By Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA for Hers

Tne quick online search or scroll through social media and you’ll find an endless amount of weight loss advice.

But it’s hard to know what’s backed by science and what’s a waste of your time—or worse, what’s downright dangerous.

Below, Hers separates the fad from fact and busts some common weight loss myths.

Myth 1: Losing Weight Is All About Willpower

Willpower is a hopefully small part of weight loss, but it’s not the only thing at play.

If your weight loss efforts don’t work or you regain some of the weight you’ve lost, it doesn’t mean you lack the willpower to stick to a plan.

There are so many factors that go into weight loss and many of them are out of your control. They include:

• Your environment
• Your genetics
• Your stress levels
• Health conditions
• Medications
• Sleep length and quality

These factors can influence your hunger hormones, how your body stores fat, and the foods you crave.

Don’t let this get you down, though. You can still make changes in your life and reach your goals. You might just need to cut yourself a little slack along the way and reach out for support when needed.

Myth 2: Weight Loss Is Linear

When you’re making healthy lifestyle changes, it’s easy to think you’ll start losing weight and continue to lose weight week after week until you reach your goal.

One unfortunate truth about weight loss is that the journey is rarely a straight line, and there may be some bumps along the road.

While your aim may be to lose one to two pounds a week, you might hit a weight loss plateau—when you stop losing—or you gain a bit of weight. This is normal.

Try not to obsess over the number on the scale and instead focus on sticking to your healthy habits and enjoying the health benefits that come with weight loss—like more energy and a better mood.

Myth 3: You Need to Cut out Carbs and Fats to Lose Weight

Are carbs bad for weight loss? What about fats? Nope, not at all. This might be one of the most pervasive fat loss myths out there.

You’ve no doubt seen the fad diets promoting low-carb or low-fat eating plans. But you don’t need to cut out carbs, fats, or any of your favorite foods, for that matter (you do have to cut back on portions or calories however).

These food groups have been demonized when it comes to weight loss, but you shouldn’t cut them out of your diet completely. In fact, you need some carbs and fats to function and they provide essential nutrients.

Go for complex carbohydrates like:

• Sweet potato
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Whole-wheat bread

Go for healthy fats like:

• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Nuts
• Seeds

Myth 4: Skipping Meals Is Necessary to Lose Weight

You know that reducing your calorie intake can help you lose weight, so skipping meals is one way to do this, right? Well, yes and no.

Can you lose weight by not eating for certain parts of the day? Technically, yes. But for many people, it’s not a sustainable approach.

Skipping meals can spike your hunger levels, which might lead to overeating at your next meal. Plus, when you skip meals, your energy levels and mood might take a hit, too. We’ve all had that hangry—hungry and angry—feeling when we’ve gone too long without food.

So, should you skip breakfast to lose weight? Not necessarily. Doing so may dampen your weight loss efforts, and there’s even research that suggests that skipping breakfast is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Your best bet is to fuel your body with regular nutritious meals.

Myth 5: You Need to Join a Gym to Lose Weight

Exercise is great for weight loss, but you don’t need to join a gym to do it.

You can:

• Go running or cycling outside
• Go for hike
• Go for a walk on your lunch break
• Play fetch with your pet or catch with your kid
• Join a dance or yoga class
• Play tennis, badminton, or golf with friends
• Do strength training exercises at home

Beyond joining a gym, there are weight loss myths about which exercise is best. The truth is you don’t have to stick to one type of physical activity in order to drop weight.

Is cardio the best way to lose weight? It’s one way, but it’s not the only way. In fact, incorporating resistance training can help build and maintain muscle mass, which burns more calories at rest, so there are weight loss benefits to all kinds of exercise. Incorporating more movement into your day—whatever that looks like for you—can help you move toward a healthy weight.

Myth 6: Diet and Exercise Are the Only Things That Matter for Weight Loss

Diet and exercise come up a lot in weight loss discussions, and for good reason—both are core pillars of sustainable weight management. But they’re not the only factors at play.

When you’re trying to lose weight, think about sleep and hydration too.

Getting enough sleep can give you the energy and motivation to stick to your healthy lifestyle habits and it’ll also help keep your hunger hormones in check.

Drinking more water can help you feel fuller, and staying hydrated may promote lipolysis, the breakdown of fat for energy in your body.

Plus, prioritizing shut-eye and hydration are important for your overall health and wellness.

Myth 7: You Can’t Lose Weight If You Eat Late at Night

Is it bad to eat late at night? It’s not ideal, but there’s no need to panic if you do. One late-night meal or midnight snack isn’t going to derail your weight loss or cause weight gain.

Regularly eating late at night is linked to obesity, though. You might go for unhealthier food choices or not sleep as well when you eat late.

On the flip side, fasting overnight can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. But it’s a common misconception that any food after 8 p.m. or so is a bad idea.

If you’re eating late at night, go for a light and healthy snack, like a piece of fruit or some Greek yogurt. And if you’re always hungry at night, take stock of what you’ve been eating throughout the day to make sure you’re fueling yourself with enough protein, which can help promote satiety.

Myth 8: Supplements Can Help You Lose Weight

Does turmeric help you lose weight? What about green tea or magnesium? There are so many weight loss supplements out there that it’s common to have questions and wonder whether you should be taking them.

Unfortunately, supplements aren’t the magic pill they’re often sold as. They’re not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and there’s no guarantee they’re safe or effective.

The one standout exception here is protein supplements—the vast majority of people on a weight loss journey aren’t getting enough of this vital macronutrient. Protein supplementation with a bar or meal replacement shake is one way to help ensure you’re getting at least 100g of protein per day, which can help prevent muscle loss while you’re losing weight.

If you’re considering supplements, there are a few others with some evidence-based benefits. Check out this guide to weight loss supplements for women.

Myth 9: Laxatives Can Speed up Weight Loss

Do laxatives make you lose weight? If TikTok is anything to go by, then you might be thinking yes. No shame. But laxatives are not a safe or effective weight loss method. Plus, they’re not exactly a fun one either.

Laxatives can relieve constipation, so you feel lighter. But if you’re not constipated, laxatives can cause diarrhea, causing you to lose a lot of water.

This may cause weight loss in the short term, by the scale’s measure. But losing water weight isn’t the same as losing fat, and diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Myth 10: Coffee Can Make You Gain Weight

You don’t need to give up your morning cup of joe if you’re trying to lose weight. In fact, it may play a positive role in your weight loss.

A 2012 study found that about two to four cups of coffee helped people with overweight or obesity eat less at their next meal and throughout the day.

There’s even research showing that drinking up to three cups of coffee a day is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (death from any cause).

Just be aware of what you’re putting in your coffee. Cream, sugar, or flavored syrups may contribute to weight gain.

And make sure you’re not drinking coffee too close to bedtime, as sleep disruption could also mess with your weight loss efforts.

Weight Loss Myths: The Bottom Line

There are so many myths about weight loss, it’d be easy to keep going—and going. But these are the common ones you might have heard from well-meaning family members or seen on social media.

Remember, weight loss isn’t all about willpower. Genetics, health conditions, medications, and more can make weight loss more difficult. Don’t be hard on yourself if it takes time or you need an extra helping hand along the way.

Weight loss medication, such as GLP-1s and oral medications, can be useful for some to suppress your appetite and curb cravings. But there are a lot of myths around those, too.

This story was produced by Hers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

The post Separating fact from fiction: Debunking common weight loss myths appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Kirsten Nunez

When starting a weight loss journey, one of the first things you might think about is how to build a balanced, nutritious diet to set yourself up for success. Along the way, you might find yourself asking, “Are eggs good for weight loss?” It’s a fair question, given that eggs are packed with protein and essential nutrients, but they’ve also faced their share of controversy when it comes to health and diet.

Key Takeaways

• Eggs can be good for weight loss because they’re low in calories and high in protein, which can reduce hunger, build muscle, and support healthy metabolism.
• To best support weight loss efforts, consider poached or hard-boiled eggs and pair them with high-fiber foods, like fruits or vegetables.

As it turns out, eggs can be a fantastic food for any weight loss eating plan, Ro reports, as long as they’re part of a balanced diet and paired with other nutrient-rich foods. (After all, too much of anything isn’t a good thing.) Read on to learn why eggs are good for weight loss and how they can support your slim-down efforts, along with the best way to prepare them to meet your goals.

Why Are Eggs Good for Weight Loss?

The nutritional content of eggs can make them a stellar choice for losing weight. Not only can they affect your eating habits in a way that can promote healthy weight, but they can benefit your body composition, too. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of why (and how) eggs can be so good for weight loss.

Eggs Can Reduce Hunger

When it comes to weight loss, regulating your appetite is key—and eggs can lend a hand. The reason? Eggs are rich in lean protein, an essential macronutrient that reduces ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger. It also increases cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, two hormones that increase the feeling of satiety or fullness. (And yes, that’s the same GLP-1 that certain medications, such as Wegovy, mimic to produce weight loss.) 

But that’s not all: Protein takes longer to digest, says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, Ro Dietitian Advisor and cookbook author. This means it moves slowly through the digestive tract, making you feel fuller for a longer period of time. The macronutrient also stabilizes blood sugar, which can further contribute to the sensation of fullness, Pincus adds. Together, these health benefits may decrease hunger and help you eat fewer calories overall, making it easier to achieve long-term weight loss and management.

Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

Eggs Can Help Build Muscle Mass

Another reason why eggs are good for weight loss? Their high protein content can support muscle growth. And the more muscle you have, the more calories you’ll likely burn, especially when combined with regular exercise. Here’s why: Muscle tissue has a higher resting metabolic rate than fat tissue, which means it burns more calories even when your body is at rest (i.e. when it’s just running the vital functions to keep you alive). 

A high protein intake can also help maintain existing muscle tissue, thereby optimizing fat (vs. muscle) weight loss. This can contribute to your weight loss efforts, whether you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, increasing physical activity, following a low-calorie diet, or all of the above.

GLP-1 Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

Eggs Are Low in Calories

Successful weight loss relies on a calorie deficit, i.e. eating fewer calories than you burn. At the same time, it’s crucial to eat a healthy diet and consume nutrient-dense foods that support overall health, even as you eat fewer calories.

Eggs check both boxes, as they’re low in calories and high in essential nutrients. Case in point: There are just about 74 calories in one large egg, 148 calories in two eggs, and 222 calories in three eggs, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. Eggs also offer plenty of protein (which, again, can keep you satisfied), along with essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin B5, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. Thus, by eating eggs while trying to lose weight, you should be able to stay fuller for longer, helping reduce your overall caloric intake.

Eggs Can Support Healthy Metabolism

By definition, your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns or uses calories for energy. And while nothing truly “boosts” metabolism other than physical activity, according to Pincus, eating eggs can benefit your metabolism in subtle or indirect ways.

When you eat high-protein foods like eggs, there’s a very small increase in the calories used to digest the food, as more calories are needed to process protein vs. other nutrients, such as carbohydrates, Pincus explains. Plus, as mentioned, the high protein content of eggs can help build and preserve muscle mass. This can increase the number of calories you burn at rest (i.e. your metabolism), helping support a healthier weight. 

Eggs Can Be Affordable and Accessible

Despite the recent rise in prices due to factors like the avian flu, eggs can still be considered a relatively cost-effective and accessible choice for those looking to lose weight. As of December 2024, the average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was $4.15, according to federal data. Sure, this amount was up 14% from $3.65 in November. But it still pales in comparison to the hefty price tag attached to many other popular weight loss methods. 

Take, for example, the costs of certain weight loss medications: The list price of Zepbound (tirzepatide) is $1,086.37 per month, while that of Wegovy (semaglutide) is $1,349.09 per month. Certainly, comparing the cost of GLP-1s to that of eggs might seem like comparing apples to oranges. But even when stacked against other weight loss-friendly foods (e.g. salmon, fresh berries, lean cuts of meat, just to name a few), eggs tend to stand out as an affordable and convenient option for weight loss. When something is both budget-friendly and easy to access, you’re more likely to incorporate it into your routine consistently—and when it comes to weight loss, consistency can be key to seeing results.

How to Eat Eggs for Weight Loss

As you can see by the aforementioned effects, eggs can be considered one of the best protein foods for weight loss. But as with all foods, it matters howyou eat them. According to Pincus, certain preparation methods can add unwanted calories and fat.

When preparing eggs for weight loss, boiling or poaching is the way to go, as these cooking methods do not add extra calories or fat, Pincus says. In contrast, fried or scrambled eggs will provide additional calories, as these options tend to be cooked in butter or oil. What’s more, “the additional fat may exacerbate side effects for those on GLP-1 medications,” Pincus adds. In case you’re unfamiliar, the most common side effects involve the digestive system and may include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

If you can’t live without, say, omelets, consider using a small amount of nutrient-rich oil, like olive oil, which has heart-healthy fatty acids. Also, be sure to pack in the vegetables—and on that note ….

To maximize weight loss while eating eggs, pair them with fruits or vegetables, Pincus recommends. Both options are high in fiber, another key nutrient for weight loss. Like protein, fiber also increases satiety by reducing ghrelin, increasing GLP-1, and stabilizing blood sugar levels. (BTW, only 6% of Americans get enough fiber, meaning a lotof us don’t; so it’s worth eating it whenever you can.) Plus, fruits and vegetables tend to be low in calories and high in essential nutrients, making them a staple in any weight loss meal plan.

If you have a larger appetite and are still hungry after eating eggs alone, try pairing them with a small portion of oatmeal or another whole grain, such as quinoa, Pincus says. Whole grains are another source of fiber, so they can keep you full and energized while aiding healthy eating.

When Is the Best Time to Eat Eggs for Weight Loss? 

There’s no best time to eat eggs for weight loss, according to Pincus. In other words, you can consume eggs anytime and still reap their slim-down rewards.

However, depending on your lifestyle and needs, the timing of your egg consumption can provide certain benefits. For example, eating an egg-filled breakfast in the morning may be ideal if you anticipate eating a late lunch. That’s because the filling nature of eggs can keep you satisfied between meals.

Additionally, if you’re struggling to achieve a calorie deficit for the day, eating eggs for dinner can help you get your fill of food while staying on track. That’s because eggs are low in calories, so adding them to your plate can keep you full while ensuring you stay within your calorie deficit after eating other foods during the day. This is especially advantageous when enjoyed in place of higher-calorie dinners (think: pasta or pizza), per Pincus, as these foods may put you outof a calorie deficit.

Bottom Line

Eggs can be good for weight loss, whether or not you’re taking GLP-1 medications to lose weight. Here’s why:

• Eggs are high in protein, which lowers hunger hormones and increases satiety hormones. This reduces your overall appetite, helping you eat fewer calories throughout the day.
• As a low-calorie food, eggs can add high-quality protein to your diet without excess calories. This can make it easier to stay in a calorie deficit, especially when paired with regular physical activity.
• The protein in eggs can help build and maintain muscle mass. Compared to fat, muscle burns more calories, so having more muscle can increase your overall metabolism.

All that said, it’s important to remember that eating eggs alone won’t help you achieve your weight loss goals. They’re just one component of a balanced weight loss plan, which should also include a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many eggs should I eat a day for weight loss?

The ideal number depends on your goals for caloric intake and nutrition. In general, aim to eat no more than two whole eggs every day, or one per day if you have elevated cholesterol levels or heart disease, Pincus recommends. “My pro tip is to include one whole egg and two egg whites or liquid egg whites to provide the protein without extra fat and calories,” she says.

Do eggs burn belly fat?

As Pincus notes, there’s no food that burns body fat. Instead, foods high in protein can contribute to the growth of muscle, which can increase your overall caloric burn at rest. The protein in eggs can also aid muscle preservation as you lose fat via physical activity, eating fewer calories, and/or taking certain medications, such as Ozempic. But otherwise, eating eggs will not directly reduce belly fat.

Are eggs a healthy breakfast for weight loss?

Thanks to their high protein content, eggs are generally accepted as a healthy breakfast for weight loss. This protein can keep you satiated and reduce hunger, ultimately decreasing the number of calories you eat in the form of snacks and lunch.

This story was produced by Ro and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Feature Image: New Africa // Shutterstock

The post Are eggs actually good for weight loss? appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Ziyad Al-Aly, Washington University in St. Louis

Several years ago, a little-known drug named Ozempic – previously used only to treat diabetes – emerged as a promising new drug for weight management.

The Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Ozempic in 2021 for weight loss treatment ushered in a new era for the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or GLP-1.

Today, GLP-1 drugs, including Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, have become household names and key tools in the fight against obesity: 1 in 8 American adults say they have used a GLP-1 drug, and forecasts show that by 2030, 1 in 10 Americans will likely be using these medications.

Now, research from my lab and others suggests that GLP-1 drugs could help treat dozens of other ailments as well, including cognitive issues and addiction problems. However, my colleagues and I also found previously unidentified risks.

I am a physician-scientist and I direct a clinical epidemiology center focused on addressing public health’s most urgent questions. My team works to address critical knowledge gaps about COVID-19, long COVID, influenza, vaccines, effectiveness and risks of commonly used drugs, and more.

On Jan. 20, 2025, my team published a study of more than 2.4 million people that evaluated the risks and benefits of GLP-1 drugs across 175 possible health outcomes. We found that these drugs lowered risks of 42 health outcomes, nearly a quarter of the total that we analyzed. These include neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, substance use and addiction disorders, clotting disorders and several other conditions.

Unfortunately, we also found that GLP-1 drugs come with significant side effects and increase the risk of 19 health conditions we studied, such as gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones and acute pancreatitis, in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and dysfunctional.

Cognitive benefits

One of the most important health benefits we found was that the GLP-1 drugs lowered the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These findings align with other research, including evidence from preclinical studies showing that these drugs may reduce inflammation in the brain and enhance the brain’s ability to form and strengthen connections between its cells, improving how they communicate with one another. These effects contribute to mitigating cognitive decline.

Two other key studies have shown that patients treated with a GLP-1 drug for diabetes had a lower risk of dementia.

All of these studies strongly point to a potential therapeutic use of GLP-1 drugs in treatment of the cognitive decline. Ongoing randomized trials – the gold standard for evaluating new uses of drugs – are looking at the effects of GLP-1 drugs in early Alzheimer’s disease, with results expected later in 2025.

Curbing addiction and suicidal ideation

GLP-1 drugs have also demonstrated potential in reducing risks of several substance use disorders such as those involving alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids and stimulants. This may be due to the ability of these drugs to modulate reward pathways, impulse control and inflammatory processes in the brain.

The effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs in curbing addictive behavior may explain their spectacular success in treating obesity, a chronic disease state that many have suggested is indeed a food addiction disorder.

Our study demonstrated a reduced risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among people using GLP-1 drugs. This finding is particularly significant given earlier reports of suicidal thoughts and self-injury in people using GLP-1 drugs. In response to those reports, the European Medicines Agency conducted a review of all available data and concluded that there was no evidence of increased risk of suicidality in people using GLP-1 drugs.

Now at least two studies, including our own, show that GLP-1 drugs actually reduce the risk of suicidality.

Other benefits

In addition to the well-documented effects of GLP-1 drugs in reducing risks of adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, our study shows a significant effect in reducing risk of blood clotting as well as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

One puzzling finding in our study is the reduced risk of infectious diseases such as pneumonia and sepsis. Our data complements another recent study that came to a similar conclusion showing that GLP-1 drugs reduced risk of cardiovascular death and death due to infectious causes, primarily COVID-19.

This is especially important since COVID-19 is regarded as a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Whether GLP-1 drugs completely offset the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with COVID-19 needs to be thoroughly evaluated.

GLP-1 drugs may also be useful in treating fatty liver disease and conditions ranging from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, depression and eye disorders.

Risks and challenges

Despite their broad therapeutic potential, GLP-1 drugs are not without risks.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease are among the most common adverse effects associated with GLP-1 drugs.

Our study also identified other risks, including low blood pressure, sleep problems, headaches, formation of kidney stones, and gall bladder disease and diseases associated with the bile ducts. We also saw increased risks of drug-induced inflammation of the kidneys and pancreas – both serious conditions that can result in long-term health problems. These findings underscore the importance of careful monitoring in people who are taking GLP-1 medications.

A significant challenge with using GLP-1 drugs is the high rates at which patients stop using them, often driven by their exorbitant cost or the emergence of adverse effects. Discontinuation can lead to rapid weight gain.

That’s a problem, because obesity is a chronic disease. GLP-1 drugs provide effective treatment but do not address the underlying causes of obesity and metabolic dysfunction. As a result, GLP-1 drugs need to be taken long term to sustain their effectiveness and prevent rebound weight gain.

In addition, many questions remain about the long-term effectiveness and risks of these drugs as well as whether there are differences between GLP-1 formulations. Addressing these questions is critical to guide clinical practice.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Ziyad Al-Aly, Washington University in St. Louis

Read more:

• Your body already has a built-in weight loss system that works like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro – food and your gut microbiome
• As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight loss shouldn’t be the only goal
• Drugs that melt away pounds still present more questions than answers, but Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could be key tools in reducing the obesity epidemic

Ziyad Al-Aly receives funding from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Feature Image: The research shows the health effects of these drugs are significant and wide-ranging. Mario Tama via Getty Images News

The post Ozempic and weight loss drugs: Benefits vs. risks appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Loneke Blackman Carr, University of Connecticut and Jameta Nicole Barlow, George Washington University

The popularity of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro continue to reflect Americans’ desire to slim down. While these new drugs have offered a solution for people struggling with obesity, many eligible patients – especially Black adults – cannot afford the high price.

These drugs are also not a one-stop solution for better health, as healthy eating and regular exercise are also key to losing weight. But current weight loss interventions based on lifestyle changes largely fail to meet the needs of Black women.

As community health researchers, we wondered why scientists have been unable to craft a lifestyle-based weight loss solution that works for Black women.

So we reviewed 10 years of research on weight loss interventions based on lifestyle changes. We found that only a few studies focused on Black women, and those that did often resulted in only small amounts of weight loss and were inconsistent in how they approached weight loss. Why is that?

Missing the mark for Black women

Obesity increases the risk of developing weight-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Nearly 60% of Black women in the U.S. are obese, placing them at greater risk of developing these conditions.

Lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy diet and increased physical activity are proven to help most people lose weight, typically resulting in a 5% to 10% weight reduction that also reduces the risk of chronic disease. However, these lifestyle interventions usually result in only a 2% to 3% weight loss in Black women.

Our review suggests that lifestyle-based weight loss has been stymied among Black women because they often aren’t included in this research. Because their lived experiences aren’t considered in these studies, these interventions might not meet their specific needs. Of the 138 studies we assessed, Black women made up at least half of the participants in only eight studies.

Research on why lifestyle interventions are often less effective for Black women is lacking. However, some studies highlight the effects of race and gender on their daily lives as potential factors.

The superwoman role

Black women exposed to the persistent stress of navigating everyday racism and sexism face the additional burden of what researchers call the superwoman role. Not only do Black women have to weather their own experiences of race- and gender-based inequalities, they’re also expected to be invulnerable, hyperindependent and suppress their emotions in order to seem strong to their family and community. Many minimize their vulnerabilities and overstress their capabilities in order to fulfill an overwhelming obligation to take care of other people.

Many famous names have spoken about the effects of being the strong superwoman. Actress Taraji P. Henson has pointed to how the need to display strength can lead to ignoring the physical and emotional needs of Black women.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion spoke about the emotional toll of the superwoman role after being shot by rapper Tory Lanez. “As a Black woman … people expect me to take the punches, take the beating, take the lashings, and handle it with grace. But I’m human.”

The superwoman role levies a heavy tax on Black women, leaving little room to prioritize their health. To cope with the stress, some engage in emotional eating or binge eating. The constant demands of playing multiple caregiver roles can also disrupt physical activity.

Naturally, these challenges make it difficult to adopt healthier eating habits and a consistent exercise routine. Even when working toward weight loss, some Black women continue to gain weight.

Improving weight loss for Black women

Lifestyle interventions that fully integrate the lived experiences of Black women into treatment may be key to improving weight loss. We argue that Black Feminism and Womanism, which focus on the experiences of women of color, can guide researchers to rebuild and reframe weight loss interventions to be more effective for Black women.

Black Feminism and Womanism are approaches guiding Black women and girls to surviving and thriving, specifically by always considering the role that gender and race play in different issues. These frameworks focus on multiple areas of health and wellness, including physical, mental and emotional health, arguing that self-care and wellness practices are acts of social change.

Focusing on the full context of Black women’s lives can lead to better overall health. Obesity, specifically, is influenced by multiple factors, and treating obesity requires a focus on holistic health and well-being. This includes addressing Black women’s economic needs, incorporating faith practices central to Black life, attending to emotional and mental health, and building an environment that makes acquiring healthy food and engaging in daily exercise an easy choice.

Current weight loss interventions vary widely in which elements of Black women’s lives they focus on. For example, some emphasize spirituality, while others concentrate on emotional health. Approaches to weight loss that respond to individual needs and move away from one-size-fits-all will be critical to addressing the various aspects of Black women’s lives that affect their wellness.

If health care providers and researchers begin listening to and working with Black women to redesign weight loss interventions, they will likely find that their efforts at addressing obesity among Black women are more effective.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Loneke Blackman Carr, University of Connecticut and Jameta Nicole Barlow, George Washington University

Read more:

• Black mothers trapped in unsafe neighborhoods signal the stressful health toll of gun violence in the U.S.
• Informal safety nets help many Americans with expenses – people at all income levels benefit from this ‘financial interdependence’
• Your body already has a built-in weight loss system that works like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro – food and your gut microbiome

Loneke Blackman Carr receives, or previously received, funding from The National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Jameta Nicole Barlow does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The post Weight loss plans often miss black women appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By C. Michael White, University of Connecticut

In just a few years, brand-name injectable drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have rocketed to fame as billion-dollar annual sellers for weight loss as well as to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

But the price of these injections is steep: They cost about US$800-$1,000 per month, and if used for weight loss alone, they are not covered by most insurance policies. Both drugs mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to help regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings. They can be taken only with a prescription.

The Food and Drug Administration announced an official shortage of the active ingredients in these drugs in 2022, but on Oct. 2, 2024, the agency announced that the shortage has been resolved for the medicine tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Despite the soaring demand and limited supply of these drugs, there are no generic versions available. This is because the patents for semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which is still in shortage – and tirzepatide don’t expire until 2033 and 2036, respectively.

As a result, nonbrand alternatives that can be purchased with or without a prescription are flooding the market. Yet these products come with real risks to consumers.

I am a pharmacist who studies weaknesses in federal oversight of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements in the U.S. My research group recently has investigated loopholes that are allowing alternative weight loss products to enter the market.

High demand is driving GLP-1 wannabes

The dietary supplement market has sought to cash in on the GLP-1 demand with pills, teas, extracts and all manner of other products that claim to produce similar effects as the brand names at a much lower price.

Products containing the herb berberine offer only a few pounds of weight loss, while many dietary supplement weight loss products contain stimulants such as sibutramine and laxatives such as phenolphthalein, which increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

The role of compounding pharmacies

Unlike the dietary supplements that are masquerading as GLP-1 weight loss products, compounding pharmacies can create custom versions of products that contain the same active ingredients as the real thing for patients who cannot use either brand or generic products for some reason.

These pharmacies can also produce alternative versions of brand-name drugs when official drug shortages exist.

Since the demand for GLP-1 medications has far outpaced the supply, compounding pharmacies are legally producing a variety of different semaglutide and tirzepatide products.

These products may come in versions that differ from the brand-name companies, such as vials of powder that must be dissolved in liquid, or as tablets or nasal sprays.

Just like the brand-name drugs, you must have a valid prescription to receive them. The prices range from $250-$400 a month – still a steep price for many consumers.

Compounding pharmacies must adhere to the FDA’s sterility and quality production methods, but these rules are not as rigorous for compounding pharmacies as those for commercial manufacturers of generic drugs.

In addition, the products compounding pharmacies create do not have to be tested in humans for safety or effectiveness like brand-name products do.

Proper dosing can also be challenging with compounded forms of the drugs.

Companies that work the system

For people who cannot afford a compounding pharmacy product, or cannot get a valid prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide, opportunistic companies are stepping in to fill the void. These include “peptide companies,” manufacturers that create non-FDA approved knockoff versions of the drugs.

From November 2023 to March 2024, my team carried out a study to assess which of these peptide companies are selling semaglutide or tirzepatide products. We scoured the internet looking for these peptide companies and collected information about what they were selling and their sales practices.

We found that peptide sellers use a loophole to sell these drugs. On their websites, the companies state that their drugs are for “research purposes only” or “not for human consumption,” but they do nothing to verify that the buyers are researchers or that the product is going to a research facility.

By reading the comments sections of the company websites and the targeted ads on social media, it becomes clear that both buyers and sellers understand the charade. Unlike compounding pharmacies, these peptide sellers do not provide the supplies you need to dissolve and inject the drug, provide no instructions, and will usually not answer questions.

Peptide sellers, since they allegedly are not selling to consumers, do not require a valid prescription and will sell consumers whatever quantity of drug they wish to purchase. Even if a person has an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, the companies will happily sell them a semaglutide or tirzepatide product without a prescription. The average prices of these peptide products range from $181-$203 per month.

Skirting regulations

Peptide sellers do not have to adhere to the rules or regulations that drug manufacturers or compounding pharmacies do. Many companies state that their products are 99% pure, but an independent investigation of three companies’ products from August 2023 to March 2024 found that the purity of the products were far less than promised.

One product contained endotoxin – a toxic substance produced by bacteria – suggesting that it was contaminated with microbes. In addition, the products’ promised dosages were off by up 29% to 39%. Poor purity can cause patients to experience fever, chills, nausea, skin irritation, infections and low blood pressure.

In this study, some companies never even shipped the drug, telling the buyers they needed to pay an additional fee to have the product clear customs.

If a consumer is harmed by a poor-quality product, it would be difficult to sue the seller, since the products specifically say they are “not for human consumption.” Ultimately, consumers are being led to spend money on products that may never arrive, could cause an infection, might not have the correct dose, and contain no instructions on how to safely use or store the product.

Will prices for brand-name products come down?

To combat these alternative sellers, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly began offering an alternative version of its brand-name Zepbound product for weight loss in September 2024.

Instead of its traditional injection pen products that cost more than $1,000 for a month’s supply, this product comes in vials that patients draw up and inject themselves. For patients who take 5 milligrams of Zepbound each week, the vial products would cost them $549 a month if patients buy it through the company’s online pharmacy and can show that they do not have insurance coverage for the drug.

After a grilling on Capitol Hill in September 2024, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk came under intense pressure to offer patients without prescription coverage a lower-priced product for its brand-name Wegovy as well.

In the next few years, additional brand-name GLP-1 agonist drugs will likely make it to market. As of October 2024, a handful of these products are in late-phase clinical trials, with active ingredients such as retatrutide, survodutide and ecnoglutide, and more than 18 other drug candidates are in earlier stages of development.

When new pharmaceutical companies enter this market, they will have to offer patients lower prices than Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in order to gain market share. This is the most likely medium-term solution to drive down the costs of GLP-1 drugs and eliminate the drug shortages in the marketplace.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: C. Michael White, University of Connecticut

Read more:

• Your body already has a built-in weight loss system that works like Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro – food and your gut microbiome
• As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight loss shouldn’t be the only goal
• Drugs that melt away pounds still present more questions than answers, but Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could be key tools in reducing the obesity epidemic

C. Michael White does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The post Buyer beware: Off-brand Ozempic, Zepbound and other weight loss products carry undisclosed risks for consumers appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Whether we accept it or not, obesity continues to be a complex, chronic disease that kills thousands of Black Americans every year. Indeed, nearly half of Black Americans live with obesity, so we cannot afford to ignore this national emergency any longer.

The public discourse around weight loss that has taken over recent headlines has entirely missed the mark. Our mainstream media, social media, and content providers are all either dissecting whether a movie star used weight loss medication or analyzing whether these medications are safe to take, even though they’re FDA approved.

The fact of the matter is that we are squandering a critical moment to focus on the deadly disease of obesity, and missing the opportunity to save thousands of lives, particularly Black lives. Within the next seven years, researchers anticipate that half of American adults will live with obesity. This is a personal health burden and a public health crisis, and we should talk about it as such.

Turning the narrative around on this disease, and on Black wellness overall, is critical to stemming obesity’s growth. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade association of more than 250 Black-owned community newspapers and media companies from across the United States, has consistently been the voice of the Black community since its founding 83 years ago.

I serve as the organization’s President and CEO and right now, we’re calling on our members to elevate the conversation on the obesity crisis to one that clarifies the facts, shares reliable resources, and advocates for impactful changes for the benefit of our community’s health and longevity. We can address obesity in a way that gives hope, because this is not a hopeless fight.

To start, it’s vital that we correct the misinformation. Too often, people don’t know that obesity is a chronic disease and a long-term illness, with multiple contributing factors outside of a person’s control: environmental circumstances, inherently racist healthcare programs, poverty, and genetics. In cities across the country, like Washington, D.C., where nearly half the population is Black, food deserts and food swamps have become the norm in Black communities. This makes it nearly impossible for many Black residents to eat well even if they wanted to. That is to say, many people cannot access one of the key tools for combating obesity — a healthy diet — because of factors outside of their control.

It’s also important to note that obesity is a complex disease that may require more than diet and exercise. Our understanding of the disease has changed drastically over the years thanks to scientific research and advances. Where diet and exercise are not enough, some people may need the extra support of anti-obesity medications to fight the disease. Just as many of us take medications to manage hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol — conditions you may have inherited — medications for chronic weight management may be needed as well.

Further, combating severe obesity may even require bariatric surgery. Chronic diseases are treated with a range of treatment options, and obesity is no different.

To be clear, the perception that people who live with obesity just need to take better care of themselves is false and dangerous, as it prevents thousands from receiving or seeking the care they need. Societal weight biases strain the mental health of people living by obesity, prevent people from living their healthiest lives, and contribute to our country’s stagnant healthcare policies that exacerbate obesity’s disproportionate impact on Black communities.

From less access to quality healthcare, to the exclusion of anti-obesity medications from Medicare, and most Medicaid and general insurance coverage, our healthcare systems under-prioritizes the well-being of Black Americans. And we’ve learned from history that until we make our voices heard, this crisis will continue to be brushed aside.

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an expert on obesity, noted that we have been living through three pandemics: COVID-19, racism, and obesity. We must prioritize combating the obesity pandemic with the same energy we use to combat COVID-19 and racial injustice. Our lives depend on it.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr is President and CEO of the NNPA, Executive Producer/Host of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS TV stations throughout the United States, entrepreneur, global business and civil rights, and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org

The post OP-ED: The Obesity Crisis Is Not a Hopeless Fight for Black America appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire

Obesity Care Week 2023 (OCW) kicked off on Monday, Feb. 27, with a focus on the disproportionate impact of obesity on communities of color.

Health officials responsible for OCW said racial and ethnic minorities have a higher rate of chronic diseases. African Americans have the highest rate of chronic diseases.

According to recent data, almost 50% of African Americans have obesity, and approximately 4 out of 5 Black women have overweight or obesity.

The causes of obesity are complex, and a person’s access to healthy food, safe places to exercise and play, stable and affordable housing, access to quality health care, and social attitudes about body weight all play a role in whether a person will have obesity.

However, communities of color face unique challenges in each of these areas, health officials stated.

For example, in the United States, only 8% of African Americans live in a census tract with a supermarket, while 31% of White Americans have one.

This means that minorities more often shop in small stores or bodegas or eat at fast food restaurants. These places usually have less fresh food and more processed food.

Cultural attitudes about body weight also play a role, with non-Hispanic White women more satisfied with their body size than non-Hispanic Black women, and Hispanic women more interested in losing weight and eating healthy.

Evidence shows that the African American population has less of an impact on existing weight loss interventions, with Black men and women achieving smaller weight losses.

Health officials noted that this suggests that intensive behavioral programs result in lower levels of adherence in Black people than Whites.

Organizers have focused on changing the way society cares about obesity and have worked to empower individuals by providing affordable and comprehensive care and prevention programs, increasing awareness of weight bias, and working to eliminate obesity.

Researchers said obesity not only affects overall health, but it also increases the risk of complications from COVID-19.

According to a recent study of hospitalized patients in the US, obesity may also predispose patients to getting the virus and is the strongest predictor for COVID-19 complications.

Unfortunately, African Americans are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19. According to the CDC, 33% of those hospitalized with the virus were African Americans, compared to 13% of the US population.

Inequities in access to and quality of care result in poor overall health and many chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

This can affect individuals’ chances of getting COVID-19.

The communities in which African Americans live may place them at greater risk for developing chronic illnesses. For example, they may not have access to healthy foods or safe places to play or exercise.

For people who try to eat healthy, living in a food desert means that they must go to a grocery store.

They often must do this by public transportation.

These disparities need to be addressed so that all communities have the resources and support they need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The post Report reveals that nearly 50% of African Americans have obesity appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Dear Ask Ashlee,

So, here’s the thing (I love when you start off like that), my husband and I have been married for about 15 years. We’ve been through so much together; children, several career changes, money problems and now we are having issues of intimacy. Over the years we have both gained weight and haven’t done our best to stay in the best shape. A little over a year ago, I decided to change that for me. I have lost a total of 55 lbs. and I feel the best I have ever felt in my life! My husband, however, has 0 interest in making the same changes for himself. I have done everything I can think of to get him to lose the weight and he just won’t budge. We have now reached the point where I can’t bring myself to get physical with him because of his weight. I have discussed this with him and of course that didn’t go well. He wants sex and I want to find him attractive again. He wants sex and I want him to be healthy. See my dilemma?

Mrs. Forty and Fit

Dear Mrs. Forty and Fit,

You know it’s coming right? So, here’s the thing, fat, broke, and funky that is still your husband! I didn’t attend the wedding, but I am sure the vows included something like, “for better or for worse” right? So, whether your husband is the same size he has been for the last few years or not, intimacy is still very important. I am not telling you to give up your body when you don’t want to, but I am telling you to still make your man feel like YOUR MAN! I want you to ask yourself a series of questions, ok? When you speak to him about his weight, are you speaking to him or at him? Are you nagging him or encouraging him? Are you using a positive tone or a condescending one? You know your husband better than me, but these things matter when it comes to communicating with any man. As you have done the work to lose weight yourself, I am sure you learned that eating better foods is more than half the battle when it comes to a healthier lifestyle, so as his wife and the matriarch for your family, what are you feeding the household? If you decided to change the diet of the entire household, his weight would decrease drastically off of that small change. As his helpmate, you have to get creative with the way you are going to help him. Again, you know him better than I do, so only you know how you can truly implement that. In the meantime, find other ways to be intimate with your husband that are beneficially beautiful to you both. Why? For better or for worse, remember? I hope this helps.

Love & Light,
Ash

The post Ask Ashlee: ‘For better or worse’ includes weight changes and intimacy issues, right? appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .