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New Study: Who Loses Less Fat on Weight-Loss Jabs?

Weight-loss injections are everywhere, but results still vary

GLP-1 medications have moved from a niche diabetes treatment to a mainstream weight-loss tool in a very short time. Surveys suggest roughly one in eight U.S. adults have tried drugs in this category, including Ozempic and similar medications.

But even with the same prescription, the experience can look different from person to person. Some people see steady changes in appetite and weight, while others feel like progress slows down, or doesn’t show up the way they expected.

What GLP-1 drugs do in the body

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a hormone involved in blood sugar control and appetite regulation. In simple terms, they can help people feel fuller sooner and reduce how much they want to eat, which is why they’re used in type 2 diabetes care and, increasingly, in obesity treatment.

That’s the headline benefit. The question researchers keep coming back to is why the response can still be uneven—especially when it comes to fat loss and body composition.

Around 12 percent of Americans have been using weight loss jabs to shed the pounds. — Around 12 percent of Americans have been using weight loss jabs to shed the pounds (Getty Stock Photo)

The study looked at eating behaviors before treatment

In a study involving 92 adults in Japan with type 2 diabetes, researchers tracked changes over time after participants were prescribed a GLP-1 medication. They monitored weight and body composition, alongside markers like blood sugar and cholesterol.

What made the research stand out was the behavioral angle: the team assessed three common eating patterns before and during treatment—external eating, emotional eating, and restrained eating.

External vs emotional vs restrained eating

The categories are widely used in behavioral nutrition research, and the distinctions are straightforward:

External eating: eating triggered by cues like smell, appearance, or availability of food, rather than hunger.
Emotional eating: eating in response to feelings like stress, sadness, or anxiety.
Restrained eating: consciously restricting intake to control weight, often with periods of “holding back.”

These patterns can overlap, but the study treated them as separate signals that might predict who benefits most.

Emotional eating refers to eating based on emotions such as sadness, or stress. — Emotional eating refers to eating based on emotions such as sadness, or stress (Getty Stock Photo)

Who was least likely to lose fat on the jabs

The researchers reported that, over time, people whose overeating was driven mainly by emotional eating or restrained eating tended to lose less weight than those whose eating was more strongly influenced by external cues.

They also found that while many participants showed reduced emotional and external eating after about three months, emotional eating scores later drifted back toward baseline by the 12-month mark—suggesting the early appetite effect may not fully address the underlying drivers behind emotion-linked eating.

One of the authors suggested a possible reason: emotional eating may be shaped more by psychological factors that medication alone doesn’t directly change.

GLP-1 agonists are a type of treatment that mimic the hormone, GLP-1. — GLP-1 agonists are a type of treatment that mimic the hormone, GLP-1 (Getty Stock Photo)

What this could mean (and what it doesn’t)

The takeaway isn’t that GLP-1 medications “don’t work” for people who emotionally eat. It’s that behavioral patterns might help explain why outcomes differ, and why some people may see less fat loss even while on the same type of drug.

The researchers also emphasized that these findings are preliminary and need validation in larger studies before they can be used to guide clinical decisions.

Why this matters as use keeps climbing

As more people try weight-loss jabs, expectations are rising with them. And with uptake now widespread—again, about 12% of U.S. adults have tried GLP-1 drugs, according to a KFF survey—understanding who benefits most (and why) matters for patients, clinicians, and health systems alike.

If future research confirms these links, a simple check-in on eating behaviors could become one more tool for setting realistic expectations and pairing medication with the right kind of support.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Tatsiana Volkava

Topics: Health, News, Science

Smoking Just 2 Cigarettes a Day Death Risk, Study Warns

A lot of smokers have a “small amount” rule. Two cigarettes a day. Weekends only. A few when stress hits.

Here’s the uncomfortable part: scientists say even that low level of smoking may still come with a meaningful health risk—especially for your heart.

The “only two a day” myth is getting challenged again

Smoking is widely known to damage health, but some people still assume the real danger starts at a pack-a-day habit.

New research tracking a large group of adults for years suggests that assumption is risky. The findings add to a growing message from public health experts: there’s no truly “safe” level of cigarette smoking.

Smoking even a little bit is still very bad for you. — Smoking even a little bit is still very bad for you (SimpleImages/Getty)

What the long-term study found

Researchers analyzed data from more than 300,000 adults followed over roughly two decades, focusing on people who smoked at low levels rather than heavy daily smokers.

The result that’s grabbing attention: people who reported smoking about two cigarettes a day showed a higher risk of death from any cause compared with people who had never smoked, according to the report.

The study also reported an elevated risk tied to cardiovascular outcomes, including heart disease.

Even if you already believe cigarettes are harmful, the takeaway is simple: cutting down is not the same as removing the risk.

Why the heart and blood vessels take a hit

Doctors often describe smoking as a direct attack on the cardiovascular system.

That’s because tobacco smoke and nicotine can damage the lining of blood vessels and speed up the buildup of plaque in the arteries—processes linked with coronary artery disease and heart problems over time.

This matters because heart disease isn’t rare, and smoking doesn’t need to be heavy to contribute to risk.

“No amount is harmless,” experts say

The study’s authors and clinicians quoted in coverage of the research stressed a point many smokers don’t want to hear: even very low cigarette use can be clinically meaningful.

At the same time, they emphasized something more hopeful: quitting can reduce risk, and the earlier someone stops, the better the long-term outlook tends to be.

Smoking causes a huge number of serious problems. — Smoking causes a huge number of serious problems (MarianVejcik/Getty)

Why this warning fits the bigger public health picture

The CDC continues to describe tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.

So when a large study finds measurable risk at “just two a day,” it lands in a larger reality: cigarettes affect nearly every organ system, and the body doesn’t treat “light smoking” as harmless.

If you’re trying to quit, you’re not alone

Quitting can be difficult, especially if cigarettes are tied to routines, stress, or social life.

If you’re thinking about stopping, consider reaching out to a qualified healthcare professional or a local quit-support service for personalized help and options.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Health, News, Science, World News, Cancer

Colon Cancer Deaths Rising in People Under 50

A worrying exception to progress

Cancer survival rates have improved dramatically over the past few decades.
Earlier detection, better treatments, and declining smoking rates have saved millions of lives.

But scientists say one type of cancer is moving in the opposite direction — and it’s affecting younger people.

New research shows that while deaths from most cancers are falling, colon cancer is becoming more deadly for people under the age of 50.
In fact, it is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in this age group.

That shift marks a sharp break from decades of progress in cancer care.

Colon cancer is much harder to treat if not detected early. — Colon cancer is much harder to treat if not detected early (Getty Stock Images)

What the data shows

According to a recent report from the American Cancer Society, overall cancer death rates among under-50s dropped by 44 percent between 1990 and 2023.

Four of the five deadliest cancers in younger adults followed that downward trend.
Colorectal cancer did not.

Instead, deaths from colon and rectal cancers have increased by roughly two percent per year, quietly reshaping cancer risk for younger generations.

From fifth place to the deadliest

In 1990, colorectal cancer ranked fifth among cancer deaths in people under 50.
Today, it sits at the top.

It is now the leading cause of cancer death in younger men and the second-leading cause in younger women, behind breast cancer — despite long being considered a disease of older age.

That matters because many younger patients, and even some clinicians, don’t initially suspect cancer.

Bloating and blood in your stool are among the most common signs of colorectal cancer. — Bloating and blood in your stool are among the most common signs of colorectal cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Why younger patients are at higher risk

One major factor is delayed diagnosis.
Routine screening for colorectal cancer typically begins at age 45, even after guidelines were lowered in response to rising cases.

People under that threshold are less likely to be screened and more likely to dismiss symptoms.

Bloating, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits are often attributed to stress, diet, or conditions like IBS, rather than cancer.

What experts are saying

Gastrointestinal cancer specialist Jeff Meyerhardt told Scientific American that colorectal cancer has long been viewed as a cancer of aging.

“That assumption held for decades,” he said, “until more recently.”

The concern now is that tumors in younger patients may go unnoticed for years before diagnosis.

How early does the disease begin?

Researchers are also questioning how colorectal cancer develops so early in life.
For someone diagnosed in their early 20s, scientists estimate precancerous growths may have started in childhood.

Andrea Cercek, co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer, says that possibility is driving urgent research.

“If a 22-year-old has cancer, that process likely began when they were a child,” she explained.

Possible causes under investigation

There is no single confirmed cause for the rise in early-onset colorectal cancer.
Researchers are examining several large-scale changes over the past 30 years.

These include diet, physical inactivity, obesity, antibiotic use, gut microbiome changes, and environmental exposures such as microplastics.

What’s often overlooked is that these factors may interact over time, accelerating disease development in younger bodies.

More people under the age of 50 are dying from colorectal cancers. — More people under the age of 50 are dying from colorectal cancers (Getty Stock Images)

Why awareness matters now

Survival outcomes for young adults with colorectal cancer can be life-altering, physically and emotionally.
Late diagnosis often means more aggressive treatment and reduced quality of life.

Experts stress that recognizing symptoms early remains the most effective way to reverse the trend.

The earlier colorectal cancer is found, the more treatable it becomes.

What younger people should know

Doctors urge anyone — regardless of age — to seek medical advice for persistent bowel changes, unexplained bleeding, ongoing bloating, or abdominal pain.

These symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer.
But ignoring them has become increasingly risky.

As scientists continue searching for answers, awareness may be the most powerful tool currently available.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Cancer, Health, Science, Colon cancer

Doctors Urge People to Stop Taking Vitamin D If They Have These Four Symptoms

Vitamin D supplements have become a winter staple for millions of people. With less sunlight available during colder months, health officials often recommend topping up to support bone and muscle health.

But doctors are now reminding the public that more is not always better. If certain symptoms appear after starting or increasing vitamin D supplements, experts say it may be time to stop and reassess.

The warning is aimed at preventing unintended side effects linked to taking too much of the vitamin.

Why vitamin D is widely recommended

Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. During autumn and winter, sunlight alone is usually not enough for the body to produce sufficient levels.

Health guidance in the UK has long advised adults to consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms during these months. Supplements are widely available and often taken without medical supervision.

That accessibility, experts say, can sometimes lead people to exceed recommended amounts without realizing it.

Nausea is never fun, is it? (Getty Stock Photo)

When supplementation can become a problem

While vitamin D is essential, taking excessive amounts over time may disrupt the body’s balance of calcium and fluids. This can trigger a range of symptoms that are easy to overlook or misattribute.

Doctors stress that supplements should be treated with the same caution as medicines, particularly when taken daily.

Certain physical signals may indicate that vitamin D intake is no longer helping and could be doing harm.

Digestive discomfort and nausea

One of the earliest signs linked to excessive supplementation can be digestive upset. This may include nausea, burping, stomach pain, or general discomfort.

Experts note that some formulations, such as sprays or gummies, contain sweeteners that may irritate the digestive system. Switching to a standard tablet taken with food may reduce mild symptoms.

However, persistent nausea after supplement use should not be ignored.

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Another warning sign is constant thirst accompanied by more frequent trips to the bathroom. Doctors explain that too much vitamin D can interfere with how the body regulates fluids and salts.

This imbalance may cause dehydration-like symptoms, even when fluid intake seems normal.

If these changes appear soon after increasing vitamin D intake, specialists advise stopping the supplement and seeking medical advice.

Difficulty thinking clearly

Brain fog, headaches, or difficulty concentrating are also being highlighted as possible signs of excess intake. While vitamin D is often associated with improved wellbeing, too much may have the opposite effect.

Experts say these symptoms can be subtle and are sometimes blamed on stress, fatigue, or seasonal illness.

Noticing a clear link between supplement use and mental clarity changes is an important signal.

It may be because of your dose of vitamins... — It may be because of your dose of vitamins… (Getty Stock Photo)

Bone and muscle pain

Ironically, bone and muscle pain can also be a symptom of taking too much vitamin D. Doctors say this can happen when calcium levels in the body become unbalanced.

Persistent aches or cramps appearing after starting supplements may indicate the body is reacting poorly.

Reducing intake and staying hydrated may help, but ongoing pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What doctors are advising

Biomedical scientists and clinicians are urging people to pay attention to how their bodies respond to supplements. Symptoms that appear soon after starting or increasing vitamin D should not be dismissed.

Experts emphasize that many people accidentally exceed recommended doses, particularly when using multiple supplements or fortified products.

The key message is moderation and awareness, rather than avoiding vitamin D altogether.

Putting safety first

For most people, vitamin D supplements taken at appropriate doses are safe and beneficial. Problems typically arise when intake exceeds guidance over time.

Doctors recommend checking supplement labels carefully and avoiding combining products without advice.

If symptoms develop, stopping the supplement and consulting a healthcare professional can help determine whether vitamin D is the cause.

A reminder about supplements

Vitamin supplements are often seen as harmless, but they can have real effects on the body. Treating them with the same caution as prescribed medication can help reduce unnecessary risks.

Listening to early warning signs, experts say, is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Health, NHS, Science, Weather

Scientists Achieve Complete Tumor Disappearance in Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Study

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Survival rates are low, and treatment options are limited, leaving patients and families with few reasons for optimism.

That is why a new study from Spain is drawing attention across the scientific community. Researchers say they have achieved the complete and lasting disappearance of pancreatic tumors in mice using an experimental treatment approach.

While the findings are early and limited to laboratory models, experts say the results are unlike anything previously reported.

Why pancreatic cancer is so challenging

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late, when the disease has already advanced. According to major cancer research organizations, fewer than one in ten patients survive more than five years after diagnosis.

One of the main reasons is the cancer’s resistance to treatment. Tumors adapt quickly, making many therapies less effective over time.

This resistance has been a major obstacle for decades, particularly in cancers driven by specific genetic mutations.

The new study focuses on the KRAS oncogene, a genetic mutation found in around 90 percent of pancreatic cancer cases.

KRAS plays a key role in driving tumor growth. Scientists have long tried to target it, but success has been limited because tumors often find ways around single-drug treatments.

Previous attempts showed initial promise, only for the cancer to return within months.

Instead of targeting KRAS in one way, the Spanish research team used a combination of three drugs designed to block the gene at multiple points.

The idea was to make it harder for the tumor to adapt. By attacking the cancer from several angles at once, researchers hoped to prevent resistance from developing.

This multi-layered approach is what sets the study apart from earlier efforts.

The study saw tumors reduced in mice. — The study saw tumors reduced in mice (Getty Stock Image)

What the study found

When tested in mice with pancreatic cancer, the treatment led to a complete elimination of tumors. Even more striking, the tumors did not return after treatment ended.

Researchers reported no major side effects in the animals, an important factor when considering future development.

In their published findings, the scientists described the results as a potential pathway toward designing new combination therapies for pancreatic cancer.

Why the findings matter

Permanent tumor disappearance is rarely seen in pancreatic cancer research, even in animal models. That is why the study has generated cautious optimism.

The lead researcher, Dr Mariano Barbacid, is well known for his work in cancer genetics, including the identification of the first human oncogene.

Experts say the team’s reputation and the rigor of the study add weight to the findings, even at this early stage.

Important limitations to note

Despite the excitement, researchers are clear about the study’s limits. The treatment has not been tested in humans, and clinical trials are not yet underway.

Dr Barbacid has emphasized that translating the findings to human patients will not be simple. Human biology is more complex, and treatments that work in mice often fail in clinical settings.

The study is best viewed as a foundation rather than a finished solution.

What happens next

The researchers say their findings could guide the development of future clinical trials. Before that can happen, additional laboratory studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Regulatory approval, dosage testing, and long-term monitoring would all be required before human trials could begin.

Still, experts say the approach offers a promising direction for future pancreatic cancer research.

Why cautious optimism matters

Breakthroughs in cancer research often come in small steps rather than sudden cures. While headlines may focus on dramatic results, scientists stress the importance of measured expectations.

This study does not mean pancreatic cancer has been cured. It does suggest, however, that new strategies may be able to overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.

For a disease with so few effective options, that alone represents meaningful progress.

A hopeful signal for the future

Pancreatic cancer has long been associated with grim statistics and limited advances. Studies like this show that innovation is still happening behind the scenes.

Researchers around the world continue to explore new ways to target aggressive cancers at their genetic roots.

While patients will need to wait for further developments, the study offers a rare note of hope in a field where breakthroughs are hard won.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Cancer, Health, Science