Weight gain

Tackling social isolation could be more effective than healthy eating for obesity

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Research, Eating, Depression, Obesity, COVID, Social, Exercise, Trust, Risk, Weight gain, Perception, Bullying, Mortality, Social isolation, Anxiety, Food, Death, Poverty, Woman, Body mass index, Blame, Chocolate, Loneliness, Meat

For instance, research has found that there are significant social determinants of obesity, such as poverty, stigma and loneliness.

Key Points: 
  • For instance, research has found that there are significant social determinants of obesity, such as poverty, stigma and loneliness.
  • We also know obesity leads to a higher risk of social isolation, which in turn has mental and physical health implications.
  • So it’s not surprising that reducing social isolation amongst among people who are obese would reduce the risk of mortality.
  • It means that tackling social isolation could make a bigger difference to those with obesity than other contributing factors.

Relationship between social isolation and obesity

  • There is a two-way relationship between obesity and social isolation.
  • On the other hand, obesity can lead to social isolation and loneliness, as people experience stigmatisation, rejection, discrimination, bullying, self-blame and reduced self-esteem.
  • The most recent study demonstrates the significant damage that social isolation can have on those with obesity.
  • To reduce the mortality risk of obesity, social isolation must be taken into account alongside healthy eating and physical activities.


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

Social media will tell you birth control causes mental health issues, weight gain and infertility – here are the facts

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Research, Depression, Health, Friends, Faculty, Birth, Infertility, Intrauterine device, Menstrual cycle, Depo, Weight gain, Patient, IUD, Birth control, Social media, Mental health, Fertility, Medroxyprogesterone acetate, Life, Quarterlife, Adolescence, Systematic review, Woman, Progesterone, Family

Some women are reportedly even stopping their birth control as a result of misleading posts they’ve seen on TikTok and Instagram.

Key Points: 
  • Some women are reportedly even stopping their birth control as a result of misleading posts they’ve seen on TikTok and Instagram.
  • These three common misconceptions about birth control are cropping up online and need to be put in context:

1. Contraception causes depression

  • Countless videos on social media discuss the effect hormonal contraceptives have on mental health – with some creators claiming birth control causes mood changes and even depression.
  • Although there’s some correlation between mental health and some forms of contraception, there are many factors at play.
  • The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life.
  • The evidence suggests depression is more common in adolescent girls – and diminishes after the first two years of taking these forms of birth control.
  • At present, there’s little conclusive evidence that contraception (both hormonal and non-hormonal types) cause mental health problems.

2. Contraception causes weight gain

  • Another common social media claim is that birth control causes weight gain.
  • There is one form of contraception that is linked to weight gain.
  • The Depo-Provera injection, which is administered every 12 weeks, has been proved to cause weight gain.


This weight gain may be due to the progesterone in the shot, which can cause people to feel hungrier – potentially leading to overeating and weight gain. If you’re concerned about potential weight gain, the injection is not the only form of contraception available. Other forms of hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives have not been shown to affect your weight.

3. Birth control lowers your fertility

  • Another common claim on social media is that birth control causes fertility issues.
  • Research shows hormonal contraceptives have no affect on fertility.
  • Again, evidence shows that IUDs pose no risk to fertility.
  • A systematic review reports no specific differences in fertility between hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs.


Christopher O'Sullivan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Artelo Biosciences Reports Fiscal 2023 Year-End Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 25, 2024
ART, Research, Depression, Neuropathic pain, Argyreia nervosa, Weight gain, Cachexia, Anxiety, Cancer, IND, Investment, Safety, Pain, FDA, Cannabidiol, Pharmaceutical industry

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTL), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on modulating lipid-signaling pathways to develop treatments for people living with cancer, pain, dermatologic and neurological conditions, today reported financial and operating results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and provided a business update.

Key Points: 
  • SOLANA BEACH, Calif., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTL), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on modulating lipid-signaling pathways to develop treatments for people living with cancer, pain, dermatologic and neurological conditions, today reported financial and operating results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and provided a business update.
  • “We made substantial progress on multiple programs last year,” commented Gregory D. Gorgas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artelo Biosciences.
  • Cash and Investments: Cash and investments totalled $10.4 million as of December 31, 2023.
  • R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $4.3 million for the same period in 2022.

Inventiva announces positive results from the Phase II, LEGEND, Proof-of-Concept study combining lanifibranor with empagliflozin in patients with MASH/NASH and T2D

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 18, 2024
Diagnosis, Glucose, Histology, Adipose tissue, Arm, Glycated hemoglobin, Type 2 diabetes, Disease, Connective tissue, Steatosis, Insulin, Weight gain, Diabetes, CT1, Patient, Inflammation, SGLT2, Adiponectin, Table, MASH, MD, Liver injury, Insulin resistance, LEGEND, Fibrosis, HDL, Fatty liver disease, Empagliflozin, Safety, Euronext Paris, Phase, NASH, Hepatitis, Lipid metabolism, Prediabetes, Liver disease

Patients treated with lanifibranor in combination with empagliflozin maintained a stable weight throughout the 24 weeks study, addressing the moderate, metabolically healthy, weight gain that has been observed in some patients treated with lanifibranor.

Key Points: 
  • Patients treated with lanifibranor in combination with empagliflozin maintained a stable weight throughout the 24 weeks study, addressing the moderate, metabolically healthy, weight gain that has been observed in some patients treated with lanifibranor.
  • The treatment with lanifibranor 800mg/once daily alone or in combination with empagliflozin for 24 weeks was well tolerated, with no safety concerns reported.
  • The trial is double-blind for the placebo arm and lanifibranor (800mg daily) arm, and open-label for the combination of lanifibranor (800mg daily) and empagliflozin (10 mg daily) arm.
  • More details on these results are expected to be presented in upcoming scientific conferences and submitted for publication.

 Bristol Myers Squibb Presents New Pooled Interim Long-Term Safety and Metabolic Outcomes Data from the EMERGENT Program Evaluating KarXT in Schizophrenia at the 2024 Annual Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Health, Mental Health, BMY, Circulatory system, Head, Xerostomia, SIRS, Schizophrenia, Xanomeline, Dizziness, Glycated hemoglobin, Extrapyramidal symptoms, Weight gain, Patient, Syndrome, Constipation, Diarrhea, Bristol Myers Squibb, MD, Nature, Congress, Indigestion, Nausea, Prolactin, Safety, Vomiting, BMI, Schizophrenia International Research Society, Hypertension, Pharmaceutical industry

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced interim long-term safety, tolerability and metabolic outcomes data from its Phase 3 EMERGENT program evaluating KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) in adults with schizophrenia.

Key Points: 
  • Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced interim long-term safety, tolerability and metabolic outcomes data from its Phase 3 EMERGENT program evaluating KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) in adults with schizophrenia.
  • “These long-term safety results and metabolic outcomes from the EMERGENT program are extremely encouraging, allowing us to further understand the tolerability profile of KarXT in people living with schizophrenia,” said Roland Chen , MD, senior vice president and head, Immunology, Cardiovascular and Neuroscience development, Bristol Myers Squibb.
  • In the pooled analysis, KarXT demonstrated a favorable impact on weight and long-term metabolic profile where most patients experienced stability or improvements on key metabolic parameters over 52 weeks of treatment.
  • In the long-term studies, KarXT was generally well-tolerated across 52 weeks of treatment, with a side effect profile consistent with prior trials of KarXT in schizophrenia.

Immunis Publishes Research Showing Secretomes Improve Metabolism and Muscle While Reducing Fat in Aged Models

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Men, Other Health, General Health, Pharmaceutical, Consumer, Infectious Diseases, Fitness & Nutrition, Biotechnology, Women, Alternative Medicine, Seniors, Vitamins, Supplements, Health, Metabolism, Adipose tissue, Obesity, Facial muscles, Connective tissue, Blood, Immunotherapy, Inc., Weight gain, Ageing, Fracture, Research, Mouse, DSM-IV codes, Aging Cell, University, Hope, Human, Muscle atrophy, Sarcopenic obesity, Therapy, Hospital, Dietary supplement

The study, published in Aging Cell, is entitled “ Stem cell secretome-treatment improves whole-body metabolism, reduces adiposity and promotes skeletal muscle function in aged mice .” The research examines the effects of Immunis’ investigational secretome on metabolism, fat and skeletal muscle in aged mouse models.

Key Points: 
  • The study, published in Aging Cell, is entitled “ Stem cell secretome-treatment improves whole-body metabolism, reduces adiposity and promotes skeletal muscle function in aged mice .” The research examines the effects of Immunis’ investigational secretome on metabolism, fat and skeletal muscle in aged mouse models.
  • As we age, our metabolic health declines and commonly manifests as obesity, muscle atrophy, and reduced physical function.
  • Dr. Drummond’s independent research in aged mouse models shows that Immunis’ immunotherapy, IMMUNA, increases whole-body lean mass and reduces fat mass, while increasing muscle fiber area.
  • Muscle quality improved such that there was an increase in muscle ‘stem’ cells, enhanced collagen turnover, more blood vessels and decreased muscle fat.

Ketogenic Diet Shows Promise in Treating Serious Mental Illness in Stanford Medicine Study

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024
Overweight, Metabolism, Adipose tissue, Obesity, Schizophrenia, Dyslipidemia, McLean Hospital, Weight gain, Patient, SAN, Mental health, Sleep, Research, University, MD, Quality of life, Eating disorder, DSM-IV codes, Insulin resistance, Body mass index, Clinical trial, Metabolic syndrome, University of Edinburgh, Rethinking, Mood disorder, Psychiatry Research, Ketosis, Waist, BMI, Pharmaceutical industry

SAN MATEO, Calif., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The field of psychiatry may have a new ally in the form of a medical ketogenic diet, according to the findings of a pioneering pilot study published in Psychiatry Research and announced today by Stanford Medicine. The study, supported by funding from Baszucki Group and others, is the first U.S.-based clinical trial to examine the therapeutic impact of a ketogenic dietary intervention for serious mental illness since 1965. 

Key Points: 
  • The study, supported by funding from Baszucki Group and others, is the first U.S.-based clinical trial to examine the therapeutic impact of a ketogenic dietary intervention for serious mental illness since 1965.
  • The results offer compelling evidence of the potential benefits of ketogenic dietary therapy in this population.
  • Key findings of the single-arm pilot trial include:
    100% of participants who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome were in remission by the end of the study.
  • Dr. Sethi shared: "These results are encouraging and suggest that a ketogenic diet intervention could serve as a valuable adjunctive treatment for individuals living with serious mental illness.

CYNTHIA BAILEY PARTNERS WITH KINDRA TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT VAGINAL HEALTH DURING MENOPAUSE

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Health, Puberty, Weight gain, Research, Menopause, Fertility, Dry, Woman, Skin, Irritation, Personal lubricant, Bailey, Fatigue, Collection, Human, Birth control

NEW YORK, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindra , the menopause and vaginal health brand, announces actress and model Cynthia Bailey as brand ambassador to raise awareness for menopause and vaginal wellness by heightening the conversation around the sexual health of women at every age.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, March 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kindra , the menopause and vaginal health brand, announces actress and model Cynthia Bailey as brand ambassador to raise awareness for menopause and vaginal wellness by heightening the conversation around the sexual health of women at every age.
  • As long-term champions for breaking down stigmas around women's health, Bailey and Kindra share a vision to increase conversations around the vast spectrum of needs as it relates to a woman's sexual health.
  • Vaginas have no expiration date, and Kindra's array of care, solutions, and services cater to the needs of vaginal health and sexual wellness.
  • Whether it's embracing the transitions of menopause, tackling contraceptive dryness, or navigating postpartum challenges, Kindra provides women and their healthcare practitioners with clinically-backed, trusted solutions and educational resources on vaginal health and sexual wellness.

Tired Legs? No Problem for PLAMECA!

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
System, Weight gain, Inflammation, Twitch, Mayo Clinic, Restless legs syndrome, Sleep, Rest, Meal, Quality of life, Itch, Glass, Woman, Restless, Hesperidin, Water, Weather, Dietary supplement

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tired legs syndrome is a common issue for many individuals. The restless, twitching symptoms can be distracting and uncomfortable and ultimately impact quality of life. PLAMECA's VENALIGHT PLUS CAPSULES were designed to restore circulation in the legs and eliminate the issue of restless legs.

Key Points: 
  • PLAMECA's VENALIGHT PLUS CAPSULES were designed to restore circulation in the legs and eliminate the issue of restless legs.
  • Also called Restless Legs Syndrome, tired legs is a health condition that occurs when an individual feels a sudden urge to move their legs while in a resting position.
  • "VENALIGHT PLUS is ideal for the treatment and prevention of tired legs," says PLAMECA's managing director, Óscar Fernández.
  • Tired legs are a common issue for many individuals, whether they develop due to warm weather, excessive weight gain, or simply standing for too long.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Reports Improvement in “Brain Fog,” in Fibromyalgia Patients Treated with Tonmya™ in RESILIENT, an NDA-Enabling Phase 3 Clinical Trial, at the 6th International Congress on Controversies in Fibromyalgia

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024
Blood pressure, Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Woman, New Drug Application, FDA, Pain, Food, Sleep, Hope, Hydrogen chloride, FIQ, Human, Fatigue, Weight gain, Patient, Tablet, Insomnia, NDA, Brain, DSM-IV codes, Pharmaceutical industry

CHATHAM, N.J., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced the presentation of additional efficacy data from RESILIENT, the second positive Phase 3 study evaluating Tonmya (also known as TNX-102 SL, cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets) for the management of fibromyalgia, at the 6th International Congress on Controversies in Fibromyalgia in Brussels, Belgium, March 7-8, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • We now report that the effect sizes of the five continuous key secondary outcomes measures ranged from 0.3 to 0.5.
  • The FIQ-R cognitive item showed nominal improvement in Tonmya-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients with a p=0.001 and effect size of 0.31.
  • RELIEF, the first Phase 3 trial of Tonmya 5.6 mg in fibromyalgia, was completed in December 2020.
  • We also believe the favorable tolerability and side effect profiles will be important to patients and doctors managing this debilitating condition on a long-term basis.”