Microwaves are a common appliance in every household now. You will see it in kitchens of not just houses, but offices, cafeterias, and co working space. However, there are studies that show that heating food in a microwave could be a health concern. While it does come handy, there are questions about harmful radiation and nutrient loss and heating safety that still linger.

Does Microwave Destroy The Nutrients In Food While Heating?

Some research suggests that microwaving may cause nutritional loss, particularly in vegetables. For example, studies have shown that microwaving broccoli with water diminishes its flavonoid content, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. However, experts note that cooking method and duration have a significant influence on nutrient retention.

Surprisingly, several studies indicate that microwaving preserves more nutrients than traditional cooking methods. A study comparing microwaved versus oven-cooked ready meals found that the microwaved version contained somewhat more vitamin C. Another study discovered that microwaving some vegetables, such as broccoli and green beans, may retain more beneficial compounds than boiling.

Ultimately, the nutrient loss really vary on the type of food which is being heated and how it is being cooked. Experts also recommend using minimal water and shorter cooking times to maximize the nutrient retention.

Is Heating In Plastic Safe?

Plastic containers and heating food in it, has always been a topic of debate. While containers do come with microwave-safe stamps, is it really safe to heat them with food?

According to research, when certain plastics are subjected to heat, they produce compounds such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These substances have been associated to hormonal disturbance, metabolic problems, and perhaps reproductive concerns.

A study also took in account over 400 plastic food containers that were microwave-safe and found that most of them leaked hormone-disrupting chemicals. These are phthalates, warn experts, which are commonly used in food packaging and can interfere with body's hormonal balance, and increase risk of diabetes or even high blood pressure.

Additionally, BPA exposure has been associated with fertility issues and immune system disruptions.

So, what can be done instead?

To minimize this risk, experts recommend using glass or ceramic container when microwaving foods. If you must use a plastic container, make sure the container is not damaged or old, as they are more prone to leach harmful chemicals.

What About The Radiation?

Concerns about microwave radiation have been largely debunked by decades of research. Microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to damage DNA or cause cancer. The electromagnetic waves used in microwaves are similar to those from radios and light bulbs.

Experts emphasize that microwave ovens are designed to contain radiation, preventing exposure. As long as the microwave is in good condition and the door seals properly, there is no significant health risk from microwave radiation.

Other Concerns

Microwaving food could sometimes also lead to uneven cooking and it can create some risks to food safety. Thus, experts advertise to use microwave only to reheat the food and not to actually cook raw food. For safe reheating, food should reach at least 82°C (176°F) throughout to kill bacteria.

As winter settles in, many people sense a shift in their mood. Shorter days and colder weather often leave us feeling a little dull. In some cases, this may be linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Yet there may also be another explanation.

A doctor has cautioned that a very common deficiency could be the reason you have been feeling unusually low. He noted that this problem affects well over a billion people around the world.

Iron Deficiency Might Be The Reason Behind Your Low Mood

In a TikTok video, Doctor Sermed Mezher raised concern about iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral the body relies on to move oxygen through the blood and support several important processes. Dr Mezher explained as per Express, “Low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting more than one billion people.” He also described how it can influence dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical.

He added, “And its effects on dopamine go way deeper than just oxygen transport. Dopamine is made from an amino acid called tyrosine over a couple of steps, and the enzyme involved in the first step needs iron to work properly. It is no surprise, then, that in iron deficiency, studies show problems in dopamine pathways that play a part in happiness, reward, self control and social behaviour.”

The positive news is that this can usually be managed. Dr Mezher said, “Once your iron levels are restored, these pathways return to their normal state, and you can help this process by taking iron with vitamin C and staying away from caffeinated drinks for two hours before and after.”

Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

The NHS lists several signs of iron deficiency anaemia, including:

• Tiredness and low energy
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Paler skin
• Headaches

If you think you may be low in iron, you should talk to your GP. A simple blood test can confirm it.

How To Boost Iron Levels?

Iron levels can be raised through the foods you eat. These options are naturally rich in iron:

• Dark-green vegetables such as watercress and curly kale
• Iron-fortified cereals and bread
• Meat
• Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins
• Pulses including beans, peas and lentils

The NHS also suggests cutting back on:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Milk and dairy products
• Foods high in phytic acid, like wholegrain cereals, which can prevent your body from absorbing iron from meals and supplements

The NHS notes, “Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron. You might be referred to a specialist dietitian if you're finding it hard to include iron in your diet.”

How Much Iron Does One Need?

The daily iron requirement is:

• 8.7mg for men aged 19 and above
• 14.8mg for women aged 19 to 49
• 8.7mg for women aged 50 and above

The NHS adds, “Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”

From celebrities trying to slim down for a red-carpet event to people using medication to manage diabetes or obesity, GLP-1 drugs have become a widely used choice for weight control. They are often described as near-perfect solutions, yet they can bring unexpected effects. In 2025, many users began noticing reactions that had not been mentioned before, especially among those taking Ozempic. If you rely on Ozempic for weight management or overall health, it helps to know the unusual side effects people spoke about during the year.

What are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, were first developed for diabetes care. They work much like the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, which is released after meals to prompt insulin production. Those living with diabetes often do not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar steady. A GLP-1 medication boosts insulin release so blood sugar stays more stable. These drugs often support weight reduction as well.

For many people with diabetes, weight control plays an important role in managing the condition. GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and help the stomach empty more slowly, creating a longer sense of fullness. This can lead to marked weight loss in people with or without diabetes.

Ozempic: What Is It And How Does It Work?

Ozempic is a prescribed treatment mainly used for adults with type 2 diabetes. The active substance is semaglutide, given once a week through an injection. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that acts like a natural hormone in the body. It increases insulin when blood sugar rises, lowers glucagon levels, and slows the movement of food through the stomach, which in turn reduces appetite.

5 Unusual Side Effects Of Ozempic People Reported In 2025

Beyond the familiar effects such as nausea, constipation, and stomach discomfort, some users shared experiences that felt different from the typical list. Below are the unusual reactions connected with Ozempic that gained attention in 2025.

Ozempic Vulva

“Ozempic vulva” is a phrase women have used to describe changes in the vulva, including loss of volume, sagging, or dryness, especially after major weight loss linked to Ozempic or similar medicines. These changes are not a medical diagnosis. They seem to come from rapid fat loss, reduced muscle mass, shifts in hormones, or dehydration, rather than the drug itself, according to Healthline. Reported changes include a less plump appearance in the labia majora, dryness, and a looser texture.

Ozempic Poop

Medical News Today notes that Ozempic often triggers what is known as a “stool reflex”, in which the gut tries to clear space once food reaches the intestine. In some people, this reflex becomes unusually strong, leading to diarrhea. Many users have discussed this on Reddit. One person created a widely shared thread asking, with complete honesty, for tips on avoiding accidents while sleeping. They explained they had struggled with this for months and called it their most frustrating symptom. Another user, after three doses, said that “sh*tt*ng the bed” was the one thing they were dreading.

The good news is that most people do not face such long-lasting trouble. Studies from 2022 show that diarrhea linked with Ozempic usually lasts around three days when starting the drug. For most users, it settles within about four weeks as the body adapts.

Ozempic Breasts

“Ozempic breasts” is an informal expression used for changes in breast size or shape that appear after rapid weight loss while on Ozempic. Breasts contain a large amount of fatty tissue, so when someone loses weight quickly, they may notice less fullness, sagging, or a flatter look. Although this is not a recognised medical term, it has become a common concern among those using the medication, according to Healthline.

Ozempic Butt

“Ozempic butt” refers to loose or sagging skin that may show up after dramatic and fast weight loss while using these drugs. This can cause a softer or deflated look in areas where people naturally hold more weight. It is important to remember that this effect comes from rapid weight loss and not from the medication acting directly on the body.

Ozempic Feet

“Ozempic feet” is a name people have given to changes in the feet linked with sudden weight loss from drugs like Ozempic. These include loose skin, reduced fat padding, more visible veins, and extra pain while walking. These shifts can make the feet more sensitive and increase the chance of developing corns and calluses, since there is less cushioning. Other possible concerns include tingling, numbness, or swelling, as noted by Healthline.

If you notice any of these changes, remember that they often appear during periods of fast weight loss. Still, it is best to speak with your healthcare professional if anything becomes difficult to manage or feels out of the ordinary.

Do you also feel like you get sick a lot, especially when you travel? You are not the only one. A 2018 study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the US, notes that airplane passengers have an 80% chance of getting sick on a flight. The study also points out that this probability could increase if they sit in the wrong spot.

Seconding to this, Dr Jonathan Finoff, who advises Olympic athletes where to sit on plane tells the Wall Street Journal that people must choose the window seat. The chief medical officer of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Dr Finoth says that this seat keeps the passenger away from high traffic areas like the entrance and bathrooms.

Tips To Travel Safely On Planes

As per Dr Finoth, one must keep sanitizing wipes so they can clean any areas they might touch. These areas include seatbelt, armrests, air nozzle, and even bathroom doors.

The doctor further says that cleaning the tray table is utmost important as research suggests that it has a higher germ concentration than a toilet seat. As per a 2015 study by Travelmath, it was in fact proved that tray table contained more than eight times the amount of bacteria per square inch compared to lavatory flush buttons.

The primary reason is that the tight turnaround time between domestic flights often result in only quick wipe-downs or no professional cleaning at all, leading to germs spreading rather than being eliminated.

Dr Finoth also suggests that directing the air nozzle between you and the person next to you creates another barrier for germs. Lastly, it is important to get seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night to benefit from one's immune system.

While all these steps are important, Dr Ayesha Appa, who is an addiction and infectious disease doctor, who works as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at San Francisco General Hospital pointed out that airplanes filters are great, "but still risk if someone is sick or spewing droplets within 2 rows". She points out that though the tray tables can be gross, but they are not efficient transfer of viruses like flu, or COVID. "So don't forget to wash hands, bring your N-95, if you are really committed to preventing infection (like an Olympic athlete)."

Scientific Proofs To Stay Healthy On Flights

A study titled Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences stated that an infected passenger will cause 0.7 new infections per flight.

The study offers a “brilliant” blueprint for how a virus could move around an aircraft, says Ira Longini, a biostatistician at the University of Florida, as reported by the Science.org. Still, he argues it has limited real-world epidemiological value.

To map movement patterns, biomathematician Howard Weiss of Georgia Tech and a team of around 10 graduate students and postdocs boarded 10 transcontinental flights lasting 3.5 to 5 hours. Armed with iPads, they tracked every passenger and flight attendant’s movements throughout the journey.

Despite collecting data during flu season, the flights were mostly filled with healthy travelers. “We observed about 1,500 passengers and only one was coughing moderately,” Weiss says. Analysis of 228 surface swabs also failed to detect any viral genetic material.

The resulting paper essentially charts a transmission network, showing who interacts with whom, and how frequently. But without real data on how easily illness spreads from one person to another, Longini notes, the study can’t reveal how a virus would actually travel through that network. “It’s like having a road map with no information about how fast the cars can go,” he says.

To fill this gap, the researchers used transmission rates inferred from historical events, specifically a 1977 incident where 38 of 54 people on a grounded plane developed an “influenza-like illness” after nearly five hours without air circulation. They then multiplied that rate by four to create what first author Vicki Hertzberg of Emory University calls a “worst-case scenario.”

So, what can be done to avoid the worst-case scenario? Scientists suggest: take the window seat, avoid using the bathroom, and limit your interaction with the crew.