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.

Robert Carlos, who is known to be the Brazil and Real Madrid legend is finally "recovering well" after he underwent a "preventative medical procedure" as he wrote on his Instagram page. The 52-year-old was seen smiling on the hospital bed, as he cleared rumors around heart attack. "I would like to clarify recent information that has been circling. I recently underwent a preventative medical procedure, planned in advance with my medical team. The procedure was successful, and I am well. I did not suffer a heart attack."

He further wrote: "I am recovering well, and looking forward to returning to full fitness and resuming my professional and personal commitments soon. I sincerely thank everyone of the messages of support, care, and concern. I would like to reassure everyone that there is no cause for concern. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire medical team who took care of me."

ESPN reported that he underwent a preventative heart surgery. While no reports confirmed the exact surgery he underwent, there are different preventative heart surgeries that one can get to restore blood flow, or prevent heart attacks in people with severe blockages.

What Are the Preventative Heart Surgeries?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat severe coronary artery disease, where blood flow to the heart is reduced due to blocked arteries. In this surgery, a healthy blood vessel is taken from the chest, leg, or arm and grafted to bypass the blocked artery, allowing blood to flow freely to the heart muscle again. CABG is often recommended for patients with multiple blockages, diabetes, or reduced heart function. While it is a major surgery, advances in surgical techniques and post-operative care have significantly improved outcomes and recovery. The procedure not only helps relieve symptoms such as chest pain and breathlessness but also reduces the risk of heart attacks and improves overall quality of life.

Minimally Invasive/ Robotic Surgery

Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries involve performing procedures through small incisions using advanced instruments and robotic arms controlled by a surgeon. These techniques offer greater precision, flexibility, and control compared to traditional open surgery. Robotic systems provide a magnified, high-definition view of the surgical area, allowing surgeons to operate with enhanced accuracy. Patients benefit from smaller scars, reduced blood loss, less pain, and quicker recovery times. Minimally invasive and robotic approaches are commonly used in cardiac, orthopedic, urological, and gynecological surgeries. While not suitable for every patient or condition, these procedures have transformed modern surgical care by making complex operations safer and less physically taxing for patients.

Pacemakers Defibrillators

Pacemakers and defibrillators are implantable devices designed to regulate abnormal heart rhythms. A pacemaker helps maintain a steady heartbeat by sending electrical signals when the heart beats too slowly. Defibrillators, also known as ICDs, can detect life-threatening rhythm disturbances and deliver a shock to restore normal rhythm. These devices are recommended for patients with arrhythmias, heart failure, or those at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Implantation is usually a minimally invasive procedure, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Pacemakers and defibrillators play a crucial role in preventing complications, improving symptoms, and significantly enhancing survival and quality of life for heart patients.

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives Too?

There are certain non surgical alternatives, which include preventive cardiology, ECEP (Enhanced External Counter pulsation) , and certain medications like statins to lower cholesterol, or beta-blockers for angina, or aspirin to prevent clots, notes Cleveland Clinic.

President Donald Trump said he takes a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors recommend, blaming it for the bruises on his hands that have again drawn attention to his health. The remarks came during an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on Thursday.

“They tell you aspirin is good for thinning the blood, and I don’t want thick blood running through my heart,” Trump, 79, said. “I want thin blood flowing through my heart. Does that make sense?”

“I Want Thin Blood,” Trump Explains Why He Ignores Doctors’ Advice

Trump said his doctors prefer that he take a smaller dose, but he has chosen otherwise. “They’d rather I take the smaller one. I take the larger one. I’ve done it for years,” he said, adding that bruising is a known side effect, as per CNN

Bruising, Makeup, and Bandages Renew Questions About Trump’s Health

The interview marked one of Trump’s most detailed discussions with journalists about his health in recent years. Scrutiny has grown as questions persist about his age, stamina, and how transparent the White House has been about his medical condition.

Bruising on Trump’s right hand has been visible for months. CNN previously reported that it existed before his return to the White House. The issue drew more attention after Trump appeared to conceal the marks with makeup or bandages and often shielded his hand from cameras. Observers have also pointed to swelling in his legs and moments where he appeared to doze during public events.

Trump’s Doctor Confirms President Takes 325 mg of Aspirin Daily

Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, told the Journal that the president takes 325 milligrams of aspirin each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, low-dose aspirin therapy typically ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams, with 81 milligrams being the most commonly advised dose. The clinic notes that aspirin therapy can fall anywhere between 75 and 325 milligrams daily.

What Is Aspirin Used For?

Aspirin is widely used to thin the blood and reduce clot formation, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it also increases the risk of bleeding. In recent years, medical guidelines have moved away from recommending daily aspirin for many adults, as the potential harms often outweigh the benefits. Some experts advise discontinuing aspirin entirely in people in their 70s.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a professor at George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences and former cardiologist to Vice President Dick Cheney, said the explanation offered by Trump and his team raises further questions.

“It’s uncommon to see that kind of bruising with one aspirin a day,” Reiner said. “The question becomes whether the president is taking medications that have not been disclosed by the White House.”

White House Says Trump Is in “Exceptional Health”

Barbabella said on Thursday that Trump remains in excellent condition. In a statement to CNN, he said the president’s medical evaluations and lab results show strong metabolic health and that his cardiovascular condition is comparable to someone 14 years younger. “Overall, the President remains in exceptional health and fully capable of carrying out his duties as Commander in Chief,” Barbabella said.

Bruising Also Seen on Trump’s Left Hand During Recent Events

At several public appearances last week, Trump appeared with light discoloration or bruising on the back of his left hand as well, in addition to the more persistent bruising on his right hand. As per CNN, the White House has previously attributed the right-hand bruising to frequent handshaking combined with aspirin use, which can make bruises more likely to appear.

Why Daily High-Dose Aspirin Is Rarely Recommended

Reiner said that while 325 milligrams is not considered an extreme dose, there is no clear medical reason to take that amount every day. He explained that people with acute injuries, such as a sprained ankle, may be prescribed 325 milligrams every four hours, which would be considered a high dose.

“Aspirin has been studied at many doses,” Reiner said, as per NBC News. “Eighty-one milligrams offers the best balance between reducing clot risk and limiting bleeding. A higher dose increases bleeding risk without improving effectiveness. That’s why we don’t use it.”

He added that the broader concern is a lack of transparency. “All of this highlights how opaque the White House has been about the president’s health.”

Trump Clarifies October Medical Scan Was a CT, Not an MRI

During the interview, as per CNN, Trump also discussed a medical scan he underwent in October. At the time, he told reporters it was an MRI but declined to provide details, directing questions to his doctors.

Speaking to the Journal, Trump clarified that the scan was a CT. “It wasn’t an MRI,” he said. “It was less than that. It was a scan.” Barbabella said the CT scan was done “to definitively rule out any cardiovascular issues.” Last month, he released a memo stating that imaging of Trump’s cardiovascular and abdominal systems showed “perfectly normal” results.

In 2018, however, Trump underwent a coronary CT scan that revealed plaque buildup in his arteries, indicating moderate heart disease.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s disclosures, saying the president’s doctors have always confirmed he received advanced imaging. She added that Trump himself has shared additional details and described him as “the most transparent and open president in history,” while criticizing former President Joe Biden.

Trump Addresses Leg Swelling Linked to Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Trump also spoke about swelling in his lower legs, which the White House announced in July was caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults. Trump said he tried compression socks but stopped using them. “I didn’t like them,” he told the Journal.

He also suggested he has little interest in regular exercise. “I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” Trump said. “Walking or running on a treadmill for hours, that’s not for me.” The Journal questioned Trump about moments where he appeared to fall asleep during public appearances. During a Cabinet meeting last month, Trump closed his eyes for several seconds at a time. A similar moment occurred during a November 6 event in the Oval Office.

Trump denied falling asleep. “I just close my eyes. It’s very relaxing to me,” he said. “Sometimes they take a picture when I’m blinking, and that’s what people see.”

President Downplays Hearing Concerns

Asked about his hearing, Trump said he only struggles when many people are talking at once and dismissed broader concerns. Before and after the election, Trump repeatedly questioned Biden’s fitness to serve, even suggesting Biden was unaware of documents signed in his name using an autopen. Biden has denied the claim.

Biden later exited the 2024 presidential race following a widely criticized debate performance that intensified concerns about his health and ability to remain in office.

Nimesulide (over 100 mg), a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is prescribed for pain and inflammation is now banned in India. This is to safeguard public health.

What Exactly Happened? The Centre has prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of oral formulations of nimesulide which contains more than 100mg, with immediate effect, across the country.

As per the government notification, oral formulations of nimesulide that contains more than 100 mg have been banned as such high-dose could be risky for human health. The order states that safer alternatives to this drug is available in market, and thus in public interest, the continued availability of this drug at such high dosage is not justified.

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The ban is issued under the Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This section empowers the Centre to restrict or prohibit drugs that pose a risk to patients. The government also consulted the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which is also country's apex advisory body on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics.

Why Did Government Ban Nimesulide?

The drug had long been under regulatory and medical scrutiny. The major concern is the liver toxicity, which is one of the side effects of this high-dose drug. In fact the World Health Organization (WHO) has no included nimesulide in its Model List of Essential Medicines, all due to the global caution around it. Several other countries too have either restricted or completely withdrew the drug.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a notification said that the Central government is "satisfied that the use of all oral formulations containing Nimesulide above 100 mg in immediate release dosage form is likely to involve risk to human beings and that safer alternatives to the said drug are available".

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The restriction on certain nimesulide formulations follows recommendations made by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) after reviewing the drug’s effects in adults. These recommendations were accepted by an expert committee under the apex drug regulator. Nimesulide is known to cause liver toxicity in some cases.

ICMR had also advised that nimesulide be used only as a second-line treatment when other medicines fail or cannot be prescribed. It recommended against its use in pregnant or lactating women, those planning pregnancy, and patients with liver or kidney impairment. The drug should also not be used alongside other medicines that are toxic to the liver or kidneys. Nimesulide is already banned for children under 12 years of age.

The committee has further asked ICMR to review the impact of the drug across different age groups, including adolescents and older adults.

Read: Cough Syrup Row: Death Toll Rise To 22 As 2 More Children Succumb

What Are The New Development On Drug Ban In India?

The Ministry also removed cough syrups from the list of over-the-counter medicines. While lozenges, pills or tablets for cough continue to remain on the list. This has come in the backdrop of 22 children who died in Madhya Pradesh after they consumed contaminated cough syrups.

Disclaimer: Health and Me's report is based on the notice issued in public knowledge and is not a substitute for prescribed drugs. Always consult your doctor before making changes in your medicines.