People receiving weight-loss drug Wegovy sustained weight loss for up to four years, shedding an average of 10% of their body weight in that time, as per a new study. Wegrovy is a brand that markets semaglutide injections, that have gained widespread attention for their weight-loss effects. The study also found that Semaglutide injections boost an individual's heart health, even when weight loss doesn't take place.

The study, called SELECT, was published in journal Nature Medicine. "At four years, we see ongoing benefits of semaglutide," said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, interventional cardiologist from Cardiologist, who was not involved in the research. Besides the weight loss, it also lead to a loss in cardiovascular outcomes.

The research was conducted on 17000 adults, who had obesity but did not have diabetes. Overall, people who received once-weekly injections of semaglutide lost on average 10.2% of their body weight over the course of four years. All of the study participants continued to lose weight for about 65 weeks, a year and three months, and then their weight remained at a stable level.

Were There Any Side Effects?

What Did The Results Say?

Of the people on the highest dose of Wegovy, 68% lost at least 5% of their body weight. This compared to 21% of people on the placebo. Additionally, of the total people on Wegovy about 23% lost at least 15% of their body weight. For those in the placebo group, only 1.7% lost that much body weight.

Semaglutide Shows Heart Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

Researchers found that even individuals who did not experience significant weight reduction while on the drug saw a reduced risk of major heart events. Recent analysis of the SELECT trial data revealed that semaglutide significantly lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related deaths in adults with obesity or those who are overweight. Notably, the results of this study lead the US FDA to approve Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for reducing heart-related risks in this group.

What Is Semaglutide?

Are Their Any Side Effects Of Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Wegovy, is primarily an antidiabetic medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is also an anti-obesity drug used for long-term weight management. While it can be taken as a subcutaneous injection or orally, it has significant side effects. It primarily impacts your gastrointestinal tract and its side effects include constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fatigue amongst others.

Contemporary office spaces have been designed to maximise comfort. Comfort includes central air conditioning, comfortable chairs, coffee dispensers, and beautiful interior design. Nonetheless, all these cool offices contribute greatly to the increase in blood pressure among unsuspecting employees. Many office workers spend about 8–10 hours indoors, thinking that comfort equates to good health. Sedentary lifestyles, stress at work, poor eating habits, and minimal movement are some of the factors resulting in increased levels of hypertension among young office-goers.

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In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explained how extreme air conditioning at work can slowly weaken your heart and give you high blood pressure.

Impact of Air-Conditioned Offices on the Body

"Being constantly exposed to an air-conditioned environment may indirectly contribute to the rise in blood pressure levels. Extremely cold temperatures may prevent a person from moving around and sweating. People are less likely to go outside because of the difference in temperature between the interior and exterior environments. On top of that, dry air from air conditioners contributes to dehydration, particularly when people consume too much caffeine and too little water," Dr Tayal explained.

Stress Behind the Screens

Although an office atmosphere may seem serene from the outside, the corporate environment is frequently linked with high mental stress. Pressure to meet targets, appraisals, fear of being laid off, lengthy meetings, and information overload lead to the body being continuously on guard. High levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can increase blood pressure. Employees often experience silent stress, which means that while they may not feel emotionally stressed, they suffer from physiological symptoms including headaches, exhaustion, irritability, and hypertension.

Sedentary Lifestyle: The Major Risk Factor for High Blood Pressure Among Corporate Employees

A sedentary lifestyle has proven to be one of the major contributors to high blood pressure among corporate employees who spend much of their time sitting while participating in meetings, watching presentations, or working on computers. Physical inactivity makes the heart less effective while causing issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. One may think that people who play sports for an hour every day face no risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, but even then, sedentarism can harm a person. Office employees tend to underestimate the amount of physical activity they engage in at their workplace.

Corporate Dieting: Another Hypertension Risk Factor

Dr Tayal said that the food culture in a corporate office plays a significant role in the development of high blood pressure as well. Numerous tea breaks, snacking on packaged foods with too much salt, takeaway meals, sweet drinks consumed in large amounts, and late suppers after overtime—all these aspects may affect cardiovascular health. Stress-related eating habits and improper food intake also play a role in metabolic disruptions. Consuming foods with excessive salt may be harmful.

BP: Young Professionals Are No Longer Considered “Too Young”

The expert went on to explain that previously, hypertension used to be linked more with elderly individuals. Now, doctors have been noting instances of high blood pressure among young professionals in their mid-20s and 30s. Corporate workers might look healthy from the outside but often neglect signs such as poor sleep quality, fatigue, dizzy spells, or stress. Because there may be no visible signs of high blood pressure, many cases are discovered only through regular medical check-ups. Specialists advise that undiagnosed hypertension can result in serious diseases in the future, such as heart disease or stroke.

Making Corporate Spaces Healthier Places to Work

Modern companies have begun to be urged to reassess the idea of wellness in the office. Promoting physical activity breaks, standing meetings, drinking water, looking after mental health, choosing healthier foods at the company canteen, and getting screened for hypertension can aid in minimising the risks of this illness. Workers can start by implementing small changes, such as doing stretching exercises once an hour, walking around while on the phone, consuming less coffee, and measuring their blood pressure regularly.

Individuals who experience tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in their hands and feet often disregard these early symptoms, especially after a long drive, extended standing, or sleeping. Many frequently take painkillers to ease their discomfort in the hope that their pain and other symptoms will quickly go away.

These types of persistent or recurrent symptoms, however, could be a signal of a nerve health issue such as peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the nervous system, and its deficiency could be one of the potential causes.

Early detection of these symptoms and appropriate, timely medical advice can help facilitate immediate intervention. Addressing nutritional gaps under medical guidance may help support overall nerve health and reduce the risk of progression.

Recognizing Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms

Neurotropic B-vitamins are essential for preserving the structure and function of nerves. A lack of these vitamins may present as:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in the hands and feet
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Body weakness and muscle fatigue

Common Vitamin B12 deficiency signs include persistent fatigue, sensory disturbances, imbalance and neuropathic discomfort. Early detection supports timely intervention and may help prevent further nerve damage.

The Role of Vitamin B In Supporting Nerve Health

The right nutritional support plays a key role in preserving nerve function:

• Methylcobalamin, an active form of Vitamin B12, is considered to be one of the most important B-vitamins for nerve protection and repair. It plays a key role in maintaining the protective covering around nerves, which allows them to function properly.
• Vitamin B1 supports nerve signal transmission and energy metabolism within nerve cells.
• Vitamin B6 supports the production of important brain chemicals and helps maintain efficient nerve communication.

A Structured, Preventive Approach

An appropriate and active approach to nerve care includes nutritional adjustments, metabolic regulation, and the right assistance to support symptoms.

Dietary Optimization: Encourage intake of foods rich in B-vitamins such as whole grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, and leafy vegetables. However, for those with restrictions, the diet alone might not be enough, especially in cases of established deficiency, malabsorption, or restricted diets.

Targeted Treatment: When guided by a healthcare professional, oral supplementation can be considered as part of a comprehensive plan.

• The well-recognized B complex tablets support nerve integrity and functional recovery in deficiency-related cases over time.
• A combination of Vitamin B12 with B6, B3, B1, and B5 helps alleviate symptoms like tingling, numbness, and overall weakness.
• For symptomatic relief from nerve pain, tingling, and burning sensations in hands and feet, topical formulations having 0.075% Capsaicin, Menthol, Eucalyptus, and Camphor may provide instant relief after a long commute or extended standing.

• Lifestyle management: Managing blood sugar levels, staying physically active, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity are all crucial for nerve health. Regular movement, stretching, and adequate sleep further support nerve resilience and recovery.

Dozens of food products, including chocolates, snack mixes, popcorn, chips, and nuts, have been recalled in the US over the risk of salmonella contamination.

The recall is due to a specific ingredient — milk powder supplied by California Dairies — used in several products and snacks, particularly in seasonings.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the potentially tainted powdered milk and buttermilk were voluntarily recalled on April 20.

Which Products Have Been Recalled?

Ghirardelli Chocolate Powders:

• Chocolate Flavored Frappe
• Classic White Frappe
• Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk
• Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder
• White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder
• Vanilla Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• White Mocha Frappe Mix
• Mocha Frappe Mix
• Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix

• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)
• Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
• Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

• Bottles of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning
• Bags of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds
• Bags of Pork King Party Size Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds

• Fisher Tex Mex Trail Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Hunter Mix
• Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Good & Gather Mexican Street, Corn Trail Mix
• Giant Eagle Pita Chips:
• Baked Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb

• Wildlife Seasoning Sour Cream & Onion Popcorn Topping
• Williams Sonoma-branded Popcorn Sampler Gift Box with White Cheddar Seasoning
• Fireworks Popcorn Poppings & Toppings gift set containing White Cheddar Seasoning

• Stoltzfus Family Dairy Sour Cream
• Onion Cheese Curds

• Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Stuffed Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Frozen Breakfast Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Frozen Breakfast Pizza

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The FDA urges people who purchased the products to throw them away or return them for a refund.

A separate Salmonella recall impacting 12 flavors of the popular chocolate brand Spring & Mulberry was also recently announced by the FDA, but appeared to be linked to a date supplier. It wasn't immediately clear if there was any connection to the California Dairies recall.

Another is a public health alert issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for headcheese over possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

What Is Salmonella?

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As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people.

The FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.

Pets, too, could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.

Common symptoms of Salmonella include

• diarrhea,
• fever,
• stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.