Team Metabolic Health

Studies in which ChatGPT outperformed scientists and GPs raise troubling questions for the future of professional work

AI means too many (different) things to too many people. We need better ways of talking – and thinking – about it. Cue, Drew Breunig, a gifted geek and cultural anthropologist, who has come up with a neat categorisation of the technology into three use cases: gods, interns and cogs.

“Gods”, in this sense, would be “super-intelligent, artificial entities that do things autonomously”. In other words, the AGI (artificial general intelligence) that OpenAI’s Sam Altman and his crowd are trying to build (at unconscionable expense), while at the same time warning that it could be an existential threat to humanity. AI gods are, Breunig says, the “human replacement use cases”. They require gigantic models and stupendous amounts of “compute”, water and electricity (not to mention the associated CO2 emissions).

A US clinical trial examined whether ChatGPT could improve the diagnostic capabilities of 50 practising physicians. Photograph: Cherdchai Chawienghong/Getty Images

“Interns” are “supervised co-pilots that collaborate with experts, focusing on grunt work”. In other words, things such as ChatGPT, Claude, Llama and similar large language models (LLMs). Their defining quality is that they are meant to be used and supervised by experts. They have a high tolerance for errors because the experts they are assisting are checking their output, preventing embarrassing mistakes from going further. They do the boring work: remembering documentation and navigating references, filling in the details after the broad strokes are defined, assisting with idea generation by acting as a dynamic sounding board and much more.

Finally, “cogs” are lowly machines that are optimised to perform a single task extremely well, usually as part of a pipeline or interface.

Interns are mostly what we have now; they represent AI as a technology that augments human capabilities and are already in widespread use in many industries and occupations. In that sense, they are the first generation of quasi-intelligent machines with which humans have had close cognitive interactions in work settings, and we’re beginning to learn interesting things about how well those human-machine partnerships work.

One area in which there are extravagant hopes for AI is healthcare. And with good reason. In 2018, for example, a collaboration between AI researchers at DeepMind and Moorfields eye hospital in London significantly speeded up the analysis of retinal scans to detect the symptoms of patients who needed urgent treatment. But in a way, though technically difficult, that was a no-brainer: machines can “read” scans incredibly quickly and pick out ones that need specialist diagnosis and treatment.

But what about the diagnostic process itself, though? Cue an intriguing US study published in October in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which reported a randomised clinical trial on whether ChatGPT could improve the diagnostic capabilities of 50 practising physicians. The ho-hum conclusion was that “the availability of an LLM to physicians as a diagnostic aid did not significantly improve clinical reasoning compared with conventional resources”. But there was a surprising kicker: ChatGPT on its own demonstrated higher performance than both physician groups (those with and without access to the machine).

Or, as the New York Times summarised it, “doctors who were given ChatGPT-4 along with conventional resources did only slightly better than doctors who did not have access to the bot. And, to the researchers’ surprise, ChatGPT alone outperformed the doctors.”

More interesting, though, were two other revelations: the experiment demonstrated doctors’ sometimes unwavering belief in a diagnosis they had made, even when ChatGPT suggested a better one; and it also suggested that at least some of the physicians didn’t really know how best to exploit the tool’s capabilities. Which in turn revealed what AI advocates such as Ethan Mollick have been saying for aeons: that effective “prompt engineering” – knowing what to ask an LLM to get the most out of it – is a subtle and poorly understood art.

Equally interesting is the effect that collaborating with an AI has on the humans involved in the partnership. Over at MIT, a researcher ran an experiment to see how well material scientists could do their job if they could use AI in their research.

The answer was that AI assistance really seems to work, as measured by the discovery of 44% more materials and a 39% increase in patent filings. This was accomplished by the AI doing more than half of the “idea generation” tasks, leaving the researchers to the business of evaluating model-produced candidate materials. So the AI did most of the “thinking”, while they were relegated to the more mundane chore of evaluating the practical feasibility of the ideas. And the result: the researchers experienced a sharp reduction in job satisfaction!

Credit: The Guardian

Team Metabolic Health

Practising yoga for immunity is important during winter! Yoga and holistic wellness expert Anshuka Parwani shares its benefits and the poses you can try.

As the winter season approaches, our bodies undergo a natural shift. Colder temperatures and shorter days can challenge our immune systems, often leaving us more vulnerable to colds, fatigue, and seasonal blues. While we may instinctively turn to warmer clothes and hot drinks, there’s something powerful we often overlook: yoga. This ancient practice, combined with Ayurvedic principles, offers a holistic way to fortify our immunity, keeping us energised and resilient through the winter months. What if the key to winter wellness lay in aligning with our body’s rhythms through mindful movement, breathing, and a few herbs? Here’s how you can use yoga to boost your immunity and stay well this winter.

Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility or strength. It is deeply intertwined with our immune health, acting as a preventative shield by reducing stress, improving circulation, and enhancing lung function. When we practice yoga, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” response. This calms the body, lowers stress hormones like cortisol, and allows our immune system to work at its best.

Studies have shown that chronic stress can weaken immune responses, making us more susceptible to illness. Yoga helps by calming the mind, bringing us into the present moment, and ultimately improving our physical and mental resilience. A well-rounded yoga practice, combined with breathing exercises and meditation, helps balance the body and primes it for the challenges of winter.

Breathing practices to support immunity

Winter’s cold air and lower humidity can affect our respiratory health. Breathing practices (pranayama) can be invaluable tools to keep our lungs clear, improve oxygen intake, and support immunity. Here are three key breathing techniques:

1. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath)

This breathing exercise is a natural detoxifier. With quick, forceful exhalations and passive inhalations, Kapalabhati energizes the body and clears nasal passages. It’s a fantastic way to warm up in winter while also building lung strength.

2. Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing)

This pranayama is especially useful in winter, as it generates internal warmth and boosts energy. Surya Bhedana, or right nostril breathing, activates the body’s heating energy, promoting vitality and improving circulation. To practice, close the left nostril and inhale deeply through the right nostril, then exhale slowly through the left. Repeat for 5–10 rounds, especially in the mornings, to feel energized and balanced.

3. Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)

Bhastrika invigorates and warms the body by mimicking the act of bellows stoking a fire. Practising it for a few minutes daily can be a powerful way to kickstart your immune system, especially on cold mornings.

Yoga poses to strengthen immunity

Specific yoga poses support immunity by stimulating blood flow, opening the lungs, and gently massaging the internal organs. Here are a few key poses that are particularly beneficial in winter:

1. Twists

Twisting poses, such as Bharadvajasana (Seated Twist) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose), work wonders for detoxification. Twisting compresses and releases the digestive organs, which helps eliminate toxins and improve digestion—a key factor in immunity according to Ayurveda.

2. Backbends

Backbends such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) stimulate the thymus gland, which is responsible for producing T-cells, the immune system’s frontline defence against pathogens.

3. Inversions

Poses like Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) encourage lymphatic drainage, helping flush out toxins and keeping the body’s internal environment balanced. This is a gentle inversion that can be done at any age, promoting circulation and relaxing the mind.

Role of Ayurveda in winter wellness

Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, complements these practices beautifully, offering dietary and herbal tips to keep immunity strong. In winter, Ayurveda encourages us to balance Vata, the dosha (or bio-energy) associated with cold, dryness, and wind. When Vata is high, we may experience dry skin, achy joints, and even increased anxiety. Here’s how to balance it.

1. Warming foods and spices

Focus on cooked, warm, and nourishing foods. Include spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon, which have warming properties and help stimulate digestion. Turmeric, in particular, is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. A cup of turmeric milk, or golden milk, before bed, can be especially helpful.

2. Herbal allies

Certain Ayurvedic herbs are renowned for their immune-supportive properties. Ashwagandha, a powerful adaptogen, helps the body handle stress while boosting immunity. Tulsi (Holy Basil) is another potent herb with antimicrobial properties, often used in teas for respiratory health. A warm, soothing tea with Tulsi, ginger, and honey is an excellent way to start your morning.

3. Oil massage (Abhyanga)

Ayurveda recommends daily oil massage with warm sesame oil in winter. This practice not only moisturizes the skin but also grounds Vata and improves circulation, keeping the body warm and nourished. Plus, the massage itself is a form of self-care that calms the mind and reduces stress.

4. Meditation and mindfulness for inner strength

Winter can often bring with it a sense of sluggishness or even seasonal sadness, affecting not only our mood but also our immunity. Meditation and mindfulness practices can help combat this by enhancing mental resilience and grounding the mind.

A simple gratitude meditation—where you focus on what you’re thankful for each day—can work wonders. Studies show that gratitude increases feelings of positivity and reduces stress, which, in turn, supports a healthier immune system. Try setting aside just five minutes in the morning to breathe deeply, visualize yourself in good health, and mentally express gratitude for all the small joys in life.

Yoga for immunity: Winter routine you should follow

To help integrate these practices into your routine, here’s a simple sequence you can follow to build immunity this winter:

Warm-Up: Start with Kapalabhati pranayama for 1-2 minutes.

Twists: Move into Bharadvajasana or Ardha Matsyendrasana, holding each side for 5-8 breaths. Backbend: Follow up with Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) for 5 breaths, repeating twice.

Inversion: End with Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) for 5-10 minutes.

Breathwork Close: Practice 5–10 rounds of Surya Bhedana pranayama, and then finish with Nadi Shodhana.

Meditation: Set aside a few minutes for gratitude meditation

Embrace winter wellness with yoga

As we settle into the colder months, yoga and Ayurveda provide us with a toolkit to embrace winter wellness mindfully and holistically. By incorporating breathwork, immune-boosting poses, warming Ayurvedic practices, and meditation, we can prepare our bodies and minds for the season. Instead of viewing winter as a time of hibernation, let’s approach it as an opportunity to strengthen our resilience, stay active, and nurture ourselves from within.

With these mindful practices, we can carry the warmth of wellness into every chilly day.

(Anshuka Parwani is a Wellness Columnist for Health Shots. She writes an exclusive monthly column for the women’s health platform. A leading celebrity yoga and holistic wellness expert in India, Anshuka trains celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. A former pilot, she is the force behind Mumbai-based yoga studio Anshuka Yoga.)

Credit: healthshots.com

Team Metabolic Health

Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab and Hong Kong-listed Laekna (2105.HK), opens new tab will collaborate to develop an experimental obesity drug that aims to help patients lose weight while preserving muscle, the biotech said.

Eli Lilly logo is shown on one of the company’s offices in San Diego, California, U.S., September 17, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

WHY IT MATTERS

Lilly is aiming to strengthen its position as a leader in the obesity treatment market, which is expected to hit $150 billion in revenue by the next decade. Last year, the company spent about $2 billion to acquire Versanis’ drug that acts directly on fat cells, without prompting lean mass loss.

Several other drugmakers including Regeneron (REGN.O), opens new tab and Scholar Rock (SRRK.O), opens new tab are testing treatments that could help preserve muscle, which is often lost when patients lose weight through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or the use of GLP-1 treatments such as Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab Wegovy.

CONTEXT

The collaboration will accelerate the development of Laekna’s experimental drug, LAE102, which belongs to a class of drugs that play a key role in muscle regeneration as well as the breakdown and storage of fat for energy.

Lilly will fund the development of the drug and share its resources and expertise, but Laekna will retain the global rights for the drug and plans to advance the early-stage trial of the drug in China.

Laekna said the drug has shown to increase lean mass and decrease fat mass in lab studies. In combination with a GLP-1 treatment, it could further reduce fat mass and help patients significantly regain the lean mass lost during weight loss.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), has announced launching its popular obesity drug Wegovy in China, the world’s second-largest pharmaceuticals market where it estimates more than 180 million people live with obesity.

The move intensifies the competition with Eli Lilly (LLY.N), which secured approval for its weight-loss drug in China in July but has yet to launch it.

Both companies are ramping up production efforts to capitalise on a weight-loss market projected by analysts to exceed $150 billion by the beginning of the next decade.

A spokesperson for the Danish drugmaker confirmed the news to Reuters after it was first reported by China-based financial media outlet Yicai.

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

The price for a month’s supply of the starter dose of Wegovy will be 1,400 yuan ($193.27), Yicai reported. The list price of Wegovy in the U.S. is about $1,349 for a month’s supply.

The Novo spokesperson did not comment on the price.

Novo Nordisk gained approval for Wegovy in China in June, and will initially target Chinese patients willing to pay out-of-pocket for the weekly injectable drug.

Novo launched Wegovy in the U.S. in 2021. Strong sales there and in the 15 other countries where Wegovy has since launched, have propelled Novo’s shares to record highs. The company has a market capitalisation of about $449 billion.

Wegovy will not be reimbursed by China’s national healthcare insurance, which provides basic coverage for most of the country’s 1.4 billion people. Novo is looking for ways to make the medicine more affordable, such as through commercial insurance, an executive was quoted as saying in the Yicai report.

The company is launching a “digital patient service platform” for patients taking the medicine, it said on its WeChat account.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains semaglutide, a medication that belongs to a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medicines help people manage their weight by reducing hunger and helping the body feel fuller for longer. Here’s how Wegovy works and why it’s effective for weight management.

Key Takeaways

How Wegovy Works for Weight Loss

Wegovy, containing semaglutide, reduces hunger and helps people feel fuller for longer by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and slows digestion. This makes it effective for steady weight management.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy works with the body’s natural hunger-control system rather than solely suppressing appetite. This makes it more sustainable than traditional diet pills, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Safe, Regulated Weight Management Option

Wegovy has MHRA approval in the UK for adults with a BMI of 30+ or 27+ with weight-related health issues. It is a weekly injection that can support long-term weight loss and improve health related to high blood pressure or diabetes.

What are GLP-1 receptor agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body known as GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar and appetite [1] and also plays a role in slowing down digestion. By mimicking GLP-1, medications like Wegovy help people feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating.

How do GLP-1 receptor agonists help with weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists work in several ways to help people lose weight:

Appetite control:

They target areas in the brain responsible for hunger, helping people feel full with less food.

Slower digestion:

By slowing down the emptying of the stomach, these medications help people feel satisfied for longer periods, reducing the need to snack or overeat.

These actions together make GLP-1 receptor agonists, like the semaglutide in Wegovy, powerful tools for managing weight when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

How does Wegovy work differently from other weight loss treatments?

Unlike traditional diet pills, Wegovy works by mimicking the body’s natural hunger-control system rather than simply suppressing appetite. This means it can be more effective and sustainable for long-term weight management when used alongside a balanced diet and exercise.

Is Wegovy safe for weight management?

In the UK, Wegovy has been approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) for adults who meet specific criteria, such as having a high BMI or weight-related health issues. The medication has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness in supporting weight loss.

Who can use Wegovy?

Wegovy may be suitable for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of 27 and a weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure. A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if Wegovy is appropriate for each individual.

How is Wegovy taken?

Wegovy is a self-administered injection that is used once a week. It’s usually injected in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm and is designed to gradually help the body adjust to lower calorie intake and weight loss.

What are the benefits of using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy for weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy provide a steady, manageable approach to weight loss, helping people to:

Lose weight steadily by reducing hunger and calorie intake.

Improve overall health by managing weight-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

With consistent use, Wegovy can support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise

Credit: ukmeds.co.uk/blog

Team Metabolic Health

Walking is one of the most effective exercises that aids weight loss by burning calories, boosting metabolism, and improving digestion. To make your daily walks even more effective, try these 7 styles of walking for weight loss.

Brisk Walking

It is an effective and simple way to aid weight loss. By walking at a faster pace than your usual stroll, you engage in a cardiovascular workout that burn calories and improves overall fitness. This easy-to-do exercise does not require any special equipment, making it accessible for anyone. The increased pace raises your heart rate, helping you burn more calories and improve metabolism. Whether on a treadmill, in a nearby park, or a garden, brisk walking can be done anywhere, making it a great walking type for weight loss.

Reverse Walking

It means walking backward, which might sound a bit unusual, but it is highly effective for weight loss. This type of walking engages muscles that do not get much use during regularwalking, like your hamstrings and glutes. Plus, it improves your balance and coordination. While it may take some practice to get the hang of it, reverse walking offers a fun way to challenge your body and boost calorie burn in a unique manner.

8-Shaped Walking

It is when you walk in the shape of a figure eight, turning and weaving as you go. This can be done in a large open space, such as a park or gym. The constant direction changes keep your muscles engaged, especially your legs and core. This variation not only boosts calorie burn but also enhances agility and coordination, making it a fun and dynamic way to lose weight.

Race Walking

It is a competitive walking style where you move quickly but must follow strict techniques—one foot must always touch the ground, and your leading leg must be straight when it touches. This form of walking is fast-paced and intense, helping you burn more calories effectively. Race walking is a great way to challenge your muscles and increase your fitness level, especially if you want to lose weight.

Nordic Walking

It involves using special poles while walking, which activates the muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper body. This type of walking turns a regular walk into a full-body workout, helping you burn more calories and build strength. The poles also provide extra support and stability, which is great for people who might have joint concerns or want to get more out of their walk.

Incline Walking

It is walking uphill or using a treadmill set to an incline. Walking on an incline makes the exercise more challenging because you are working against gravity. This type of walkingtargets your glutes, calves, and hamstrings more than flat walking, which helps tone those muscles. It is also a fantastic way to burn more calories because the added resistance makes your body work harder.

Walking With Weights

This type of walking involves carrying light dumbbells or wearing a weighted vest while you walk. The added weight makes your muscles work harder, boosting calorie burn and toning your upper body and core. Start with light weights to prevent strain, and gradually increase the load as your fitness level improves. It is an easy way to speed up metabolism for weight loss.

Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

News Credit: healthshots.com

Team Metabolic Health

Winter is not only about indulging in high-calorie foods. In fact, the colder months offers some delicious, seasonal fruits that can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals as well. Here are 7 fantastic fruits for weight loss to enjoy during winter.

Oranges

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient that helps boost immunity and boost metabolism. When it comes to weight loss, oranges are a great source of fibre and watercontent, which can help keep hunger at bay and promote satiety. Additionally, oranges are not only low in calories, their natural sweetness can satisfy sugar cravings, reducing the urge to eat sugary snacks and other foods. Enjoy them fresh or add orange slices to salad to enjoy them as snacks.

Berries

Berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, can be a great addition to any weight loss diet. These fruits are not only low in calories but also rich in antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins. The high fibre content in berries helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing the risk of overeating. Berries are also packed with water, which can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Instead of eating them directly, you can add berries to your morning smoothie, yoghurt, or oatmeal as well.

Pears

Pears are another winter fruit that can help with weight loss. They are rich in fibre, especially pectin, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, promote digestion and curb appetite. The high water content in pears makes them a hydrating and satisfying snack that won’t weigh you down with excess calories. Pears are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall metabolic health. Pears can be eaten raw or sliced into salads.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is often considered a superfood for weight loss due to its ability to boost metabolism and suppress appetite. It is low in calories, with half a grapefruit containing just about 40 calories. Rich in water content, grapefruit helps keep you hydrated and support healthy digestion. The natural acidity in grapefruit can also help improve digestion, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Eating half a grapefruit before meals may help control hunger and prevent overeating.

Custard Apple

Custard apple, also known as cherimoya, is a tropical fruit that is available during the winter months in some regions. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great option for boosting overall health. Despite its creamy texture, custard apples are relatively low in calories and high in fibre, which can aid in weight loss. Enjoy custard apple as a snack or blend it into smoothies for a creamy, guilt-free treat.

Kiwi

Kiwi is a small but mighty fruit that is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. This exotic fruit is known for its ability to promote healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements, which is crucial for effective weight loss. The high fibre content of this fruit also keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack mindlessly. Its natural sweetness and tangy flavour make it an excellent addition to fruit salads, smoothies, or eaten on its own as a refreshing snack.

Starfruit

Starfruit, also known as carambola, is a tropical fruit with a star-like shape and a slightly tangy flavour. This exotic fruit is low in calories but packed with nutrients like fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The high fibre content helps keep you feeling full longer, reducing cravings and overeating. Starfruit is also mostly water, making it hydrating and low in calories, perfect for those looking to shed kilos without feeling deprived. Plus, its antioxidants support your metabolism and overall health.

Image Courtesy: Adobe Stock

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Team Metabolic Health

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining the health of your nervous system and red blood cells, said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road

Often, we fail to follow the dos and don’ts when it comes to foods and medicines — simply because there is so much to remember. But that’s just us. You must always stick to having vitamin D capsules after breakfast or lunch because it is fat soluble, and vitamin b12 supplements during the day and not at night. Why, you ask? According to nutritionist Amita Gadre, taking vitamin B12 supplements at night can mess with your sleep cycle. “Since B12 boosts energy, it’s best to take it earlier in the day. Timing is everything when it comes to supplements,” said Gadre.

Vitamin B12 deficiency, following which the supplements are advised, usually presents symptoms like anaemia, feeling tired or weak, trouble while walking, weight loss, irritability, poor appetite, and diarrhea. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is usually seen in people who do not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when their digestive tract does not absorb enough.

When is a good time to take a supplement? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the nervous system and red blood cells, said Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. “Vitamin B12 is best taken in the morning due to its role in energy production. It helps form red blood cells, supports nerve function, and contributes to DNA synthesis. As a result, it boosts energy levels and can increase alertness,” said Dr Ramesh A, consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad.

Agreed Dr Aniket Mule, consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, and said that vitamin B12 supplement plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and nervous system function and, hence, should be taken during the day. “This is so because the B12 can increase alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue, which could lead to difficulty falling asleep,” said Dr Mule.

Dr Mule added that one may also feel energetic and fail to sleep well at night. “It is also believed that B12 at night may not only impact the body’s absorption process but also interfere with other nighttime bodily functions that take place to repair and recover processes essential for overall wellness,” he told indianexpress.com.

Dr Ramesh recommended taking Vitamin B12 supplements earlier for optimal absorption and to avoid sleep disturbances.

This supplement is most often recommended to patients during the day. However, if your doctor has particularly advised you to take vitamin B12 at night, it is best to follow their instructions,” said Dr Mule.

If you have specific medical conditions or dietary restrictions, consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice on timing and dosage.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Credit: The Indian Express

Team Metabolic Health

Amgen’s experimental drug MariTide helped overweight or obese patients shed up to 20% of their body weight in a mid-stage trial, but the results failed to meet lofty investor expectations and shares of the biotech company fell 4.8% on Tuesday.

The year-long trial involving 592 people tested several different doses of the drug as a monthly or bi-monthly injection. Amgen said it also planned to study quarterly dosing.

Analysts said the weight-loss benefit was in line with currently available once-weekly injected drugs from Novo Nordisk (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab and Eli Lilly (LLY.N), opens new tab, while Amgen’s drug had slightly more side effects.

Novo’s Wegovy led to 15% weight loss over 68 weeks, while Zepbound helped patients lose more than 22% of weight over 72 weeks in trials.

Trial data showed that about 11% of patients on MariTide dropped out of the study due to adverse side effects. That compares with about 6% discontinuations in late-stage studies of Zepbound, said J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott.

Amgen said nausea and vomiting events were mild and substantially reduced as the dose escalated.

“While Maritide is clearly effective and will offer less frequent dosing, the bar for efficacy in the class continues to move higher,” Schott said.

He added that the Street expects Novo and Lilly’s experimental drugs – CagriSema and retatrutide – to deliver a minimum of 25% weight loss.

Shares of Amgen fell 4.8% to $280.01 at close, erasing more than $7 billion from the Dow component’s market value.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed expanding coverage of anti-obesity drugs, like Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab Wegovy, for more than 7 million people with Medicare and Medicaid health coverage, which could cut out-of-pocket expenses for some by as much as 95%.

This would enable more Americans to afford new weight loss medications in the GLP-1 class that have been shown to reduce weight by as much as 20% on average and can help prevent type 2 diabetes but cost as much as $1,000 a month without insurance coverage. The drugs have also been shown in trials to lower the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular-related death.

Injection pens and boxes of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy are shown in this photo illustration in Oslo, Norway, November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Victoria Klesty/File Photo 

Current rules for the Medicare government health insurance program cover the use of GLP-1 drugs such as Eli Lilly’s (LLY.N), opens new tab Mounjaro and Novo’s Ozempic for conditions like diabetes, but not the versions of those drugs like Wegovy that have been approved to treat obesity as a condition on its own.

Medicaid programs, which are state-run, can cover the drugs but many choose not to.

Lilly’s shares were up 4.4%, while Novo’s U.S.-listed shares were up around 1.5% in afternoon trading.

The proposed regulation, which was posted on the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, would require Medicare to cover these drugs as a treatment for obesity, expanding access for an estimated 3.4 million Americans with Medicare.

It would also expand access to the medications for approximately 4 million adult Medicaid enrollees, according to the White House.

The program would be effective starting in 2026 if President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration backs the move; the rule’s comment period is open until Jan. 27, after the inauguration. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s choice for health secretary, has said that America should tackle obesity through healthy eating, not medicine.

“This is setting up a political landmine for the Trump administration,” said Ge Bai, professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University.

Because the incoming administration is going to be under pressure to cut costs, Bai said the move could help critics on the left build a narrative that Trump is taking away important health benefits.

Indeed, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden said on Tuesday that he was pleased to see the broader coverage and would be watchdogging the Trump administration to ensure there is no backsliding.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

More than 200,000 prescriptions for copies of Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), opens new tab weight-loss drug Wegovy are getting filled by U.S. patients each month, an industry group told the U.S. drugs regulator in a letter, saying it should consider their role in alleviating the obesity drug supply crunch before barring them.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is weighing whether to remove Wegovy from its shortage list, which has allowed compounding pharmacies to combine and mix copies of the highly sought-after drugs for more than a year.

Injection pens and boxes of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy are shown in this photo illustration in Oslo, Norway, November 21, 2023. REUTERS/Victoria Klesty/Illustration/File Photo 

Americans who cannot afford Wegovy or have struggled to find it have been turning to often-cheaper compounded versions sold by pharmacies and telehealth providers like Hims & Hers Health (HIMS.N), opens new tab. Wegovy has been shown to help patients lose as much as 15% of their weight on average.

Once off the shortage list, the pharmacies could be forced to halt production, potentially pushing patients back to Novo, which has so far this year nearly tripled its weekly U.S. supply.

Monthly U.S. prescriptions of Novo’s Wegovy are running about four times that of these compounders, based on member survey results from the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, which represents compounding pharmacists and technicians.

The survey results and the compounding industry’s letter to the FDA have not been previously reported. The group said the count was likely conservative since not all members responded.

Novo Nordisk declined to comment. It has previously said it wants to ensure patients receive only FDA-approved, safe and effective semaglutide products, and has applied to the FDA to exempt the drug from U.S. regulations that allow it to be compounded.

The FDA said it was working to determine whether the demand or projected demand for semaglutide within the U.S. exceeds the available supply, and that while compounded drugs serve an important medical need for certain patients, they also present a risk because they are not approved by the agency.

Credit: Reuters

Team Metabolic Health

More and more Indians across ages are catching fewer hours of sleep than ever before. Here’s looking at India’s new tribe of ‘woke’ people

“Error 404: Sleep not found.” That was the insta message card that changed the life of 31-year-old Karthik Bhaskar, who would scroll his way to dawn, sleep at 5 am and wake up three hours later to be in time for his corporate job. “Being a movie buff, I devoured world cinema in my after-hours. My alertness levels went up, my brain could not wind down, my stress hormone cortisol was dangerously high and my body crashed after my 30th birthday. It turned me into a zombie. I felt disembodied and scared,” he says.

Studies have shown that 61 per cent of Indians reported fewer than six hours of uninterrupted night sleep over the past year (Illustration: Komal)

After intense self-help therapies, he now sleeps by 11 pm, goes for a morning run and then heads to office. “All my waking moments are so full and active these days that I fall asleep easily,” says the IIM Bangalore alumni, who has started an online wellness newsletter, ‘Tiny Wins, A Letter from Your Future Self on 0.1 per cent Growth Daily’.

“When it comes to sleep, motivation won’t take you places, discipline will. Discipline cultivates a habit and puts your life on autopilot,” says Bhaskar, who now helps young people restructure their lives, not just their sleep. There are many like him in the ‘vampire’ tribe who are battling sleeplessness, purely because of a habit of their own making, seldom because of an underlying health condition. Like Srigandh Nagaraj, 33, a Bengaluru-based environmental engineer working remotely for a Singapore firm, who had gotten so comfortable with the idea of not sleeping and living life in the moment that he literally woke up after blanking out while driving. “Watching reels is the new smoking,” he says.

Delhi’s Rishabh Chauhan, 27, would feel a workplace high even after two hours of sleep, till he felt cut off in his nocturnal island. Meanwhile in Chennai, Srijata Narayanan, 33, got so addicted to doomscrolling that she developed hyperanxiety.

Indians across age groups are sleeping less. Much of it is driven by habit rather than medical reasons. “Call it a brain pop, when the control centre of the human body is overstimulated and on a high. This has a cascading effect on the heart, gut, hormones and other organs. Then it becomes a vicious cycle of sleep-deficit causing disease and disease causing sleep deficit. Just going by the complaints of my patients, I would say that Indians today are sleeping no more than four hours,” says Dr Vivek Nangia, head of Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Delhi’s Max Hospital.

A social media platform, LocalCircles, has found that 61 per cent of Indians reported fewer than six hours of uninterrupted night sleep over the past year. The sleep solutions company, Wakefit, has found that in 2024, about 88 per cent respondents are on their mobile phones before going to bed, and as many as 54 per cent stay up beyond bed time to consume social media and OTT content.

What’s driving us to stay up?

“A lack of mindfulness and respect for oneself,” says Dr Nangia, bluntly. Of all our bodily functions, sleep seems to be the most negotiable, an indulgence rather than a necessity. Worst, in performance-driven lives, it seems like a frivolity. As Nagaraj says, “I, too, felt the pressure of building social accountability. A social media index is like a goalpost, not only for your peers but your friends, too. So you make time for it. Besides, late night is the only time most people can devote to personal freedoms without a stopwatch dangling over their heads. It’s easy to control the last few hours of your day. Two-and-a-half hours on Bengaluru roads, 12- to 14-hour work days, chores and regular activities had pushed sleep lower down my to-do list. I had given up sports, even talked to my five-month baby while driving so that he became familiar with my voice.”

This is what’s called the “revenge bedtime procrastination,” a pop psychology term since 2014, meaning a let-yourself-go moment with electronic device use. This ‘self-command’ mode is actually ‘self-defeatist’ because we do not understand the function of sleep. Dr Viny Kantroo, respiratory and sleep medicine expert at Delhi’s Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, says that one out of every 10 patients she sees has a sleep disorder. “We not only underestimate the value of sleep but its quality. Deeper planes of sleep are required for cell restoration. That’s the time when the body gets rid of toxins, which are inflammatory molecules in the body. Be it diabetes, obesity, heart disease, everything happens from inflammation. It is also the time when metabolic waste is flushed out from the brain, preventing dementia. The nutrient assimilation from the food we eat is incomplete when we sleep poorly,” she explains.

Research has shown that most lifestyle-induced diseases are controlled easily by eating, sleeping and waking up according to the diurnal cycle to which our bodies are programmed. Although compensatory sleep during day time is inevitable for shift workers, it is the night sleep that matters. “Cortisol, your wake-up hormone, is a day hormone.

Melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, kicks in during the evening, peaks at 10 pm and starts dipping post 2 am. So when you stay up late, the body and hormones get confused. The cortisol has to reactivate itself while the melatonin doesn’t know if it has to wind down. With continuous suppression, its levels get depleted and you remain sleepless. This also raises levels of ghrelin, your hunger hormone, and makes you raid the refrigerator in the middle of the night, piling up more calories than your body can burn at that hour,” says Dr Kantroo.

Young people have a high metabolism, so they have the energy reserve to sustain wear-and-tear caused by this mad tussle in the body. “My patients are usually in the 15-25 age group, who suppress sleep because of peer pressures and study load for competitive exams. Or in the 30-45 working professional age group. The background noise has happened but is not showing up. That’s why we see young heart attacks, early onset diabetes, hypertension and obesity,” says Dr Kantroo.

Sleep has many stages. The first stage is when you are still aware of your surroundings. The second and third stages are the deeper and restorative sleep, when you are not receptive to the environment. This should ideally last four hours or make up 60 per cent of your sleep, according to Dr Kantroo. The last stage is the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep where dreams happen and memories are consolidated, and should last one-and-a-half hours. If this pattern is broken frequently or crunched into two hours, like Chauhan did at one time, a sudden sleep attack during daytime could happen and can paralyse you. “I would crash without warning and sleep for 16 hours at a stretch after three days of barely sleeping for two hours,” he admits.

Nagaraj got worried when he started snoring, wondering if he had a medical condition like sleep apnea, when airways collapse and shallow breathing disrupts oxygen flow. Though his sleep therapist ruled that out and suggested melatonin supplements for sleep hygiene, he didn’t want to be dependent. He took a tough step, deactivating his social media accounts and signing out of chat applications at a certain hour. “I had to be healthy for my baby. I realised social media was not really knowledge-worthy, there’s always the Internet to refer to. I saved over two hours, slept earlier, woke up earlier and found time for Suryanamaskara. I limited partying, avoided drinking on Fridays. Now on weekends, we go on drives, visit my parents and engage in some real-world socialising. In short, I moderated every indulgence,” says Nagaraj, who claims to have understood his body’s needs like balancing an equation.

Bhaskar, who had pushed his bedtime to 2 am and then to 5 am, had a rude awakening one day when he felt utterly exhausted after climbing a flight of stairs. “I realised I had become a creature of habit. I stopped watching films at 11 pm which would keep me awake till 1 am. I chose reading self-help books like Atomic Habits (2018), which helped me make small changes every day. I rolled back my sleep time by 15 minutes at first, then half-an-hour. After 60 days, I could sleep by 12.30 am instead of 4 am,” he says. He now dozes off by 11 pm after a light dinner at 8 pm. He deleted video-streaming apps on his phone and reset the time settings to lock apps. “Just make bad habits difficult to access and half the battle is won,” says Bhaskar.

He now has daily conversations with his mother, something he missed earlier as he would wake up late and make a mad dash to work. “I have started the 100-day running challenge with my friends, beginning with 500 metres and hoping to do 10 km a day. Since it is a group project, I know I will commit to it,” says Bhaskar. He even has a checklist, realistically pushing work that’s not a priority to another day and evening out the work pressure over days. His newsletter is a hit and he uses his morning walks to gather feedback.

Chauhan is currently on talk therapy to deal with his deep-seated childhood trauma of his mother’s death, one that kept him awake and made him listless. “I now eat clean and do Vipassana, which helps you bring your mind to the present moment of body awareness. So if your body is tired, the mind will focus on it instead of wandering off, telling you to rest,” he adds. Research by the Department of Science and Technology has shown that Vipassana meditation practitioners transition from light to deep sleep faster and have a longer duration of deep sleep. It can even increase REM sleep states.

Both he and Narayanan are trying out sleep aids like mattresses and pillows made out of memory foam that support the body and help you fall asleep comfortably. Narayanan has taken her sleep hours so seriously that she’s become obsessed with the sleep tracker data on her smartphone. “The first thing I do in the morning is check my sleep quality,” she says.

This addiction is called orthosomnia, something that Dr Suhas HS, sleep medicine expert at Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, sees routinely in the IT hub. The problem is sleep trackers only measure your dormant state, not your quality. “Only a clinical study can tell you about heart rate, brainwaves, breath patterns, snoring index and diagnose if your sleep disorder is habitual or medical. Besides, why build up another stress? Just seeing the sun first thing in the day can recharge you,” he says. At least India’s youngsters are trying to find their sweet spot, with or without the sun.

Credit: The Indian Express

Team Metabolic Health

Nutrition isn’t a supplement — it’s foundational to metabolic health. It’s time we integrate more ‘Food as Medicine’ initiatives alongside the GLP-1 therapies that are gaining traction. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Wegovy and Ozempic, have taken center stage in obesity and diabetes treatment, praised for their ability to curb appetite, reduce “food noise,” and slow digestion for dramatic weight loss results. While these medications play a strong role in chronic disease management, they’re no replacement for healthy nutrition. Food itself is one of the best therapeutic tools for long-term health — and it’s certainly less expensive than GLP-1 therapies. In fact, a recent study reveals that nationwide use of Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) for patients with diet-sensitive conditions, like obesity and diabetes, could prevent around 1.6 million hospitalizations and save $13.6 billion every year. It’s time we stop treating nutrition like a side dish in healthcare. If we truly want to optimize population metabolic health, we need to integrate more ‘Food as Medicine’ approaches with pharmacotherapy for better obesity and diabetes outcomes — and cost savings.

Monica Vajani, Executive Director for mHUB’s MedTech Accelerator, discusses how mHUB is helping innovators transition healthcare towards value-based care.

To fully integrate Food as Medicine into chronic care, we need to focus on prevention, companion therapy, and post-medication strategies:

Prevention – Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) and Groceries (MTGs) offer nutrient-dense, heart-healthy options for conditions like prediabetes and heart disease. Combining these with Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and personalized plans could transform preventive care. Regular screenings, lifestyle counseling, and dietitian partnerships must become part of standard care to make this work.

Companion therapy – Registered dietitians can work with physicians prescribing GLP-1s to create nutrition plans that address muscle preservation, micronutrient intake, and gut health. Higher protein diets, functional foods like prebiotics and probiotics, and medically tailored meal replacements can complement GLP-1 therapy and improve outcomes. Taking advantage of diminished food noise when on GLP-1s, dietitians can help patients focus on mindful eating choosing foods to fuel their body rather than their emotions. Collaboration between dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists is essential.

Post-medication strategy – After GLP-1 therapy, Food as Medicine is critical to maintaining health. Research shows that many individuals experience a reversal in weight loss and other health markers (like fasting blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, and more) when coming off anti-obesity medications. Prescriptive nutrition plans, coupled with medically tailored meals, can help sustain the positive outcomes achieved during therapy.

Driving innovation and collaboration in the Food as Medicine movement

There’s a lot of potential for creative collaboration. Healthcare providers and dietitians can partner with major food retailers like Kroger or Walmart to offer MTGs, with stores featuring dedicated sections for these products. “Food prescriptions” could be fulfilled through local or online grocers, blending convenience with clinical nutrition.

Food companies could team up with health systems to provide medically tailored meal services for chronic conditions. For example, a diabetes management meal plan delivered via a service like Hello Fresh, combined with nutrition education, could create lasting health impacts.

Digital health platforms are another avenue for innovation. As employers increasingly adopt digital health solutions for chronic disease management, FAM interventions can be seamlessly integrated, allowing companies to track engagement and health outcomes, demonstrating cost savings and better health for employees. According to this study, providing medically tailored meals increases dietary adherence above 90% and allows patients to realize significantly better chronic disease control. Dietitian-led obesity solutions present an opportunity to scale medically tailored meal support to whole populations.

Medically Tailored Meals could be a game-changer for underserved, food-insecure populations struggling with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. By partnering with social impact investors, public health agencies can make FAM programs a staple within Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, ensuring everyone has access to nutritious meals. Together, these collaborations can break down barriers to health equity and make healthy food accessible to all.

Building a future for sustainable health

Scaling the Food as Medicine movement requires cross-industry partnerships and creative solutions. By fostering collaboration between healthcare, technology, employers, insurers, and the food industry, we can make nutrition a core component of healthcare. Together, we can improve outcomes, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future where food truly is medicine.

Credit: medicitynews.com

Team Metabolic Health

Over the past decade, China has emerged as a leader in the development and production of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. Several Chinese medical device companies have risen to challenge traditional  leaders from the United States and Europe. Companies like Ypsomed, Lepu Medical, and Panasonic Healthcare have invested heavily in R&D and manufacturing to develop high-quality, affordable CGMs.

Lepu Medical was one of the first Chinese companies to commercialize a CGM system. Their Smart Sensor won regulatory approval in 2013 and quickly gained popularity in China and other Asian s. The device offered real-time glucose readings through a mobile app at a much lower cost than competing products from abroad. Recognizing the growth potential, many medical investors poured resources into CGM startups throughout China.

Exporting Quality CGMs Globally

Driven by cost advantages and technological progress, China Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices exports have skyrocketed in recent years. Companies like Ypsomed have received FDA and CE Mark approval, allowing them to penetrate Western s. Their Balance CGM system matches the performance of  leaders but retails at 30-50% lower price points. This value proposition has won over both individuals and institutional customers like hospitals and insurers.

Chinese manufacturers have also become major suppliers to North American medtech giants. Companies will often partner with Chinese OEMs for contract manufacturing or joint ventures. For example, Dexcom produces some of its CGM sensors in a Panasonic Healthcare factory in China. These partnerships allow global firms to keep costs low while China gains access to international sales channels and technical expertise.

Improving Technologies to Drive Future Growth

While China has achieved success exporting basic CGM devices, the next phase of growth relies on continuous technological advancement. Domestically, Chinese companies are striving to match the innovation of American and European competitors. Areas of focus include miniaturization, extended wear time, enhanced accuracy, and integration with artificial intelligence platforms.

Ypsomed’s Micro Pump system represents an innovative leap. The tiny pump and refillable CGM sensors can provide glucose readings for up to 90 days, removing much of the hassle of daily CGM use. If proven effective in clinical studies, Micro Pump could disrupt the CGM . Lepu Medical is developing algorithms using machine learning techniques to predict glucose trends, giving users more time to react to changing levels.

Regulatory Hurdles Remain

Although Chinese CGM technology is advancing rapidly, regulatory and quality approval remains an obstacle for broader global expansion. International standards like FDA clearance involves extensive clinical testing that Chinese companies have only recently been undertaking. Gaining the trust and acceptance of global medical authorities will be crucial for long-term success abroad.

Quality management also needs improvement to meet stringent Western requirements. Early issues with reliability and sensor accuracy meant Chinese devices faced distrust in some overseas s. Regulators are keeping a close watch to ensure patient safety as Chinese exports grow. Companies must demonstrate robust, consistent quality if they want to dominate as leaders rather than low-cost suppliers.

The Future Looks Bright

If Chinese CGM manufacturers can successfully navigate regulatory challenges and continue pushing technical boundaries, the future outlook is highly promising. With a large domestic diabetes population and lower manufacturing costs, China is primed to be a dominant global force. Cooperation with multinationals will also help Chinese players access international expertise while expanding sales networks. Although competition will remain fierce, China’s commitment to CGM innovation points to many more breakthrough products ahead that can transform diabetes management worldwide.

Credit: marketwebjournal.com

Team Metabolic Health

Google’s $20M Fund Aims to Revolutionize Science with Artificial Intelligence

Google is making a significant investment in the future of science and research by committing $20 million in funding and an additional $2 million in cloud credits. This initiative, spearheaded by Google.org, aims to empower scientists and researchers to tackle complex challenges and achieve groundbreaking discoveries using artificial intelligence (AI).

Demis Hassabis, CEO and co-founder of Google DeepMind, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in scientific endeavors. “I believe artificial intelligence will help scientists and researchers achieve some of the greatest breakthroughs of our time,” Hassabis stated. The fund, announced via Google.org, seeks to foster collaboration between public and private sectors while encouraging innovative applications of AI in science.

The funding program targets projects that leverage AI to solve intricate problems at the intersections of various scientific disciplines. According to Maggie Johnson, Google’s VP and global head of Google.org, fields such as rare and neglected disease research, experimental biology, materials science, and sustainability hold tremendous promise for AI-driven advancements.

Winning applicants will benefit not only from financial support but also from access to Google’s cloud infrastructure, enabling them to scale and power their research projects effectively. Johnson highlighted that the initiative aims to inspire excitement around AI’s potential in science and encourage other stakeholders to join in funding similar efforts.

This move by Google follows a broader trend of tech giants investing in AI-driven research. Recently, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced $110 million in grants and credits to attract AI researchers to its ecosystem. The competition among tech companies to lead AI innovation underscores the growing recognition of AI’s pivotal role in shaping the future of science and technology.

Hassabis expressed optimism about the initiative’s impact, saying, “We hope the launch of our $20 million fund will inspire further collaboration and renewed enthusiasm for the power of AI and science.” By supporting interdisciplinary projects, Google aims to advance knowledge in areas that could benefit humanity significantly, such as sustainability and health care.

This also attests to Google’s philosophy of approaching other world leading scientific minds. Combined here are direct grants of cash and modern cloud solutions that allow the company to become an important partner of the scientific community in the search for new solutions.

The advent of Google fund is a clear testimony that technologies giant deem AI/Science as a perfect cocktail with which to address the challenges. That this race is intensifying towards actually applying AI for the greater good identifies this move as establishing a model for collaboration between tech executives and scientific scientists.

Credit: analyticsinsight.net