Until law, GLP-1 drugs were used to treat diabetes, obesity and even the recent evidences suggest that it could as well be used to treat chronic kidney problems. There is yet another research, published in JAMA Psychiatry on February 25, titled Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial that explores if GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in adults with alcohol use disorder.

What Do Studies Say?

The research was conducted over a period of 9 weeks, where in the randomized clinical trial, the participants who were administered semaglutide, it led to reductions in some but not all measures of weekly consumptions. It also reduced weekly alcohol and craving related to placebo, and also led to a greater relative reduction in cigarettes per day.

The research also found that weekly injections of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in weight loss drugs like Wegovy also helped reduce cravings in people with alcohol use disorder.

The lead author Christian Hendershot said that these findings will help in developing new approaches to treat alcoholism. "Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren't widely used. The popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists increases the chances of broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder," said Hendershot in news release by the University of Southern California's Institute for Addiction Research, where he is the director.

The study is government-funded research and was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The study was small, and took in account for only 48 adults over two months, thus experts say that it is not yet clear how safe these drugs are for people who do not need to lose weight. Though the results do add up with the evidence form animal studies on drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on how it helps manage cravings, not just for food, but also for tobacco and alcohol. Scientists are also studying these drugs on smokers, people with opioid addiction and cocaine users.

Co-author Dr Klara Klein of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who treats people with obesity and diabetes said, "This is such promising data. And we need more of it. We frequently will hear that once people start these medications that their desire to drink is very reduced, if not completely abolished."

Why Does It Work So Well Against Alcoholism?

The GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking hormones GLP-1 in the gut and brain that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. This response is what helps one lose weight, and what helps one curb their craving for alcohol. These drugs that mimic the functioning of your brain, which is responsible to tell your body when to stop consuming, are the same hormones that tell your body about other kinds of consumptions, including alcohol. Therefore by consuming the weight loss drugs one can treat alcohol use disorder.

However, the researchers have pointed out on the limited data on the research and have suggested to continue using the three approved drugs by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, namely, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate to treat alcohol use disorder until large studies confirm these findings.

Children who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods may already be showing subtle changes in the way their bodies regulate insulin, potentially increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.

According to a new study published in the journal Nutrients, children who have higher amounts of in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had reduced insulin sensitivity and higher insulin secretion, even though they did not have diabetes.

The findings note that the metabolic changes linked to diabetes may begin much earlier in life than previously thought.

How Was The Study Conducted?

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The study analyzed data from 508 non-diabetic Mexican American children aged 6 to 17 years participating in the San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth (SAFARI) study.

Researchers examined the participants' diets using food frequency questionnaires and estimated the proportion of calories coming from ultra-processed foods, like sugary beverages, packaged snacks, processed meats, instant meals, and breakfast cereals.

On average, more than 53% of the children's daily calorie intake came from ultra-processed foods.

Using fasting blood samples and oral glucose tolerance tests, the team evaluated 19 measures of insulin function, including insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell activity.

They found that children with higher ultra-processed food intake had lower insulin sensitivity, meaning their bodies responded less effectively to insulin. At the same time, their pancreases appeared to compensate by producing more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

"The association between ultra-processed food intake and decreased insulin sensitivity, along with increased insulin secretion, suggests that these dietary patterns may contribute to early metabolic dysfunction before overt diabetes develops," the researchers wrote in the study.

The researchers adjusted their analyses for several factors that could influence metabolism, including age, sex, physical activity, puberty, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and family relationships. The associations remained almost the same even after these adjustments.

Poor Insulin Response From A Young Age

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Although blood glucose levels remained largely normal among participants, the findings indicate that the pancreas may already be working harder to compensate for declining insulin sensitivity.

"These findings underscore the importance of limiting ultra-processed food consumption during childhood to help preserve healthy insulin function and potentially reduce future cardiometabolic disease risk," the authors noted.

The researchers said several mechanisms could explain the link. Ultra-processed foods are often rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and food additives while being low in fiber.

These characteristics may promote inflammation, alter the gut microbiome, and impair the body's ability to regulate insulin over time.

Not Definite Cause And Effect

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However, the authors cautioned that the study does not prove cause and effect. Because it was a cross-sectional study, it can only identify associations.

They also noted that dietary intake was self-reported, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the Mexican American children included in the study.

The researchers said more studies following children over time are needed to determine whether reducing ultra-processed food intake can help prevent insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their future.

Added Risk Of Hypertension In Children

Due to poor diet, hypertension or high blood pressure has become an increasingly common problem among children and adolescents

Doctors think obesity, poor diet, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, low exercise, and watching too much screen time are all factors that are driving up hypertension rates in kids and teens. Other kidney disease, heart disease, hormone imbalances, or family history can also contribute in some children.

Regular blood pressure checks on children's routine visits are very significant because many children with hypertension may be asymptomatic, experts say. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications with the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes in the long term.

Legionnaires' disease has claimed a fifth life in New York City, health officials said, as the ongoing outbreak on the city's Upper East Side continues to grow.

The New York City Health Department said at least 82 cases have been identified. Of these, eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged. Officials said the source of the Legionella bacteria, traced to contaminated cooling towers, has likely been eliminated.

Cooling Towers Identified As Source

The Health Department tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings for Legionella bacteria.

The findings showed:

• 77 cooling towers at 75 buildings tested PCR-positive for Legionella in initial testing.
• 34 cooling towers at 33 buildings tested culture-positive, confirming the presence of live Legionella bacteria.
• All contaminated cooling towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.

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Officials Say Tap Water Is Safe

Health officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing systems. Residents in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, including the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, can continue to drink tap water, bathe and shower, cook as well as use home air conditioners.

However, anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. According to the Health Department, Legionnaires' disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People become infected after inhaling tiny water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

Who Is Most At Risk?

The disease is more likely to cause serious illness in:

• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Health experts say early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, making prompt medical attention essential for those at higher risk.

How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread?

Legionnaires' disease spreads by breathing in mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water and are commonly found in:

• Cooling towers
• Hot tubs
• Humidifiers
• Large air-conditioning systems

The disease does not spread from person to person.

To reduce the risk of Legionella growth, building owners should maintain proper water management programs. The CDC also advises using genuine windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicle washer reservoirs, as Legionella can grow in stagnant water.

Treatment

Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most people recover with early treatment, although hospitalization is often required.

Complications can include respiratory failure and death. According to the CDC:

• About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.
• The risk rises to about 1 in 4 for people who acquire the infection while receiving care in a healthcare facility.

The makers of blockbuster weight-loss drugs Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are locked in a legal battle after Novo accused its rival of misleading advertising by claiming its obesity and diabetes medicines outperform Novo's treatments.

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly in the US District Court in New Jersey, alleging the company violated federal and state false advertising and unfair competition laws, including the Lanham Act, through nationwide advertising campaigns for its obesity drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, media reports said.

Novo Alleges Ads Used Outdated Comparisons

Novo claims Lilly's advertisements:

• Compared the highest approved doses of Zepbound and Mounjaro with lower doses of Novo's Wegovy and Ozempic.
• Omitted data on the newer 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy, which, as per Novo, delivers greater weight loss.
• Relied on older clinical trial data that no longer reflects current approved dosing.

"The ads are maliciously and deceptively false because Lilly knowingly cites outdated clinical trials that compare the highest doses of the Lilly medicines to lower doses of Novo Nordisk's medicines," Novo said in its complaint.

Also read: Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Drug Wegovy Approved for Fatty Liver Disease in India

What Did Eli Lilly Say

Eli Lilly rejected the allegations, saying its advertisements accurately reflect findings from its SURMOUNT-5 clinical trial.

According to the company:

• The study, completed in 2024, compared 10 mg and 15 mg doses of Zepbound with 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg doses of Wegovy.
• Novo's 7.2 mg Wegovy received US FDA approval only in March 2026, after the trial had concluded.

"Rather than compete on the merits of its products, Novo is asking a court to stop Lilly from communicating the results of that trial," an Eli Lilly spokesperson said. "We will continue to focus on the science and defend against this lawsuit vigorously."

Battle For Expanding Obesity Market

The lawsuit comes as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly compete for dominance in the rapidly expanding US obesity drug market, which analysts expect to exceed $100 billion by 2030.

Both companies dominate the GLP-1 medicine market:

• Novo Nordisk's medicines contain semaglutide.
• Eli Lilly's medicines contain tirzepatide.

These medicines:

• Mimic the GLP-1 hormone.
• Slow digestion.
• Help regulate blood sugar.
• Suppress appetite.

Beyond weight loss, studies have shown that GLP-1 medicines can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, and may also lower the risk of several cancers.

WHO Guidance on GLP-1 Therapies

In December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for obesity, describing the condition as a chronic, relapsing disease affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. It recommends:

• GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women.
• Treatment should be combined with structured lifestyle interventions, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral support to improve outcomes.

Will Patients Be Affected?

For now, patients are unlikely to be affected. The lawsuit does not challenge the safety, effectiveness, or FDA approval of the medicines. Instead, it focuses solely on how Eli Lilly marketed its products.

Patients prescribed the medicines Wegovy and Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) or Zepbound and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly) can continue taking them as directed.

Any outcome of the case is more likely to influence how pharmaceutical companies advertise and compare their medicines than the availability of these treatments.