The year that just went by, was obsessed with Ozempic and weight loss. Not just that, but it was also the most searched weight loss drug outpacing Wegovy, its closest competitor, by 300%. As of November 2024, it had a current volume of 16 million searches per month.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic or semaglutide s a prescribed drug that is used in people with type 2 diabetes. It is given as an injection under your skin and could be prescribed off-label for weight loss. However, the drug is not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.

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The active ingredient in this is semaglutide, which belongs to the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1 receptor agonists. This is what helps stimulate pancreas to release insulin, prevents, cravings and hunger pangs and prevents increase in blood sugar. It basically mimics the action of naturally produced hormones GLP-1 by activating GLP-1 receptors to achieve these results.

However, it does not come without any side effects. They can include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, thyroid cancer, and more.

But, what if we tell you that you can try these foods which mimic the results of Ozempic, without these above mentioned side effects?

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Filling Foods

These foods are called filling foods, that make you feel full and thus controls your cravings. These are foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats which can trigger the release of GLP-1 hormones and other satiety-enhancing effects. Another reason to consider it? These are cheaper than the medications and do not have the unwanted side effects.

Foods that mimic Ozempic effects

Oats: They are rich in soluble fiber called beta-glucan. This can delay gastric emptying and promote feelings of fullness. As per a study published in Current Nutrition Reports, the beta-glucan increases satiety and reduces energy intake by enhancing GLP-1 secretion.

Studies also show that oats can help lower body weigh and harmful LDL- cholesterol levels.

Barley: This also contains beta-glucan, so the effects remain same. Furthermore, the journal Nutrients reported that barley lowered a hunger hormone called leptin.

Legumes, beans, lentils, chickpeas: In one study that included more than 15,000 U.S. adults published in the journal Nutrients found that legume intake was inversely associated with weight gain over the 10-year study period. Adults in the study with moderate to high intakes gained substantially less weight over the past decade than those reporting no legume intake.

Eggs: A study published in Nutrition Research reported that those who had eggs for breakfast reduced overall caloric consumption for the entire day.

Greek Yogurt: It is a healthy, must-have in your diet as it helps you stay fuller longer and also helps with your gut health. Studies suggest that the protein coupled with probiotics enhances satiety and impacts your appetite-regulating hormones to keep your hunger and cravings in check.

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Avocado: They are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart healthy. Avocados are also rich in dietary fiber. A medium-sized avocado has 10 grams of fiber, or more than half the fiber you need in a day. The high fat and fiber content of avocados leads to slower digestion, lower blood sugar and insulin levels and elevates hormones levels that trigger fullness.

Fish: The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish along with the high-quality protein help down-regulate your hunger and appetite.

Erythritol sweetener, commonly found in most of the food we consume, whether it is a protein bar or energy drink could be linked to stroke risk. While it is considered as a safer alternative to sugar as a natural sweetener, a study from the University of Colorado suggests it could damage cells in the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier is brain's security system that keeps the harmful substance off the limits, while letting in nutrients. Research also suggests that it would lead to serious consequences for heart health and stroke risk.

Erythritol Sweetener Risk: What Did The Study Find?

In the latest study, researchers exposed cells that form the blood–brain barrier to erythritol levels typically seen after consuming a soft drink sweetened with the compound. What followed was a cascade of cellular damage that could leave the brain more vulnerable to blood clots, one of the leading causes of stroke.

The researchers found that erythritol triggered intense oxidative stress, overwhelming cells with unstable molecules known as free radicals. At the same time, it weakened the body’s natural antioxidant defences. This double hit impaired normal cell function and, in some cases, led to cell death.

Damage to blood–brain barrier cells is particularly concerning because this barrier plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from harmful substances circulating in the bloodstream. When its integrity is compromised, the risk of neurological injury rises sharply.

Erythritol Sweetener Risk: How It Disrupts Blood Flow Control

Even more troubling was erythritol’s effect on how blood vessels regulate blood flow. Healthy blood vessels constantly adjust their width—expanding when organs need more oxygen and nutrients, and narrowing when demand is lower.

This process depends on a delicate balance between two molecules: nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, and endothelin-1, which causes them to constrict. The study found that erythritol disrupted this balance by reducing nitric oxide production while increasing endothelin-1 levels.

The result is blood vessels that stay constricted longer than they should, potentially restricting blood flow to the brain. This kind of dysfunction is a known warning sign for ischaemic stroke, the most common form of stroke caused by blocked blood vessels.

Erythritol Sweetener Risk: How It Interferes With Body's Clot Defense

The most alarming finding in the study was how body's natural protect against blood clot is disturbed. Under normal circumstances, cells release a substance called tissue plasminogen activator, which is described as a natural 'clot buster', which helps dissolve clots before they become dangerous. However, erythritol could interfere with this protective mechanism and allow clots to persist and cause damage.

Several have shown that people with higher blood levels of erythritol face significantly increased risks of cardiovascular events. In one major study, individuals with the highest erythritol levels were nearly twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

However, researchers caution that the experiments were conducted on isolated cells rather than full blood vessels. More advanced models that better replicate human physiology will be needed to confirm the findings.

Erythritol occupies a unique space in the sweetener world. Classified as a sugar alcohol rather than an artificial sweetener, it escaped recent World Health Organization guidance discouraging artificial sweeteners for weight control. Its sugar-like taste has also made it a favorite in “keto-friendly” and sugar-free foods.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been dominating nutrition debates in recent months, but experts say not all UPFs deserve equal concern. Some may be far more disruptive to metabolic and heart health than others, depending on ingredients and frequency of consumption.

UPFs are industrially manufactured products that typically contain refined flours, industrial seed oils, added sugars, preservatives, emulsifiers and stabilizers. Several studies have linked high UPF consumption to obesity, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. One recent study even suggested that eliminating UPFs could significantly accelerate weight loss, while others have connected them to a higher risk of chronic illness.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Eric Berg, a Florida chiropractor and health educator known online as "the Knowledge Doc," highlighted five commonly consumed ultra-processed foods that may warrant extra caution.

Ketchup: Small Amounts, Hidden Sugars

Ketchup may seem harmless, but many commercial varieties contain significant amounts of added sugar, often in the form of corn syrup. Even when consumed in small quantities, frequent use can steadily increase daily sugar intake.

Over time, this added sugar may contribute to excess calories and disrupt metabolic health. Checking ingredient labels and opting for low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives can help reduce this hidden source of sweetness.

Flavored Yogurt: A Health Halo Problem

Yogurt is widely perceived as a health food, but flavored versions can be misleading. Many contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and stabilizers that outweigh their nutritional benefits.

While yogurt itself can support gut health—especially when fermented with beneficial bacteria—experts stress that the health impact depends heavily on sugar content, ingredients and portion size. Choosing plain yogurt and adding fresh fruit or natural sweeteners at home is often a better option.

Soda Crackers: Refined and Deceptive

Soda crackers are often marketed as a light or “safe” snack, yet they frequently contain refined flours, added sugars and unhealthy oils. These refined ingredients are quickly digested, which may trigger blood sugar spikes, particularly when eaten without fiber or protein.

Healthier alternatives include whole-food-based crackers made from nuts or seeds, which offer more fibre, nutrients and longer-lasting satiety.

Candy Bars: More Than Just Sugar

Candy bars are one of the most obvious examples of ultra-processed foods. They are typically made with refined starches, seed oils and artificial additives while offering little to no nutritional value.

Frequent consumption of such products has been linked by nutrition experts to poorer metabolic health over time. The concern isn’t just sugar, but the combination of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates and additives that may collectively strain cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

Ice Cream Cones: The Overlooked Culprit

Interestingly, it’s not the ice cream itself but the factory-made cone that raises red flags. These cones are often ultra-processed, containing refined flours, added sugars, unhealthy oils and artificial ingredients.

When paired with commercial ice cream, the result can be a “double hit” of sugar, unhealthy fats and additives, significantly lowering the overall nutritional quality of the treat.

The Bigger Picture

Experts emphasize that moderation matters, and occasional indulgence isn’t the issue. The real concern lies in habitual consumption of ultra-processed foods that quietly dominate daily diets. Reading labels, prioritising whole foods and being mindful of ingredient lists can go a long way in protecting long-term health.

Magnesium has become one of the most talked-about nutrients in the supplement space, especially among people looking to improve sleep, reduce stress, and support brain health. While experts consistently stress that magnesium-rich foods should be the first line of defense, supplements are often recommended when dietary intake falls short, provided they are taken after consulting a doctor.

Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and overall health. It is involved in more than 300 enzymatic processes in the body, influencing everything from nerve signalling and muscle function to bone strength and sleep regulation. But not all magnesium supplements are the same, and choosing the wrong form could mean wasting money or dealing with unwanted side effects.

In an Instagram video published on February 2, neuroscientist Robert WB Love, who focuses on brain health and Alzheimer’s disease prevention, explained the differences between commonly available forms of magnesium. He also stressed why women above 50, in particular, should take magnesium intake seriously.

Why magnesium matters, especially for women over 50

According to Love, magnesium is essential for maintaining a healthy brain and body. He warned that when the body does not get enough magnesium through food or supplements, it compensates by pulling magnesium from the bones.

“Women over 50, listen up,” he said in the video. “If you don’t eat enough magnesium-rich foods or take a magnesium supplement to get the right amount, your body will literally steal magnesium from your bones to use in vital processes throughout the body.”

This, he explained, is why consistent magnesium intake is not just important for brain health but also for protecting bone strength as women age. Ensuring adequate magnesium through diet and supplementation can help support both cognitive function and skeletal health.

Magnesium citrate: Common but not ideal

Magnesium citrate is one of the most widely available forms, largely because it is inexpensive. However, Love described it as a low-quality option for brain health.

“It’s hard to absorb and can upset your stomach,” he explained, adding that many people experience digestive discomfort after taking it. Because of its poor absorption, magnesium citrate may not deliver meaningful benefits to the brain, making it a less effective choice overall.

Magnesium glycinate: Gentle and effective

Magnesium glycinate, according to the neuroscientist, is one of the better options available. It is well absorbed, gentle on the stomach, and beneficial for the brain and the rest of the body.

He also highlighted its positive impact on sleep and stress levels. Many people report sleeping better when they take magnesium glycinate before bedtime, making it a popular choice for those struggling with restlessness or anxiety.

Magnesium threonate: Best for the brain

Magnesium threonate stands out because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Love explained that this allows it to directly enter the brain, making it the most potent form for cognitive health.

However, it is more expensive and harder to find than other forms. Despite this, he noted that both magnesium threonate and magnesium glycinate are excellent options for brain support.

Magnesium taurate: The underrated option

Love also pointed to magnesium taurate, a form that does not get much attention. According to him, it is particularly beneficial for heart health.

“What’s good for your heart is good for your brain,” he emphasised, suggesting that magnesium taurate may offer indirect brain benefits by supporting cardiovascular function.