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.

Increasing consumption of caffeinated energy drinks and stimulant-containing supplements has been linked to a higher frequency of reported serious cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrest, heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms, particularly among young adults, according to preliminary research.

The findings, based on an analysis of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety reports, will be presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, scheduled for November 6-9 in Chicago.

Researchers found that cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently in connection with caffeine- and

stimulant-containing products than products without these ingredients.

Energy Drinks And Heart Problems: What Did The Study Find?

Researchers analyzed 28,345 reports of possible adverse events submitted to an FDA safety database between 2017 and 2025. Of these, 854 involved energy drinks and supplements containing caffeine or other stimulants.

Key findings included:

• Cardiac arrest was reported about 11 times more frequently with caffeine- and stimulant-containing products.
• Heart attacks were 4.5 times more likely to appear in these reports.
• Ventricular arrhythmias and heart palpitations were reported about four times more frequently.
• Elevated heart rate was reported nearly three times more frequently.
• Chest pain was reported 2.71 times more frequently, while fainting was reported about twice as frequently.

About 45% of reports involving cardiovascular events and these products concerned adults aged 18 to 34. Similar patterns were observed among men and women.

Why Are Energy Drinks Raising Concerns?

Sales of caffeinated energy drinks have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching over $20 billion in 2024.

According to the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine daily is generally safe for most adults.

However, some energy drinks contain up to three times more caffeine per fluid ounce than brewed coffee. Certain pre-workout supplements contain more than 12 times as much.

High caffeine intake has been associated with cardiovascular harm. Healthcare professionals have also reported cases of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death following consumption of these products, including among young adults without known heart disease.

Why Are Young Adults Particularly Affected?

Researchers do not yet know why young adults account for such a large proportion of the cardiovascular event reports.

Possible explanations include frequent consumption, using these products before intense exercise, combining them with alcohol or other drugs, and undiagnosed heart conditions.

"These products are marketed as everyday pick-me-ups and sold next to soda and bottled water, so most people assume they carry no real risk," said study author Sai Samayamanthula, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

He cautioned that regular consumers could quickly exceed recommended daily caffeine limits.

The researchers recommended better safety monitoring and urged healthcare professionals to ask younger patients experiencing palpitations, chest pain or fainting about their energy drink and stimulant supplement consumption.

Do Energy Drinks Cause Cardiac Arrest?

The findings indicate an association, not proof that energy drinks cause cardiac arrest or other cardiovascular conditions.

Gregory M. Marcus, chair of the AHA's 2026 scientific statement on caffeine and cardiovascular disease, said the research raises concerns about products containing very high amounts of caffeine.

"Although there are biological reasons why that connection could be possible, the study does not prove that caffeine products cause these events, because other factors may have influenced the results," said Marcus, who was not involved in the study, and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.

What Are The Study's Limitations?

The study relied on voluntary reports submitted to the FDA by consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers. Researchers could not determine how many people consumed these products without experiencing adverse events or how many cardiovascular events went unreported.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has reportedly said that he has not drunk plain water in 48 years, preferring his favourite soft drink instead.

Billionaire Bill Ackman recalled a dinner conversation with Buffett during an appearance on a recent podcast, where the legendary investor's drinking habits left him surprised, Business Insider reported.

During the dinner, Ackman offered Buffett a choice between still and sparkling water. However, the investor declined both. Curious about his preference, Ackman asked whether he drank water at all.

Buffett's reported response left him surprised.

"Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years," Buffett reportedly told Ackman.

Ackman, knowing about Buffett's fondness for Cherry Coke, had stocked up on the beverage ahead of the meeting.

Buffett's fondness for Coca-Cola is no secret and goes back decades. He has spoken about his preference for the beverage for years, and his association with the brand goes back to the 1980s. He also declared Cherry Coke the official beverage of Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder meeting.

Also read: What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Drinking Water?

What Happens If You Replace Plain Water With Coke?

Coca-Cola can contribute to your daily fluid intake, but that does not make it a healthy substitute for plain water. Regular Coke contains added sugar and calories, which can have consequences for health when consumed frequently.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with several health problems, including:

• Weight gain and obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Tooth decay and cavities.
• Gout, a type of arthritis.

Unlike plain water, which contains no calories, regular soft drinks add sugar and calories to the diet without providing comparable nutritional benefits.

Replacing water with sugary drinks regularly can therefore increase a person's overall sugar and calorie intake, potentially affecting metabolic and dental health over time.

Sugar-sweetened beverages include regular sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened water, and coffee and tea beverages with added sugars.

The CDC notes that replacing added sugars with low- or no-calorie sweeteners may reduce calorie intake in the short term and help with weight management. However, questions remain about their effectiveness as a long-term weight management strategy.

Read More: Olympian Ciara Mageean Dies At 34 After Bowel Cancer Battle: Warning Signs In Young Adults

Why Is Drinking Enough Water Important?

According to the CDC, getting enough water every day is essential for health. Water helps prevent dehydration and allows the body to function normally.

Dehydration can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, overheating, constipation and kidney stones.

Water plays several important roles in the body. It helps:

• Maintain a normal body temperature.
• Lubricate and cushion joints.
• Protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
• Remove waste through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.

The body's water requirements may also increase in hot climates, during physical activity, or when a person has a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting.

Water contains no calories. Replacing sugary drinks with plain water can therefore help reduce overall calorie intake.

Amid worsening air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Monday allowed certified green crackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8, ahead of Diwali. The complete ban on firecrackers will return on November 9, the court said.

The decision comes as Delhi's air quality deteriorates. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the 'very poor' category for the first time this season on Monday, reaching 312 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This was the morning reading, with the daily average due at 4 pm.

An AQI of 301–400 is classified as 'very poor', while readings above 400 fall in the 'severe' category.

The court imposed the following restrictions:

• Timings: Green crackers can be burst only between 6–7 am and 8–10 pm on November 7 and 8.
• No-cracker zones: Their use is prohibited within 300 metres of hospitals, nursing homes, health centres, old-age homes and educational institutions. These areas must be clearly marked.

Manufacturers and traders must also furnish monetary security, which will be forfeited if they violate the court's order.

Also read: Rising AQI In Delhi-NCR: Doctors Warn Of Lung And Heart Risks As Pollution Builds

What Are Green Crackers?

Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), green crackers are designed to produce fewer emissions than conventional firecrackers.

They are designed to generate lower particulate emissions and produce less noise through modified chemical formulations and dust-suppressing additives.

Are Green Crackers Really Safe For Your Health?

Read More: Landmark Study Links Air Pollution To Higher Hospital Admissions For Cancers & Mental Health Disorders: Lancet

Green crackers may be less polluting than conventional fireworks, but they are not pollution-free. Their chemical combustion still releases particulate matter and gases that can affect respiratory health.

"Green crackers produce fewer emissions than conventional crackers, but calling them safe is misleading. CSIR-NEERI’s criteria require at least 30% lower particulate emissions, or 20% lower particulate emissions plus 10% lower gaseous emissions, compared with corresponding conventional crackers. These are emission benchmarks, not proof of an equivalent reduction in health risk," Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.

He added that smoke from green crackers contains particles and irritant gases that can aggravate asthma and COPD. Children, older adults and people with existing lung disease are particularly vulnerable.

"Legal permission does not establish medical safety. For lung health, celebrating without firecrackers remains the safest choice," the expert said.

Dr. Nikhil Rajvanshi, Consultant – Pediatric Pulmonologist, Allergy and Sleep Specialist at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi, also cautioned against assuming that green crackers are pollution-free.

"They should not be mistaken for pollution-free products. They can still release particulate matter and harmful gases that irritate the respiratory tract. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and exposure can trigger coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and asthma exacerbations," he told HealthandMe.

He added that children with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at even greater risk. Even reduced emissions can contribute to poor air quality when crackers are used collectively. Parents should prioritise avoiding exposure rather than assuming green crackers are completely safe for children's lungs.

Do Green Crackers Contain Harmful Chemicals?

A 2020 survey by Sumaira Abdulali of the Awaaz Foundation, which works to prevent environmental and noise pollution, raised concerns about chemicals in commercially available firecrackers in Mumbai.

According to Frontline, all 28 crackers tested contained hazardous chemicals prohibited under the Hazardous Chemicals Rules.

The Foundation also tested green crackers, including sparklers, chakris and anars, some carrying NEERI's green cracker certification mark.

The tests reportedly detected barium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur. Barium nitrate was among the chemicals prohibited by the Supreme Court in October 2018.