Processed meat should be eaten in moderation—but a couple meat roll-ups with cheese can be a great high-protein lunch; and sometimes, a good-old-days kind of sandwich just hits the spot. Just as back-to-school season gets close, one of the most recognizable deli meat brands in the country has announced a recall of nine products due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. 

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According to a July 26 press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Boar’s Head Provisions Co. is recalling 207,528 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products. Boar’s Head sells delicatessen meats and cheeses in the delis of many supermarket chains and convenience stores across the country.

Federal officials with FSIS are currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate an outbreak of Listeria infections across several states. According to the FSIS, the outbreak is likely linked to meats sliced at delis. As of July 25, 34 people have been infected in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and 2 deaths.

According to the FSIS press release, all liverwurst products currently being sold by Boar’s Head could be contaminated with Listeria. The company is recalling other products produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst products because they may have also been affected.

The recalled products include:

• “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA” sold in 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” sold in 9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” sold in 4-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” sold in 6-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” sold in 4-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” sold in 2.5-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” sold in 5.5-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” sold in 3-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.
• “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” sold in 3-lb. packages or various weight packages sliced in retail delis.

The liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. The sell-by dates are printed on the side of the packaging and range from July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024.

The other products were produced on June 27, 2024, and have a sell-by date of August 10 printed on the packaging.

Product labels of all affected products are available here.

FSIS reports that these products could be in consumers’ refrigerators or in retail deli cases. If you’ve purchased any of the recalled products, they should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. FSIS also recommends cleaning your refrigerator thoroughly after removing any of the products to “prevent the risk of cross-contamination.”

The agency also had a warning for sellers, advising retail delis to “clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli.”

This has been categorized as a Class I Recall, which, according to the FDA, means this is “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

What Each FDA Recall Classification Means
Class I Recall	“A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Class II Recall	“A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Class III Recall	“A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, eating food contaminated with Listeria can cause fever, chills, headache, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions and more. It can also be life-threatening for people who are 65 years or older, people who are pregnant or people with compromised immune systems. If you are experiencing potential symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor immediately.

• What Is a Recall, and Why Do They Happen? An Expert Explains
• What Is Processed Meat and Is It Bad for Your Health?
• More Than 120,000 Bottles of an Oatmeal Moisturizer Recalled USA Nationwide
• Nearly 14,000 Containers of Ice Cream Recalled in 8 States

Cigarettes are made of tobacco, and tobacco contains nicotine. While nicotine isn’t harmful per se (rather it’s the chemicals in cigarettes that are harmful and can cause cancer), nicotine is an addictive chemical responsible for creating a physical dependence on cigarettes. Here’s how it works: When you inhale a cigarette, nicotine enters your bloodstream and prompts your brain to release feel-good chemicals that make you feel happy and calm. What happens next? After you finish your cigarette, the feel-good chemicals dissipate, and your brain craves more. When your brain stops receiving these feel-good chemicals,  you can feel uncomfortable, irritable, restless, sad, or angry, or even have difficulty sleeping and concentrating. This is called nicotine withdrawal and it is the primary reason why so many people have trouble kicking the habit of smoking cigarettes. 

Every smoker’s quitting journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Below, we look at four effective strategies—from support hotlines to nicotine replacement therapy—that can help you embrace a smoke-free lifestyle. 

Programs & Hotlines 

Expert-led programs, such as the Quit Smoking Program offered at the University of Ottawa’s Heart Institute, are available across the country (and virtually) to provide personalized support. They typically involve a healthcare provider reviewing your medical history and medications and creating a customized treatment plan that may include a prescription for a nicotine replacement product. 

You can also access free support from a trained specialist via one of Canada’s hotlines. Counsellors are just a phone call (or text) away to help you develop a plan to quit smoking, answer questions you may have, provide support, and recommend services and programs in your community. For example, Quebec residents can contact I QUIT NOW for help in building a customized plan to quit smoking and for tips on how to  manage  stress  and eliminate cravings to smoke.. Smokers’ Helpline delivers a similar type of service for Canadians living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Ontario and offers interpreter services in over 100 languages. And Talk Tobacco is available for First Nation Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. 

Therapy 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective tool to support  quitting smoking. The treatment focuses on identifying the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that you experience during nicotine withdrawal and restructuring them so that you feel a lesser urge to grab a cigarette. Group therapy is also an option, ideal for those who seek support on their journey and can be more cost-effective than one-on-one CBT sessions. 

Another popular form of therapy to help quit smoking is hypnotherapy. Through visualization practices, therapists can guide smokers to see themselves as healthier people, which can encourage them to do what they can to get there. Many people report feeling more relaxed after hypnotherapy, and some even swear it helps them stave off smoking for good, but the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) says that there’s little evidence to show hypnotherapy is effective in smoking cessation.  

Cold Turkey 

When you quit smoking cold turkey, you quit without using treatments. There are a couple of ways to do it: You can cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day or per week until you reach zero, or you can quit completely from the start. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns if you smoke half a pack of cigarettes a day or more, quitting cold turkey will be significantly more challenging, particularly because of the significant withdrawal symptoms. 

Health Canada has a few tips to help you cope with such withdrawal symptoms: 

• Delay: Aim to delay smoking for as long as possible—even if it’s just five minutes. This can help you cut back on the number of cigarettes you’re smoking in a day over time. 

• Distract yourself: Get absorbed in an activity that demands your complete concentration, such as a game or a hobby. 

• Deep breathing: Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth—this can help encourage relaxation and lessen feelings of stress and irritability. 

• Drink water: The action of holding a glass of water and bringing it to your lips can replace your desire to do the same with a cigarette. 

• Discuss: Talk about your progress with a friend or a coach to release tension and gain support. 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy 

The above measures are most effective when paired with nicotine replacement therapy (“NRT”). In Canada, NRTs are regulated under the Food & Drugs Act (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy and are intended for use by adults aged 18 and older who smoke regularly and wish to quit.  

NRT is available in a few different forms:; nicotine patches, which stick to your skin and release nicotine into your bloodstream; Nicotine gum, lozenges and inhalers that release right into your mouth; and nicotine pouches like Zonnic. Prescription medications such as Varenicline and Bupropion can also help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

Currently, Zonnic a form of NRT, is the only legally authorized nicotine pouch available in Canada. It was approved for sale by Health Canada in October 2023, and delivers nicotine to your body via a pouch that is placed under your upper lip to temporarily relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine is addictive, and therefore NRT should only be used by adults to help  them quit smoking, and not for recreational use. 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for support on quitting smoking.   

ZONNIC is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy for adults 18 years of age and older. This product may not be right for you. Always read and follow the label. 

Anxiety and stress are common experiences in our lives, but when they persist, they can profoundly affect our mental and physical health. According to statistics from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health concern in the US, affecting over 40 million adults.

While “anxiety” and “stress” are terms often used interchangeably, they differ in their origins and impacts. Ken Duckworth, MD, author and chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), who is also double-board-certified in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry and Brad Sjostrom, LCSW, MAC, licensed clinical social worker and director of behavioral health at AdventHealth Porter Hospital explain that stress arises from “external triggers,” like an impending work deadline or dealing with financial issues.

Sjostrom points out that while stress usually has a specific cause and resolves after the situation is dealt with, anxiety is often internal and marked by persistent worry that doesn’t subside, even in the absence of a direct trigger. This ongoing anxiety can significantly affect daily life, sometimes manifesting in surprising ways, such as changes in weight.

Can anxiety lead to weight loss? Both Dr. Duckworth and Sjostrom affirm that it can, although sometimes it may also result in weight gain. Researchers are still exploring the precise reasons behind these varied effects.

However, it’s important to note that not all stress or anxiety are detrimental. A “sweet spot” exists—it can be overwhelming if excessive or uninspiring if insufficient. Taking breaks and returning to simple pleasures—spending time with loved ones, exploring nature, enjoying hobbies, or going on vacation—can help restore balance, says Sjostrom.

Continue reading to learn more about the interaction between anxiety, stress and the body, and understand why weight might fluctuate under these conditions. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight changes and suspect they may be related to anxiety and stress, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out other potential health issues.

Understanding how anxiety and stress affect your body

Dr. Duckworth and Sjostrom explain that both anxiety and stress activate your sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. This response increases your heart rate and blood pressure, boosts your metabolic rate for quick energy release, promotes muscle catabolism to provide additional fuel, and enhances fat breakdown to meet the body’s immediate physical demands.

Sjostrom further comments, “Cumulative stress can lead to anxiety, which impacts all functions of the body, particularly the central nervous system, which can be in a heightened state of arousal. Anxiety can lead to panic attacks, which can duplicate a cardiac event, cause a sense of doom and provoke shortness of breath.” Anxiety can also manifest through various physical symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite and indigestion
• Chest pain
• Headaches

Dr. Duckworth adds, “This is why many strategies to deal with anxiety activate your parasympathetic nervous system.” This part of the nervous system is known for its role in “rest and digest” functions, helping to calm the body and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

How anxiety and stress impact appetite and weight

“Both anxiety and stress can cause either a decrease or increase in appetite,” Sjostrom explains. For example, when facing a high-pressure situation like a big presentation, some people might find they can’t eat until it’s over. This total loss of appetite is a common response to acute stress or anxiety.

On the flip side, those who experience ongoing anxiety may turn to what’s often called “emotional eating” as a way to comfort themselves. This habit involves eating to soothe worries and dampen negative emotions, which can lead to weight gain.

So, whether anxiety leads to weight loss or weight gain really varies from person to person. The effects are as individual as our responses to stress and anxiety themselves.

Does anxiety affect sleep?

Yes, anxiety significantly impacts sleep, and both experts concur that individuals experiencing acute anxiety or living with an anxiety disorder frequently face challenges in falling asleep, remaining asleep, and often waking up too early.

Disrupting sleep patterns can lead to several health issues, as sleeping is essential for physical restoration, brain function, and emotional regulation.

There’s also a connection between insufficient sleep and weight gain. Lack of sleep can disrupt the balance of hunger hormones, namely ghrelin and leptin, leading to increased appetite and cravings for high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich foods.

How does anxiety affect gut health?

You may already be familiar with the concept of the gut-brain connection, where the gut is often referred to as the “second brain” by some medical experts. Research suggests that regular bowel movements might even lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sjostrom highlights how our language reflects this link; people often describe having “butterflies” in their stomachs or feeling nausea during stressful situations. Traumatic events might even feel “gut-wrenching.” He explains: “Anxiety can alter gut microbiota in a negative way where food is not efficiently processed, energy is depleted, and people are prone to gain weight.”

Anxiety disorders can also lead to a variety of gut issues, such as gastrointestinal upset, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, which can impact your weight.

Dr. Duckworth comments on dietary approaches to managing anxiety, noting that there is not a well-established approach at this point and that more research needs to be done in this area. If you’re interested in what foods could potentially exacerbate anxiety, here are 11 foods to avoid if you’re anxious.

Strategies for managing anxiety and reducing stress

Experiencing anxiety and stress isn’t your fault—many factors, including genetics, upbringing, childhood traumas and temperament, can make some individuals more prone to these conditions. Fortunately, there are many strategies recommended by both experts to help manage anxiety and keep stress at bay, which can also be beneficial if you’re noticing changes in your weight:

1. Address issues as they come: Avoid letting issues pile up. Address challenges as they arise to prevent them from contributing to greater stress later.
2. Challenge your thoughts: Recognize that not all your thoughts are facts. Anxiety often stems from cognitive distortions, such as negative self-talk I am no good, Nobody likes me or catastrophic thinking such as, This situation is unbearable.
3. Enhance emotional skills: Learn skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Techniques like focusing on your breathing, recognizing and addressing negative thoughts, and responding more calmly can be incredibly beneficial.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Engage in regular exercise and ensure you get consistent, restful sleep.
5. Avoid substance abuse: Abstain from heavy drug and alcohol use as withdrawal can often manifest as anxiety.
6. Seek professional help: If your anxiety feels unmanageable, seeking psychotherapy or medication might be necessary.

The key takeaway is to find what works best for you. Individual responses to different strategies can vary, so it’s important to be open to trying different approaches. If you’ve attempted these methods without success, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or seek a referral to a mental health professional who can offer additional support and explore the possibility of medication if needed.

About the experts Ken Duckworth, MD, is author of You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health and the chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He is also double-board-certified in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry and completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. Brad Sjostrom, LCSW, MAC, is a licensed clinical social worker and director of behavioral health at AdventHealth Porter Hospital. He also obtained a Master Addictions Counselor certification.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• 10 Trusted Home Remedies for Natural Anxiety Relief
• 8 Silent Signs Stress Is Making You Sick
• Top Tricks from Therapists on How to Deal with Anxiety
• 8 Mini Meditations to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Why do you work out: Is it to lose weight? Build muscle? Strengthen your heart? Soothe your mind? No matter the reason, there’s a universal effect we all experience: Exercise makes us feel good.

That is, unless, you’re engaged in online comparison. When you glance at Instagram or TikTok, it’s almost impossible not to see content from a perfectly fit influencer touting what they eat in a day or their super-short morning workout (when it would almost certainly take hours of exercise per day to look that way).

Many of these accounts purport to promote a healthy lifestyle, but they’re selling aesthetics—and though they might be aspirational, new research suggests that inspiration could be doing more harm than good.

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A recent online experimental study aimed to examine the impacts of three popular social media trends—”fitspiration,” “body positivity,” and “body neutrality”—on body dissatisfaction and emotional well-being among women.

For the June 2024 study published in Body Image, a team of four German researchers specializing in clinical psychology and psychotherapy randomly assigned 382 women (172 with reported eating disorders, and 210 without), to view 30 Instagram posts that fell under one of the three categories:

• “Fitspiration” posts showcased thin-muscular women promoting health and fitness.
• “Body positivity” posts featured images of larger female bodies encouraging self-love.
• “Body neutrality” posts included text-based illustrations focusing on appreciating the body’s functionality.

Participants completed questionnaires on body dissatisfaction and mood both before and after viewing the posts—and the results were telling. Viewing “fitspiration” images increased body dissatisfaction, while both “body positivity” and “body neutrality” posts led to reduced body dissatisfaction.

Regarding mood, “fitspiration” posts reduced positive feelings but had no effect on negative emotions. “Body positivity” posts maintained positive feelings and decreased negative ones. Interestingly, despite reducing negative mood, “body neutrality” posts also decreased positive mood.

The effects of these trends were consistent for women with and without eating disorders, underscoring the potential harm of “fitspiration” content on body image and emotional well-being, regardless of mental health. Next time you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, turning to real-life inspiration and instruction from a trainer or nutritionist may be a more beneficial bet that helps you stay committed to your overall wellness.

• 5 Common Statements an Eating Recovery Psychologist Says We All Need to Avoid
• 6 Comments About Someone’s Weight Loss That Can Hurt When They’e Meant to Flatter, Say Experts
• 15 Things a Body Image Coach Wishes You Knew

Vaping involves the use of a handheld electronic device, such as an e-cigarette or vape pen, which heats a liquid to create an aerosol mist that users inhale into their lungs. This liquid generally contains nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol, and other additives. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vaping can lead to a range of health issues, including breathing problems, organ damage, and addiction.

Data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention shows that 4.5% of all adults in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, with usage rates notably higher among young adults aged 18 to 24. Approximately 3.4 million or 11% of this population are reportedly engaged in vaping, compared to 6.5% of adults aged 25 to 44, and 2% of those aged 45 and older.

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, largely because it is perceived to help avoid the weight gain often associated with quitting cigarettes. Authors of a 2022 systematic review on e-cigarettes and weight gain highlight this issue, noting, “Smoking cessation is associated with a mean increase of four to five kilograms in body weight after 12 months of abstinence, and most weight gain occurs within three months of quitting.” (This kilogram range equates to eight to 11 pounds.) The appeal of vaping can be attributed to nicotine, a common component in both traditional cigarettes and most vaping products, known for its appetite-suppressing effects.

Given this information, for users it may be natural to wonder whether vaping nicotine truly assists in weight loss. Continue reading to discover the latest research and explore safer alternatives for managing weight without the associated risks of vaping.

Does vaping nicotine cause you to lose weight?

Nicotine is often recognized for its appetite-suppressing effects, though the effects on weight management are mixed. It increases metabolic rate—the speed at which your body converts food and drink into energy. This boost in metabolism can lead to weight loss as the body burns calories faster. Nicotine also triggers the release of hormones that reduce hunger, which can decrease food intake.

A 2020 study also points to another important aspect: The repetitive hand-to-mouth motion associated with both smoking and vaping. This behavior might influence food consumption habits, potentially helping to prevent or delay weight gain.

However, nicotine has been shown to increase insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less effective at absorbing glucose from the bloodstream. This causes the pancreas to produce more insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels, resulting in increased stores of visceral body fat—fat that accumulates around the internal organs in the abdominal cavity and is linked to numerous health risks, including heart disease and diabetes.

While vaping nicotine may provide temporary appetite suppression and potential weight loss, its effects on long-term weight management remain unclear. As such, vaping is not considered a reliable and safe method for weight loss and is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems and an elevated risk of lung diseases. Additionally, nicotine’s addictive nature can make it difficult to quit smoking or vaping, leading to prolonged exposure to potentially harmful substances contained in these products.

Will I gain weight if I quit vaping?

Quitting nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain, but it is a possibility. The reasons why some people might gain weight after quitting are not fully understood, but Christine Zellers, MPP, and Karen Ensle, EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS—both educators in Family and Community Health Sciences at Rutgers—highlight three key factors that could contribute:

1. Increased food intake: It’s common for people to change their eating habits after they stop smoking or vaping. Many report feeling hungrier, likely as a withdrawal symptom from nicotine. Although this increased appetite might cause some initial weight gain, research indicates that eating patterns typically normalize over time.
2. Changes in metabolism: Nicotine can speed up metabolism, and without nicotine, the metabolic rate can slow down, meaning fewer calories are burned throughout the day. This slowdown can lead to weight gain, even if your calorie intake remains unchanged.
3. Reduced physical activity: Another risk factor for weight gain is decreased physical activity. Often, those who quit smoking or vaping might feel less inclined to engage in exercise, contributing further to potential weight gain.

Safer alternatives to vaping for weight management

If you’re looking for safer and more effective ways to manage your weight and quit vaping, a variety of options are available to you. Also, it’s important to consult your doctor for guidance and address any weight management concerns you might have:

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): Products like nicotine gums, patches, lozenges, and sprays can help manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms in a safer manner than vaping. These are approved by health authorities and are designed to help you quit nicotine altogether in a gradual way.

Professional counseling and support groups: Behavioral support can increase your chances of quitting nicotine. This could include therapy sessions with a counselor or joining support groups.

Prescription medications: Certain medications can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider and are often used in combination with other quitting strategies.

Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help manage the stress and anxiety that might lead you to vape.

Physical activity: Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and decrease the need for stress-relief habits like vaping. Activities can range from yoga and walking to more intense physical exercises, depending on your preference.

Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet improves overall health and can help keep your mind and body occupied and away from cravings. Some find that keeping their hands and mouths busy with healthy snacks like carrot sticks or nuts can also mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking or vaping.

Hobbies and social activities: Engaging in hobbies and social activities you enjoy can help occupy your time and mind, helping reduce the psychological need for vaping.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• “I Got Lung Disease from Vaping and Almost Died”
• 8 Vaping Statistics That May Shock You
• Does Vaping Affect Your Bone Health?
• Trying To Quit Smoking? A New Study Suggests Replacing Cigarettes with This

Either “Avena sativa” or “colloidal oatmeal” is typically a main ingredient in a true oatmeal-infused moisturizer. This is the case for a brand like Aveeno, whose products are formulated to soothe skin with the anti-inflammatory properties of oats, or to slough away dead skin cells with the natural exfoliating effects of the grain.

This week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that recently a dupe brand of Aveeno was recalled due to a health concern related to its ingredients. On June 7, 2024 a recall was initiated for 120,319 eight-ounce bottles of a Canadian-made product called “Oatmeal Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion” containing 1.3% dimethicone as the active ingredient.

The FDA says the recall applies to “USA nationwide” distribution. While it’s not clear where the recalled units were sold, by looking specifically for the manufacturer name Brands International Corp. and the Made in Canada designation, it appears the product has been marketed under the brand name “Kissable” on Amazon, possibly in addition to other brand names. The Kissable product features colors and other visual branding aesthetics that appear to mimic Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion’s oat stalk, green logo and earth tones, and placement of text.

The FDA lists two lot codes for the recalled oatmeal moisturizer:

Lot #24092009, expiration 03/27

Lot #24094010, expiration 04/27

The cited reason for the recall is Microbial Contamination of Non-Sterile Products: confirmed presence of mold contamination. This might make sense if the product did in fact contain oat or its extracts, but this point raises further questions about the full list of ingredients. Dr. Patricia Varacallo confirms that nowhere is Avena sativa or any form of oatmeal listed among the ingredients. Instead, the product contains ingredients like mineral oil and DMDM hydantoin, which is said to be used to control mold growth. Dimethicone as the active ingredient is a silicone product that has been criticized for its chemical exposure risk.

The product says it contains aloe and vitamin E, either of which may potentially be the source of mold.

A look at the front of a bottle suggests the product also claims to be fragrance-free, though Fragrance is listed as one of the ingredients.

The FDA has categorized this as a Class II recall.

What Each FDA Recall Classification Means
Class I Recall	“A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
Class II Recall	“A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Class III Recall	“A situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

The Cleveland Clinic explains that mold can be absorbed through the skin and can be hazardous, with most severe implications for individuals who have a mold allergy. The leading health system lists the following as symptoms of mold exposure: Runny nose or nasal congestion, wheezing, itchy eyes or throat, coughing and sneezing, headaches and skin rash. The Clinic adds that prolonged or more extreme exposure may lead to pregnancy complications, cancer, liver, kidney, or blood issues, and more.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• Recall of 7 Major Shampoo Brands in 43 States Warns of Toxin Risk
• 70,000 Outdoor Chairs Recalled by Popular Decor Brand for “Crushing and Amputation Hazards”
• A Sought-After Weight-Loss & Diabetes Drug Has Been Recalled Nationwide
• What Is a Recall, and Why Do They Happen? An Expert Explains

At 34, Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin has racked up more achievements than many people reach in a lifetime. The 2008 all-around champion has five Olympic and nine World Championship medals, earned from years of hard work that she was practically destined for.

Born in Moscow to two former champion gymnasts, much of Liukin’s life was dedicated to the sport—and now she’s asking a reflective question: How much of her success comes from excellent genes, and how much comes from her own blood, sweat and tears?

In a new partnership with AncestryDNA, Liukin is promoting its Traits test kit, which analyzes a saliva sample to identify your genetic predisposition to over 30 performance traits, such as self-discipline, speed and hand-eye coordination. The test allows you to compare your results to those of world-class athletes like Liukin to see how your natural talents stack up.

Liukin shared her results with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest to chat about how she used her natural strengths to her advantage and overcame her natural weaknesses to become a champion. She also discussed the advice she has for the US women’s gymnastics team heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics and how she’s still finding joy and purpose outside of the gym.

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The Healthy: This is such a neat partnership! As an athlete, taking cues from your body and learning its language must be especially important. Looking at your traits, one example that jumped out at me was that you have a “lower pain tolerance.” Can you talk about how you’ve learned to listen to your body to honor something like that and how when to push yourself?

Nastia Liukin: Yeah, that’s actually a really great question. It was always essential. My dad was my coach, and both my parents were Olympic and world-champion gymnasts. I guess I always kind of thought I had some pretty good genes. 

But in terms of the pain and injuries, my dad was always very adamant about taking care of your body and that gymnastics is just a short time of your life. So I was always listening to my body and instilling the importance of if something started hurting, tell them right away before it became more serious. So yeah, I guess you don’t realize many of these things. After seeing these traits, many were super eye-opening, and then there was a lot that I was like, “That makes total sense.”

The Healthy: It’s so interesting!

Nastia Liukin: I know! And I think it’s cool because anybody can do it, so anybody can log onto the website and order a kit, and you can compare it with your friends or with other athletes from all over the world, which is, I think, so cool because you always wonder, “Is it something they were born with?” We place athletes almost on this pedestal of being superheroes at times. It’s really interesting to take a step back and realize maybe which part of it is this God-given talent, essentially your DNA, and what part of it is just hard work or pushing through what they’re not supposed to be good at, [such as] me on vault. It was just very, very cool to see.

The Healthy: Absolutely. A big part of being able to reflect on where our natural weaknesses lie is seeing where we might need to put in more of that effort. For example, another trait listed for you is that you’re “less naturally strong,” though obviously, you put a lot of work into your strength. Many people might be discouraged if they’re not naturally talented at something. How do you get in the mindset to develop a skill that feels daunting?

Nastia Liukin: Well, the strength part, especially, I always knew that if I wanted to achieve the goals that I wanted to achieve, then I had to put in the work. On the other hand, flexibility came a lot more naturally to me, and I don’t have to spend as much time on flexibility to this day. However, the strength aspect of everything has always been the most challenging. Even gaining muscle for me is a lot more difficult than for others. 

For it not to be daunting, you have to know what your goals are and understand what you want. If it’s something that you really want to achieve and succeed at, then you have to block that daunting feeling out. Another trait that you have to have is the focus and ability to be a goal-setter to achieve goals and push past obstacles. 

The Healthy: I’d love to talk about the Olympics with you. We just watched the US women’s gymnastics team get named the other week, and of course, they’re gearing up for such an exciting, high-pressure time. What do you wish you could say to yourself during these moments between trials and competition in 2008? Obviously, the final result couldn’t have been better for you, but is there anything you would’ve done differently in your preparation?

Nastia Liukin: No, I don’t think so. I have always tried to live life, not just gymnastics, but life in general, without regret. And I think that going back—I mean, to be honest, we had actually had a second trial. So Shawn and I were named to the team at the Olympic Trials, and then we were told we still had to show our readiness at the second Olympic Trials, which is at a training camp. And so it was honestly not much celebrating just because we had to go to camp. Every single athlete that went to that training camp packed as if they were going to the Olympics, but half the girls went to the Olympics, and half had to go home. And so it was emotionally a little bit challenging. It’s a team sport, but it’s an individual sport. People’s dreams are coming true; people’s dreams are not coming true.

So it was a lot of different feelings all at the same time. So, to be honest, I don’t necessarily know what I would’ve done differently because all we did was train. I think there wasn’t much time to celebrate or anything. If anything, it would be just to be present and enjoy. It goes by so fast that I think just trying to take moments throughout and pause to take it in would maybe be something that I would not necessarily change but would add to my experience.

The Healthy: What about in the aftermath of the games? No matter how this team performs, what advice would you share from your experience of coming down from that Olympic high?

Nastia Liukin:  To surround yourself with the people who have and always will be in your life before and after. And to know that you’re not going to be defined by one thing, even the success that hopefully they’ll all have at the Olympics. Take advantage of the opportunities and enjoy the ride, but at the same time, know that you’re not going to be defined by it, and it’s something that you did. It’s not something that you are if that makes sense. 

The same is true for gymnastics as a whole. I always like to think gymnastics is something that I did, versus I am the gymnast. And I believe that if you’re able to take it that way and know that yes, at this moment, this is the most important thing because you have trained your whole life for it—but there’s also life beyond that, and there’s going to be many more exciting things in your life.

And you don’t necessarily have to compare those things. I think for the longest time, I tried to find something that would make me feel as fulfilled as I did at the end of a seven-hour training day. Well, newsflash, there’s nothing. There’s not going to be a feeling that exactly replicates the feeling of training seven hours a day besides training seven hours a day. And so I think if you’re able to recognize that and know that you don’t have to compare it to that, you can find other things that bring you passion and joy and fulfillment, but they don’t all have to be the same or feel the same. That, to me, was kind of eye-opening once I realized that. I think for a while, I was chasing that feeling, right? That feeling of winning and the pride that I felt in that. And it’s like you’re never going to probably feel that because representing your country at the Olympics is top of pride, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you have to find that again. You can find other things that you can take similar pride in but on different levels.

The Healthy: We love that. Great advice. And on the note that you do gymnastics, you are not the gymnast; what else have you been up to lately? What’s next for you? 

Nastia Liukin: I just launched a pickleball collab with Recess and designed some paddles. That has been something that I’ve enjoyed doing. And it was kind of the first sport you could say that I really enjoy. I’m not an expert; I’m not even remotely great at it, but I enjoy it. And I think that was fun for me to find because I never really had something I enjoyed as much as gymnastics. 

A few other things are coming out this month that I unfortunately can’t quite announce, but coming soon! Then I will be going to Paris, so I’m looking forward to being at the games. This will be, I believe, my seventh Olympics, which is crazy. I’m just really looking forward to cheering on the team. This will be the first time that I’ll actually be able to cheer from the sidelines. I’ll still be working and doing a bunch of different things, but I think from a personal side, and a biased side, one of my parents’ athletes made the Olympic team. So I’m super excited to cheer on Team USA and just be at the Olympics. There’s no greater event, in my opinion. Again, I’m biased, but the energy and experience in Paris are wonderful. So I’m looking forward to it.

The Healthy: Awesome. Is there a self-care routine that you can never skip? And I’m curious if that’s changed for you from when you were competing as an athlete.

Nastia Liukin:  Yeah, I would say when I was competing as an athlete, I would get a massage twice a week, and I wish that didn’t change. That was more of a recovery of my body than it was for self-care. And now, I don’t do as much with my actual body regarding training and conditioning. I would say it’s more mental recovery and just going on walks every single day. I do a sunset walk when I’m in California with my dog. Even if I’m in the middle of something, I always pause what I’m doing to catch the sunset and do that because it just helps me get more grounded, whether it was a stressful day, whether it was a great day, or whatever it was. I think that to me is just as important as physical recovery when I was an athlete.

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The Seventies and Eighties babies in the room are likely among the most delighted to see breakdancing—known in its circles as “breaking”—debut as an Olympic sport the very same year hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Sunny Choi is a star on Team USA’s inaugural breaking roster, but her athletic career started off as a gymnast until an injury forced her to leave the sport. Choi went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, which led to a career in book publishing and then as a global director at a legacy cosmetics company.

But, as she told us, she was yearning for something else. Here, in partnership with the Incredible Egg in a campaign entitled “Meant To Be Broken,” Choi—also a self-proclaimed foodie—shares why “breaking” eventually became no longer a choice.

The Healthy: Sunny, you’re making history! What do you hear fans and supporters saying about this first-ever event at the Olympics?

Sunny Choi: I think, in general, people are really excited about it. It’s the first time hip-hop has been represented like this on the Olympic stage, and it’s special to have a diverse group of people represent it. While I know there are plenty of haters out there, I feel like the fans are overwhelmingly supportive, and people are just really, really excited about it. I know some of the older generation wishes breaking would have been around during their time, but they’re glad it’s here now.

The Healthy: As if breaking isn’t unique enough, you have an inspiring story for anyone who’s dealing with pressure and doubt in their careers. You went from competitive gymnastics to graduating from Penn and then working in corporate America. Can you talk about the decision to pursue your Olympic dreams?

Sunny Choi: “Meant to be Broken” helps to illustrate the way that I looked at things when I was making the decision to leave corporate America and pursue my dream. My entire life, I had lived in a box, done everything I was supposed to do and checked off all the boxes to be outwardly successful. I went to a good school, was a good athlete, started working in corporate America and was on my way to buying a house and having a family.

But at the end of the day, I wasn’t happy, so this was about breaking out of the mold and breaking everyone’s expectations of me and myself to pursue a path that would fulfill me and make me happy. When the Olympics were announced, I realized that no one was telling me I needed to do this, so I needed to get out of my head and make some changes to fulfill this childhood dream.  I did some internal work, and then, ever since making the decision, I haven’t looked back.

The Healthy: Breaking definitely takes athleticism. How do you train—and how do you protect yourself from injury?

Sunny Choi: Breakers today are just like many other high-level athletes. Some very specific things about what we do make breaking unique and challenging. For example, because there’s such a big creative component to breaking, we must mentally be “on” the day of the battle. It’s not just about taking care of ourselves physically, but also mentally. I think there’s been more awareness about mental health and talking about it for high-level athletes.

It’s not just about showing up and doing the same thing we’ve practiced over and over and over again because I’m freestyling, and we don’t know what songs are going to play, so we have to be present and locked in with our bodies and be willing to let go of control. So, because of that, I think it’s even more important than in some other sports to take care of ourselves as the whole mind, body and soul.  I’m taking care of my mind by going to therapy and doing things that make me happy throughout the day, whether cooking myself a meal, going on long walks with my dog without my phone, or going to hot vinyasa. Then, the physical piece is training, where I see a strength and conditioning coach. I also do a lot of recovery work, which includes compression boots, and if I have access, I’ll do an ice bath.

There’s also the soul piece: Connecting with people, enjoying what you’re doing and taking care of everything. The way I see it, training is so much more than what we’re doing physically.

The Healthy: We understand that you’re a big fan of eggs, like us and our readers. Talk to us about your eating habits and how you nourish your body to compete.

Sunny Choi: When competing, I’m quite picky about the foods I eat because I have to choose foods that work well with my stomach and fuel me. I’m mostly focused on protein as a macro. I am careful about getting a wide variety of foods, so throughout the day, I ensure I include some vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats to balance. However, the only thing I am really tracking is protein.

Eggs play a huge part in helping me to get to my protein goals. I eat many eggs because they are a super easy and quick way to include protein and nutrition in my meals. I often fry or scramble eggs to put them on my dinner meal. Eggs are my go-to for breakfast. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could have eggs for all three meals of the day, but that doesn’t really help me in terms of balance and getting a variety of foods. I like to fry eggs in sesame oil, and that’s a go-to when I’m lazy.

Having a sweet treat, I think, is also part of the balance. I have a humongous sweet tooth so I like to make and keep a batch of my custard freeze around—because sometimes you just need something sweet at the end of the day.

The Healthy: We ask this in all of our interviews: Is there a self-care habit you refuse to skip?

Sunny Choi: I can’t say “refuse” because, to be honest, I’m often breaking my own rules. But generally, an important one for me is when I go on walks with my dog, I either don’t take my phone or pull my phone out of my pocket unless, for some reason, I need to check the time or something. This enables me to get away from everything for a little bit. I feel like we’re inundated all day, every day, and that’s the time I take and set aside for myself each day.

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If you haven’t already tried some of the modernized menstrual care products on the market, it may officially be time. Harvard University‘s school of public health suggests younger menstruators are embracing market disrupters like absorbent period underwear and menstrual cups—though tampons, as well as pads, are still most popular when looking across age demographics.

If your go-to is a tampon, you may be aware of growing concern that’s not only due to environmental issues and the possibility of toxic shock syndrome (which the National Library of Medicine describes as “an acute-onset illness … classically associated with high absorbency tampon use”), but also because of a health risk a new study is illuminating: Exposure to toxic metals.

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Set to be published in August 2024 in the scientific journal Environment International, the study was led by a team of nine environmental scientists and epidemiology researchers at University of California at Berkeley, New York’s Columbia University, and University of Michigan. The researchers report they tested 30 tampons across 14 brands and 18 product lines for the presence of metals and metalloids. Though they don’t mention specific brand names, the team says they “generally selected products that were listed as top sellers on a major online retailer, as well as ‘store-brand’ products from several large chain retailers in the US.”

The researchers evaluated the presence of arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc.

They discovered that all of these metals are “present in quantifiable concentrations” in tampons.

Several are also toxic: Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and vanadium. According to the researchers, “all tampon samples” contained detectable levels of these toxic metals, with “elevated mean concentrations” of arsenic, cadmium and lead in particular.

The researchers speculated that metals could be introduced to tampons in several ways: The raw materials that make up tampons, such as cotton, rayon or viscose could be contaminated during production; tampons could be contaminated with metals from water used during manufacturing; metals could be added intentionally as microbial agents or to aid in lubrication when inserted. For example, they note that cadmium and zinc, which were detected in the highest concentrations, “are used for odor control, lubrication and as antimicrobial agents.”

The researchers noted that there is “no safe exposure level” to lead, with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reporting that lead exposure can cause brain damage, impaired kidney function, digestive problems, heart disease, depression, impotence and more. Perhaps most alarming, they speak to the particular danger of this as it relates to the female reproductive system and exposure to the vagina, saying the chemicals “could be absorbed by the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue, resulting in systemic exposure.”

Further, they add: “Menstruators may use more than 7,400 tampons (4 tampons/day  4 days/cycle  12 cycles/year  39 years of cycles) over their reproductive years, with each tampon being retained in the vagina for several hours.”

They suggest the type of tampon you use could make a difference in the nature of your exposure. The researchers found that non-organic tampons had higher concentrations of lead. With that said, organic tampons had higher concentrations of arsenic. The World Health Organization has stated that prolonged exposure to arsenic has been associated with bladder cancer, among other types, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that some types of lead are likewise “probably carcinogenic to humans.”

If tampons are what feel most comfortable to you during your period, trying a similar inserted product such as a menstrual cup could be a safer, healthier alternative.

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Studying a nutrition label can quickly get confusing. If there’s saturated fat, does that automatically mean it’s bad for you? How much fiber do you need? And protein? It’s easy to get overwhelmed—but according to Beth Czerwony, MS, RD, CSOWM, LD, registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, there’s one detail you need to pay attention to above all else.

“The biggest thing is looking at the portion size,” Czerwony says. The other numerical figures will just snowball if you don’t portion your plate according to the product’s suggested serving size.

Other helpful guides are carbohydrates, specifically fiber, along protein and fat. Czerwony says when it comes to fiber, “the more, the better,” and that we all should avoid trans or saturated fats as much as possible.

People with certain health concerns should also pay attention to specific figures on nutrition labels. For those with diabetes, Czerwony says the added sugars and carbohydrate fields are important. For anyone trying to shed weight, calorie intake can be a helpful guide. Based on your health, it may be helpful to establish whichever parameters are appropriate, based on conversations with your doctor.

“Sometimes you have to make compromises, sometimes you have to make the best decision based on what that food is and what’s available,” Czerwony says. “But, over time as you become more proficient in it, and you have a better idea of certain brands and certain stores, it’s going to be a little easier. In the very beginning, it does take a little bit of time and a little bit of investigation to know what you’re looking for.”

And lately, if you’ve noticed that more groceries appear with two sets of nutrition facts, Czerwony doesn’t blame you if it’s caused a double-take. “Food labels have morphed over time, so you may see two food labels on the back of a package,” she says, breaking it down: “One is for the entire package, and one is for that actual serving.”

If you’re unsure about which numbers on a nutritional label are most pertinent to your needs, Czerwony recommends speaking with a dietitian who can help you develop a nutrition plan. What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? The Cleveland Clinic explains that dietitians tend to go through more extensive and specialized training than a nutritionist. While many nutritionists are highly trained, the requirements for dietitians are usually based on a higher standard. It takes months of clinical practicum training and a degree to gain dietetics accreditation.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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• Warning: These Nutrition Label Updates Could Make You Gain Weight!

Of all the factors affecting fertility—from where you store your cell phone to recreational drug use and plastics exposure—science is adding another modern reality to the list: Covid-19.

Men can make certain choices to boost fertility, making it equally important to understand which external factors could be damaging, too. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the US once again, and with more than 12% of American couples estimated to be experiencing infertility, some scientists have found it worth investigating: Could the many long-term health implications of Covid include harming our reproductive capacity?

In June 2024, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) put forth an official definition of long Covid at the request of several government entities, defining the disease as “an infection-associated chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems.” NASEM notes that respiratory issues, fatigue, problems with memory or concentration, heart health complications, trouble sleeping and digestive symptoms could all be signs of long Covid—but, they add, a full list would require hundreds of entries.

In order to get a clearer picture of Covid’s lasting impact on the human body, leading researchers around the globe have examined its effects on seemingly unrelated factors like our hair, skin and, yes, reproductive health. However, most prior research on Covid and fertility has focused on female sex organs—which is why a new study out of Japan is evolving the conversation as it relates to men.

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In this study, published in June 2024 in the Journal of Infection & Chemotherapy, the researchers focused on men who had recovered from Covid-19 to analyze its potential lingering impact on their reproductive function. The participants, aged between 38 and 52, provided semen samples for evaluation.

The semen analyses revealed that the median semen volume was 2.5 milliliter, and the median sperm concentration was 98.9 million per milliliter. According to the Mayo Clinic, this meets the metric for diagnosing low sperm count, which is classified as fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter.

But while the small sample per milliliter yielded technically low sperm count, the median total sperm count was 212.1 million. Compared to a previous study of adult Japenese men which calculated the median total sperm count to be about 201 million, these results indicate that recovered Covid-19 patients may not have lower sperm counts than they had before infection, suggesting that Covid’s impact on male fertility could be minimal.

The severity of Covid cases varied between participants, but the researchers report there was no significant decrease in sperm quality even among those with severe cases. Reassuringly, these findings indicate that Covid-19 may not negatively affect male reproductive health.

The research team notes that the hypothesized reasons Covid affects sperm “may be primarily due to the systemic inflammatory response and the induction of oxidative stress.” More research may be warranted, but the study may serve as a reminder that the best way to protect yourself from potential poor outcomes is to take preventive measures against COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated, following public health guidelines and staying informed about the latest research.

Also, in the event future research finds that indeed inflammation and oxidative stress do have an impact on fertility, it’s worth following lifestyle habits that counteract this effect. This includes following a healthy diet full of plants while avoiding inflammatory foods like processed meat, practicing regular exercise, and getting restful sleep, which repairs the body’s cells.

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You might be familiar with—or even know someone who has seen remarkable weight loss results from—medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Perhaps you’ve wondered just how much weight you can lose with these drugs, and whether one is particularly more effective than the others. To understand their effectiveness, knowing how these medications work is essential.

“Weight loss medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) target areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake,” explains Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, DO, WeightWatchers medical director and board-certified obesity and lipid doctor. These medications mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 (a hormone that regulates appetite and insulin release), which the body quickly breaks down to produce similar peptides and molecules that have a longer-lasting effect. “In other words, the effects of GLP-1 medications in the gut and brain work together to help the body feel less hungry and feel full faster with the amount of food consumed.”

Reena Bose, MD, a board-certified obesity medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, notes that dual agonist weight loss medications like tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) are more potent than single agonist drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy (different names for semaglutide), leading to greater weight loss. It’s called “dual-agonist” because it does everything semaglutides do, but it also works on GIP receptors, which helps patients avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

However, Dr. Bose also emphasizes the need to improve the “3 A’s” of these drugs: Access, affordability, and availability. Despite their effectiveness, the cost remains prohibitive for many, as most health insurance plans do not cover these medications, often leaving patients to pay out of pocket. “We really need to be our patients’ advocates by improving access and cost of these drugs so it is available to all our patients, across all demographics,” Dr. Bose states.

If you’re curious to learn which medication is the safest, most effective, and best suited to help you reach your goals, continue reading as these obesity medicine experts share their insights and the latest scientific findings and clinical trials.

How much weight can you lose on weight loss drugs like Ozempic?

“The new generation of these GLP-1 medicines can lead to an average of at least 15% weight loss with semaglutide, but can get to over 20% with tirzepatide,” explains Dr. Nadolsky.

Additionally, Dr. Bose points to specific results from the SURMOUNT TRIALS, noting that with Mounjaro and Zepbound, you can expect close to 22% weight loss, and with Wegovy, around 17% weight loss. She emphasizes that these results can be further enhanced when patients adopt healthy lifestyle changes surrounding diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

Do certain health conditions influence the choice of weight loss drugs?

Dr. Nadolsky shares the clinical preference for semaglutide in certain cases: “Semaglutide specifically has been shown to reduce major cardiovascular events, so if one has a history of cardiovascular disease, this medicine may be preferred. Tirzepatide is being studied for this but we do not know if it is helpful yet.”

For patients with hypoglycemia, Dr. Bose recommends Zepbound or Mounjaro. These medications are beneficial because they help prevent low-sugar episodes by aiding in releasing glucagon, which can increase blood sugar levels.

Dr. Bose also discusses recent findings: “There are results coming out of the SURMOUNT-OSA trial that Zepbound can help treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-related outcomes.”

Overall, both classes of drugs offer substantial benefits for patients looking to manage their chronic diseases through weight reduction and improve their overall quality of life.

Which weight loss drug is the safest?

“Both drugs are very safe. They have been FDA approved following clinical trials demonstrating their safety and efficacy,” says Dr. Bose.

Dr. Nadolsky adds insight into patient experiences, noting, “They have similar tolerability and safety profiles although clinically, we hear patients say they tolerate tirzepatide better. This may be due to the GIP component that has anti-emetic properties.” (Note: “Anti-emetic” refers to a substance that helps prevent vomiting.)

Both doctors acknowledge that the most common side effects include mild nausea, which typically diminishes within a few weeks, and constipation. However, in rare cases, severe nausea and vomiting can occur, leading to dehydration, which can be harmful to the kidneys. Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutrient-rich meals, ensuring adequate hydration, and staying active can help alleviate these potential side effects.

Patients are advised to always discuss these medications’ potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider—the experts suggest that in some cases, the benefits will outweigh the risks.

Which weight loss drug will help me reach my weight loss goals?

“With the SELECT trial, we now have four years of data showing people tend to keep the weight off after they initially lose it with these medications as long as they keep taking it,” Dr. Nadolsky explains. “Most people who take GLP-1 weight loss medications will stop losing weight between 12 to 15 months. Having said that, some people may continue to lose weight even after 15 months, especially if they start and continue healthful lifestyle changes like increasing exercise.”

So, a really big determining factor in which medication will help you reach your weight loss goals quicker is the habits you incorporate while taking it:

• Change how and what you eat: Choose nutrient-rich foods to aid long-term, healthy weight loss. Adequate protein is key to feeling full, stabilizing blood sugar and keeping muscle. Fiber helps you stay full longer and eases constipation from medications. Lower-fat meals may reduce side effects.
• Add daily movement to your routine: While all exercise is beneficial as long as you avoid injury, strength and resistance training, such as weight lifting, Pilates, yoga and bodyweight exercises, helps preserve muscle during rapid weight loss. Muscle also leads to steadier metabolization of calories even when you’re resting.
• Stay hydrated: It’s crucial to drink enough water daily. This may be worth tracking in a fitness or nutrition app.

Dr. Bose also discusses the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, where a dedicated team of professionals provides personalized treatment for each patient. This support includes registered dietitians, exercise physiologists and behavioral psychologists who manage various eating disorders, such as binge eating, overeating syndrome and emotional eating. They also collaborate with sleep physicians to enhance sleep quality and treat sleep apnea, helping optimize patient weight loss outcomes.

What to keep in mind

Before diving too deep into which weight loss drug will yield the quickest results or shed the most pounds, Dr. Nadolsky reminds us: “Just like life, your wellness journey isn’t linear—it’s filled with ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t making hard-won progress.”

Rather than fixating on the scale, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your non-scale victories. He encourages, “Celebrate the healthier choices you make each day, the times you choose to be active and the moments you overcome cravings.”

About the expert Spencer Nadolsky, DO, is the WeightWatchers medical director, and board-certified obesity and lipid doctor. He is also co-host of Docs Who Lift podcast. Reena Bose, MD, is a board-certified obesity medicine doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. She is also associate clinical assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• • I Took the “Ozempic Probiotic”—Here’s What Happened
  • Here’s When You Should Eat on Semaglutides, According to a Doctor of Obesity Medicine
  • 5 Foods to Avoid on Semaglutides, Listed by a Doctor of Obesity Medicine
  • 6 Foods To Eat on Semaglutides, Listed by a Doctor of Obesity Medicine

Sex tends to be good for relationships, but it also boasts many health benefits: Enhanced immunity, improved sleep, better mental health and, yes, better heart health. A vibrant sex life and a healthy heart often go hand in hand, which is why doctors recommend not only a heart-healthy diet for longevity but also for maintaining stamina in the bedroom.

Scientific research has established a link between sexual activity and blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) explains that prolonged high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, reducing their ability to circulate blood efficiently. This decreased blood flow can affect various parts of the body, including the pelvic region, potentially impacting sexual function for both men and women.

Given this link, it’s reasonable to ask whether an active sex life could not only enhance overall health but also serve as a natural way to combat hypertension by lowering blood pressure. Continue reading to discover what medical experts say and to learn precautions for engaging in sexual activity with high blood pressure.

Is sex good for the heart?

Yes, the heart benefits from regular physical activity, and sex is no exception. Considered a moderate form of exercise, sex not only increases the heart rate but also improves blood flow.

Michael Blaha, MD, MPH, director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, points out intriguing findings. Research has shown that men who engage in sexual activity at least twice a week and women who report satisfying sex lives are at a reduced risk of experiencing heart attacks. Intimacy also deepens emotional bonds in relationships, and this can help alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety—factors that are known to contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

Does sex improve blood pressure?

Yes, sex does help lower blood pressure. While the effects aren’t permanent, it’s still a beneficial way to gain some advantages from sexual intercourse, explains Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, a board-certified OB/GYN, and fellowship-trained Minimally Invasive Surgeon and women’s health expert.

This decrease in blood pressure can be attributed to the release of endorphins during sexual activity, which helps relax the blood vessels. “Endorphins are helpful as natural stress relievers and can cause a temporary decrease in blood pressure,” Dr. Shepherd states. She adds, “There is also oxytocin, a very important hormone released [during sex] that is known to decrease cortisol.” So, sex can serve as one of the ways to reduce cortisol and thereby also help lower blood pressure.

Menopause can make women more vulnerable to high blood pressure and affect their sexual experiences. However, there is encouraging news: Dr. Shepherd highlights a study showing that regular sexual activity helps lower blood pressure, particularly in women. The study found that women between the ages of 57 and 85 who engaged in regular sex were less likely to suffer from hypertension.

Given that blood pressure and sex are influenced by many factors, it remains essential for both men and women to consult with their healthcare provider to explore how this fits into their overall health strategy and to determine what other approaches may be necessary to manage blood pressure effectively.

Is it safe to have sex if you have high blood pressure?

The AHA shares that cardiovascular events—such as heart attacks or chest pain from heart disease (angina)—are rare during sexual activity, largely because such activity is typically brief. However, if high blood pressure is uncontrolled or associated with other significant heart health issues, it can pose risks. Here are some key considerations:

• Stable condition: If your blood pressure is well-controlled through medication or lifestyle changes, sexual activity is usually safe. Maintaining regular check-ups is important to ensure your condition remains stable.
• Monitor symptoms: Be aware of any symptoms that might suggest your heart condition could be worsening, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or excessive fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms during sexual activity, you should stop and consult your doctor.
• Consult with your doctor: It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider about your overall cardiovascular health and how it might impact your sex life. Your doctor can provide specific recommendations based on your personal health profile.
• Medication side effects: Be aware of the side effects of any blood pressure medications, as some can affect sexual function. If you experience side effects that impact your quality of life, including your sex life, discuss these with your doctor. Adjustments to your treatment plan may be possible.
• Physical exertion and safety: Sexual activity can be compared to moderate physical exertion, like brisk walking or climbing two flights of stairs. If you can perform such activities without chest pain or undue breathlessness, you’re likely able to engage in sexual activity safely.

Dr. Blaha concludes: “Is there a chance of having a heart attack during sex? Yes. Your risk is slightly elevated whenever you’re physically active, whether it’s sexual activity or going for a run or any other type of aerobic exercise, compared to when you’re resting. But for people with a stable heart, the long-term benefits of regular physical activity—including sex—far outweigh the risks.”

About the expert Michael Blaha, MD, MPH, director of clinical research at the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease. He is an editor for the Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Associate Editor for the Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Clinical Community on acc.org, and is a standing member of the Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drug Advisory Committee (EMDAC) for the FDA. He is Principal Investigator for the Coronary Artery Calcium Consortium, co-chair of the Cross Cohort Collaboration, and a Principle Investigator for the American Heart Association (AHA) Tobacco Regulation and Addiction Center. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN, fellowship trained Minimally Invasive Surgeon and women’s health expert. She has also received formal training from The Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Shepherd frequently appears as an expert on prominent shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN, CBS News, and others.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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When it’s too hot to cook, or you’ve been so busy that the spinach you bought last weekend has wilted, it’s always a win to remember the bag of vegetables you’ve got in the freezer—especially when they’re the three-minute, steam-in-bag kind.

But rightfully so, many Americans are growing increasingly concerned about “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). More and more research reveals how prevalently PFAS lurk in our water, the air, our food, and, yes, the packaging it comes in.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals used globally in consumer products since the 1950s. You’ll find them in everything from non-stick pans and stain-resistant carpets to food packaging and firefighting foam. These chemicals are notorious for their durability—they don’t break down, so they persist in the environment and, unfortunately, make their way into our food supply. 

The health risks associated with PFAS are serious. “PFAS have been shown to disrupt hormones, weaken bones, and cause illness even at low levels of exposure,” explains Beth Czerwony, MS, RD, CSOWM, LD, a clinical registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition.

Given the serious concerns about PFAS contamination, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the safety of food ingredients and packaging, took significant steps in February 2024. It declared that materials containing PFAS, specifically those used for grease-proofing, will no longer be permitted in food packaging. This eliminates a major source of PFAS exposure from everyday items like fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out containers and pet food bags.

This move marks a monumental win for public health, but it’s also worth learning ways to protect yourself and your family. Ahead, experts share what you need to know about PFAS when it involves steaming those frozen vegetables in their microwaveable packaging. 

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Is it safe to steam frozen vegetables?

The short answer is yes, but with a caveat. “While there is no harm in microwaving foods themselves, heating foods in containers not made to be exposed to high temperatures can lead to the PFAS being leached into the foods you are consuming,” warns Czerwony.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), some packaging materials used by consumers are not safe. Czerwony brings this home with a relatable example: “Think when Mom would put leftovers in a margarine container, and then you’d reheat them for lunch the next day.” To ensure safety, she advises using containers specifically marked as food-safe. These are designed to withstand high temperatures without releasing any harmful substances.

While some plastic containers are labeled microwave-safe, some experts still recommend using glass or ceramic bowls as a precaution. This way, you can steam your vegetables without worrying about potential chemical leaching.

Do frozen vegetables have PFAS?

When it comes to PFAS, we are often concerned about their presence in packaging—but what about the food inside? A team of researchers in one of Italy’s agriculture capitals sought to answer this question in a study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Food Chemistry in June 2023.

The study revealed that ready-to-eat vegetables typically exhibit higher levels of PFAS than their fresh and frozen counterparts. This increase is likely due to the extensive processing and packaging that ready-to-eat items undergo. On the other hand, frozen vegetables exhibited significantly lower PFAS levels, consistently meeting the safety guidelines set by the European Commission.

The study also indicated that organic ready-to-eat vegetables might contain lower levels of PFAS, possibly due to the absence of pesticides in organic farming. However, as this research is the first of its kind, the authors call for more studies to confirm these initial findings and to fully understand PFAS levels in different types of vegetables.

Does heat break down PFAS?

One of the trickiest aspects of PFAS is their resistance to breaking down under typical environmental conditions, which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” Cooking or heating food does not degrade these chemicals, which means they remain in the environment and food products irrespective of temperature changes. This persistence is what makes PFAS particularly concerning and challenging to manage.

How do I avoid eating PFAS with my food?

Reducing your exposure to PFAS through your diet involves a few proactive steps:

• Choose fresh and frozen foods wisely: Opt for fresh, organic or frozen foods less likely to have been in contact with PFAS-containing materials.
• Be selective with cookware and storage: Avoid using non-stick cookware, which often contains PFAS. Instead, use alternatives like stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron. For food storage, opt for glass or stainless steel over plastic containers.
• Consider water sources: Since PFAS can contaminate water supplies, consider using a water filter that can remove PFAS from your tap water, especially if you live in an area known to have PFAS contamination.
• Stay informed about brands and products: Some companies have committed to reducing or eliminating PFAS from their products and packaging. Supporting these brands can help reduce your overall exposure.

About the expert Beth Czerwony, MS, RD, CSOWM, LD, has been a clinical registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition since 2007. She earned her master’s degree in dietetics from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and holds a certification in obesity and weight management.

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If there’s one benefit from having struggled with weight in my childhood, it’s that by age 11, I’d been forced to embrace healthy eating and daily walks or bike rides. What most of us didn’t understand in the 1980s and ’90s is what we’re finally accepting today: Contrary to traditional belief, having a fuller body type is often not due to laziness or a lack of discipline. For many of us, it’s genetic and scientific. That’s one reason an estimated 16 million Americans are benefiting from the injectable diabetes medications, like GLP-1 agonists, that have exploded onto the weight loss market.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro work by “triggering your pancreas to release more insulin,” adding: “The slowed digestion also helps decrease blood sugar spikes.” These factors can play into appetite, digestion, the metabolization of food into energy—and in turn, possibly weight loss.

But some of us don’t want to take medication unless it’s to deal with a diagnosed condition. And, some of us also have loved ones who need these injectable drugs to manage their diabetes. If you’re like me, you don’t want to contribute to the unavailability problem that many diabetes patients have experienced in the past couple years.

Still, no thanks to the pandemic, a lot of us have found we need help—something to jumpstart our systems and help us trim down again. In my own case, as I’m sure plenty can relate to, it felt like life was just piling the weight onto me. Never had I been so sedentary as I was at the start of the pandemic, when my work called me to sit in front of a computer for often 12 hours a day. A year in, my now-husband underwent cancer treatments—then a year after his diagnosis and six months into remission, his career called us to move across the country. We were excited for a new start in Northern California, with farmers markets and year-round sunshine and biking and hiking trails! But as soon as we arrived, I learned I was pregnant. One miscarriage was followed by a second exactly a year later, with me managing lingering logistics of our move (including three cross-country drives) in between.

With both pregnancies I put my health, not work, first and re-adopted a steady gym routine. After the second loss I added weekly acupuncture sessions. “You’re damp,” my acupuncture doctor said, which was her way of saying that my body was retaining a lot of water. My body, my hormones, were adjusting to my early forties just as I was experiencing pregnancy for the first, then second, time. My body didn’t look or feel like the strong, fit machine I’d spent my adult years developing. Last winter it was serendipitous that my old driver’s license expired before I’d had the chance to apply for one in our new state: For months, I took advantage of the reason to walk everywhere I needed to go.

I figured even if this didn’t begin to help me trim down, at least long walks in the sun would be good for my mind. I didn’t want to turn to prescription medication, but I asked my primary care doctor whether I should consider it. For my circumstances, he responded that it was “not something I would recommend.” I was glad I could put the question out of my mind. Still, I thought…I needed a little help with my appetite and the weight I’d gained.

Last winter, around that same time, a representative for Pendulum reached out to our team about their “gut health” product. Every day we receive dozens of pitches asking us to feature wellness products, and not all of them seem genuinely safe or effective. Their collaboration with a Hollywood actress made me a little uncertain of the brand: I don’t want bells and whistles from the products I sample; I want science-backed results and safe ingredients. But I suppose it did help cement their name on my radar.

But as their reps stayed in touch, I read their emails closely: The team who developed Pendulum was “made up of experts in microbiology, biochemistry, medicine and nutrition from research institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Stanford, and Mayo Clinic,” they said. With that caliber of researchers involved, I took them up on the offer to sample a 30-day supply.

I don’t believe that there’s a magic pill for getting in shape—being healthier takes a commitment to total wellness. But my 30-day experience turned into 60 days, and then 90. That’s because for me, discovering these supplements made a very noticeable shift in my appetite, energy, and my body’s efficiency to process food. They didn’t disrupt my sleep or make my heart race like I’ve heard old-school “diet pills” can do—in fact, my sleep quality has improved. (Keep reading.)

Speak with your doctor before changing your diet or trying new supplements or other health products.

How these probiotics work

Pendulum brand marketing materials explain that when a human eats, this triggers metabolic processes in the body. Certain bacteria that live in a healthy gut convert the fiber we eat into butyrate, which slows down how quickly the stomach empties and makes us feel fuller for longer. Also, one strain of gut bacteria, Akkermansia municiphilia, acts as probiotic that the brand says “helps strengthen the gut lining, improves digestive health, and helps manage a healthy weight.” Akkermansia also triggers the secretion of GLP-1.

GLP-1 then sends the message to the pancreas to produce insulin, which slows the emptying of the stomach and messages to the brain that you’re full. So whereas grehlin is known as the “hunger hormone” that tells your body you need to eat, Pendulum calls GLP-1 the “un-hunger hormone that helps curb appetite and cravings.”

Under ideal circumstances—that is, with a well-balanced gut microbiome that contains the correct amounts of healthy bacteria, such as Akkermansia—all of this happens in rhythm. However, they explain, GLP-1 can decrease due to age and all sorts of lifestyle factors that affect the gut. These might include stress, diet, physical activity, sleep, medications, and more.

So, to date, the Pendulum products I’ve tried are:

• The GLP-1 probiotic, which the brand says “naturally curbs cravings.” I sampled a 30-day supply and wanted to keep it up, except that when I went to re-purchase the product on Amazon, it didn’t appear to be available.
• So instead, I bought the Metabolic Daily Bundle in a 30-day supply. This includes the Akkermansia muciniphila, which the brand suggests they’ve exclusively developed as a product, as well as the Metabolic Daily, which is a blend of multiple probiotic bacteria.
• I also purchased the Polyphenol Booster, simply for the antioxidant benefits of its pomegranate, green tea, and grape seed ingredients.

How to take, and store, these products

A representative for Pendulum asked me to emphasize: “Pendulum products are not intended for weight loss. [They are] meant to curb cravings and reduce appetite, all in service of maintaining a healthy weight.” I spent ages 11 through 26 weighing myself daily, so I don’t do that anymore—but to me as a tough self-critic, it’s obvious there’s been an effect from what I can discern from the mirror, the fit of my clothes, and the way my body moves.

To discuss my experience, I connected with Pendulum chief medical officer Dr. Adam Perlman, MD, MPH, who is the former director of Integrative Health and Wellbeing at the Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus and former associate vice president for health and wellness at the Duke University Health System.

My original shipment came without instructions, and a brief online search suggested it was best to store this probiotic in the fridge. I wanted to verify this with Dr. Perlman, who responded: “While refrigeration isn’t strictly necessary, all of our probiotics are formulated with live bacterial strains, so refrigeration can help maintain the viability of the strains for a longer period of time.”

Was there a best time to take them?, I asked. Are they better on an empty stomach, or are they most effective when they’re taken with food, like fat-soluble vitamins? “The best time of day is the time that you will remember to take your probiotic consistently,” Dr. Perlman told me. “Some people find that taking probiotics with food is best for them, but there is no best time. You just want to be consistent.”

And—because there’s a handful of foods to eat on semaglutides like Ozempic—are there foods that can be complementary to this supplement? “Yes,” Dr. Perlman said, “there are foods you can eat to support your probiotics. Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide essential fuel for the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria thrive on this fiber, creating a healthy gut environment. Additionally,” he said, “polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and some dark chocolate (enjoyed in moderation!) offer protection for these beneficial bacteria. By prioritizing a diet rich in both fiber and polyphenols, you’re laying the foundation for a thriving gut microbiome, potentially impacting overall health.”

With all this in mind, here’s what I experienced from taking these probiotics.

The effects I experienced from this GLP-1 probiotic

My hunger is less severe

For most of my adulthood, my morning routine has been like clockwork: After waking up and walking the dog for 20 minutes, I’d drink a big glass of water and pour my coffee, then sit down to my desk and focus into my work. I always know when it’s 11 a.m. because my hunger creeps up then suddenly feels so violent that, as I told Dr. Perlman, I feel like my stomach is caving in on itself. Often by noon, I eat a heavy meal while feeling pulled back to my desk so quickly that I eat fast to send my body gets the message that I’m full. Fast eating is not good for the gut.

Starting on the very first day I tried the GLP-1 probiotic, that intense degree of hunger was no longer the case. Was it not normal for me to experience the insane level of hunger I have always felt early in my day?, I asked Dr. Perlman. In other words, did my hunger suggest that these bacteria weren’t present in my belly in the quantities they should be?

Dr. Perlman’s answer was gentle: “The ideal gut microbiome composition in a perfectly healthy person may not necessarily reflect the specific bacterial strains or quantities present in Pendulum probiotics,” he said. “However, our formulations are designed to target common imbalances observed in modern diets, aiming to restore a more optimal gut environment. Many people complain of significant cravings and hunger that can be difficult to control. Several factors can contribute to this, including an imbalance in gut bacteria, often referred to as ‘dysbioisis.’ Pendulum probiotics, specifically [the] GLP-1 Probiotic, were designed … to help promote a gut environment that supports healthy appetite regulation.”

When Amazon’s unavailability of the GLP-1 probiotic spurred me to purchase the Metabolism Bundle instead, I noticed the effect even more. (My mom, who has been taking the products for a little over a month, experienced the opposite and said the GLP-1 has been most effective for her.) I simply did not get as hungry, and didn’t need to eat as much as I often need to feel full.

My sugar cravings lessened

My afternoon sugar craving hits right around the hour when my schoolday used to end so many years ago—and it is a beast. Trying these probiotics, I could not believe that while I still had a taste for a little something sweet, for the first time in my life it felt like I had a choice about whether to give in. This was another noticeable, almost instantaneous shift.

Dr. Perlman said my experience aligned with the findings of a survey the company conducted. Of 274 participants, 91% reported reduced overall food cravings at six weeks.

My emotional eating was confirmed

While my sweet tooth was suddenly under control, I have still felt the urge to wrap my work day by snacking on something sweet, sometimes accompanied (or replaced) by something crunchy and salty.

The truth is, I’ve always known that my daily snacking session has been a way to decompress. The good news with Pendulum is that it’s been so much easier for me to step away from the treats after a small bite.

My sleep improved

I’m a light sleeper to begin with, which means a lack of restful sleep calls me to nap in the afternoons. Any formula that promises to amp up my metabolism makes me wary that my sleep will be disrupted even more.

Thirty days into taking the GLP-1, I noticed I was sleeping better and didn’t feel the need to rest in the afternoons. “I’m not surprised to hear about your experience,” Dr. Perlman said, because some of Pendulum’s blends, particularly Metabolic Daily, “help you sustain your energy levels … by helping your body better metabolize sugars and carbohydrates, converting the food you eat into energy more efficiently. This may help prevent sugar crashes, and yes, may lead to sustained energy levels.”

Yes, I have trimmed down

Taking these Pendulum probiotics has become part of a daily routine that has helped me get my body back to a place that I recognize. The support managing my hunger has been a great complement to my morning routine of eating protein before I have my coffee. Pendulum has also helped manage my hunger after I exercise…and those results are showing more lately, too.

So the probiotics are helping to contribute to a slimmer summer—but, I asked Dr. Perlman, were they directly helping my metabolism?

“The Akkermansia muciniphila in the products you are taking is an important probiotic strain for gut health and metabolism,” he explained. “Research has shown that Akkermansia, along with the other strains in the products, have a positive influence on metabolism most likely through effects on the release of GLP-1 hormone.

How long should someone take the products before seeing results?

I started to notice immediate effect on my hunger and cravings, and it took about six weeks before I started to really notice a change in how my body looked in the mirror. However, I’d read that these products can be even more effective if they’re taken for 60 days. What timeframe should someone expect to feel and see the results?

“This is a common question,” Dr. Perlman said. “The timeframe for experiencing the full benefits of a probiotic can vary depending on the initial state of your gut microbiome. If there’s a significant imbalance of bacteria in your gut, it may take longer to see a noticeable effect. As a general guideline, I typically recommend a minimum of 90 days of consistent use. It’s important to remember that probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria. Once you stop taking them, the impact on your gut microbiome may diminish.”

Even when we went away for a beach weekend and I forgot to bring them, I noticed I didn’t get super hungry. By the fourth day without these probiotics, my hunger level reminded me it was time to get back into my routine.

For more wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

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Managing high blood pressure can be an intricate and delicate balancing act, where every lifestyle choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy equilibrium. Embracing natural strategies, like limiting alcohol and getting regular exercise, can make a significant difference. These healthy choices may also lead to shedding a few pounds, which can be a particularly impactful option for controlling high blood pressure. “When people lose weight, they are relieving a lot of extra stress on the body,” explains Meghan Garcia-Webb, MD, who is triple-board-certified in internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, even modest weight loss can have significant benefits. Generally, for every kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) you lose, your blood pressure can drop by about one millimeter of mercury (mm Hg).

Dr. Garcia-Webb emphasizes the evidence that weight reduction can lead to lower blood pressure: “It may be the hormonal changes that matter the most, and we can observe this in bariatric studies, where the hormonal changes and initial blood pressure drop can happen prior to the subsequent weight loss.”

Continue reading to uncover the intricate links between blood pressure and weight loss, explore whether some weight loss strategies are more effective than others and learn whether weight loss can help you reduce or eliminate your blood pressure medication.

How losing weight can reverse high blood pressure

First, let’s understand why there’s a connection between weight and blood pressure. Dr. Garcia-Webb explains that extra weight can lead to high blood pressure in several key ways:

• Inflammatory proteins: Excess fat releases inflammatory signaling proteins that can damage the lining of blood vessels, making them stiffer and more susceptible to injury.

• Kidney function: The additional fat increases salt and water retention by the kidneys. This excess fluid places greater strain on the heart and blood vessels.

• Hormonal impact: Increased body weight results in higher levels of hormones like insulin and leptin. As mentioned, these hormones affect kidney function and activate the sympathetic nervous system, constricting blood vessels further.

• Reduction in adiponectin: Excess fat decreases adiponectin levels, a beneficial protein that reduces inflammation in the blood vessels and helps prevent high blood pressure.

The culmination of these processes is increased bodily fluids and stiffening of blood vessels, which are more prone to damage—creating a harmful cycle that escalates blood pressure. Dr. Garcia-Webb points out that when you lose weight through healthy lifestyle adjustments, medications, surgery, or a combination of these approaches, it’s natural to see your blood pressure improve, too. This, in turn, can lower your risk of a slew of cardiovascular diseases, including:

• Heart attacks

• Heart failure

• Aortic aneurysms

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Strokes

• Sudden cardiac death

Losing weight also reduces your risk of sleep apnea, which often goes unnoticed but can seriously impact your health. Sleep apnea happens when your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, straining your heart and often leading to high blood pressure.

How much weight loss can lower blood pressure?

“In general, the greater the weight loss, the greater the reduction in blood pressure. But even weight loss of 5 to 10% can reduce blood pressure,” shares Dr. Garcia-Webb.

Additionally, you should expect improvements in your cholesterol levels. Losing weight helps reduce body fat and lowers the likelihood of inflammation.

Will weight loss allow me to stop taking blood pressure medication?

“It is not at all uncommon for patients that lose weight to decrease their blood pressure medications or even stop them altogether. Not everyone can do this, but losing weight can greatly improve your chances,” explains Dr. Garcia-Webb.

It’s important to never adjust your blood pressure medication on your own. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes.

Are there specific weight loss strategies that are more effective in reducing blood pressure?

“Lifestyle strategies are the cornerstone of reducing blood pressure—lowering salt and alcohol intake are key,” says Dr. Garcia-Webb. She also points out that a vegetarian diet can be quite beneficial for managing blood pressure. Dr. Garcia-Webb adds that exercise “is very important for weight maintenance, and it also helps our blood vessels stay healthy.”

For those looking to ease back into physical activity, Lee MacDonald, MD, a cardiologist with AdventHealth in Littleton, CO, recommends walking. “I usually advise my patients to walk for 30 minutes five days per week. This can be broken into two 15-minute walks each day.” He also supports incorporating weight or resistance training, noting that doing so two to three times per week “has been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular health and particularly blood pressure.”

Dr. Garcia-Webb further notes that while lifestyle changes are essential, FDA-approved weight loss medications often lead to more significant weight loss than lifestyle changes alone. Additionally, bariatric surgery tends to result in the most substantial weight reductions, achieving the greatest blood pressure reductions.

What to consider about weight loss and blood pressure

While some weight loss medications are effective, they may have unintended effects on blood pressure. Stimulants such as phentermine and bupropion, found in the weight loss medication Contrave, may not be suitable for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. “Anyone on these medications should make sure they are getting their blood pressure assessed regularly to ensure it stays at a healthy level,” she emphasizes.

She also advises caution regarding diets that are heavy in meats and fats. Although such diets might boost satiety and prompt short-term weight loss, the high levels of salt and saturated fats they often contain can lead to long-term problems, including elevated cholesterol and blood pressure.

About the experts Meghan Garcia-Webb, MD is triple-board-certified in internal medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obesity medicine. She produces a weekly YouTube series, “Weight Medicine with Dr. Meghan,” and her private practice combines concierge weight medicine with life coaching to create effective, sustainable results. She is also an internal medicine doctor at an academic medical center in Boston, MA. Lee MacDonald, MD is a board-certified cardiologist with AdventHealth Littleton, CO. He has over 28 years of experience in the medical field.

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