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• Former Big Brother UK star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “thought she was going to die” after taking suspected fake Ozempic. 
• Horgan-Wallace said she experienced severe vomiting, diarrhea, and blurred vision. 
• Experts say counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing concern.
• Accessing Ozempic with a prescription and using only licensed pharmacies can help safeguard against fakes. 

Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “nearly died” after taking suspected fake Ozempic. 

The Big Brother UK alum, who appeared in season 7, revealed to Closer Magazine that she purchased Ozempic on the black market after gaining 28 pounds. 

The GLP-1 medication, used to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained immense popularity as a weight loss aid in recent years. To meet the growing demand, many counterfeit and compounded versions of Ozempic have since hit the market. 

Speaking about her experience, Horgan-Wallace said, “I’m not proud, but I bought Ozempic injections from the black market,” she said in the interview.

“I must have had a dodgy batch because my body reacted so badly. For three days, I thought I was going to die.” 

The former reality star shared the details of her adverse reaction, which included spending a lot of time in bed sleeping, then waking up, vomiting, and experiencing diarrhea before falling asleep again.

“At one point, I had three bags of vomit by my bedside. Frighteningly, I started losing my vision, my eyes were going blurry, and I couldn’t even see my phone. I had no idea what was going to happen to me,” she recalled. 

Widespread use of fake Ozempic 

In June 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about counterfeit versions of Ozempic being sold online. 

The warning came after increasing reports of counterfeit doses in the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil. 

In a press release, Yukiko Nakatani, MD, WHO assistant director-general for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said: “WHO advises healthcare professionals, regulatory authorities and the public be aware of these falsified batches of medicines.

“We call on stakeholders to stop any usage of suspicious medicines and report to relevant authorities.”

Hussain Ahmad, MD, consultant practitioner at Click2Pharmacy, told Healthline that counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing problem. 

“When demand for drugs like Ozempic spikes because of trends and shortages — like we saw in 2023 when there was a shortage for diabetic patients — it gives counterfeiters an opportunity to exploit people’s desperation,” he explained. 

The high cost of Ozempic is another reason many people opt for counterfeits. Without insurance, a carton of Ozempic can cost around $1,000 at most U.S. pharmacies. 

Maria Teresa Anton, MD, an endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center, said some people turn to these compounded formulations because of their lower cost.

“Compounded formulations are not FDA approved and have not been verified for safety or efficacy,” she told Healthline.

Health risks of counterfeit Ozempic 

No drug is without risk. However, counterfeit medications are of particular concern because they are unregulated. This means you can’t be sure what’s actually in them. 

“They may contain the wrong active ingredients, none at all, or harmful substances,” Ahmad noted.

“Using counterfeit Ozempic or semaglutide injections could lead to side effects ranging from allergic reactions to severe complications like organ damage. You’re also risking an underlying condition, like diabetes, being poorly managed,” he said. 

Counterfeit versions of medications like Ozempic can contain harmful ingredients and contaminants that can be very harmful to the body. 

“These counterfeits may include incorrect active ingredients and toxic substances such as antifreeze or arsenic, and non-sterile components, which can cause severe health issues including organ damage, infections, and even death,” Anton explained. 

Ahmed noted that while cheaper, counterfeit Ozempic can include unapproved ingredients and may contain toxins, heavy metals, or bacteria. He cautioned that since Ozempic affects blood sugar and insulin levels, an improperly made product could impact how well blood sugar is controlled, leading to dangerous situations.

How to spot Ozempic fakes 

With medication shortages and high costs, some people might seek Ozempic alternatives.

Similarly, with so many counterfeits out there, it can be difficult to ensure you’re getting the real thing. 

If you’re purchasing Ozempic online, it’s important to know which red flags to look out for.

If you’re buying from an online pharmacy, the first thing you should do is check that it is registered with a regulatory body like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. or the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K. 

Another factor to consider is the price. Ahmed said if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. When the price of the product appears significantly cheaper than that of other pharmacies, he warned that it could be counterfeit. 

If you’re able to obtain the drugs without a prescription, that’s another red flag. 

“Legitimate sellers will always require a prescription for weight loss injections, and the prescriber should thoroughly check that you meet the requirements,” Ahmed said.

How to find safe Ozempic 

To get Ozempic safely, Anton said you should only buy from licensed pharmacies by checking the pharmaceutical register in your country or state.

“You can also ask if a licensed pharmacist is available,” she added.

The safest way to get Ozempic is through your healthcare professional. “If you’re having trouble accessing Ozempic for diabetes treatment, speak to your physician or pharmacist first,” Ahmed advised. 

“They can help explore alternatives, including other approved medications in the same class, like Wegovy. It’s important not to attempt self-sourcing or switch treatments without professional advice.”

Takeaway 

Big Brother UK star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace said she “thought she was going to die” after taking fake Ozempic. 

Counterfeit versions of Ozempic are a growing concern, and taking an unregulated drug carries significant health risks. Horgan-Wallace’s experience shows that the risks far outweigh the benefits. 

“Your safety should never be compromised, no matter how frustrating shortages or costs may be. Counterfeit medications are not only ineffective but can have devastating health consequences,” Ahmed said.

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• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an immediate pause on public communications from federal health agencies.
• The pause, ordered by the Trump administration, is expected to be temporary as the new administration aligns with federal agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH.
• While some experts have expressed concern over the pause, the HHS insists that exceptions will be made regarding matters critical to preserving public health.

Federal health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are essential for keeping the public aware of health issues, from rising respiratory virus cases to bans on harmful food additives.

The Trump administration halted reports from top health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Tuesday, putting communications with the general public in limbo until at least the end of the month. 

According to a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Dorothy Fink, acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), told agency staff leaders that an “immediate pause” had been ordered on various aspects of communications with the general public, including regulations, announcements, press releases, and social media and website posts.

“HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case by case basis,” a spokesperson for the HHS Office of Public Affairs told Healthline in an email.

According to the AP, the pause will continue until a political appointee approves agency communications. The Washington Post was the first to report on the pause.

A temporary pause in agency communications is not highly unusual when a new president takes office. However, a pause typically occurs during the transition of power between leadership rather than post-inauguration. Here’s what you need to know.

How will the pause affect public health?

The pause in federal health communications pertains to information published in the Federal Register, where the executive branch of the government communicates rules and regulations. 

This includes many important aspects of public health communication, including the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), a weekly publication sharing health information and recommendations.

During President Trump’s first term in office, one of his appointed officials tried to assume control of the MMWR journal, which published information about the COVID-19 pandemic that did not align with White House messaging. 

“Not a day goes by when CDC isn’t tracking a potential threat to our health,” Richard Besser, MD, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC, said in a statement shared with CNN.

“Right now they are letting us know about bird flu in cows, birds, and people. Every time there is an outbreak involving a food, they let us know how to avoid getting sick. They let us know where diseases are occurring around the world that could affect our health here or if we travel. Cutting off communications from CDC puts our health at risk and prevents our doctors, nurses, and public health leaders in our communities from doing their jobs. I urge the administration to quickly lift the pause,” Besser continued.

Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told Healthline that she understands the need for a new administration’s health team to review health communications coming from the main federal health organizations. Still, she hopes the pause is short-lived. 

Gandhi explained that at the NIH, the pause on communications appears to have shut down operations across several domains, “including in grant reviews and in council meetings, where decisions on which grants to fund—based on peer review and scores—are made.”

“This is very serious in that the halting of these important meetings at the NIH has sowed confusion, chaos, and a lot of concern at academic medical centers where faculty rely on the NIH-funded process for their research work. This has also sowed confusion among study participants in NIH-funded trials and community members who support these trials on when funding decisions will be made,” Gandhi noted.

Exceptions affecting critical health, safety

Agencies like the CDC, NIH, and FDA help safeguard the U.S. population against outbreaks, epidemics, and foodborne illnesses, and they research cures for diseases.

Fink wrote in her memo to federal agency staff leaders that exceptions may be made for communications impacting “critical health, safety, environmental, financial or nation security functions,” the AP reports.

For instance, the FDA’s ongoing list of recalls remained current as of Wednesday, and a public notice about a boxed warning for a drug was recently posted.

Still, these exceptions could still be subject to further scrutiny, leaving many health experts and consumer advocates concerned about public safety.

“The worry is that the CDC needs to update numbers on their website (i.e., new H5N1 cases) on a daily basis, so any delay can be a problem,” Gandhi said. “I hope this ban reverses early next week, as the whole process has generated havoc,” Gandhi.

Former CDC outbreak investigator Ali Khan, MD, told the AP that pauses in communication are reasonable during transitions of power in the executive branch.

“The only concern would be is if this is a prelude to going back to a prior approach of silencing the agencies around a political narrative,” he said.

Takeaway

Trump officials have ordered an immediate pause on public communications from federal health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. The temporary pause is expected to continue until at least the end of January.

Some experts and consumer advocates have expressed concern over the pause, but the HHS said exceptions will be made regarding matters critical to preserving public health. Other experts have said that temporary pauses like this are typical during transitions of power.

• New research suggests that drinking sparkling water might help with weight loss.
• Drinking fizzy water could lead to changes that help cells better utilize blood glucose, a researcher says.
• Experts note carbonated water may also help with satiety, hydration, digestion, and calorie reduction.
• Still, the effects of sparkling water on weight loss are quite small, meaning most people will still need to eat well and exercise often to maintain a healthy weight.
• Good sleep, stress reduction, mindful eating, and tracking progress can help with weight loss, too.

When people are seeking to lose weight, they may give up unhealthy sodas laden with sugar or artificial sweeteners. In doing so, some people may miss the “bite” of carbonation that comes with fizzy drink consumption.

Beverages like sparkling water can fill the void without adding calories or undesirable chemicals.

According to a new article published on January 21 in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, a researcher evaluated how fizzy water could aid your weight loss efforts beyond filling the void left by ditching sodas.

The discussion highlights how drinking carbonated water may induce certain physiological changes conducive to weight loss.

Still, there are no shortcuts to losing weight. Weight loss is best achieved through a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

Sparkling water may improve blood glucose

Study author Akira Takahashi, MD, PhD, of the Dialysis Center at Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital in Shijonawata, Japan, explained in a press release that carbonated water reportedly speeds up digestion and helps decrease blood glucose levels. However, the mechanisms driving these effects were unclear.

To better understand the effects, Takahashi compared the effect on glucose levels with hemodialysis, a treatment where blood is filtered outside the body.

Hemodialysis treatment also alters carbon dioxide levels in the blood. During this process, blood glucose levels fall, which suggests that carbon dioxide helps in the utilization of glucose.

Takahashi theorized that something similar might happen when people drink carbonated water.

Carbon dioxide is released into the bloodstream, where an enzyme in the red blood cells converts it into bicarbonate. This conversion raises the pH within those cells, allowing the body to use glucose more effectively.

Could these improvements in glucose usage lead to weight loss? Takahashi wrote that it likely could, but the effect overall would be quite small.

Sparkling water could aid weight loss in other ways

While this review looked at what is happening at the cellular level, there are other known ways that drinking fizzy water may help you in your weight loss goals.

Gabby Zeagler, clinical dietitian at Nourish, noted that carbonated water can create a feeling of fullness that may help reduce your appetite and allow you to be satisfied with less food at your next meal. Zeagler wasn’t involved in the study.

“If someone is drinking seltzer all day long, this will also increase their hydration level which helps support metabolism and will likely reduce the amount of times someone may mistake a feeling of thirst for hunger and lessen the amount of snacking they might do,” she said.

Carbonated water is also a great substitute for soda, juice, and other sugary, high-calorie beverages, according to Zeagler, which will help you take in fewer calories over the course of the day.

“For some people, carbonated water can help with digestion,” she continued, “and when our stomach is feeling less bloated, we are more likely to follow a healthful eating pattern.”

However, she agreed with the study author, and noted fizzy water is not “a magical drink.”

Balanced diet, regular exercise still best for weight loss

“Drinking fizzy water is just part of the equation for effective weight loss,” explained Josh Kaplan, MD, founder and CEO of Dr. Well by BuildMyHealth.

“It could be used as an alternative to high-calorie drinks, but to achieve real progress, it must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.”

Kaplan suggested eating a diet rich in lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. These will keep you full longer and help you maintain muscle while you are losing fat.

“Strength training and regular aerobic exercise are essential for increasing metabolism and burning calories,” he added.

Stress management and good sleep also play a vital role in your weight loss, according to Kaplan. This helps regulate the hunger hormones, such as cortisol and leptin.

In addition to these measures, Zeagler suggested practicing mindful eating. “Pay attention to hunger cues, eat slowly, and avoid distractions during meals. Put your phone away while eating!” she advised.

She also suggested tracking your progress, whether with a food journal, app, or wearable device.

“This way, you can identify areas for improvement and improve upon them,” said Zeagler. “Remember, you can’t improve what you don’t measure.”

Takeaway

New research suggests drinking carbonated water could contribute to weight loss by creating physiological changes that allow cells to better use glucose.

Additionally, it may aid weight loss by helping you feel more full and keeping you more hydrated. It can also help you cut calories by replacing high calorie beverages. It may also improve your digestion and reduce bloating.

However, experts say the effect of carbonated water on weight loss is small, and fizzy water is not “a magical drink.”

To lose weight, follow the basics, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Keeping your stress low and getting good quality sleep can help regulate the hormones that make you hungrier, like cortisol and leptin.

Practicing mindful eating and tracking your progress can help you be more aware of what you are doing so you can improve and solidify your new healthy habits.

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• Researchers report that GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, may improve cognition and lower dementia and cardiovascular disease risk.
• However, they also found that GLP-1 drugs may lead to gastrointestinal, kidney, and pancreas issues.
• The researchers recommend that doctors closely monitor their patients as these medications become more widely prescribed.

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, commonly prescribed for weight loss, may also benefit cognitive and behavioral health.

However, this popular class of drugs, which also includes Mounjaro and Zepbound, may cause health issues with the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and pancreas.

That’s the conclusion of a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine, which examined the effects of GLP-1 drugs on 175 different health outcomes.

“Given the drugs’ newness and skyrocketing popularity, it is important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems — leaving no stone unturned — to understand what they do and what they don’t do,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, the study’s senior author and a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the Washington University Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, in a statement.

GLP-1 drugs improve cognition, heart health

In their research, scientists at the Washington Universal School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System looked at the health records of 2 million veterans who were treated for diabetes from October 2017 through December 2023.

Some of the veterans took GLP-1 medications, while others were given more traditional drugs sold under brand names such as Jardiance, Glipizide, and Januvia.

The researchers said their goal was to determine the GLP-1 medications’ effects on the body’s organ systems.

The researchers reported there was widespread associations with the GLP-1 drugs and improvements to cognitive and behavioral health.

These benefits included reduced risks of seizures as well as a lower risk to addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids.

Researchers said that people taking the GLP-1 drugs also experienced decreased risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

The findings also showed a lower risk of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“GLP-1RA drugs act on receptors that are expressed in brain areas involved in impulse control, reward and addiction — potentially explaining their effectiveness in curbing appetite and addiction disorders,” Al-Aly explained. “These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

The study also confirmed past research findings detailing the drugs’ potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular concerns.

However, the researchers noted these benefits were a somewhat modest 10% to 20% reduction in most risks.

“This is an interesting analysis that is much needed given what the authors cited as drugs that are ‘skyrocketing in popularity,’” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and president of KAK Consulting. Kirkpatrick wasn’t involved in the study.

“It provides a good assessment for individuals considering these drugs on what risks and benefits may occur, which can then prompt the right discussions with their healthcare providers related to potential individual benefits and risks,” she told Healthline.

Possible GI, kidney, and pancreatic risks of GLP-1s

The research also highlighted some potential downsides to the medications, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases paralysis of the stomach

In addition, the researchers reported evidence that GLP-1 medications cause increased risks of pancreatitis and kidney conditions.

The researchers urged physicians to be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis and to monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1 medications. Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.

“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” Al-Aly stated. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs.”

Kirkpatrick said the decision whether to take these medications really depends on the individual.

“I think the benefits vs. risk is really related to the patient. Some patients may find that benefits outweigh risks while others may feel that their personal health history is such that the risks may be too high to consider,” she said.

Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Stanford University in California, said the benefits of taking these weight-loss drugs probably outweigh the risks for most people. Kim wasn’t involved in the research.

“Many of the risks are known (GI disorders), and some potentially could have been prevented (hypotension),” she told Healthline. “It’s important to decrease blood pressure medications while losing weight on GLP-1 meds as weight loss can lower blood pressure, and GLP-1 meds may also have direct effects to lower blood pressure.”

Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, agreed that GLP-1 drugs are an effective treatment for most patients. Ali was likewise not involved in the research.

“I believe the benefits outweigh the risks,” he told Healthline. “Although gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are common, they are manageable for the most part. More serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney complications are very rare.”

What to know about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are all classified as GLP-1 drugs.

These medications, which are taken by injection, work by simulating naturally produced hormones that curb appetite and slow digestion. A healthy diet and exercise are usually recommended along with taking the drugs.

All these medications have been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Wegovy has been approved to treat people with obesity and other weight management issues.

Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the active ingredient trizepatide. Mounjaro is approved to treat type 2 diabetes while Zepbound has been approved for weight management treatment.

These GLP-1 medications have also shown promise in studies in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Experts say the use of these medications is likely to grow in the future.

“Based on the interest I see in my patients, I agree that popularity will probably only rise, especially If the data remains positive,” said Kirkpatrick.

“I think one thing that could be discussed more is the exit strategy. I say this because so many of my patients have found success with these drugs but now tell me that they are ‘terrified to get off of them.’ Truly, the plan for onboarding should include an effective strategy for weaning off the drug once the goals of the individual are met.”

Kim noted that about 40% of adults in the United States have obesity, so the need for GLP-1 medications is increasing.

“GLP-1 meds represent the first class of medications that offer effective weight-loss options for patients,” she said. “In addition, randomized clinical trials show that the GLP-1 meds are associated with significant benefits including decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and arthritis. The future is bright for GLP-1 drugs.”

Ali agreed. “I think these drugs, which have already been around for some time, will likely find increasing applications, and newer drugs [that] target similar receptors are on the horizon,” he said. 

“There is a shift toward treating obesity as a long-term chronic disease, like hypertension or diabetes.  With that change, these medications will likely be used long term.”

Takeaway

In a new study, researchers looked at the effects of GLP-1 medications across 175 different health outcomes.

They reported this class of drugs, widely prescribed for weight loss, may improve cognition and behavioral function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.

However, they found the medications may also cause health issues for the kidneys, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system.

Experts say doctors and patients should consider the benefits versus risks when deciding whether to take these drugs.

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