased to 12.4%, the report said.

    “Amid increased use of GLP-1 injectables for weight loss, obesity rates have been coming down for most age groups since 2022,” the report added.

    The report found the biggest reduction in obesity was among those aged 40 to 49 and those aged 50 to 64. These are the same age groups with the highest rates of GLP-1 injectables for weight loss, the report said.

    The report does have some limitations, however, including potential bias in how respondents present themselves.

    “However, because Gallup’s method of collecting self-reported weight and height has been consistent, the trend still provides valuable information regarding changes over time,” the report said.

    Gallup also did not measure GLP-1 usage for weight loss in 2022 or 2023, but said available data via its Well-Being Index are “consistent with reports of steadily increasing use since the initial FDA approval in 2021.”

    Despite the reported decline in obesity rates, the U.S. continues to exceed many Western countries in weight, the report pointed out — but expanding access to weight loss treatments may be a factor in the obesity decline becoming a lasting trend, the authors note.

    Around 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested in September 2024 — marking the first time in over a decade that the nation’s obesity rate has not inched up, results from the federal government’s national health survey showed. 

    Edited by

    Kiki Intarasuwan

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  • Jelly Roll Flaunts 200-Lb. Weight Loss Ahead of Australian Tour

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    Country star Jelly Roll is showing off his jaw-dropping 200-pound weight loss transformation, recently joining ESPN’s College GameDay before kicking off his Australian tour.

    Sporting a confident smile and trim physique, the “Wild Ones” crooner-turned-celebrity guest picker (real name: Jason DeFord) was in great spirits over the weekend as he made several picks for the top college football games on Saturday, October 18.

    Jelly Roll, 40, was the only picker to suggest the Volunteers would defeat Alabama Crimson Tide, but sadly missed the mark as the Tennessee football team lost 37-20.

    He also predicted the Georgia Bulldogs would reign triumphant against Ole Miss, agreeing with the entire panel of Desmond Howard, Nick Saban and Pat McAfee. They were right on the money, as the Bulldogs ended the game with a final score of 43-35.


    Jelly Roll on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’     ESPN College Football/YouTube

    During the segment, he also spoke fondly of Saban, admitting that his family “admired and respected” the former coach and sportscaster as much as they “hated” him. Jelly pointed out that his father was a Vanderbilt fan, while the rest of his family was all for team Tennessee.

    While viewers raved over his spirited commentary, several fans couldn’t help but be amazed by his fitness transformation. The chart-topping performer, who once weighed 550 pounds, has lost nearly 200 pounds since the beginning of his wellness journey in 2022.

    He was spotted yet again at the Sydney Airport on Tuesday, October 21, rocking a black hoodie while carrying a backpack before the launch of his first-ever Australian headlining tour. He’ll be hitting the stage for nine shows from Friday, October 24 to Thursday, November 6.

    Jelly Roll College gameday

    Jelly Roll on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’     Courtesy of Katie Feeney/TikTok

    The music artist previously lost between 60 to 70 pounds on his Beautifully Broken tour and it’s likely he’ll be just as active and busy this time around.

    Jelly Roll celebrated a personal milestone in his health journey in September, captioning a photo of himself, “I can fit in Louis Vuitton now. Pray for my bank account.”

    He isn’t showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon, either.

    “I wanna be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026,” Jelly Roll said about his hopes for the future during an appearance on wife Bunnie Xo’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast in December 2024. “That’s my new goal. I wanna have one of the biggest transformations.”

    Jelly Roll Flaunts Incredible Weight Loss After Confirming He Shed 200 Pounds Ahead of Australian Tour 1250644919 2240483095

    Jelly Roll     Getty Images (2)

    A month before that interview, he spoke to People about embracing a healthier lifestyle for longevity.

    “The battle was with the food addiction, changing the way I’ve looked at food for the last 39 years,” he told the outlet in November 2024. “I’ve never had a healthy relationship with food, so that was the hard part. But once you get into that discipline and commitment, it’s like an avalanche. Once that little snowball started rolling, it was on its way.”

    Jelly Roll also shed light on his “tour culture” while on the road, noting it used to revolve around “alcohol and drugs.”

    He said there has since been a noticeable shift and the focus is now “around good eating and around exercising and doing emotional check-ins with our crew every day.”

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    Samantha Benitz

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  • Few Employer Health Plans Cover Ozempic. This Company Can Help

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    Many American workers want to use GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, to meet their weight loss goals. The trouble is, most employee health plans don’t cover them — but a new company hopes to change that.

    A prescription drug employee benefit company, called Andel, announced its debut at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas on Monday. Early next year, Andel will help reduce the cost of providing GLP-1 medications in employee benefits packages by forming an employer co-op. Under this setup, Andel is able to buy the medication in bulk directly from drug manufacturers instead of negotiating prices from pharmacy benefit managers, which are usually owned by insurers. Employers can reduce the cost even further by adding subsidies.

    “Instead of asking [employers] to sign up to a fully-funded insurance plan, which is really expensive and unpredictable and challenging, all we would ask for is a small 50 to $100 per claim subsidy, which we pass directly to reduce the cost of the drugs,” Andel CEO and Co-founder Jay Bregman says.

    Employers are legally required to cover GLP-1 medication for diabetes, but not for weight loss. The injectable version of the drugs typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500 a month — which isn’t doable for most employers, especially with premiums projected to spike by 9 percent next year. Currently, 64 percent of employers do not cover GLP-1 medication to help workers shed pounds — but boy, do they wish they did. Up to 35 percent of Americans say they “are interested” in using the drug to lose weight, according to a PwC survey.

    Lesley Grady, senior vice president of enterprise marketing at Sequoia — a benefits brokerage known for serving Silicon Valley tech startups and large companies — confirms strong interest in GLP-1 coverage. She says their clients are looking for creative solutions to make the medication more affordable for employers. The brokerage plans to start offering Andel to clients who are looking to beef up their benefit plans.

    “Employees in tech have high expectations of their benefits, but I think employers obviously know that if they include it with unchecked access, it will blow up their budget,” Grady says. “So they’re really under pressure to find solutions right now that don’t just open up their floodgates — we see that strategy with Andel.”

    Andel doesn’t plan to stop with weight loss drugs — in the coming years, the company hopes to apply the same cooperative, subsidy model to preventative Alzheimer’s drugs and potentially gene therapy, the co-founders told Inc.

    “Expanding access to healthcare is the cornerstone of our mission,” says Andel Co-founder Ritu Malhotra. “Andel gives employers an innovative new pharmacy-benefit solution that fills the coverage gap.”

    Andel was co-founded by Bregman, who successfully exited three companies — including the ridesharing network Hailo, rebranded to Lyft Europe — and Malhotra, who’s also a pharmacist and former CVS Health executive. At the conference, the founders announced they raised $4.5 million in capital to launch the platform. Investors include Lightbank, Seedcamp, Bertelsmann Investments, Houghton Street Ventures, and Springboard.

    Eric Ong, partner at Lightbank — a venture capital firm that invests heavily in benefit tech companies — told Inc. that Malhotra’s PBM experience and Bregman’s entrepreneurial success is uniquely positioned to help tackle the high cost of in-demand prescription drugs. The firm invested in the company because they haven’t seen any other solutions addressing this challenge, he says.

    “There’s a disconnect between employers wanting to offer good benefits and health benefits and keeping their employees healthy — at the same time, they can’t afford it. So, we just found that really interesting and sort of novel in the market today,” Ong says.

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    Kayla Webster

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  • Prior Lake spa owner accused of giving

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    A spa in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is at the center of a criminal investigation into alleged “black market” Botox treatments. 

    According to the complaint filed last month in Scott County, the owner of the anti-aging spa, a 59-year-old Prior Lake woman, was using unlicensed Botox-like products and semaglutide weight loss drugs, also known as GLP-1, without the legal authority to do so.

    The complaint states a longtime friend of the defendant tipped off authorities last year that she’s not a registered nurse and there was no medical director at the spa. The friend said the defendant told them “she gets Botox really cheap and makes a ton of money.”

    A former employee also told authorities she had worked at the spa between 2022 and 2023 and said the defendant “would never let her inject people with Botox” even though she was qualified to do so, and instead did all injections herself, the complaint states. 

    Both the friend and the former employee also claimed the defendant’s ex-husband told them separately the Botox-like products were unregulated bootlegs.

    Another witness told investigators the defendant ordered her products from China and “learned to inject Botox from watching YouTube.” A man who briefly worked as the spa’s former medical director told investigators he reported the defendant to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice after learning of the allegations.

    In July 2025, a former customer told investigators she had “a terrible experience” at the spa during an open house when she had some painful injections of what they believed was Juvederm. The customer later asked the defendant to provide her with the drugs’ lot numbers, which she then gave to the company that makes Juvederm. The company confirmed “those numbers were not their product,” according to the complaint.

    The defendant later told investigators she had neurotoxin training in Texas and was unsure if her certification was valid in Minnesota. The complaint states the defendant also claimed that she was “joking” when she said the product was from the “black market,” and blamed a voice text that “got messed up” for the misunderstanding.

    She went on to say she was “providing a service to women, her heart is good, and all she does is give,” the complaint states.

    The defendant is charged with one count of unlawful practice of medicine, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.  

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    Stephen Swanson

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  • Lose Weight with Cumin and Saffron?  | NutritionFacts.org

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    The spice cumin can work as well as orlistat, the “anal leakage” obesity drug.

    In my video Friday Favorites: Benefits of Black Cumin for Weight Loss, I discussed how a total of 17 randomized controlled trials showed that the simple spice could reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And its side effects? A weight-loss effect.

    Saffron is another spice found to be effective for treating a major cause of suffering—depression, in this study, with a side effect of decreased appetite. Indeed, when put to the test in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, saffron was found to lead to significant weight loss, five pounds more than placebo, and an extra inch off the waist in eight weeks. The dose of saffron used in the study was the equivalent of drinking a cup of tea made from a large pinch of saffron threads.

    Suspecting the active ingredient might be crocin, the pigment in saffron that accounts for its crimson color, as shown here and at 0:59 in my video Friday Favorites: Benefits of Cumin and Saffron for Weight Loss, researchers also tried giving people just the purified pigment.

    That also led to weight loss, but it didn’t do as well as the full saffron extract and only beat the placebo by two pounds and half an inch off the waist. The mechanism appeared to be appetite suppression, as the crocin group ended up averaging about 80 fewer calories a day, whereas the full saffron group consumed an average of 170 fewer daily calories, as you can see below and at 1:21 in my video.

    A similar study looked specifically at snacking frequency. The researchers thought that the mood-boosting effects of saffron might cut down on stress-related eating. Indeed, eight weeks of a saffron extract halved snack intake, compared to a placebo. There was also a slight but statistically significant weight loss of about two pounds, as you can see here and at 1:41 in my video, which is pretty remarkable, given that tiny doses were utilized—about 100 milligrams, which is equivalent to about an eighth of a teaspoon of the spice.

    The problem is that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It’s composed of delicate threads sticking out of the saffron crocus flower. Each flower produces only a few threads, so about 50,000 flowers are needed to make a single pound of spice. That’s enough flowers to cover a football field. So, that pinch of saffron could cost a dollar a day.

    That’s why, in my 21 Tweaks to accelerate weight loss in How Not to Diet, I include black cumin, instead of saffron, as you can see here and at 2:30 in my video. And, at a quarter teaspoon a day, the daily dose of black cumin would only cost three cents.

    What about just regular cumin? Used in cuisines around the world from Tex-Mex to South Asian, cumin is the second most popular spice on Earth after black pepper. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants with a range of purported medicinal uses, but only recently has it been put to the test for weight loss. Those randomized to a half teaspoon at both lunch and dinner over three months lost about four more pounds and an extra inch off their waist. The spice was found to be comparable to the obesity drug known as orlistat.

    If you remember, orlistat is the “anal leakage” drug sold under the brand names Alli and Xenical. The drug company apparently prefers the term “faecal spotting” to describe the rectal discharge it causes, though. The drug company’s website offered some helpful tips, including: “It’s probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work.” You know, just in case their drug causes you to poop in your pants at the office.

    I think I’ll stick with the cumin, thank you very much.

    Doctor’s Note

    The video on black cumin that I mentioned is Friday Favorites: Benefits of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa) for Weight Loss.

    My other videos on saffron are in the related posts below.

    For an in-depth dive into weight loss, see my book How Not to Diet. 

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    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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  • Shot Gate? Costco Enters Weight Loss Chat With Discounted Ozempic & The Timeline Erupts (VIDEO)

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    If you’ve been side-eyeing those viral weight-loss shots but couldn’t justify the price tag, Costco just might’ve changed the game. The wholesale giant is now offering Wegovy and Ozempic — yep, the same blockbuster drugs all over your timeline — at a major discount for its members. And, let’s just say…the TL is shook.

    RELATED: Serena Williams Opens Up About 31-Pound Weight Loss With Meds & Social Media Is Sounding Off (VIDEO)

    Costco’s Drug Deal Shakes Up Weight Loss Market

    According to drugmaker Novo Nordisk, Costco pharmacies are selling the medications for $499 a month for self-pay members — way less than the list price of $1,349. And, if you’ve got that Executive Membership or use a Costco Citibank Visa, you can snatch an extra 2% off. Novo Nordisk says this collab is all about access, especially as they compete with Eli Lilly’s rival meds, Zepbound and Mounjaro, while also trying to edge out those unregulated compounded versions flooding medical spas and telehealth sites.

    Social Media Split Over Costco’s Weight Loss Move

    One Instagram user @fullfigureblackbarbie said, “Now I’m going to try it“

    And, Instagram user @4beautiful_mel added, “Welp looks like I’m signing up with Costco 😂”

    Instagram user @holland7367 commented, “$500 is still outrageous“

    Meanwhile, Instagram user @therealdjstacks shared, “Ain’t Ozempic getting sued like crazy right now 😆”

    While Instagram user @mr.6foot9 commented, “This sh*t going to ruin life’s later on lol“

    Then Instagram user @crownthyking wrote, “Imagine a lady in a apron saying you ‘want to try [a] shot’ in Costco 🤣”

    Instagram user @fantoine14 said, “Is it the Kirkland brand 😂😂😂”

    Lastly, Instagram user @ajo_mvv added, “Any employee discounts? If so, where do I apply?“

    Ozempic Hype Grows As Costco Joins In

    But, make no mistake, this is still big business. Wegovy and Ozempic are FDA-approved GLP-1 injections that help curb appetite and promote weight loss. While Ozempic is officially for Type 2 diabetes, both drugs have been flying off shelves thanks to their off-label use for dropping pounds. With Costco entering the chat, folks might finally get their hands on these meds without blowing the budget — and let’s just say, the girls (and the guys) are ready to load up the cart.

    RELATED: Don’t Get It Twisted! Lizzo Addresses Ozempic Rumors & Reveals Truth Behind Her Weight Loss (VIDEO)

    What Do You Think Roomies?

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    Desjah

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  • Costco is selling weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy at discounted prices

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    Costco now is selling Ozempic and Wegovy at discounted prices, a move that expands access to the popular weight-loss drugs.

    Costco members with prescriptions can purchase the drugs out-of-pocket for $499 per month, a cost that is well below list prices. For members with health insurance, the price will depend on their plans. The sticker price for Ozempic is about $1,000; Wegovy costs $1,350.

    MORE: Long-term study on HPV vaccinations finds evidence of herd immunity

    Novo Nordisk, the Danish company that manufacturers Ozempic and Wegovy, already offers the drugs at $499 on its website, and also at CVS and Walmart. 

    “We want to make sure we offer the real, authentic Wegovy and Ozempic where patients seek care,” David Moore, executive vice president of Novo Nordisk’s U.S. Operations, told NBC News on Friday. “We know that Costco is a trusted brand.

    “Those patients that have coverage will receive the medicine on average for $25 a month,” Moore added. “But that doesn’t cover everyone, so we wanted to make sure there’s a self-pay option available as well.” 

    A Novo Nordisk spokesperson said Monday that Costo’s executive members and customers with a Costco Citibank Visa credit card also will receive a cash back reward and an additional 2% discount when purchasing the drugs. 

    Costco did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

    Ozempic and Wegovy are GLP-1 drugs, a classification that also includes Zepbound, a medication made by Eli Lilly. They help people lose weight by mimicking a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1 that slows digestion, regulates blood sugar and signals fullness to the brain. 

    Ozempic was approved as a diabetes drug; Wegovy and Zepbound were approved to treat obesity. But they have been used off label to help people lose weight. Studies also have suggested they may have additional health benefits, including reducing risk of heart disease, dementia and addiction to alcohol or nicotine.

    The demand for the drugs has skyrocketed in recent years ago. A 2024 survey found 1 in 8 adults said they have used a GLP-1 drugs. With so many people using the drugs, insurers say they have struggled to cover the costs, because the drugs must be taken indefinitely to maintain weight loss and other health benefits. 

    The Trump administration plans to roll out a five-year, experimental program that would allow state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D plans to cover GLP-1 agonists for weight loss. Some state Medicaid programs, including those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, cover the drugs for obesity, and Medicare covers them for diabetes. 

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    Molly McVety

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  • Costco now selling weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy at a discount

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    Costco now selling weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy at a discount – CBS News










































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    Shoppers can now find Ozempic and Wegovy at Costco. It says it is partnering with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to offer the drugs at a steep discount for members with a prescription. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.

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  • A Longer Life on Statins?  | NutritionFacts.org

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    What are the pros and cons of relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat, and average postponement of death when taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs?

    In response to the charge that describing the benefits of statin drugs only in terms of relative risk reduction is a “statistical deception” created to give the appearance that statins are more effective than they really are, it was pointed out that describing things in terms of absolute risk reduction or number needed to treat can depend on the duration of the study.

    For example, let’s say a disease has a 2% chance of killing you every year, but some drug cuts that risk by 50%. That sounds amazing, until you realize that, at the end of a year, your risk will only have fallen from 2% to 1%, so the absolute reduction of risk is only 1%. If a hundred people were treated with the drug, instead of two people dying, one person would die, so a hundred people would have to be treated to save one life, as shown below and at 1:01 in my video How Much Longer Do You Live on Statins?.

    But there’s about a 99% chance that taking the drug all year would have no effect either way. So, to say the drug cuts the risk of dying by 50% seems like an overstatement. But think about it: Benefits accrue over time. If there’s a 2% chance of dying every year, year after year, after a few decades, the majority of those who refused the drug would be dead, whereas the majority who took the drug would be alive. So, yes, perhaps during the first year on the drug, there was only about a 1% chance it would be life-saving, but, eventually, you could end up with a decent chance the drug would save your life after all.

    “This is actually the very reason why the usage of relative risk makes sense…” Absolute risk changes depending on the time frame being discussed, but with relative risk, you know that whatever risk you have, you can cut it in half by taking the drug. On average, statins only cut the risk of a cardiovascular “event” by 25%, but since cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women, if you’re unwilling to change your diet, that’s a powerful argument in favor of taking these kinds of drugs. You can see the same kind of dependency on trial duration, looking at the “postponement of death” by taking a statin. How much longer might you live if you take statins?

    The average postponement of death has some advantages over other statistics because it may offer “a better intuitive understanding among lay persons,” whereas a stat like a number needed to treat has more of a win-or-lose “lottery-like” quality. So, when a statin drug prevents, say, one heart attack out of a hundred people treated over five years, it’s not as though the other 99 completely lost out. Their cholesterol also dropped, and their heart disease progression presumably slowed down, too, just not enough to catch a heart attack within that narrow time frame.

    So, what’s the effect of statins on average survival? According to an early estimate, if you put all the randomized trials together, the average postponement of death was calculated at maybe three or four days. Three or four days? Who would take a drug every day for years just to live a few more days? Well, let’s try to put that into context. Three or four days is comparable to the gains in life expectancy from other medical interventions. For example, it’s nearly identical to what you’d get from “highly effective childhood vaccines.” Because vaccines have been so effective in wiping out infectious diseases, these days, they only add an average of three extra days to a child’s life. But, of course, “those whose deaths are averted gain virtually their whole lifetimes.” That’s why we vaccinate. It just seems like such a small average benefit because it gets distributed over the many millions of kids who get the vaccine. Is that the same with statins?

    An updated estimate was published in 2019, which explained that the prior estimate of three or four days was plagued by “important weaknesses,” and the actual average postponement of death was actually ten days. Headline writers went giddy from these data, but what they didn’t understand was that this was only for the duration of the trial. So, if your life expectancy is only five years, then, yes, statins may increase your lifespan by only ten days, but statins are meant to be taken a lot longer than five years. What you want to know is how much longer you might get to live if you stick with the drugs your whole life.

    In that case, it isn’t an extra ten days, but living up to ten extra years. Taking statins can enable you to live years longer. That’s because, for every millimole per liter you lower your bad LDL cholesterol, you may live three years longer and maybe even six more years, depending on which study you’re reading. A millimole in U.S. units is 39 points. Drop your LDL cholesterol by about 39 points, and you could live years longer. Exercise your whole life, and you may only increase your lifespan by six months, and stopping smoking may net you nine months. But if you drop your LDL cholesterol by about 39 points, you could live years longer. You can accomplish that by taking drugs, or you can achieve that within just two weeks of eating a diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as seen here and at 5:30 in my video. 

    Want to know what’s better than drugs? “Something important and fundamental has been lost in the controversy around this broad expansion of statin therapy.…It is imperative that physicians (and drug labels) inform patients that not only their lipid [cholesterol] levels but also their cardiovascular risk can be reduced substantially by adoption of a plant-based dietary pattern, and without drugs. Dietary modifications for cardiovascular risk reduction, including plant-based diets, have been shown to improve not only lipid status, but also obesity, hypertension, systemic inflammation, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, endothelial function, thrombosis, and cardiovascular event risk…The importance of this [plant-based] approach is magnified when one considers that, in contrast to statins, the ‘side effects’ of plant-based diets—weight loss, more energy, and improved quality of life—are beneficial.” 

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    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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