Diet & Weight Loss Archive

A 2025 study found that a pill version of the drug semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus, can lower the risk for serious heart problems in people who have diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or both.

In a 2025 study, researchers estimated that fewer than four emergency department visits attributed to semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) occurred for every 1,000 patients taking the drug in 2022 and 2023. Most of the visits were related to gastrointestinal problems.

A randomized controlled trial published in 2025 found that people who followed a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan for one year, eating only 20% of their usual calories on three fasting days per week, lost more weight than people who were on a calorie-restricted diet.

Cushing's is marked by elevated blood levels of the hormone cortisol. Far more common in women, the condition is categorized as a disease or syndrome based on what factors trigger it, which can include using corticosteroids or having a tumor on the brain's pituitary gland or elsewhere. Symptoms include a swollen face, excess belly weight, fatigue, a fatty hump between the shoulders, stretch marks, easy bruising, and slow wound healing. Cushing's can also lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and diabetes.

A 2025 review of 10 randomized controlled trials (involving about 300 people) found that those who took part in two or three one-hour water aerobics classes weekly for at least 10 weeks lost up to 6 pounds and trimmed their waists by about an inch.

When blood pressure remains high despite treatment, making certain lifestyle changes can help. Examples include reducing dietary sodium and increasing dietary potassium, losing weight, limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, exercising (doing aerobics and strength training), using tools that improve medication adherence (such as an automatic pill dispenser, a medication diary, a smartphone alarm, or a reminder app), quitting smoking, getting more sleep, managing stress, and reducing caffeine intake.

Body mass index (BMI) uses weight and height to calculate whether a person is overweight or obese. However, it cannot determine the amount of visceral fat that lies deep inside the body. Two better methods are measuring waist size and determining waist-to-hip ratio.

During midlife and later, men often experience a lower energy level, sour mood, and decline in sex drive. These changes have been tagged with the term "male menopause." A low testosterone level may be a factor. Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing exercise, and following healthy sleep patterns, can help raise low levels. Another option is testosterone replacement therapy, but men need to weigh the possible benefits versus the risks.