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A device called Epitomee caused “statistically significant weight loss” in a 24-week trial involving nine study sites, including the Medical University of South Carolina. Patrick O’Neil, Ph.D., led MUSC’s involvement in the study. He described how the device works.

“It’s a capsule that you swallow, and it changes shape. The outer part of the capsule dissolves very quickly, as soon as it gets in the stomach. The inside of the capsule is this very absorbent polymer with some bonding materials. This can absorb about 100 times its weight in water from the stomach. So that causes the device to expand into a rigid triangular shape. And it stays in the stomach like that for a while,” O’Neil said.

The device gives a feeling of fullness. “It occupies space and mechanically stimulates receptors in the stomach during the few hours that it’s there. And so that can produce some stimuli that are associated with eating more food than you will have eaten,” O’Neil said.

It dissolves in about six hours and passes out of the body through the digestive system. 

The study had about 280 participants across its nine locations. They took a capsule with two cups of water a half hour before a meal, two times a day. Half got Epitomee; half got a placebo capsule. 

More than 70% percent of adults 20 and older are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Photo Illustration Courtesy of UConn Center for Food Policy and Health

They all used an app to log every time they took a capsule, along with what they ate and drank. They also had activity monitors and smart scales that were connected to the app. And everyone got what O’Neil called state-of-the-art behavioral, dietary and exercise lifestyle coaching for weight loss by registered dietitians, using the data the participant uploaded to the app.

All participants were overweight at the start, with a body mass index ranging from 27 to 40. An average healthy body mass index is anywhere from 18.5 to less than 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They could be prediabetic but not diabetic.

O’Neil, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MUSC, director of MUSC’s Weight Management Center and a former president of the Obesity Society, was pleased with the results. The average loss in the Epitomee group was 6.6% of start weight, compared with 4.6% in the placebo group, with substantial variability within each group. Fifty-six percent of the people in the Epitomee group lost at least 5% of their body weight in six months compared with 44% of the people in the placebo group. Some participants lost more than 15% of their body weight.

“If you look at it in comparison to what we see with semaglutide and tirzepatide these days, of course, it’s nowhere near that. But it’s not meant to compete with that. This is meant to fill a different need,” O’Neil said. Semaglutide is the key ingredient in some of the prescription diabetes and weight loss drugs that have come out in recent years, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Tirzepatide is in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Unlike those products, O’Neil said the Epitomee capsule isn’t considered a medication but a device. The company that makes it, Epitomee Medical Ltd., calls it drug-free and easy to use. It announced Food and Drug Administration clearance of the device in September. 

O’Neil was part of a team that presented the Epitomee study results at the Obesity Week 2024 conference in Texas this week, an event focused on science and treatment. He said he has no stake in the company. “They funded our site research site as they did all the other sites.”

O’Neil said the study found no serious adverse side effects in people who took Epitomee. It’s expected to become available in the U.S. next fall. It’s unclear what it will cost.

Credit: web.musc.edu

This aspect is critical as it directly affects the responsiveness and efficiency of NN applications. The XOR (Exclusive OR) logic gate operates on two double inputs, creating a genuine yield in case the inputs are diverse and an untrue yield in case they are the same. Three perceptrons will help to draw two straight lines, and the third one will intercept the region between these two lines. We have considered weights as -1, 1.2, and 1.2 as mentioned in the below truth table of OR gate. No, we can’t draw a line to separate two classes with MP neurons as the slope will be -1.

In the XOR problem, two-dimensional (2-D) data points are classified based on the region of their x- and y-coordinates using a mapping function that resembles the XOR function. If the x- and y-coordinates are both in region 0 or 1, then the data are classified into class “0”. In this problem, a single linear decision boundary cannot solve the classification problem. Instead, nonlinear decision boundaries are required to classify the data. These networks connect the inputs of artificial neurons to the outputs of other artificial neurons. We can separate two classes for all these types of input mentioned below.

This concept is fundamental to understanding the limitations of single-layer perceptrons, which can only model linearly separable functions. Of course, there are some other methods of finding the minimum of functions with the input vector of variables, but for the training of neural networks gradient methods work very well. They allow finding the https://traderoom.info/neural-network-for-xor/ minimum of error (or cost) function with a large number of weights and biases in a reasonable number of iterations. A drawback of the gradient descent method is the need to calculate partial derivatives for each of the input values. Very often when training neural networks, we can get to the local minimum of the function without finding an adjacent minimum with the best values. Also, gradient descent can be very slow and makes too many iterations if we are close to the local minimum.

The XOR problem is a classic example in the study of neural networks, illustrating the limitations of simple linear models. To solve the XOR problem, a neural network must be capable of learning non-linear decision boundaries. This requires a multi-layer architecture, typically involving at least one hidden layer.

1. In training neural networks, particularly for the XOR problem, the selection of negative data is crucial.
2. This problem is significant because it highlights the limitations of single-layer perceptrons.
3. The XOR problem is a classic problem in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
4. The output is then compared to the target value, and the error is calculated.
5. If two classes of points can be perfectly separated by such a line or hyperplane, they are considered linearly separable.
6. Let’s look at a simple example of using gradient descent to solve an equation with a quadratic function.

The network classifies the data into the “Blue” and “Yellow” classes. Implementing XOR neural networks presents unique challenges that require careful consideration and innovative solutions. Below are some of the primary challenges and strategies to address them. Come on, if XOR creates so much problems, maybe we shouldn’t use it as ‘hello world’ of neural networks? If I’ll try to add just 1 more neuron in the hidden layer, network is successfully calculating XOR after ~ epochs. A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.© Copyright 2024 IEEE – All rights reserved.

By introducing multi-layer perceptrons, the backpropagation algorithm, and appropriate activation functions, we can successfully solve the XOR problem. Neural networks have the potential to solve a wide range of complex problems, and understanding the XOR problem is a crucial step towards harnessing their full power. This problem is significant because it highlights the limitations of single-layer perceptrons. A single-layer perceptron can only learn linearly separable patterns, whereas a straight line or hyperplane can separate the data points. However, they requires a non-linear decision boundary to classify the inputs accurately.

1. This non-linearity means that a single-layer perceptron cannot solve the XOR problem, as it can only create linear decision boundaries.
2. The XOR operation is a binary operation that takes two binary inputs and produces a binary output.
3. There are multiple layer of neurons such as input layer, hidden layer, and output layer.
4. Each neuron in a neural network receives several inputs, each input coming with its own weight.
5. Backpropagation is a fundamental algorithm used in training artificial neural networks (ANNs).

Neural networks – why everybody has different approach with XOR

Each neuron in the network performs a weighted sum of its inputs, applies an activation function to the sum, and passes the result to the next layer. The backpropagation algorithm is essential for training XOR neural networks, enabling them to learn complex patterns and make accurate predictions. By iteratively adjusting the weights based on the calculated gradients, the network can effectively minimize the error and improve its performance on the XOR task. The hidden layer neurons typically use non-linear activation functions such as the sigmoid or ReLU (Rectified Linear Unit) to enable the network to learn complex patterns. The choice of activation function can significantly affect the performance of the network.

Step 2: Hidden Layer to Output Layer Transformation

This exercise shows that the plasticity of this set of neurons conforming the motif is enough to provide an XOR function. The proposed XOR motif is in fact a simple extension of the well-known lateral inhibition motif, one of the basic core circuit motifs (Luo, 2021). Generate training data with 200 data points using the generateData function.

The XOR function

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We have implemented AND, OR, and NAND Gates with the perceptron model. I highly recommend you read my other article on Perceptron neurons before proceeding with this article for better understanding. It works fine with Keras or TensorFlow using loss function ‘mean_squared_error’, sigmoid activation and Adam optimizer. Furthermore weights initialization with random number between 0.5 and 1.0 helps to converge.

Once trained, the neural network should be able to accurately predict the XOR of new inputs it hasn’t seen before. If we change weights on the next step of gradient descent methods, we will minimize the difference between output on the neurons and training set of the vector. As a result, we will have the necessary values of weights and biases in the neural network and output values on the neurons will be the same as the training vector.

Understanding XOR Logic Gate

The second layer (hidden layer) transforms the original non-linearly separable problem into a linearly separable one, which the third layer (output layer) can then solve. And now let’s run all this code, which will train the neural network and calculate the error between the actual values of the XOR function and the received data after the neural network is running. The closer the resulting value is to 0 and 1, the more accurately the neural network solves the problem. Now let’s build the simplest neural network with three neurons to solve the XOR problem and train it using gradient descent. In common implementations of ANNs, the signal for coupling between artificial neurons is a real number, and the output of each artificial neuron is calculated by a nonlinear function of the sum of its inputs.

You also can take a hybrid strategy of breaking the sport into the next stage language for scripting and so forth and then “drop” into C++ land for parts that require the speed and optimizations. My answer could be that it really depends on what you need to do within the video games industry. At the moment if you need to make AAA console games, C++ is a should. No different language will allow you to benefit from the limited sources you’ve on a console. To reply how to learn c++ for game development your particular query, Microsoft will now not be updating XNA, so chances are it won’t be around for much longer. C++ is a nicely established trade normal and won’t be leaving anytime quickly.

Introduction Courses, Objects, And Polymorphism In C++

Learning C++ programming can open up many career Warehouse Automation alternatives in areas corresponding to sport development, embedded techniques, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. While Unity Engine predominantly uses C#, the runtime language for Unity video games is C++, reinforcing the language’s prevalence within the gaming landscape. C++ is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that was designed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979 to be an extension of the C language. It has the features of imperative, object-oriented in addition to generic programming fashions.

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Keep in thoughts, C++ is a beast of a language, and one e-book is not going to make you a pro overnight. After reading this title, you will nonetheless probably need different resources before you are able to construct your own apps or video games. With gaming particularly, you will probably also need to learn how to use libraries, varied APIs, and so forth. and none of that is lined here. So think of this as merely a light introduction, which will construct a basis your can bring to different extra advanced books.

Superior Graphics And 3d Programming:

Learn the vital thing steps to establishing a subsidiary in Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with understanding local company law and the benefits of establishing there. Discover if AI will exchange developers and what this implies for your corporation. Learn key insights to remain forward in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

C++ Has Lots Of Library Help

Understand its enterprise influence and why it is important for your firm’s success. Learn how Teamcubate’s expertise can information you in leveraging this technology. Learn the essentials of building a React growth company and harness the facility of top-notch tech solutions with Teamcubate. Discover how using React for your e-commerce website can streamline your business operations, enhance buyer expertise, and drive success. Discover how React, a cutting-edge expertise, can remodel the travel and hospitality industry. Learn from Teamcubate how this revolutionary device can improve your corporation operations and consumer experience.

• If you want a participant to see a sure graphic or message when their character picks up an object, scripting makes that happen.
• On the opposite aspect there are the office/business applications that simply want faster development cycles, stability and to be as extensible as potential.
• This is at a price of lack of capacity to optimize and fine tune how reminiscence and knowledge constructions are used.
• One language that has stood the test of time and remains related at present is C++.

On high of this it is a versatile programming language that gives a decent growth velocity. Portability, efficiency and legacy code bases are the reasons that C/C++ continues to be THE main player in game growth. For a very long time C++ was the lingua franca of the video games trade, however with the advent of the iPhone and Unity it is now possible to make first rate games using languages like C# and Objective-C. I’m not in business yet (I’m 17 years old), but I suppose it’s actually a must to find new languages and applied sciences. Mastering these takes a while (I took me 5 years, so I began on the identical age as you are now), however the expertise you gain is basically superb.

Our guide on C++ developer jobs might help you make informed choices. If you’ve never programmed earlier than, it’s clever to begin studying the fundamentals with a beginner-friendly programming language like Python or Java. You will study important programming ideas corresponding to object-oriented programming and algorithms without having to spend an excessive amount of time worrying about syntax.

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C is a viable alternative for recreation improvement as a outcome of its velocity and portability. Beginners can begin game programming in C, as demonstrated by two-player video games where players are assigned O and X. C’s history dates back to 1972, designed by Dennis Ritchie, and it stays relevant in recreation improvement due to its efficiency. While it’s easier to code in strictly high-level programming languages, additionally they come with guardrails that prohibit you from accessing hardware parts.

There are compelling benefits to studying C++ even if you’re not committed to studying game development. C++ is used in numerous AAA video video games and gaming engines for good cause. Its low-level programming abilities offer a high degree of flexibility that simply isn’t available with higher-level recreation programming languages such as Python and C#.

By the tip of the course, you’ll be in a position to develop C++ packages and even apply to C++ jobs with some potential for achievement. No ensures, but this course definitely won’t hurt your probabilities. All in all, there’s a wholesome dose of knowledge obtainable right here, and there are some sources exterior of the standard tutorials on C++ for sport programmers to assist you hone your C++ skills. This has links to the supply code web page, source code snippets web page, C++ ideas web page, and even a “finding a job” page.

Understand their expertise, obligations, and how they contribute to business progress. Discover AI improvement providers for web, app, and game development. In today’s interconnected world, multiplayer functionality is commonly vital function for many games. C++ supplies superior networking capabilities that make real-time multiplayer interactions smooth and lag-free. For games that require fast trade of data packets, C++ is unparalleled in phrases of efficiency.

Firstly it lets gives you entry to 3 units (pc, xbox, zune based) and that is not even including mono xna. The velocity variations are virtually never worth worrying about at this degree and it is just more productive. Of course, most of those features are very helpful, so in C++ you might have to spend a lot more coder time to get the identical outcomes.

However, the skills I gained from learning C++ – notably the low-level stuff, particularly how memory and pointers work – have confirmed invaluable. Now, the 10th purpose to study C++ programming in 2024 is the pay. As you understood the group support of C++, it’s time to move on to the next purpose. The function of C++ programming was to link object orientation to C programming. Major enhancements embody the namespace feature, operator overloading, OOP paradigm, and error and exception handling. Discover how hiring these specialists can drive your business success in right now’s tech-driven world.

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C++ stands out as a high-performance programming language famend for its object-oriented paradigm. Particularly acclaimed for growing large-scale products, C++ is an extension of the C language and lays the inspiration for languages like Java. Although writing C++ code could demand extra time, the payoff lies in its unparalleled performance. Investing time in mastering the fundamentals of C++ in game growth is a strategic endeavor. Also, C++ Developers are quite sought they usually hold a few of the most high-paying jobs in the trade with a mean how to learn c++ for game development base pay of $103, 035 per 12 months. This web site has tutorials for getting began with C and C++.

Recreation Improvement In C++ For Newbies

It’s the language behind in style games like Angry Birds and Age of Conan, and it powers engines like CryEngine, Gideros Mobile, and Corona SDK. The power of C++ when it comes to recreation growth is the flexibility to exactly structure the data-structures that your software program will use. When performant real-time systems (such as games) began rising, it was the most generally supported and most developed programming language. As such it was a natural selection for video games that attempt to push platforms to their limit. This has in time period lead most builders to go alongside with this choice even if they need it or not. It permits developers to create high-performance software that can be utilized in quite so much of industries.

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While machine code have to be translated from higher-level languages. It does take a little bit longer to write down C++ code than it does to write down code in high-level languages, however this may be a truthful sacrifice for effectivity. Learning Python also makes it easier to use GDScript, the programming language for the popular recreation engine Godot. GDScript’s creators built it to mimic Python’s readability and beginner-friendly syntax, while also providing features specific to gaming.

How To Hire An Sap Developer: Important Tips For Fulfillment

But it could be helpful to check it out anyway, I suppose it is pretty neat even with my restricted understanding of its ideas. You seem to have reasons not to learn C++, I assume you might be truly simply making an attempt to rationalize your wish to not be taught one thing new. Also, the syntax of C, C++, and Java are almost the same, so learning Java and C after C++ shall be very easy. Start by familiarizing yourself with the engine’s interface, basic options, and workflow. Both engines have intensive documentation and tutorials for novices. A fairly broad issue, game creation may be tackled in a selection of methods.

This is among the major causes that applications requiring multi-platform or multi-device improvement usually use C++. A lot of internet browsers are developed utilizing C++ similar to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and so on. Chrome incorporates C++ in the rendering engine, JavaScript engine, and UI. Firefox uses mainly within the rendering engine and slightly within the UI.

Unity can also be a popular recreation engine for VR games—90% of all Samsung Gear and 53% of Oculus Rift VR games use Unity. If you need to create games in Unity or for VR, C# must be in your toolbox. The good news is that job growth for C++ coders has remained stable at 8% per 12 months. Before you dive into studying a new language you might be wondering what you’ll be capable of build when you grasp the language, or if it’ll still be in use 10 years from now.

One of the biggest benefits of C++ programming is its cross-platform compatibility. C++ code can run on different #operatingsystems , together with Windows, Linux, macOS, and cellular platforms. This signifies that builders can write code as quickly as and have it run on totally different platforms without making vital adjustments. C++ with DSA Course by Physics Wallah is ideal for learning C++ game improvement abilities.

Here’s why, say you decide c++, well nice but what api are you going to make use of to draw? Both C++ and C# belong to the C language family, sharing basic traits but differing in essential aspects. At some level we have to ask our selves is it purely C++ giving us the highest notch speeds in body charges. Language barrier is only wrapped round its tooling, C++ has nothing standing in its method.

In this tutorial, you will learn concerning the C++ language and understand the top 10 causes to be taught C++ in 2024. In addition to the flexibleness that comes with its low-level parts, C++ maintains excessive efficiency as a end result of it compiles down to machine code. Because of this, C++ programs can run at almost the speed of the machine. On the other hand, higher-level languages require translation into machine code.

• In fact, Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of the language, put collectively an extended listing of C++ functions.
• Anyway, it is a utterly free website that guides you on tips on how to learn C++.
• Just those two factors alone make it reasonable to stick with C++.
• Learn simple and effective methods to enhance your small enterprise cash move.
• Learn how Teamcubate’s experience can information you in leveraging this expertise.

It’s no secret that C++ is doubtless certainly one of the most widely used programming languages right now. Embarking on the journey of C++ recreation growth requires a structured roadmap to guide you thru the intricate world of creating interactive and fascinating video games. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced developer, this roadmap outlines the key milestones and skills to grasp for a profitable venture into C++ recreation growth.

Don’t worry about forgetting the details, should you stop using C++ for some purpose (or XNA or something else). And you’ll be able to pick up the small print once more easily if you want to. Additionally, there have been several events the place I’ve needed to learn other folks’s C++ code. If you understand how to program in C# or Java you’ll find a way to probably guess what’s going on – however knowing is a lot better. As you understood the Embedded techniques, move to yet another excuse.

Its recognition is not the reason it’s nice for recreation growth, though. Although Python is a powerful programming language, what it positive aspects in usability, growth time, and readability, it loses in velocity. Python runs more slowly than other programming languages like C++, and it isn’t a traditional online game scripting language like C#. However, for newcomers, Python is among the finest starter programming languages—and recreation engines like Godot are basing their native scripts on Python to make it simpler to program.

You do have to be laptop literate, however you don’t have to have programming expertise. You may wish to give the free tutorial a stab before you go dropping money on an e book. Or return and check out the LearnCPP tutorial firstly of this guide earlier than tapping into the tutorial at Cprogramming. It’s a lacking article here or there, or an inverted phrasing–the kinds of slipups that come with studying English as a second language, and getting fairly dang close to mastering it.

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Team Metabolic Health

Weight-loss drugs, particularly newer options like GLP-1 receptor agonists, are revolutionising the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Hailed for their efficacy, these drugs are helping patients lose significant weight and offer additional health benefits. Experts see them as game-changers in the way some of the chronic conditions are managed by doctors. Caution is however advised to prevent their misuse and dependency. While the medications could complement lifestyle changes and even eliminate the need of bariatric surgery, accessibility and long-term effects remain concerns. Balancing life-changing innovations with responsible use are the key to maximising their positive impact on health.

Credit: ET World

Team Metabolic Health

U.S. government health plans account for the lion’s share of coverage for popular new weight-loss drugs, far beyond the reimbursement available from private employers and insurers, according to an analysis shared with Reuters.

State Medicaid programs for low-income families are the single biggest source of coverage, giving 31.6 million people access to Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), Wegovy or Eli Lilly’s (LLY.N), Zepbound, according to the AXIACI Obesity Coverage Nexus, a database produced by the Leverage consulting firm.

The database tracks the obesity coverage status of about 80% of Americans with health insurance.

Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk are seen at a pharmacy in London, Britain March 8, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

Another 14.6 million federal workers and their dependents have coverage, as do 6 million state and local government employees and their family members, the data show. Combined, that’s 52.2 million Americans with coverage through government-funded health plans.

By contrast, 13.7 million had weight-loss drug coverage in commercial health plans, according to the database. That is likely an undercount because many employers don’t make their health plans public.

Leverage, which said it has no ties to companies selling obesity treatments, estimates there could be as many as 10.7 million additional people with coverage from private employers, based on the trend shown in its database. Taken together, that could be as many as 24.4 million nationwide – still less than half the number covered by government plans.

“It is a striking difference between government and private plans, and it shows there are still quite a lot of employers holding out,” said Kathy Hempstead, a senior policy officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which provided funding for the database.

“Health insurance premiums are going up for a lot of reasons so that probably makes it a little harder to pass along another cost” to fund weight-loss treatment, Hempstead said.

The entry of Wegovy and Zepbound, which have been shown to help people lose 15% to 20% of their body weight, is transforming care in the United States, where more than 100 million adults live with obesity.

They both carry list prices of over $1,000 per month, and may need to be taken for life, a cost that has drawn backlash from Congress and the Biden administration.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

Wegovy was approved in the US as a treatment for heart disease in March, while Zepbound is expected to be given the green light as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Pharma major Eli Lilly on Wednesday on announced that patients taking its obesity drug Zepbound lost 47 percent more weight than those who were given Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in the first large, head-to-head trial of the highly in-demand rival medicines. In the 751-person trial, Zepbound helped patients lose an average of 20.2% of their weight after 72 weeks compared to 13.7% for the group treated with Wegovy, Lilly said in a statement.

“Given the increased interest around obesity medications, we conducted this study to help health care providers and patients make informed decisions about treatment choice,” said Leonard C. Glass, MD, FACE, senior vice president of global medical affairs at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health. “We are thrilled that today’s findings showed the superior weight loss of tirzepatide, which helped patients achieve 47% more relative weight loss compared to semaglutide. Tirzepatide is in a class of its own as the only FDA-approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist obesity medication, and it’s changing how millions of people manage this chronic disease.”

U.S. approvals for the medicines was based on separate trials. (Image Credits: Pixabay)

Participants were either obese or overweight and had an additional related health issue such as obstructive sleep apnea or heart disease. None of the trial subjects had diabetes. The data comparing the wildly popular medicines shows for the first time that when trial parameters are exactly the same, Lilly’s drug is more effective for weight loss.

According to the Reuters report, U.S. approvals for the medicines was based on separate trials in which Zepbound helped patients lose more than 22% of their overall weight after 72 weeks, while Wegovy led to a 15% weight loss after 68 weeks.

Doctors had been prescribing these drugs based on whichever was available to patients at the pharmacy given intermittent supply shortages. The most common side effects for both the drugs were related to the gastrointestinal system and were generally mild-to-moderate in severity, Lilly said.

According to Reuters, the results may persuade insurers in the U.S. and cost-conscious health authorities in Europe to give preferential coverage to Zepbound over Wegovy, as health authorities in Britain considered doing earlier this year before approving Lilly’s drug.

According to the company’s statement, Lilly will continue to evaluate the SURMOUNT-5 results, which will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at a medical meeting next year. Tirzepatide is commercialized for adults with obesity or with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems as Zepbound in the U.S. and Mounjaro in some global markets outside the U.S. Tirzepatide is also commercialized as Mounjaro for adults with type 2 diabetes in the U.S.

An analysis of health records and other data published by the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine earlier this year showed Zepbound led to faster and greater weight loss than Wegovy. U.S.-based Lilly and Danish rival Novo Nordisk have been in a race to get their obesity drugs approved to treat other ailments to help improve acceptance by insurers and governments.

Wegovy was approved in the US as a treatment for heart disease in March, while Zepbound is expected to be given the green light as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, as reported by Reuters. Both drugs are sold in the U.S. under different brand names – Novo’s Ozempic and Lilly’s Mounjaro – to treat type 2 diabetes.

Credit: Financial Express

Team Metabolic Health

According to a report by diagnostic service provider Thyrocare, 49.43 per cent of the tested population in India exhibited abnormal blood glucose levels

India is witnessing a diabetes epidemic in the making, with multiple research reports indicating a surge in its prevalence across the country.

According to a report by diagnostic service provider Thyrocare, 49.43 per cent of the tested population in India exhibited abnormal blood glucose levels, with 27.18 per cent identified as diabetic and 22.25 per cent as prediabetic.

The study, which analysed HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) test results from 1.96 million adults undergoing routine health checkups in 2023, follows a similar report published in The Lancet journal, which indicated that a quarter of adults living with diabetes globally in 2022 were in India.

The numbers reflect an increasing prevalence of the disease, as another study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes estimated the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in India at 11.4 per cent and 15.3 per cent, respectively.

Photo: Shutterstock

Commenting on the factors behind the rise in diabetes cases, Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, senior director at the Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity and Endocrinology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, said that environmental and lifestyle changes resulting from industrialisation and migration to urban environments may largely be responsible for this epidemic in India.

“Obesity, especially central obesity and increased visceral fat due to physical inactivity, along with the consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, are major contributing factors,” he added.

Gender, age-wise diabetes prevalence alarmingly high

The Thyrocare study also highlighted alarming trends in the age and gender disparities in the disease’s incidence. According to the study, males had a higher diabetes prevalence at 30.84 per cent, compared to 23.51 per cent among females in 2023.

This marks a rise from the National Family Health Survey-5 findings for 2019-2021, which reported diabetes prevalence at 16.8 per cent for males and 15.4 per cent for females.

Prediabetes prevalence, however, remains relatively balanced between genders, with males and females at 21.56 per cent and 22.95 per cent, respectively, according to the Thyrocare report.

Data also revealed the highest diabetic burden among people aged 65 and above, with 44.92 per cent of the sample testing positive for diabetes. This group was followed by the 51-65 age group, where 41.85 per cent tested positive for diabetes.

“Worrying trends show an increasing prevalence in the economically active age group of 36-65 years. Young adults between 18 and 35 years also show a higher prevalence of prediabetes than diabetes, indicating a high potential to develop the disease,” the Thyrocare study reported.

Explaining why the economically active age group is increasingly affected, Dr Manisha Arora, director —internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, noted that a more sedentary lifestyle, reduced physical activity, increased stress levels, and migration to urban areas are all contributing factors.

“Additionally, genetic factors play a major role, as Indians are more prone to insulin resistance, which can manifest earlier when compounded by other risk factors,” she added.

Dr Verma highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy focused on early detection, and promoting diabetes prevention through awareness campaigns, regular screening programmes, and health initiatives.

“Stress management and raising awareness about the potential complications of diabetes, especially since it may not present symptoms in the early stages, are equally crucial,” she added.

Credit: Business Standard

Team Metabolic Health

From desk to dinner: Here’s the busy professional’s guide on healthy living for the hustlers, with simple tricks to balance nutrition and work stress

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining good health while managing a busy professional schedule can seem daunting. However, strategic planning and mindful choices can help achieve a harmonious balance.

Crush deadlines and stay fit: The ultimate health hacks for professionals (File Photo)

The secret to thriving at work:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Dharmesh Shah, Founder and Director at Holistica World, suggested that creating a structured routine is essential. He shared, “Establishing a daily schedule that includes time for work, exercise, meals and relaxation can help manage time effectively and reduce the stress of last-minute decisions. Delegation and prioritisation are also key strategies. Efficiently managing the workload by delegating tasks when possible and focusing on high-priority responsibilities can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. Using project management software can assist in tracking tasks and deadlines, allowing professionals to concentrate on their most important responsibilities.” He revealed, “Additionally, staying hydrated is a simple yet effective way to support overall health. Keeping a water bottle at the desk and drinking regularly throughout the day can prevent dehydration, which often leads to fatigue and decreased concentration. Tools like phone reminders or water-tracking apps can help meet the goal of at least eight glasses of water per day. Despite the challenges of a busy professional life, maintaining energy and focus throughout the day heavily relies on proper nutrition, consistent sleep, regular exercise, stress management, and staying hydrated.”

Smart habits every professional needs:

Akshay, Managing Director at Fitclub, emphasised upon the importance of prioritising sleep and said, “Quality rest is non-negotiable for both physical health and mental ability. Professionals should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, establishing a consistent sleep routine.” He added, “Nutrition is another critical aspect that doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Meal preparation on weekends can ensure healthy options are readily available throughout the week. Keeping nutritious snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt on hand can help professionals avoid unhealthy choices during busy days. By planning meals and snacks ahead of time, it’s easier to maintain a balanced diet, even with a hectic schedule.”

Exercise is often perceived as time-consuming but it doesn’t have to be. Akshay suggested, “High-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers efficient workouts that can be completed in just 15-20 minutes. Incorporating movement into the daily routine, such as taking the stairs, walking during phone calls, or using a standing desk, can also contribute to overall fitness.”

Asserting that stress management is crucial for professionals who face daily challenges, he advised, “Mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to clear the mind can significantly reduce stress levels. Starting with just five minutes in the morning or during lunch breaks can make a noticeable difference. Guided meditation apps are a great way to incorporate mindfulness into a busy routine, helping professionals manage stress and maintain focus.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Credit: Hindustan Times

Team Metabolic Health

The carnivore diet, a zero-carb trend, is gaining attention for rapid weight loss. But while it offers short-term benefits, its long-term effects on health and nutrition remain a concern.

Are you following one of the many diets you’ve discovered in your race to lose weight? While intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, veganism, and the keto diet have long taken centerstage, some people are now opting for the carnivore diet.

The carnivore diet includes only meat, fish, and other animal-based foods like eggs and certain dairy products like butter. It excludes all other foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. The diet has gained popularity, with several social media influencers claiming it rapidly aids weight loss.

The carnivore diet, a type of ketogenic diet, is sometimes referred to as the “zero-carb” diet. A typical keto diet plan suggests that approximately 70% to 75% of daily calories come from fat, 20% from protein, and no more than 10% from carbohydrates.

Ketogenic diets work like this: they lack sufficient calories from glucose and other sugars. As a result, the body begins to burn fat for energy, producing ketones in the process. These ketones enter the bloodstream, causing the blood’s normal acid-base balance to shift, making it more acidic-a condition known as ketosis.

Carnivore diet includes only meat, fish, and other animal-based foods like eggs and certain dairy products like butter. (Getty Images)

BENEFITS OF CARNIVORE DIET

The carnivore diet can jump-start a weight-loss program. It helps with weight loss as it is high in protein, which provides more satiety and keeps you full for longer.

“It helps with insulin resistance and diabetes, as a high-protein diet helps manage sugar levels better. It also reduces inflammation, especially for those with autoimmune diseases, and improves food sensitivities. It can also help some people with food sensitivities like celiac disease and IBS,” said dietitian Preeti Kakkar, Diabetes Diet Consultant at Dietwise.

The carnivore diet is an all-meat diet which excludes all other foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. (Photo: Getty Images)

The carnivore diet provides the necessary nutrients for muscle building and repair. “The carnivore diet is highly restrictive and provides short-term benefits. If followed long-term, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues,” she added.

RISKS OF CARNIVORE DIET

Certain nutrients, like potassium and magnesium, are found only in plant-based foods. Animal foods lack these nutrients. Plant-based foods are also rich in antioxidants, which play a protective role against cancer and oxidative stress.

The carnivore diet, a type of ketogenic diet, is sometimes referred to as the ‘zero-carb’ diet. (Photo: Pexels)

“The carnivore diet can lead to nutrient and vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C, which is primarily found in fruits and vegetables. Constipation is another major issue due to the lack of fruits and vegetables, which provide fiber for digestive health. Fiber is necessary for healthy bowel movements,” said Preeti Kakkar.

Animal fat is mostly saturated fat, which is the unhealthiest type of fat because it raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

According to a Harvard study, the carnivore diet can increase the risk of kidney stones, gout, osteoporosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

“The carnivore diet is highly restrictive, making it difficult to sustain in social gatherings, especially in India, where plant-based foods play a major role in the diet,” Preeti Kakkar added.

Choosing a diet can be difficult and intimidating. One can feel overwhelmed by the time and effort required to prepare diet-based meals, as well as the information shared by social media influencers.

In conclusion, if the carnivore diet is followed long-term, it may lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. A balanced diet that includes both plant-based and animal-based foods is generally recommended for sustained health.

Credit: India Today

Team Metabolic Health

Chinese biomedical research is on the cusp of a breakthrough just as the industry starts to face serious headwinds

At a time when geopolitical tensions are hitting industries from semiconductors to electric vehicles, pharmaceutical dealmaking has become a rare bright spot for collaboration between China and the West. Industry watchers are holding their breath to see how the incoming Trump administration changes that. 

So far this year, seven major pharma companies have licensed or acquired molecules for new drugs originating from China, spending a total of at least $3.15 billion in upfront cash and equity, according to DealForma. Others are boosting their on-the-ground presence in the hope of finding diamonds in the rough. 

Technicians at a research laboratory in Shanghai | Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg

Every major drugmaker’s head of R&D has been to China at least once in the last year, according to an October report from Stifel Financial Corp.’s investment banking unit. AbbVie Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. have hosted dedicated partnering days in Shanghai to meet with local companies, while companies like Roche Holding AG, Bayer AG and Eli Lilly & Co. have opened or will open incubators to build relationships with early-stage startups. At a recent, widely watched trade expo, Pfizer Inc. announced it will invest $1 billion in China over the next five years, in part to work with local companies.

Even as US and European pharma companies decouple other parts of their businesses — moving away from Chinese research and development providers and creating separate production facilities in China, for China — biotech deals are looking too attractive to pass up. “I’ve never seen so many multinationals coming to China searching,” said Darren Ji, the former head of Roche’s partnering activities in Asia and emerging markets. He added that the Shanghai biotech he co-founded and leads, Elpiscience Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., has entertained several multinationals.

China has a long history as an outsourcing hub for foreign pharmaceutical companies and as a producer of “me too” drugs that mimic what’s already on the market. Now, it is becoming a key hunting ground for truly novel therapies, in part thanks to a government initiative that has thrown support behind several cutting-edge industries. China has tripled its contributions to global asset licensing activities over the last six years, growing to 12% of overall deals in 2023-24, McKinsey & Co. wrote in a recent report.

China’s growing prominence as a place to look for first-in-class or best-in-class assets at a reasonable price is causing a fundamental shift in the global dealmaking landscape. 

“What you start to see is real innovation,” said Susan Galbraith, who heads up oncology research at AstraZeneca Plc and has been visiting China to hunt for new drugs for two decades. The pace of learning and adaptation in the country is greater than “honestly, I think almost anywhere in the whole world,” she said.

Innovation Hotspot

Scooping up assets from smaller biotech companies is routine for large pharma players. Research units at drugmakers do create their own molecules, but they also turn to other people’s discoveries to fill their pipeline, sometimes buying out those companies altogether. Roche, Merck & Co. and Johnson & Johnson are among the most prolific dealmakers.

The current need to replenish portfolios is particularly stark as Big Pharma stares down patent expirations through 2030 on treatments for cancer, inflammatory disease and other conditions. The so-called patent cliff could jeopardize between $180 billion and $360 billion in annual sales, analysts estimate. Executives at some major drugmakers have placed a bigger emphasis on blockbusters – medicines that could bring in at least $1 billion in annual revenue. 

The track record of China’s homegrown therapies on the global stage is limited so far. Only five drugs from China have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, three of them in 2023. Among the five, Brukinsa, a treatment for blood cancer, and Carvykti, a cell therapy used to treat multiple myeloma, have beaten competitors in clinical efficacy or sales.

Questions remain as to whether the promising early data seen in Chinese trials of newer drug candidates can be replicated in larger, global trials. And it could be years before these molecules reach the market, if at all.

Yet multinational drugmakers are willing to bet that it is only a matter of time before Chinese science proves its worth. 

Roche, which paid $850 million upfront to license a portfolio of potential cancer treatments from Regor Therapeutics Group, is “constantly” monitoring the space, Chief Executive Officer Thomas Schinecker told reporters in October. “We see that in the future there will also be a lot of innovation coming out of China,” he added.

It’s a sea change in a relatively short period, says Tim Opler, a managing director at Stifel.

“Ten years ago, Chinese companies were developing generic knockoffs and there was concern they didn’t even have the right ingredients. You might buy Chinese aspirin and it might not be aspirin,” Opler said. “Fast-forward 10 years, they’re developing really good molecules that are competitive with what the best US biotechs are doing.”

Serious Commitment

Chinese biomedical research is on the cusp of a breakthrough just as the industry starts to face serious headwinds. 

Announced in 2015, Beijing’s “Made in China 2025” initiative ushered in regulatory reforms encouraging indigenous drug research, accelerating approvals and realigning domestic rules with global standards. A flood of venture capital money helped spawn biotechs set up by “sea turtles,” a local nickname for Chinese scientists who return to the country after gaining experience overseas at top universities and companies. 

But China’s economic slowdown, and the broader pullback of foreign investors, have hit the sector hard. As it has become clear just how low prices have to go to win share in the Chinese market, drug developers have also had to recalibrate sales expectations and thus the valuation of their experimental assets. In combination, these factors have starved young firms of the funding and resources required for the arduous, yearslong journey toward drug approval.

Many startups that might otherwise have raised money through venture financing or public share sale have been forced to rely on deals instead.  

If success is measured in terms of blockbuster drugs discovered in China, “we’re not quite there yet,” said AstraZeneca’s Galbraith. “But if your marker is the quality of the science and the innovation of a capability that can lead to a future approved medicine, I think we’re already there.”

Geopolitical Threats

Companies Bloomberg spoke to for this story said trade tensions have not changed their dealmaking plans. However, threats of decoupling that started brewing under President Joe Biden are unlikely to ease under President-elect Donald Trump.

“Anything that’s going toward more geopolitical tension is not good,” Roche’s Schinecker said, noting the potential for supply chain disruption. “And this is not a topic for the pharma industry, it’s a topic for the world as a whole.”

The Biosecure Act, which would block certain Chinese life sciences service providers from accessing federally-funded contracts, is the most aggressive step yet in America’s push to onshore drug manufacturing. It has already passed the House and was widely expected to become law even before the election.

As Trump and his government appointees double down on the hawkish rhetoric, cross-border dealmaking may face heightened scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the recent detention and investigation of AstraZeneca’s China president, while seemingly unrelated to geopolitics, serves a reminder that foreign companies often face unexpected hurdles in China.

“The timing couldn’t be worse” for geopolitical pressure to weigh on the boom in cross-border deals, according to Alex Harding, an entrepreneur-in-residence at US-based Atlas Venture, which builds and funds early-stage biotech startups. 

“The flow of Chinese assets into Western companies has only recently begun in earnest, yet it feels like the spigot could be turned off at any time,” Harding wrote recently in Timmerman Report, a biotech publication. 

Still, drugmakers see licensing deals — where multinational companies get full control of the assets, complete with intellectual property — as carrying lower risk than doing other types of business with China.

At a biotech conference in Europe in October, one of the big topics of conversation was why companies on the continent were having a hard time licensing their molecules to larger drugmakers. 

“There’s competition from great molecules from China,” said Stifel’s Opler. “It’s a big change for our industry.”

Credit: Business Standard

Team Metabolic Health

Drugmaker Lupin aims to be part of the first wave of generic drugmakers to make GLP-1 receptor agonists products, used to treat Type II diabetes and obesity, Lupin top-brass said.

This segment of products includes semaglutide, the internationally popular weight-loss product from Novo Nordisk sold as Ozempic — poised to go off patent protection in some markets in 2026.

Nilesh Gupta, MD, Lupin

In-house capability

The company aims to be part of the first wave of generics on GLP-1 products and hopes to launch the first of these in 2026, Lupin’s Managing Director Nilesh Gupta told analysts. Lupin’s strategy in India and other emerging markets would be a mix of developing the product internally and licensing it, as the case may be, he said. The company has in-house capabilities to develop and manufacture the product, Nilesh said, adding that a clear strategy would play out next year.

The regions open for GLP-1 launches, following patent expiry, included India, South Africa, Latin America, Philippines and parts of Eastern Europe , said Vinita Gupta, Lupin Chief Executive Officer.

Several generic drugmakers including India’s Cipla, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Wockhardt, Mankind Pharma etc, are looking at the diabetes, obesity and weightloss category, including the spate of GLP-1 products going off patent. Novo Nordisk’s oral version of semaglutide is available in India. It’s injectible version available internationally saw demand surge, as celebrities endorsed the weight-loss benefits of the product, among other things, putting enormous pressure on its supplies.

Cipla’s Managing Director and Global CEO Umang Vohra had said earlier this year, that obesity and weight-loss were a focus area, and they were open to partner with Eli Lilly makers of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), in the same category. Lilly has stated its intent to bring its product into India, possibly by 2025, according to reports.

More recently, Vohra also hoped to be among “the first wave” of companies bringing the product to India. “In-licensing is always an option for us in deepening our partnership with large multinational corporations that sell categories of GLP-1 drugs,” he said. Dr Reddy’s management too expressed plans for the segment, just days ago.

Credit: The Hindu Businessline

Team Metabolic Health

The weight-loss industry may become more accessible to the average American.

Medications that lower blood sugar levels to promote weight loss have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Typically used for treating diabetes, GLP-1s have become an increasingly mainstream option for weight loss and treating obesity.

The skyrocketing demand for popular GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has created product shortages, which is particularly worrisome for patients managing their diabetes.

Novo Nordisk  (NVO)  and Eli Lilly  (LLY)  manufacture the top three weight loss drugs on the market, but heightened demand is promoting innovation within the field and allowing cheaper competitor products to emerge.

The GLP-1s are expensive and aren’t covered by insurance, forcing consumers to pay for mainstream name brands out of pocket.

Contrave is a weight loss drug that is far cheaper and easier for consumers to administer. The GLP-1s can cost $1,000 per month and must be administered via injection. Contrave can be taken orally and averages $99 per month, making the product far more accessible.

We spoke with George Hampton, CEO of Currax Pharmaceuticals, about the company’s weight-loss drug Contrave. He notes the policy challenges facing the weight-loss drug industry and what to expect down the road.

An Ozempic injection device is held. Credit: Shutterstock

Weight loss drugs may soon be covered by health insurance companies

The amount of Americans who are prescribed semaglutide medications  tripled between 2019 and 2021. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozmepic and Wegovy, saw combined GLP-1 sales of over $21 billion in 2023, accounting for two-thirds of the company’s total annual revenue.

Hampton discusses why weight loss and anti-obesity drugs haven’t been covered by insurance in the past and why change may be on the horizon.

“I spend a lot of time in Washington D.C., and we’re working on a bill that we call the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA),” he said. “It has incredible promise to provide health coverage for these drugs, and it could even be passed this year.”

“We have a lot of support from senators and representatives. It just comes down to being able to pay for it in the budget,” he added.

“The biggest roadblock is the budget — how much it will cost to cover obesity,” he continued. “The Congressional Budget Office has recently released its estimate of what it will cost the country to pay for that, and it was much lower than what people were estimating.”

“So we’re very encouraged that this could happen, even before the end of the year.”

Hampton explains why getting government health insurance plans to start covering GLP-1s is the key to getting private insurers on board.

“When the federal government starts paying for something, the commercial plans often feel compelled to do the same, but it’s not 100% guaranteed,” he explained. “So we have to think of it like smoking cessation.”

“Back in 2010 — under the ACA — the smoking group was finally able to be paid for by the government, and the commercial payers followed right along. We think the same thing will happen here with weight loss.”

Treating health issues now will reduce costs in the long run

Obesity costs the US healthcare system $173 billion a year, and that figure will continue to rise over time if preventative steps are not taken to address the issue head-on.

Although covering weight loss drugs may be costly for insurance companies in the short term, reducing heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis in the long term may greatly pay off.

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Team Metabolic Health

The study highlights a significant disconnect between awareness, understanding and management of obesity, underscoring the need for an integrated, long-term approach to treatment

A recent study conducted by Novo Nordisk, involving over 2,000 people living with obesity (PwO) and 300 healthcare professionals (HCPs), has revealed critical insights into the challenges faced by PwO in India. The study highlights a significant disconnect between awareness, understanding and management of obesity, underscoring the need for an integrated, long-term approach to treatment.

The survey found that one-third of PwO in India do not recognise the severity of their condition, often believing they are merely overweight or even of normal weight. This denial of obesity reflects widespread misconceptions and a lack of awareness on its implications, which contributes to delayed treatment and worse health outcomes.

Dr Maya Sharma, Vice President Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, Novo Nordisk India, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “The first step towards obesity management is to understand that it is a chronic disease. We need to support PwO with tools that not only help them lose weight but also maintain that loss over time.”

PwO face immense difficulties in maintaining weight loss. Over half of those surveyed report reverting to old eating habits despite their efforts to change. Alarmingly, 44 per cent regain lost weight within six months, emphasising the need for more sustainable, long-term solutions that go beyond just lifestyle adjustments.

The study highlights the growing need for a comprehensive approach to obesity management in India. Dr AG Unnikrishnan, MD at The Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune, India, supports this, noting, “A successful obesity management strategy must combine lifestyle changes, behavioural interventions, medication, and surgery where necessary. Only through such integration can PwO achieve their weight loss goals and maintain long-term health improvements.” 

Another striking finding is the widespread belief in “healthy obesity,” often viewed as a sign of prosperity. Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, MS, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, warned, “There is no such thing as ‘healthy obesity.’ Even in the early stages, when there are no visible complications, the risks to long-term health are very real. This myth must be dispelled.” 

The survey revealed that obesity is closely linked to other chronic diseases. Two in five PwO suffer from conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. HCPs report that many PwO have anywhere between 1 and 4 comorbidities, such as high blood pressure (32 per cent), high cholesterol (27 per cent), eating disorder (23 per cent) and cardiovascular diseases (19 per cent); reinforcing that obesity is a chronic disease requiring medical intervention.

PwO face significant barriers in their weight loss journeys. Lack of motivation, fear of failure, unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise were cited as the most common obstacles. HCPs, however, are in a position to help set realistic goals, with Dr Rishma Pai, MD at Lilavati and Hinduja Hospitals, Mumbai, explaining, “Even a 5 per cent weight loss can bring significant health benefits, and it’s important that PwO understand that small, sustainable changes are key. We as healthcare professionals have to overcome any inhibitions in discussing the condition with our patients on a regular basis and support them in their weight-loss journeys.”

More than 70 per cent of PwO recognise obesity as a chronic disease, yet many still feel it is their sole responsibility to manage their weight. This contrasts with how other chronic diseases, like diabetes or hypertension, are perceived, where medical intervention is commonly accepted. Encouragingly, four in five HCPs are comfortable discussing weight with their patients, and among PwO who have had these discussions, the majority report positive experiences.

Despite the availability of prescription weight-loss medications, PwO remain hesitant. Only one in seven PwO believe such medications would be helpful, with concerns about side effects and safety being the primary deterrents.

As a conclusion, Vikrant Shrotriya, Corporate Vice President, Novo Nordisk India said, “Recent research has shed light on the perceptions and challenges faced by people living with obesity (PwO) in India. Despite the growing awareness, there are still significant misconceptions and hurdles that need to be addressed. Hence, involvement by the government is crucial in addressing the growing obesity challenge in India. Obesity is not just an individual issue but a significant public health concern that impacts healthcare resources, economic productivity, and the overall well-being of our society. A multifaceted approach that includes policy interventions, awareness programs, and accessible healthcare solutions is essential to address this complex issue effectively.”

This underscores the need for greater awareness and understanding of obesity as a chronic disease. Addressing the misconceptions, providing PwO with sustained support, and integrating medical, behavioural, and lifestyle interventions are crucial for effective weight management. Continued research is essential to develop and refine these strategies, ensuring that individuals with obesity receive the long-term care and support they need for better health outcomes.

Credit: expresshealthcare.in

Team Metabolic Health

Exercising to lose weight? Research shows it’s not as effective as you think. Find out why relying on workouts alone may not help you shed those extra pounds. If you’re hitting the gym thinking it’s the ultimate solution for weight loss, it might be time to reconsider your approach. While exercise is undoubtedly important for overall health and fitness, research shows that relying solely on it to shed pounds might not be as effective as you think. A recent study on the Hadza tribe challenges popular belief, offering fresh insights for those looking to lose weight. 

Study finds active lifestyles don’t burn significantly more calories than sedentary ones. (Freepik)

Calorie burn in active vs sedentary lifestyles

When Herman Pontzer began researching the metabolism of the Hadza, a modern hunter-gatherer tribe in Tanzania, he expected their calorie burn to be through the roof. With their constant activity like walking, jogging, lifting, and carrying throughout the day, he thought they’d burn far more calories than a sedentary office worker.

A study on the Hadza tribe revealed they burn similar calories as sedentary office workers. (Unsplash)

Exercise alone may not be the most effective strategy for weight loss. (Freepik)

This theory suggests that our bodies and brains can adjust the number of calories we burn by slowing down or even shutting down certain biological functions when we’re more active, ultimately keeping our total calorie burn within a narrow range.

“We’ve studied people who are extremely active,” including marathon runners crossing the U.S., Pontzer explained, “and those who are very sedentary, and it turns out they burn about the same number of calories.” This insight helps explain why many people don’t lose significant weight from exercise alone, even though it improves their health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Credit: Hindustan Times