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• People online are spreading misinformation with claims that low protein diets are better for longevity and weight loss.
• Experts say adequate protein intake can promote satiety and the development of muscle mass, which are important factors for weight loss. 
• A mix of plant-based and animal-based protein sources is best for a healthy diet. 

A high protein diet has long been recognized for its weight loss and health benefits. However, misinformation is spreading on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit that a low protein diet is best. 

Proponents claim that we need less protein than previously thought and that reducing your intake could trigger weight loss. 

One recent example is a TikTok video that was posted by dietitian @endocrinenutritionist. In the video, she claimed the most compelling argument for a low protein diet is that human breast milk contains just 6% protein and that in the first six months of life, humans double in size. 

“Theoricatallicy, that should be all the protein we need,” she said. 

Furthermore, she also claimed that the reason we think animal protein is better than plant-based protein is because of “amino acid studies that were done back in the early 1900s on rats.” 

However, this particular influencer’s claims are not true.

For example, the nutritional content of breast milk contains 1% protein, not 6%, and a study conducted on older community-dwelling men in 2020 found that low protein intake was associated with a modest increase in risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among older men. 

Yet a growing number of influencers online are spreading misinformation like this about the benefits and risks of nutrition trends.

The link between low protein diets and weight loss

Kelsey Costa, registered dietitian and science communications officer at Examine, says there has been renewed interest in the notion that restricting protein intake or certain essential amino acids might extend life span.

“Studies in rodents have also shown that cutting down on protein, without cutting calories, might extend the life span of these animals. However, the evidence is limited and based on animal studies,” she said. 

Therefore, these results are not necessarily applicable to humans. Moreover, Costa said any potential benefit of long-term protein restriction is likely offset by an increased risk of sarcopenia, an age-related and progressive loss of muscle and strength.

Dietitian and author of How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed, Nichola Ludlam-Raine, said the shift in popularity from high protein diets to low protein diets reflects a broader understanding of balanced nutrition beyond just macronutrient focus.

However, she said the claim that low protein diets may be better for weight loss is nuanced.

“High protein diets are known to promote satiety, preserve muscle mass during weight loss, and increase thermogenesis,” Ludlam-Raine explains. “On the other hand, lower protein diets could potentially lead to weight loss due to reduced calorie intake if protein-rich, calorie-dense foods are replaced with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.” 

Crucially, though, Ludlam-Raine said that a low protein diet might not be sustainable for everyone as protein is critical for maintaining muscle mass and overall metabolic health.

Similarly, Costa explained how low protein intake may make weight loss difficult in the long term.

“A very low protein diet may initially result in weight loss, likely due to resulting calorie restriction overall, like any other highly restrictive diet,” she said. “But without adequate protein intake, this calorie restriction can result in the loss of both body fat and muscle mass.”

“The loss in muscle mass may ultimately decrease metabolism and lead to further weight regain when the diet is stopped,” she added. 

Low protein intake: health benefits and risks  

Weight loss aside, you might be wondering how a low protein diet affects overall health and longevity. 

Ludlam-Raine said that reduced intake of some proteins, such as red meat, may be linked to increased life span, but this is likely due to the heart health benefits rather than the reduction in protein.

“It’s important to remember that protein is essential for life, with a minimal requirement of at least 0.8g of protein per Kg of body weight a day,” she notes. 

Another potential benefit may be disease prevention, especially for some people with pre-existing conditions.

“Lower protein intake has been associated with reduced risks of certain diseases, such as kidney disease (in those with uncontrolled diabetes) and some cancers in certain people – particularly those who may eat a lot of processed red meat,” Ludlam-Raine explains. 

“However, these benefits largely depend on the quality and source of the proteins, as well as the overall diet composition,” she points out. 

There are also notable risks with eating a low protein diet. 

“Inadequate protein can lead to muscle atrophy, particularly in older adults,” says Ludlam-Raine. 

It can also cause nutrient deficiencies. “Proteins are essential for providing certain vitamins and minerals, and a low protein diet may result in deficiencies in nutrients like B12, iron, and zinc,” she explains. 

Additionally, a weakened immune function may be another by-product of low protein intake. 

“Proteins are crucial for the immune system, and insufficient intake can impair the immune response,” Ludlam-Raine explains. 

Healthy protein types 

As is often the case with nutrition, how much of a specific nutrient you need is highly individual. 

“The recommended daily intake of protein varies by age, sex, and activity level,” says Ludlam-Raine. 

“Generally, 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is sufficient for most adults, while athletes and older adults may require more, around 1.0 to 2.0 grams per kilogram.” 

The kind of protein you eat matters, too. 

Protein sources can be divided into: 

Animal Proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy

“These are complete proteins containing all the essential amino acids that we need. 

“They are beneficial for muscle mass maintenance and overall health due to essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and calcium as well as iodine, but should be consumed in moderation in comparison to plant-proteins,” says Ludlam-Raine. 

Plant Proteins: Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and whole grains

While some plant proteins may be incomplete, Ludlam-Raine said they can be “combined to provide all essential amino acids (think beans on toast).”

“They are generally lower in saturated fat and therefore can be beneficial for heart health and weight management,” she said.

Processed Proteins: Protein bars, shakes, and other supplements

While convenient, Ludlam-Raine says many of these are technically classed as ultra-processed and should not replace whole foods. She recommends choosing healthier versions of protein supplements that don’t contain added sugar.

To ensure adequate protein intake, Ludlam-Raine recommends including protein at every meal and choosing protein-based snacks. 

“It’s a good idea to mix plant and animal protein sources to ensure a variety of amino acids and other nutrients,” she adds. 

Takeaway 

Eating a very low protein diet isn’t beneficial for health or achieving sustainable weight loss.

For most people, it’s best to eat around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

Including both animal-based and plant-based protein sources will provide the most benefit.

• Kim Kardashian stated on a podcast that she uses Saran Wrap to help her psoriasis.
• She learned of the remedy from a dermatologist after other home remedies failed.
• Experts say occlusion therapies like Saran Wrap help psoriasis medications work better.
• Occlusion therapy also helps to soften plaques and reduce inflammation.
• Some other effective home remedies include colloidal oatmeal baths and sunlight.

While Kim Kardashian is known for being carefully styled and groomed in her work as a reality star, model, businesswoman, and actress, she recently revealed that her life isn’t always perfect — especially when it comes to her skin.

The 43-year-old star of FX’s “American Horror Story: Delicate” spoke on the July 16, 2024, episode of the SHE MD podcast about her experience living with psoriasis, a skin disorder in which the immune system speeds up skin cell growth leading to the formation of plaques and scales on the skin.

The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that this autoimmune condition can also cause symptoms like itching, burning, and stinging.

The shapewear mogul told hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and their guest, rheumatologist Dr. Daniel Wallace, that she initially thought she was having a reaction to a new dress that she was wearing.

Then, her mother, Kris Jenner, who also has the condition, looked at her legs and exclaimed, “Oh my God, you have psoriasis?”

Kardashian further stated that a cortisone injection helped keep symptoms at bay for a while, but they returned five years later and haven’t abated since.

Speaking of how miserable psoriasis makes her, the reality star said, “One day I’ll just have an itch attack, and I’ll scratch it, and it’ll all start bleeding, and I just can’t take it.”

As for keeping her symptoms under control, she said, “I’ll do anything,” noting that she has tried numerous home remedies that have been recommended to her, including tar tea, herbs, a celery juice cleanse, and various creams and soaps.

However, the remedy that she said works best is something that most people likely already have in their kitchens: Saran Wrap.

The actress said she was given the idea by her dermatologist, Dr. Harold Lancer of Beverly Hills, who told her to apply a prescription cream to the rash, followed by “putting Saran Wrap around it and sleeping on it.”

While she said the unconventional method made her “[sound] like the Tin Man,” Kardashian added that it does work to take away the rash.

Does Saran Wrap really work for psoriasis relief?

When asked about using Saran Wrap to help relieve itchy, painful psoriasis symptoms, Dr. Amy Huang, board-certified dermatologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Labfinder, confirmed that it does indeed work.

“Yes, we also use occlusion therapy for many other dermatologic conditions, including eczema,” she added.

Huang explained why it works. It helps any psoriasis medications that are used under the plastic wrap work better.

“Applying medication under occlusion increases penetration of the medication into the skin, especially in areas where the psoriasis can be quite thick,” she said.

Dr. Anju Methil, a dermatologist and medical consultant with ClinicSpots, added that occusion therapy also helps loosen scales, soften plaques, and reduce inflammation.

She did say, however, that there is limited research dealing with Saran Wrap specifically.

“[B]ut occlusive dressings have shown promise,” she said.

Other home remedies that may help treat psoriasis symptoms

Methil said that one thing she advises is using fragrance-free moisturizers.

“Regular use can significantly improve skin comfort during flare-ups,” she said.

Another measure she suggested is using colloidal oatmeal baths, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties.

Additionally, Methil discussed using controlled sunlight exposure.

“Sunlight can be beneficial for some psoriasis patients, but discuss appropriate amounts with your doctor to avoid sunburn,” she advised.

Caylee Clay, RDN CDN CYT — who is a dietitian-nutritionist specializing in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases as well as the author of “Gain Control Over Your Psoriasis: A Science Based Treatment Plan using Lifestyle and Intuitive Eating” and the founder of Autoimmune Eats — said one remedy that she applies to her own psoriasis is to rub on a “glob” of Vicks Vaporub with a bit of apple cider vinegar and then wrap with Saran Wrap.

“This works because the menthol in Vicks is naturally antimicrobial and is known to accelerate wound healing,” she said. “Apple cider vinegar, with the mother, is both naturally antibacterial due to its acidity, plus it’s also a probiotic.”

According to Clay, psoriasis plaques have an altered microbiome. Combining these two products may help restore it to balance.

“Another popular home remedy for psoriasis is taking a bath with Epsom salt,” she added. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or several drops of tea tree oil to your bath.

After soaking, Clay advises lightly rubbing your psoriasis patches with a washcloth to remove any thickened skin gently. Then, moisturize well.

Finally, she suggests that applying walnut oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, can help soothe your skin.

“A few minutes after applying it, add a moisturizer,” she concluded, “as walnut oil alone can be drying.”

Takeaway

In a recent interview, Kim Kardashian revealed that she uses Saran Wrap to help manage her psoriasis symptoms.

Experts say using occlusive therapies like Saran Wrap over your psoriasis medication can improve the treatment’s effectiveness by aiding its penetration into your skin.

Other popular home remedies recommended by psoriasis experts include fragrance-free moisturizers, colloidal oatmeal baths, sunlight exposure, Vicks VapoRub and vinegar, Epsom salt soaks, and walnut oil.

• While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can help with weight loss, they may also cause nutrient deficiencies.
• While taking a GLP-1 drug, it is important to consider getting adequate protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and calcium.
• Experts share how to manage these deficiencies with diet and lifestyle changes.

Losing weight on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may increase your risk of developing nutrient deficiencies because these medications cause people to significantly reduce their food intake.

“If the reduced quantity they are eating is not nutrient-dense, then they may not get all the vitamins and minerals they need,” Rekha B. Kumar, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at Cornell and Chief Medical Officer at Found, told Healthline.

Also, if you experience side effects from GLP-1 drugs, like vomiting or diarrhea, you may not absorb all the nutrients from the food you are consuming.

However, Tara Schmidt, lead dietitian for the Mayo Clinic Diet, said nutrient deficiencies develop over weeks or sometimes even months.

“Most deficiencies are likely to occur with long-term inadequate intake, such as an overly restrictive diet, malnutrition, or avoidance of entire food groups,” she told Healthline.

While there is still not enough data on nutrient deficiencies specific to people on GLP-1 drugs, experts say these are the five most common nutrient deficiencies people can experience and what they can do to avoid them.

Protein

Not consuming enough protein can lead to loss of lean body mass, weakness, edema, hair loss, and skin changes.

While recommendations vary by age, sex, exercise frequency, and health, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that most adults should consume around 50 grams of protein per day.

However, for people living with obesity who are on treatment to lose weight, such as those who have undergone bariatric surgery, their doctor may recommend as much as 60 to 75 g/day of protein.

Kumar encourages her patients who take GLP-1 medications to prioritize eating protein, healthy fats, and vegetables “because they will feel full easily and get their required nutrition.”

Foods high in protein include:

• Eggs
• Nuts
• Chicken breast
• Cottage cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Milk
• Lentils

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body build and maintain strong bones. The recommended amount of Vitamin D for adults ages 19 to 70 years is 600 international units (IU).

If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, your body may show the following signs:

• Muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Tingly sensation in hands or feet

Some foods high in vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, including trout, salmon, tuna, and mackerel
• Beef liver
• Egg yolks
• Cheese 
• Milk

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.

Calcium

Calcium helps the body function in several ways, including allowing the muscles to move and nerves to communicate messages from the brain to the body.

It also helps blood vessels circulate blood and releases necessary hormones in the body. Adults need about 1,000mg to 1,2000 mg of calcium per day.

Foods high in calcium include milk, yogurt, and cheese.

“For those who wish to avoid dairy, tofu, soymilk, broccoli, some mushrooms, and fortified orange juice are other options, but do not all contain both nutrients,” said Schmidt.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps keep blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA. It also prevents anemia.

Some signs of a B12 deficiency include fatigue, headaches, pale or yellow skin, and difficulty concentrating.

Recommended amounts of B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg).

Vitamin B12 is naturally found in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.

“For those who follow a vegan diet, this can pose a challenge, so selecting fortified products like cereal, meat substitutes, and nutritional yeast can be helpful,” said Schmidt.

Iron

Iron helps the body grow and develop. It also helps the body make hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the body, as well as myoglobin, which provides oxygen to muscles. Iron also makes some hormones.

Adult men need 8mg of iron per day. Adult women need 18mg until they reach 51, and then 8mg after that.

Some signs of low iron include:

• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellow skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Brittle nails

Sources of iron include:

• Clams and oysters
• Lean beef and poultry
• Legumes and lentils
• Whole grains
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Spinach and kale

“Because iron from plants is not as well absorbed, it’s a good idea to pair the iron source with a source of vitamin C; think spinach salad with strawberries, a lean cut of beef with bell peppers, or iron-fortified cereal with melon,” said Schmidt.

Tips to avoid a nutrient deficiency while taking weight loss drugs

While taking a GLP-1 weight loss medication, consider the following tips to help ensure you get adequate nutrients.

Think about what you drink

Food and beverage choices should provide adequate calories, protein, and hydration in a smaller volume of food, “as overeating while on a GLP-1 may cause nausea or vomiting,” said Schmidt.

Adjust your food intake

When starting a GLP-1 or as the dose increases, Schmidt suggested eating soft, blended, or liquid meals to help tolerate symptoms. Consider overnight oats, smoothies, Greek yogurt, soft fruit, and protein shakes, which can provide protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and/or hydration.

Avoid empty calories

Foods and drinks that provide empty calories, meaning high calories with low nutritional value, should be avoided. These include items like sugary beverages, sweets, alcohol, and ultra-processed snack foods. “Intake of these items may replace nutrient-dense foods the body needs,” said Schmidt.

Take a multivitamin

Kumar said your doctor may recommend a multivitamin or supplemental. She sometimes recommends that her female patients take a prenatal or bariatric supplement if they have significantly reduced their food intake.

“If someone has reduced fluids and feels cramps, I encourage water intake and suggest a magnesium supplement,” she said.

Self-monitor your habits

Keeping track of habits like how well you hydrate, how much of nutrients like protein you’re consuming, how many calories you’re eating, and how much exercise you’re getting helps increase self-awareness and provides motivation for realistic change, said Schmidt.

Get help

If you think your diet may be inadequate, talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian about ways to ensure you get healthy amounts of nutrients.

• Actor Shannen Doherty recently passed away at age 53 after many years of treatment for breast cancer, which had spread to her bones and brain.
• The “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” star said in a lawsuit that a lapse in health insurance delayed doctors diagnosing her with breast cancer.
• Annual screening mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40. These can detect breast cancer in earlier stages when it is easier to treat.

Actor Shannen Doherty recently passed away at age 53. Her cause of death was breast cancer.

“On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease,” according to a statement from the “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” star’s publicist Leslie Sloan.

Doherty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy and underwent a mastectomy.

Two years later, she announced she was in remission. But she revealed in 2020 it had returned as stage 4 breast cancer.

The cancer later metastasized, or spread, to her brain and bones. In 2023, she underwent brain surgery for her cancer.

Doherty said a lapse in her health insurance in 2014 caused a delay in doctors diagnosing her with breast cancer, reports the Los Angeles Daily News.

The actress settled a lawsuit against her former business management firm, which she accused of mismanaging her money and failing to pay her medical insurance premiums.

Earlier detection improves survival from breast cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2021, around 272,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 42,000 women die from breast cancer, the CDC reports.

Detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat, can improve the chances of long-term survival.

“A screening mammogram is probably the best tool we have at improving survival for breast cancer,” said Dr. Christopher McGreevy, MD, a breast cancer surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center.

“It’s been shown in numerous studies that screening mammograms increase the chance of a woman surviving breast cancer,” he told Healthline.

The 5-year survival rate for stage 1 breast cancer — cancer that has not spread beyond the initial site — is over 99%, according to the National Cancer Institute. The survival rate drops to 32% once the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

People whose breast cancer is detected earlier “may also potentially avoid additional treatments such as chemotherapy, and they generally have more options for surgery,” said McGreevy.

Dr. Monica M. Yepes, MD, associate director of breast imaging at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said most guidelines recommend that females with average breast cancer risk get a screening mammogram every year starting at age 40.

One exception is the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommends screening mammograms every other year starting at age 40.

However, “we know that two years is too long, especially in the 40 to 50-year age group, because the younger patients are the ones that have the more aggressive cancers,” Yepes told Healthline.

Why screening is vital for people with higher risk

When should people who are at an increased risk of breast cancer start screening? It depends on their specific situation.

“If their risk is based off of a genetic mutation, then we would definitely start screening earlier,” said McGreevy, “and their screening would involve a little bit more, such as including additional things such as MRIs.”

“For women whose increased risk is solely based off of family history, when they should start their screening depends upon the age at which their family members were diagnosed with breast cancer,” he said.

Yepes said many patients don’t know they have a higher risk of breast cancer until they start screening mammograms at age 40.

That’s why “the American College of Radiology recommends that every woman should identify their risk factors and their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer as early as age 25,” she said. “So if they do need to start early screening, they’re prepared for it.”

Risk assessments can be done with a primary care doctor, an OB-GYN, or through a referral to a specialist.

Doctors use risk assessment tools to determine a person’s breast cancer risk based on their personal medical and reproductive history, as well as their family history of breast cancer.

In addition, “genetic testing allows us to identify mutations in genes,” said Tran Ho, DO, a breast surgical oncologist at El Camino Health in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Most commonly, you may hear about BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes which can have mutations linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.”

While many physicians will discuss breast cancer risk with patients in their 20s, Ho encourages women to be proactive about their health.

“If patients find that their physician isn’t bringing it up, they should feel empowered to mention it to their doctor,” she told Healthline. “This might even mean asking their doctor to refer them to someone who would be able to review their history and calculate their breast cancer risk.”

Health disparities in breast care

Yepes said certain groups have a higher risk of having breast cancer and of having very aggressive breast cancers.

For example, “there is a subtype of breast cancer called a triple-negative breast cancer that is very common in African American women,” she said.

Yepes also pointed out that minority females dying of breast cancer have a 127% higher risk of dying before the age of 50 compared to their white counterparts.

In addition, people without health insurance and certain racial and ethnic groups are much less likely to be up to date with recommended screenings, according to the 2024 AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report released in May.

In 2021, 53% of American Indian and Alaska Native women and 67% of Asian women were up to date with breast cancer screening, compared to 76% of non-Hispanic white women, the report showed.

The report also found that women under age 65 without health insurance were half as likely to be up to date with breast cancer screening compared to women under age 65 who had private insurance.

Yepes said these disparities are due to a number of factors, including a higher genetic risk of having cancer or a more aggressive cancer, socioeconomic factors and a lack of knowledge about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Lack of access to the healthcare system can also prevent women from being up to date with screenings. This includes living in areas without adequate healthcare, not having insurance or being underinsured, lack of transportation, being unable to take time off from work, and other barriers.

Since 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required most private health insurance plans to cover the cost of women’s preventive healthcare, including mammograms. 

If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover breast cancer screening, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to breast cancer screening for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women ages 40-64. 

Takeaway

Actor Shannen Doherty died July 13 at age 53. Her cause of death was breast cancer.

The “Charmed” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Two years later, she announced her cancer was in remission, but it returned later as stage 4 cancer.

In a lawsuit against her former business management firm, Doherty said a lapse in her health insurance delayed doctors diagnosing her breast cancer. She accused the firm of failing to pay her medical insurance premiums.

A screening mammogram can detect breast cancer at an earlier stage when it is easier to treat.

In the United States, women with an average breast cancer risk have the option of starting screening mammography at age 40. 

• Misconceptions about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are common.
• Not all GLP-1 drugs are the same, and different medications may affect people differently.
• Before starting a GLP-1 drug, talk with a healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits.

It likely won’t surprise you to hear that the GLP-1 drugs semaglutide (better known by the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) and tirzepatide (sold under the brand names Monjouro and Zepbound) were among the top 10 most popular drugs by U.S. spending in 2023.

The medications have been heralded has game-changing treatments for diabetes and obesity. But as their popularity has grown, so too have persistent myths and misinformation about them.

“The reality is that each of these is prescribed to achieve different health goals, and like any medication, they each come with potential risks that patients should be educated on in order to make informed decisions with their healthcare providers,” says HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D., pharmacist and clinical consultant for BuzzRx.

In an effort to clarify common misconceptions, Healthline spoke with experts who helped identify and debunk the eight most common myths currently being shared about GLP-1 drugs.

Myth: Taking a GLP-1 drug guarantees significant weight loss 

The short answer: “Nothing guarantees weight loss,” says Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a board certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center.

Ali notes that these drugs certainly have a high success rate for aiding with weight loss, primarily because of their ability to slow stomach emptying, helping people feel fuller longer.

In a clinical trial, patients who took weekly 2.4 mg doses of semaglutide lost “clinically significant weight” within 68 weeks.

A 72-week trial for tirzepatide suggested that 91% of people who took the maximum 15 mg dose saw a weight reduction of 5% or more. Over half of the participants (57%) lost 20% of their body weight.

Those numbers are good, but they are not perfect. Doctors generally recommend patience — to a point.

“The FDA has given us guidelines when using these medications, in that we expect at least 5% total body weight loss at 12 weeks,” says Dr. Janese Laster, MD, who is board certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition. She is also the founder of Gut Theory Total DigestiveCare.

If this weight loss doesn’t occur, Laster says a healthcare professional will discuss lifestyle factors, including:

• Dosing
• Whether the patient is taking the medication correctly
• Diet
• Exercise

However, a small percentage of patients won’t respond, which doesn’t mean they did anything “wrong.” 

“Obesity already carries a lot of unnecessary societal stigma and shame, so it’s important that patients understand that it is largely out of their control regarding who is a responder or a non-responder,” says Dr. Michael Glickman, MD, the CEO and founder of Revolution Medicine. “It is likely a genetic explanation or…your unique physiology.”

Though Mounjaro and Ozempic are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, one 2022 narrative review suggested that individuals living with type 2 diabetes who take these drugs may see less weight loss.

Myth: You don’t have to exercise while taking GLP-1 drugs

Even the label says otherwise.

“If you look at the package insert for Wegovy or Zepbound, the instructions are to use these medications with a ‘reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity,’” Ngo-Hamilton explains. “In reality, the amount of diet and exercise will vary among users, leading to various degrees of weight loss. However, consistent physical activity is vital to achieve and maintain the desired weight loss.”

A 2023 article suggested that physical activity is important in helping patients maintain lean muscle mass, which can be lost along with weight. Glickman emphasizes that resistance training is especially critical for these efforts.

“If we are not exercising during the weight loss journey, ultimately our metabolism can suffer because patients will lose a significant amount of muscle mass too,” Glickman says.

Myth: You don’t need to eat a healthy diet if you’re taking a GLP-1 drug

Again, the label suggests the opposite, but social media captions may not.

“These medications are not magical, despite what is seen in the media/social media,” Laster says.” Patients will not have success if they do not also make lifestyle and diet changes. Nonadherence to dietary changes is one factor we consider if a patient is not losing weight as we expect on these medications.”

Glickman suggests a plant-forward or Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes certain fats, lean and plant-based proteins, and leafy greens and deprioritizes ultra-processed and high-sugar foods and drinks.

Dietary choices are also important for reducing side effect risk and severity.

“Because these medications trigger insulin production, slow the emptying of the stomach, and cause you to feel full faster and for longer periods of time, eating unhealthy foods or larger portions of food may cause negative gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting,” Ngo-Hamilton says.

Myth: Side effects are unbearable (or no big deal)

Ultimately, the severity of side effects is relative. 

“Unbearable is a subjective term, and individual thresholds for discomfort may vary significantly from person to person, as may the side effects individuals experience while taking the medication,” Ngo-Hamilton says.

Backing up, Ngo-Hamilton says common side effects of GLP-1s include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diahrrea 

She says the side effects are often temporary and resolve as the patient adjusts to the medication. Ali says that’s why providers gradually increase doses.

“If side effects are an issue, medications to counteract the side effects can be given,” Ali says, adding it’s unusual for a patient to stop taking a GLP-1 for side effects.

However, that doesn’t mean none do.

“If the side effects aren’t effectively controlled with symptom management and don’t decrease or resolve after three or more months on the medication with dosage increases, you should talk to your doctor about switching to a medication with a different mechanism of action or exploring a different category of weight loss drugs entirely,” Ngo-Hamilton says. 

Myth: Using compounded GLP-1 drugs is just as safe as brand-name medications

Doctors advise using caution before opting to obtain compounded GLP-1 drugs.

“While compounded drugs are certainly an important — and sometimes necessary — option for patients who require access to a drug that is in shortage or otherwise commercially unavailable, these are formulated by specialty pharmacies combining active ingredients they source themselves,” Ngo-Hamilton says. “Unlike the brand name drugs that are clinically tested by the manufacturers for safety and efficacy according to FDA guidelines, compounded drugs are not held to those same standards and are not FDA-approved medications.”

Ali suggests discussing options with a healthcare professional and getting their take on compounded GLP-1 drugs and reputable pharmacies.

“If you are getting medication…through social media or questionable online sources, you may end up with something that does not work or, worst-case scenario, causes harm,” he says.

Myth: Your insurance will cover the cost if you’re a prime candidate

Not always. Cost is a barrier for some individuals who would like to go on GLP-1 medication, and not all insurance will help cover it. Medicare does not cover GLP-1s for weight loss.

“Insurance coverage will vary by person and by insurance policy, and recently, more insurance plans have opted not to cover the cost of GLP-1 agonists, particularly those that are being prescribed for off-label use,” Ngo-Hamilton says. “For example, when someone doesn’t have type-2 diabetes, their healthcare provider prescribes Ozempic as off-label use for weight management.”

A month’s supply of Ozempic can cost about $1,000, similar to Zepbound’s prices.

“Prescription discount cards can be a helpful resource for patients whose insurance plans don’t cover these medications,” Ngo-Hamilton says.

Myth: All GLP-1 drugs are the same

They are similar but not the same. Even Ozempic and Wegovy, though both semaglutide, have some distinctions.

“Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutides, which stimulate the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and slow stomach emptying,” Ali says. “Ozempic is indicated for diabetes, whereas Wegovy is for weight loss.”

The maximum weekly dose of Ozempic is 2.0 mg, while Wegovy’s is 2.4 mg. 

Zepbound and Mounjaro have the same weekly dose (15 mg), and the lone distinction between them is that Zepbound is for weight management, and Mounjaro is for diabetes treatment. They are different from semaglutide but possess commonalities. 

“Mounjaro and Zepbound are both tirzepatide which affects two receptors, GLP-1 and GIP, again reducing appetite and slowing stomach emptying,” Ali says.

Zepbound is “better” than Wegovy for weight loss

Some data suggests that patients will lose more weight on Zepbound than Wegovy. Eli Lily-conducted trials (SURMOUNT-3 and SURMOUNT-4) indicated that people taking tirzepatide lost more than a quarter (26.6%) of their body weight in 84 weeks, which is more than the 15% of people taking Wegovy for 68 weeks lost.

The timeframe was different for these trials, and Glickman says experiences can vary, too. 

“Not every patient tracks perfectly along the average weight loss curve,” Glickman says. “Some patients can be non-responders to one brand and responders to the other. Some patients can also be average responders to one brand and super responders — above average — to the other. It can be a little unpredictable.”

Currently, Glickman says that close monitoring is sometimes the best way to determine long-term fit. However, more research in precision medicine may change this strategy.

Takeaway

Misconceptions about the benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are commonly spread.

Though these medications can help people lose weight, not everyone responds to them.

Diet and exercise are still important factors for sustainable weight loss while taking a GLP-1 medication.

Before starting a GLP-1 drug, talk with a healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits.

• Lifestyle choices can either hinder or complement the effectiveness of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.
• Health experts say there are several research-backed strategies that may help improve weight loss results while taking GLP-1 drugs.
• These include getting regular exercise, reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and prioritizing sleep. 

GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound have grown in popularity due to their ability to help people lose significant amounts of weight.

However, while these drugs are a useful tool for many people, they’re far from a “silver bullet” that guarantees you’ll shed pounds quickly or, in some cases, lose any weight at all.

Lifestyle choices can greatly impact the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

Experts say the following healthy habits can help increase the weight you may lose while taking these medications, as well as maintain the results long-term.

Exercise regularly 

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that getting regular exercise is a great way to complement the effects of Wegovy and Zepbound. 

A common complaint about these drugs — and dramatic weight loss in general — is that they may cause you to lose muscle mass as well as fat. 

“Exercise will help you maintain your muscle mass and prevent muscle loss during weight loss,” said registered dietitian Kim Shapira. 

She explained that resistance training, specifically, is a great way to help protect against the loss of muscle mass and promote fat loss, which is essential for your metabolism and weight maintenance. 

Kristin Kirkpatrick, dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine, points to a study published in 2021 that supports this idea. 

Researchers found muscle mass loss impacts metabolism, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and even mortality.

“This is also a critical factor if/when you choose to reduce the dose or stop the medication completely, as low muscle mass increases the risk of rapid weight gain,” Kirkpatrick says. 

Prioritize sleep 

Quality sleep might not immediately spring to mind when it comes to weight loss, but it may play a bigger role than you realize. 

Feeling tired and irritable can affect your ability to make healthy choices and, on a physical level, your ability to lose weight. 

“When a person doesn’t sleep well, meaning they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested, this increases the stress hormone cortisol,” Shapira says. “When cortisol levels are high, it changes the way we metabolize food and disrupts our hormone balance.” 

Research suggests that sufficient sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. 

A study published in 2022 found that a pattern of sleep duration of less than six hours a night has been associated with a higher body mass index. 

The same study cites short sleep duration as a “significant risk factor for weight gain and obesity.” 

Eat a healthy diet 

While Wegovy and Zepbound can produce dramatic results, the importance of good nutrition should not be overlooked — particularly if you want to maintain weight loss long-term. 

GLP-1 medications help regulate the hormones that signal the brain that you’re hungry and help increase feelings of fullness so you’re more likely to eat smaller amounts of food.

That said, Shapira says it’s always best to eat a balanced diet full of fiber, vegetables, whole grains, and foods with omega-3 and protein. 

Consuming enough protein may be key to preventing weight regain if you decide to stop taking Wegovy or Zepbound. 

A 2021 review notes that diets with higher protein intake can provide significant benefits to prevent weight regain. 

For Kirkpatrick, making every bite count is key when you’re taking a GLP-1 drug. 

“GLP-1 agonist drugs reduce appetite and, consequently, the volume of food intake. A deficient volume of food may increase the risk of malnutrition, so getting a nutritional bang in every bite is critical,” she explains. 

Reduce stress 

Stress can also impact your ability to lose weight. 

“Just like lack of sleep, being stuck in a ‘fight or flight mode‘ increases our cortisol levels, which affects our metabolism, causing insulin resistance and disrupting our hormone health,” Shapira explains. 

Several studies have found an association between stress and obesity, including recent research published in January that suggests childhood stress may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and obesity.

“It’s important to practice ways to regulate your nervous system, such as taking deep breaths often or spending some time meditating,” Shapira advises. 

Takeaway 

Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound can trigger dramatic weight loss results. However, lifestyle choices can hinder or complement their effectiveness.

Health experts say that the best way to increase the effectiveness of GLP-1 weight loss drugs is with healthy strategies like regular exercise, stress reduction, and prioritizing quality nutrition. 

Implementing these lifestyle changes now may also help you maintain your weight loss results in the future.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is common over the winter period, typically November to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths. In this post, we look at the symptoms, risk factors and who is eligible for the vaccine.

• In states with strict abortion laws, many medical residents are unable to receive abortion training.
• Some medical students have left states such as these to obtain full-scope OB-GYN training, which includes abortion care and counseling.
• One healthcare professional in Louisiana faced this dilemma midway through her medical residency.
• After completing her residency, she left the state to pursue an OB-GYN practice in the Northeast, where abortions are permitted.

As states pass sweeping restrictions against abortion, it’s become increasingly clear these bans have far-reaching consequences.

Evidence has shown, for example, that abortion restrictions can push families into poverty, worsen pregnant people’s long-term physical and mental health, and cause increases in both maternal and infant deaths.

Less known, however, is the impact abortion bans have on the healthcare professionals who care for pregnant individuals.

A new report from the University of California San Francisco revealed that the fall of Roe v. Wade, which led to an influx of abortion restrictions in multiple states, has been particularly distressing for obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) residents. 

Healthline spoke with one healthcare professional who can attest to this. Due to privacy concerns, this source’s name has been changed to Emily Green for the purpose of reporting and protecting her identity.

Green moved to Louisiana in 2020 for her OB-GYN residency at an academic hospital.

When considering hospitals to apply to, reproductive justice was at the forefront of her decision — she chose a program that would provide her with the training to be a full-scope OB-GYN.

“To me, that includes good training and solid foundation in contraception counseling, in abortion counseling, and in abortion training,” Green told Healthline. 

But in June 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned, and Green, who was halfway through her residency, suddenly found herself smack in the middle of the country’s anti-abortion movement.

Green’s experiences, as detailed below, are her own opinions and not those of the larger institutions she’s been a part of.

How abortion bans changed medical residency programs

Even with Roe v. Wade in place, abortion was hard to come by in Louisiana — there were only three clinics in the state that offered elective abortion and strict laws in place that completely banned the procedure with few exceptions.

When the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision revoked the constitutional right to abortion, Louisiana banned most types of abortion.

“I remember exactly where I was because I was scheduled to go on this rotation [for abortion training] in September of 2022,” Green said. 

That summer, multiple short-lived protections went into place to keep those three clinics running, causing a lot of back-and-forth about if and when Green would be able to do her training and whether or not her patients could access abortion services. 

“You’d tell patients, ‘You have these three options within the state, but tomorrow, I don’t know if they’re accepting new patients,’” Green, who worked with a primarily Medicaid and uninsured population, shared. 

There was the added concern of whether she was legally protected as a physician.

There was a lot of ambiguity regarding the new bans — of what was or was not permitted — and how well a hospital’s legal counsel could protect physicians.

She hustled to stay current with the rapidly changing legislation to ensure that her patients were getting the most accurate information. 

Watching this play out was heartbreaking for her.

“You come into this profession wanting to help people make decisions about their body and their life that feel safe and healthy for them, and then the ability to do so becomes really challenging,” Green said.

Green added that many of her patients already had a lot stacked against them, and seeing them further lose control of their bodies and decisions was very difficult. She said she felt helpless knowing she could not offer patients full-scope care.

Many people found scheduling an appointment, which may or may not happen due to changing laws and lengthy wait times, arranging child care, securing transportation, and managing finances overwhelming.

The new restrictions disproportionally affected birthing people of color and socially disadvantaged communities, Green said.

In medical school, Green read a lot of books about remote places in the United States where abortion was inaccessible.

“All of a sudden, it became very real. These stories were no longer just something you were reading about far away. This is what I was working with on a day-to-day basis,” she said. 

Residents scrambled to get abortion training 

Meanwhile, the clinic Green was slated to do her abortion training was shut down due to the state’s abortion ban.

Green specifically chose her program for the abortion training it offered — now, it was unclear if Green would get trained.

She struggled with the implications of being in a place where healthcare providers aren’t properly trained to offer abortion care. 

“Not only are you affecting women’s ability to access abortion now but it’s really affecting their ability to make their own reproductive decisions down the line,” Green said. 

Without proper training, future physicians might not understand how the procedure works and won’t be able to counsel women about evidence-based abortion care. 

“You start to lose generations of of people that have that skillset,” Green said.

This could create a situation where pregnant people resort to alternatives that aren’t as safe, she said.

Fortunately, Green’s program was affiliated with the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program in Abortion and Family Planning (Ryan Program), which ensures OB-GYN residents get comprehensive contraception and abortion training regardless of where they live, which secured out-of-state abortion training for interested residents. 

In 2023, Green traveled to Massachusetts to complete abortion training.

Residents grapple with the decision to stay or leave 

Green, who recently wrapped up her residency, made the difficult decision to move to a state in the Northeast that has many abortion protections in place. 

Although she is looking forward to providing evidence-based reproductive healthcare to her patients, she said this decision has brought on a significant amount of moral distress.

If proponents of abortion care leave states like Louisiana, there might be more geographic areas where physicians lack the skillset to perform abortions or the interest and ability to support women through these challenging situations. 

Green said it’s hard to move away when you know you could offer a perspective or advice that could be comforting and life changing for females looking to terminate pregnancy. 

“The decision to leave in some ways feels like you’re abandoning a patient population you care a lot about and deserves access to this information,” Green said.

“I am so grateful and have so much respect for the people in my program who will stay and continue to make sure we can train in the way we need to and provide care in a safe way, especially in states like Louisiana where things are just so restricted,” she shared. 

Takeaway

In states with strict abortion laws, many medical residents are unable to receive full-scope reproductive training, which includes abortion care and counseling.

One healthcare professional in Louisiana faced this dilemma midway through her medical residency and ultimately left the state to pursue an OB-GYN practice where abortions are permitted.

The future of medical residency programs for aspiring OB-GYNs in states where abortions are banned or restricted remains uncertain.

• Intermittent fasting is an eating strategy that some research suggests could aid in weight loss.
• New research from the University of Illinois Chicago used data to debunk common myths about intermittent fasting.
• Dietitians say commonly believed claims about intermittent fasting often require more nuance. 

While some eating strategies, like the Mediterranean diet, have broad support, others remain the subject of scrutiny and, at times, conflicting (and inaccurate) information.

Researchers at the University of Chicago Illinois believe intermittent fasting is one of them.

In a new article published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology on June 19, they sought to debunk what they concluded are common “myths” about the eating plan. These myths include intermittent fasting’s role in causing unhealthy diets, eating disorders, affecting lean muscle mass, and fertility issues.

Even the term “intermittent fasting” is misleading, says one registered dietitian.

“The diet sounds like it involves fasting intermittently — at irregular intervals — but most protocols require you to fast regularly,” says Destini Moody, RD, a registered dietitian with Garage Gym Reviews.

The new report’s authors included research on two types of intermittent fasting: alternate-day (switching between days of consuming a limited number of calories and days of eating as they please) and time-restricted (eating as desired during a four—to 10-hour window).

While the authors who conducted the latest study concluded both types were safe and that four commonly held ideas were untrue, Healthline spoke with additional health experts to discuss the latest research.

They provided more nuance to better explain the researchers’ reasoning behind their conclusions and expanded on the latest science to help debunk 7 commonly believed myths about intermittent fasting.

Myth: Intermittent fasting affects sex hormones

The authors cited research, including a 2024 study of 90 adults living with obesity, that indicated intermittent fasting did not negatively affect sex hormones. The study also suggested that it may decrease testosterone and increase SHBG levels in people with PCOS, improving the condition.

On the latter point about PCOS, one dietitian says the new research is promising (but cautions it’s early).

“Preliminary findings on using intermittent fasting as a strategy for women with PCOS to regulate hyperandrogenism are promising,” says Allie Echeverria, MS, RD, LD. “Androgens are male sex hormones. Women naturally also have androgens, but women with hyperandrogenism have excessive levels.”

Generally, dietitians and research, including a 2021 review, indicate that calorie restriction that prompts under or malnutrition can harm fertility, specifically estrogen.

Moody says intermittent fasting’s effects on sex hormone levels are “contingent on the fact that the dieter is still taking care to eat sufficient calories within their eating window.”

Moody adds that a sign of undernutrition and eating disorders is the loss of a menstrual cycle, which can be detrimental to reproductive and overall health.

Overall, one dietitian calls the current evidence far from conclusive.

“it is very important to note that there is still very limited evidence on both female and male sex hormones being affected by intermittent fasting,” says Courtney Pelitera, MS, RD, CNSC, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. “Many of the trials completed have small sample sizes, often less than 100 people and during a shorter duration of time.” 

Myth: Intermittent fasting causes excessive muscle mass loss

Researchers cited studies that suggested that people lost the same amount of lean muscle mass regardless of whether they were fasting or following another diet. For instance, a 2022 meta-analysis of randomized trials compared people who restricted calories each day and those using intermittent fasting. The data suggested that 75% of weight loss could be chalked up to fat tissue, while the remaining 25% was lean mass, regardless of the diet strategy.

The new report’s authors added that resistance training and higher protein intake could help lower the odds of lean muscle mass loss. 

“Any healthy weight loss diet that provides adequate protein and strength training will help to preserve lean muscle mass,” says Pelitera.

Myth: Intermittent fasting will affect your diet quality

Authors suggest that intermittent fasting does not cause unhealthy diet quality. Authors cited one review of randomized control trials published in 2024 that indicated that intake of the following indicators of diet quality did not change in people adhering to shorter eating windows (4 to 6 hours) and longer ones (8 to 10 hours):

• Fiber
• Protein
• Cholesterol
• Total fat
• Carbohydrates
• Sugar
• Saturated fat
• Fiber
• Sodium
• Caffeine

What might this mean? It’s currently unclear, Moody says.

“If it means the person had a poor diet prior…then intermittent fasting is unlikely to make their diet worse — it simply changes the time period in which they consume their nutrient-poor diet,” Moody says.

“Furthermore, if the person’s diet is nutritious before IF, one could agree that starting fasting is unlikely to steer them toward poor diet choices,” she says. “While researchers are correct in debunking this myth, it must be stressed that those going into intermittent fasting with a poor diet can’t expect the practice of IF to improve diet quality on its own.”

Myth: Intermittent fasting can cause eating disorders

Of the four claims made by researchers, dietitians arguably stressed the need for the most caution with this one. 

Researchers cited a 2023 systemic review and a 2019 doctoral thesis. The latter followed 86 people for four weeks and suggested that intermittent fasting didn’t cause eating disorders.

The authors suggested that healthy adults who used intermittent fasting tended to report fewer food cravings, binge-eating behaviors, weight concerns, and anxiety about appearance. People with a history of eating disorders were screened out. The authors wrote — and the dietitians we spoke with also noted — that participants generally started from a low risk of developing one in the first place.

“Short-term studies suggesting intermittent fasting doesn’t cause eating disorders are limited in scope,” says Emily Van Eck, MS, RDN. “Eating disorders typically develop over longer periods than these studies cover. The study cited is only four weeks long.”

As for the reports of body image and weight concerns?

“[It] is hardly surprising,” Van Eck says. “The act of following a diet plan eases anxiety about food and body size. Many who later develop an eating disorder were able to stick with some — if not many — diets for a short term before their eating disorder developed.”

Myth: Intermittent fasting can “cure” type 2 diabetes

A 2023 randomized control trial suggested that intermittent fasting might help people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission, which goes against the idea that the disease is chronic and lifelong. However, Van Eck says more research is needed.

“The study mentioned here was only three months long and, therefore, does not provide any significant information about people’s ability to stick to this regimen long term or their ability to improve their blood sugar long term,” Van Eck says.

That said, doctors, health organizations, and dietitians generally agree that weight management is a crucial component of diabetes management (but there’s not enough conclusive evidence to support the idea that it’s a “cure”).

Additionally, IF has shown improvements in reducing insulting resistance and improving insulin sensitivity along with improving blood sugar parameters.

“We know that weight control and weight loss can help with the management of type 2 diabetes,” Pelitera says. “Intermittent fasting often leads to calorie restriction, which results in weight loss. As far as reversing the disease, there are many different things that would factor into this [and it is] far more complicated than a specific eating window. Quality of diet and increased [intake] of fruits and vegetables would be the first place to start. Adequate hydration, fiber, and consistent regular physical activity are going to play major roles as well.” 

Myth: Intermittent fasting can lead to long-term weight loss

A small randomized control trial of 90 people with obesity compared people who did not count calories but followed time-restricted eating from noon to 8 p.m. to a control group who ate for 10 or more hours per day.

Another group of people in the study restricted calories by 25%. Only 77 people completed the one-year study.

The data indicated that the time-restricted plan produced more weight loss than the control but was not more productive than restricting calories in a racially diverse group.

However, dietitians say that more than a one-year assessment period is needed to draw conclusions about the link between long-term weight loss and intermittent fasting. 

“The study cited is small and not very well designed, so one should take the findings with a grain of salt,” Moody says. “That said, it is very possible that IF can lead to long-term weight loss. However, this is the most likely if the fasting is accompanied by comprehensive nutrition education and the supervision/regular counseling of a registered dietitian.”

“If weight loss is to be sustained long term, knowing how to adjust one’s diet to prevent weight regain once IF ceases is critical,” she adds.

Myth: Intermittent fasting is safe for everyone

The new report concludes that intermittent fasting is generally safe, but dietitians emphasize the need for nuance.

Van Eck pointed out that intensive weight loss could increase the risk of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in people with Type 2 diabetes. 

Moody and Pelitera also advised people living with type 1 or 2 diabetes to seek medical advice, regardless of the recent study that suggested that intermittent fasting could “reverse” type 2 diabetes.

“These patients were in a clinical setting under constant monitoring by scientists where safety could be assured,” Moody says. “Otherwise, dangerous lows in blood glucose and other medication-related dangers can occur.”

Moody also advises against following intermittent fasting if you are:

• Pregnant
• Lactating
• Under 18
• Take prescription medications that require regular food intake
• Have a history of eating disorders

Pelitera does not recommend IF to people with kidney disease or who have other conditions that require appropriate levels of specific nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Takeaway

Intermittent fasting is a dietary plan that involves eating during specific windows.

Several myths are commonly believed about the safety and efficacy of intermittent fasting.

These myths included that intermittent fasting could cause adverse effects on sex hormones (and fertility), muscle mass loss, unhealthy diet, and eating disorders.

Intermittent fasting is not safe for everyone, including people with certain conditions or who are pregnant or lactating.

Intermittent fasting research is still limited and hasn’t been conducted in large populations over a long term. It’s wise to speak with a healthcare professional about whether this diet is best for you before beginning.

• A new survey finds that Americans fall prey to health-related misinformation on TikTok.
• 1 in 11 Americans had health issues after following advice from TikTok.
• Some people think platforms and influencers should be held responsible for posting health-related misinformation.

In 2020, friends and family of Katrine Wallace, PhD, epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, turned to her for answers about COVID-19.

To help inform and ease fears, she decided to create educational videos on social media.

“I would make a daily update, and my accounts were small at the time, mostly for family and friends. Those started getting shared with other people and before I knew it, my accounts got bigger,” Wallace told Healthline.

Today, her TikTok account has over 280,000 followers, and her Instagram has nearly 90,000. She continues to share public health information about COVID-19 and other health-related topics and debunks misinformation circulating on social media.

“There is a flood of bad information out there that is put out by people trying to sell stuff online, so I try to point people to the CDC or other sources made for lay people like their public health department,” said Wallace.

While she never imagined she would be an “influencer,” knowing that dangerous health misinformation and conspiracy theories exist on social media motivates her to continue to push back.

“I’m giving people the tools to have those conversations with their coworkers, with their family, with their uncle at Thanksgiving who thinks the vaccine has microchips in it,” she said. “Hopefully it has ripple effects and gets the message out there.”

56% of Gen Z users turn to TikTok for health and wellness advice

A new survey of 1,000 Gen Z users by the personal trainer app Zing Coach found that 56% of respondents go to TikTok for health and wellness advice, while for 1 in 3, TikTok is the main source of health knowledge.

“Gen Z isn’t exactly the picture of perfect health — more than half of 18- to 25-year-old Americans are overweight — but it’s not for a lack of desire. Zing’s research shows considerable interest in pursuing health and well-being among the younger demographic,” Walter Gjergja, Chief Wellness Officer at Zing Coach, told Healthline.

“They’re just not as willing or able to pay for a personal trainer or work with a qualified doctor. Instead, they turn to TikTok, Google, and YouTube for advice because it’s fast and free.”

By doing so, he said they expose themselves to misinformation and body confidence issues.

1 in 11 Americans had health issues after following advice from TikTok

Aaron B. Zimmerman, optometrist and associate professor of clinical optometry at The Ohio State University recently treated a patient who embraced a TikTok video that endorsed health benefits of staring at the sun.

“This individual viewed the sun for an extended period of time until it became unbearable, and she suffered permanent damage to her retinas,” he told Healthline. “I suspect that practitioners across disciplines are seeing patients that have experienced harm from questionable content on various forms of media.”

The Zing Coach survey found that 1 in 3 people admitted they don’t double-check the wellness advice they get from TikTok, while 1 in 10 said that a high number of likes or followers is enough to make the influencer trustworthy — regardless of their professional background.

“When we see an account with millions of followers and videos with an endless stream of positive comments from other users, our first thought is that the information shared must be true. However, likes and engagement are by no means an indication of an influencer’s trustworthiness,” said Gjergja.

Ultimately, for many influencers, what they push on social media is a means to a livelihood, and some spread misinformation if it pays well enough, he added.

Additionally, Wallace said the more sexy and compelling a video is, the more it’s going to spread.

“Conspiracy theories get millions of views because people think they have a secret the government doesn’t want them to know,” she said. “The algorithms work in a way that if you’re following people who put out misinformation, then you’re consistently getting bad information, and if you’re getting all your information from there then there is a big percentage of people who are not getting fact-based information.”

3 out of 5 people have seen health-related misinformation or harmful advice on TikTok, but only 1 in 4 call it out

Calling out a dishonest influencer is like screaming into the void, said Gjergja.

“You could leave a message calling out the misinformation. However, it will soon get buried under a stream of comments from loyal fans who staunchly believe everything social media’s popular personalities say,” he said.

The effort of reporting misinformation is often not worth it to people if they don’t think the platform will remove the video, added Wallace.

“There are videos I report that say the vaccine has HIV in it, and it will come back as it doesn’t violate community guidelines. I’ve even had anti-sematic things come back as not violating guidelines,” she said. “[Platforms] get paid whether it’s good or bad information.”

She points to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, legislation that passed in 1996, which declares that service providers or individual people are not to be held liable for illegal content posted online by other people.

“The way accountability can start is by changing that legislation because now we have very far outgrown it. It still enables the platforms to do nothing about misinformation,” said Wallace. “Platforms have no incentive to [take action] because they make money the more things go viral and the more they keep engagement going,” said Wallace.

63% of people want TikTok creators held legally accountable for the accuracy of their health advice

Holding people legally accountable for producing content and videos that contain misinformation is tricky because even though they know they are misleading or potentially harming others, they can claim their content is for entertainment reasons, said Wallace.

Banning material is a delicate issue that could violate the First Amendment, said Zimmerman.

“If people are harmed and there is strong evidence of malice by the content generator(s) then perhaps there are legal avenues that can be pursued,” he said.

However, he believes the best approach is for bad health information to be contradicted with evidence-based content produced by reputable individuals and organizations.

66% of Gen Z admitted they only trust health TikToks if they come from a professional

There are qualified experts on TikTok and other social media who aim to offer genuine, honest, and accurate health information.

When taking in medical advice or information, look for those with respected qualifications, such as an MD or PhD, and when taking fitness advice consider those with reputable certifications like those from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

“But don’t just believe the words in a self-proclaimed expert’s bio. Whether by reading reviews from past customers, scouring their LinkedIn profiles, looking at their longevity and standing in the wellness industry, or checking a trustworthy directory for their claimed profession, you need to do your research and fact-check their claims before you follow any advice,” said Gjergja.

Consider what type of scientific data they are sharing or backing their claims with.

“When I’m talking about something, I always try to share an article that I’m referring to. I try to make sure that people know it is evidence-based from a reputable source; I’m not saying things with no data to back it up,” said Wallace.

Always check with your doctor before acting on any health advice from people on social media, even if they appear reputable.