Latest news with #ArielUniversity
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Fly back via Jordan: Embassy to students stranded in Israel
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: The news that the Indian govt is likely to start operating rescue flights for the evacuees from Israel soon has come as a breather for Bengal students stranded in the war-torn country. The Indian embassy in Israel has advised them, especially those at universities in central Israel, to to register themselves and move out of the country through Jordan. "The students will have to travel to the Israel-Jordan border. From there, they will have to reach the airport and fly out from there," said Akash Panja, who is pursuing research in medicinal chemistry at Ariel University, Israel. While Panja and his wife have decided to stay back and wait for the situation to improve, students who faced the war-like situation for the first time are looking at ways to move out. Abir Mukhopadhyay, a research scholar from Asansol, is stranded in Rehovot. He is pursuing his post-doctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Earlier this week, when Iran dropped missiles in Rehovot, it destroyed a number of laboratories, including those catering to cardiac regeneration and cancer research. "We are glued to the television now and following the developments there. We want him back in India now. We are talking to him multiple times during the day. He told us that the MEA is reaching out to students for evacuation," said Subhashis Mukhopadhyay, father of Abir. "We have sent a letter to the Indian govt, and Nabanna is also intervening to expedite the process," he said. "I am confused with the developments. I will take some time to decide if I am ready to take the journey," said Aniruddha Bera, a research fellow at Tel Aviv University. Aniruddha's father, Asim Bera, a retired teacher, said, "We are worried, but there's nothing we can do in this situation. We have to wait until the Indian govt rescues them." Divya Mukhopadhyay, a researcher from Khardah, is pursuing post-doctoral research in plant pathology at the University of Jerusalem. The missiles struck areas barely 1.5 km from his residence. Despite the threat, he has decided to wait, hoping for the situation to improve. "Shops are open, and people are managing. He was working from home, as per Israel govt advisories. He will watch the situation for a few more days," said his uncle, Subhamay Mukhopadhyay.
Metro
25-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Mass study reveals alarming new side effects of Ozempic-style weight loss drugs
From 'Ozempic face' to 'Ozempic fingers' and even 'Wegovy butt,' the potential side effects of weight loss medications have been well-documented. But now, a new study has revealed yet another troubling by-product of the drug – and this time, it's not physical, but mental. The research found a link between weight loss drugs and an increase in both depression and suicidal ideation. Put simply, GLP1 drugs – which are often called GLP1 agonists – are used in weight loss drugs like Ozempic. These mimic the hormones the body releases when we consume food, triggering the pancreas to release insulin and convert the sugar in our bloodstream into energy. Published in Current Neuropharmacology, the study explains that while these drugs can prove helpful for brains that produce too much dopamine (often called the 'feel-good hormone' that makes us feel pleasure), for those who naturally run on too little, it might cause more harm than good. So, why is this? It's all because when used regularly, these drugs can actually disrupt the production of dopamine, which can then lead to symptoms of depression, mood swings, and thoughts of suicide. The authors have warned that their findings should be taken seriously, as senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum, research professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, urged 'the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight.'' Dr Mark S. Gold, addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, even believes that it should be considered enough to 're-evaluate the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists.' 'The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labelling and monitoring these drugs,' he added. Of course, some patients do report more pros than cons. Amanda Strowbridge struggled with her body image after she started going through the menopause in 2019, when she says she put 'more and more' weight on. After considering her options, in November 2023, she decided to put herself forward for Wegovy. Filling out the consultation form through Boots Pharmacy, she quickly received her first prescription. Amanda decided to start her own Instagram account to document her own weight loss journey. It was here that she soon connected with other people on a similar pathway. 'Because of the algorithm, other people on weight-loss drugs started coming up on my feed,' Amanda, who is 55, previously told Metro. 'There are so many nuances, twists and turns along the way and it seems that people who are ahead of others are 'paying forward' their experiences to help others.' Amanda also says there is a wonderful sense of 'camaraderie' among her friends, which makes a change from the feelings of shame people often feel when using weight loss jabs, or are trolled for being 'lazy.' 'As a community, I think we rise above any of these comments as we're too busy looking after our health,' she explains. 'Once people who have been trying to lose weight for years finally find something that works and is helping them, they feel empowered and don't really care what others think.' This isn't the first study to warn of the potential impact of weight loss injections on mental health. Research revealed that between January 2021 and May 2023, 481 psychiatric events were associated with not only semaglutide, but also other similar drugs liraglutide and tirzepatide, often sold as Mounjaro. Around half of the effects recorded included depression, followed by anxiety, while 20% experienced thoughts relating to suicide, according to research published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. As our understanding of weight loss injections has deepened, those taking the drugs have increasingly shared their experiences taking them. Over the last few years, prescriptions for weight loss medications have skyrocketed – and they've become so popular that earlier this month, WeightWatchers announced it was filing for bankruptcy after failing to compete against the rise of 'quick-fix' weight loss tools. 50,000 people in the UK are currently taking either Mounjaro or Wegovy, according to Simple Online Pharmacy, with data from Oushk Pharmacy further revealing that Gen Z is leading the surge in weight loss injections. As Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, previously told Metro, one phenomenon colloquially termed 'Ozempic face' refers to 'sagging, ageing and lacklustre appearance of the facial skin and structures.' Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist in New York thought to have coined the phrase, told the New York Times that he'd started seeing Ozempic face 'every day' since these drugs hit the mainstream. 'The face has a layer of fat that essentially stretches the skin. Ozempic results in rapid weight loss and does so very effectively. This, of course, will lead to rapid loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) facial fat,' Dr Adil further explained. 'The overlying skin however will not be able to shrink at the same rate, resulting in a sagging, droopy and wrinkled appearance.' That's not all. Though these symptoms aren't necessarily specific to taking semaglutide (it can happen with any case of rapid weight loss), people using the drug have also coined the term 'Wegovy Butt,' which refers to people's bums getting smaller, saggier and more deflated. More Trending Others have shared their experiences of so-called 'Ozempic finger,' which is essentially just rapid weight loss around the fingers and wrists, causing people's jewellery to slip off. Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, previously told Metro that it couldn't comment on the side effects caused by people using Ozempic off-label, and not for its intended purposes. 'Regarding safety, the most common adverse events among people treated with Ozempic (semaglutide) for its indicated use, are gastrointestinal events including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting,' a spokesperson said. View More » 'Most events were transient, and mild or moderate in severity and resolved without permanent treatment discontinuation.' Put simply, Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names – but they're both variations of a weight loss drug called semaglutide. Ozempic is patented to treat type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular incidents. The Ozempic guidelines outline that the drug – which is injected – 'may help you to lose some weight' but specifies that it is 'not for weight loss.' The same rules apply in the US. While Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy – another form of the ingredient semaglutide, under a different name – it is also used to treat 'adults with obesity or excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems', its website reads. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I think Freddie Flintoff's facial scars look cool – they're just like mine MORE: The majority of people still think this female body part is 'unacceptable' MORE: I was 18 when my mum made me an embarrassing offer
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent caution over new ‘Ozempic' side effect as scientists fear ‘tragic wave of people dying to lose weight'
BLOCKBUSTER 'Ozempic-style' fat jabs could increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, experts have warned. The injections' have allegedly helped celebrities including Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson, Sharon Osbourne and ex-Prime Minister to shed some pounds. Since then, the medicine's popularity has sky skyrocketed, with private prescriptions for jabs like such as Mounjaro set to hit one million this year. But a new international study suggests the medicines could mess with mood-regulating hormone called dopamine. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'" study author, Dr Kenneth Blum, from Ariel University in California, US said. More than 2,000 patients on the drugs have already joined a Facebook group seeking help for panic attacks and severe anxiety. The page says: 'Our group is fast growing now, as more people start taking these meds and experiencing these scary side effects.' The findings come as the European Medicines Agency launches a review into GLP-1 drugs after reports of serious psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. The drugs mimic the action of GLP-1 by making us feel full and helping people eat less. They are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their dual benefits in blood sugar control and weight management. For weight loss, GLP-1s target appetite regulation centres in the brain, increasing the sensation of fullness and reducing hunger. There are many treatments available on the NHS to help with low mood and depression They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But experts have warned about serious side effects too, including stomach paralysis, pancreas inflammation, and even vision loss. In February, The Sun revealed that 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The details of why they died were not shared. Earlier this year, an eight-year study of 160,000 obese patients found those on the drugs were nearly three times more likely to suffer depression and suicidal behaviour. The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found people on the drugs were twice as likely to have anxiety, compared to those not taking them. The latest analysis, by scientists in the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, found long-term use of these drugs could disrupt signals sent by dopamine in the brain, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. Dopamine, often called the 'feel-good' chemical, helps control pleasure and reward in the brain. A review last year by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) did not find a link between the jabs and suicide risks. In a new study, published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology, scientists looked at people with low dopamine activity - a condition linked to mood problems. 2 Using computer models, they found that GLP-1 drugs may affect how certain dopamine-related genes work, like DRD3, BDNF and CREB1. This could upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers are now urging clinicians not to over-prescribe the drugs, and consider genetic tests to better protect those who are already at a high risk of developing depression. Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University, said: "While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm. "This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription." Professor Panayotis K. Thanos of Buffalo University added: "Before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists, it would be prudent to use genetic testing tools to assess a patient's dopamine function and addiction risk profile." Wegovy and Mounjaro both warnings about possible mood changes, including depression on the medicine box. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent caution over new ‘Ozempic' side effect as scientists fear ‘tragic wave of people dying to lose weight'
BLOCKBUSTER 'Ozempic-style' fat jabs could increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, experts have warned. have allegedly helped celebrities including Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson , Sharon Osbourne and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to shed some pounds. 2 Scientists think fat jabs upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts Credit: Getty Since then, the medicine's popularity has sky skyrocketed, with private prescriptions for jabs like such as But a new international study suggests the medicines could mess with mood-regulating hormone called dopamine. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'" study author, Dr Kenneth Blum, from Ariel University in California, US said. More than 2,000 patients on the drugs have already Read more on fat jabs The page says: 'Our group is fast growing now, as more people start taking these meds and experiencing these scary side effects.' The findings come as the European Medicines Agency launches a review into GLP-1 drugs after reports of serious psychiatric side effects, including GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and The drugs mimic the action of GLP-1 by making us feel full and helping people eat less. Most read in Health They are used in the treatment of For weight loss, GLP-1s target There are many treatments available on the NHS to help with low mood and depression They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But experts have warned about serious side effects too, including stomach paralysis, pancreas inflammation, and even vision loss. In February, The Sun revealed that 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The details of why they died were not shared. Earlier this year, an eight-year study of 160,000 obese patients found those on the drugs were nearly three times more likely to suffer depression and suicidal behaviour. The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found people on the drugs were twice as likely to have The latest analysis, by scientists in the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, found long-term use of these drugs could disrupt signals sent by dopamine in the brain, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. Dopamine, often called the 'feel-good' chemical, helps control pleasure and reward in the brain. A review last year by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) did not find a link between the jabs and suicide risks. In a new study, published in the journal 2 Using computer models, they found that GLP-1 drugs may affect how certain dopamine-related genes work, like DRD3, BDNF and CREB1. T his could upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers are now urging clinicians not to over-prescribe the drugs, and consider genetic tests to better protect those who are already at a high risk of developing depression. Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University, said: "While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm. "This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription." Professor Panayotis K. Thanos of Buffalo University added: "Before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists, it would be prudent to use genetic testing tools to assess a patient's dopamine function and addiction risk profile." Wegovy and Mounjaro both warnings about possible mood changes, including depression on the medicine box. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists call for 'urgent attention' as seriously harmful potential effects of Ozempic-like drugs found in new study
Scientists are putting out warnings after discovering some incredibly serious and harmful potential effects of drugs similar to Ozempic. This comes from a multinational study, including researchers from across the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, where 24 scientists have been investigating 'GLP1 agonists'. What these are is essentially a class of medications used for managing blood sugar and helping with weight loss, covering medications used for Type-2 diabetes that can trigger weight loss, such as Ozempic. Ozempic - which has become incredibly popular amongst many celebrities who have been using it specifically for weight loss rather than for Type-2 diabetes - has had outspoken critics in recent years, including some famous faces who have spoken out against it. Amy Schumer, who admitted to using the drug, stated she stopped using it due to side effects that left her 'bedridden'. She said: 'I tried Ozempic almost three years ago and I was like, bedridden. I was like, vomiting — and then you have no energy. But other people take it and they're all good. "God bless them… I couldn't lift my head off the pillow, so what's the point?' Researchers have added to fears around the drug, however, after calling for 'urgent attention' following a discovery that GLP1 agonists have a potential link to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation. It states that, while the class of medications may benefit those with high dopamine production, for those with low dopamine production it can have harmful effects. The peer-reviewed study, published in Current Neuropharmacology, suggested that 'chronic use of these drugs could dysregulate dopamine signalling, potentially leading to depressive symptoms, mood disturbances, and suicidal ideation'. Dr. Kenneth Blum, a senior author on the paper and Research Professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, said: "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight'." Professor Albert Pinhasov, the Provost of Ariel University, added: 'While there are encouraging short-term benefits of GLP1 receptor agonists, we must acknowledge the potential risks highlighted in this study. "These findings should encourage regulatory agencies and clinicians to investigate further, given the heterogeneity of the human population." The European Medicines Agency have already initiated a review of GLP1 agonists, which covers drugs such as Ozempic, following reports of suicidal ideations as well as other negative side effect. Dr. Kai Uwe Lewandowski, a Professor of Surgery at the University of Arizona School of Medicine and co-author of the paper, said: "Depression was the most commonly reported adverse event associated with these drugs, followed by anxiety and suicidal ideation. Our findings strongly support a need for further investigation to safeguard public health." When approached by LADbible, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said: "Patient safety is our top priority and we will continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions, including suicide and suicidal ideation, through routine pharmacovigilance. "Independent research and preliminary findings from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and conclusions from a European Medicines Agency (EMA) analysis did not find an association between use of GLP-1RA medicines and the occurrence of increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. These findings align with data collected from our comprehensive clinical trials, including large-scale outcomes trials and observational studies. "We welcome independent research investigating the safety, efficacy, and clinical utility of our products. We will continue to collaborate closely with the MHRA and other regulatory bodies on any analysis related to the safety of all our GLP-1RA medicines. We stand behind the safety of all of our medicines when they are used as indicated and when taken under the care of a licensed healthcare professional. The known risks associated with use of these medicines are reflected in their current approved product labelling. "We recommend that any patients experiencing side effects while taking Novo Nordisk GLP receptor agonists report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: Adverse events should also be reported to Novo Nordisk via the Customer Care Centre by calling 0800 023 2573."
