Hunger

No, taking drugs like Ozempic isn’t ‘cheating’ at weight loss or the ‘easy way out’

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight.

Key Points: 
  • Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight.
  • As demand for semaglutide increases, so are claims that taking it is “cheating” at weight loss or the “easy way out”.
  • We don’t tell people who need statin medication to treat high cholesterol or drugs to manage high blood pressure they’re cheating or taking the easy way out.

How does it work?

  • GLP-1 gets secreted by cells in your gut when it detects increased nutrient levels after eating.
  • GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications like Ozempic help the body’s own GLP-1 work better by mimicking and extending its action.
  • Read more:
    The rise of Ozempic: how surprise discoveries and lizard venom led to a new class of weight-loss drugs

What can users expect? What does the research say?

  • Higher doses of semaglutide are prescribed to treat obesity compared to type 2 diabetes management (up to 2.4mg versus 2.0mg weekly).
  • A large group of randomised controlled trials, called STEP trials, all tested weekly 2.4mg semaglutide injections versus different interventions or placebo drugs.
  • Trials lasting 1.3–2 years consistently found weekly 2.4 mg semaglutide injections led to 6–12% greater weight loss compared to placebo or alternative interventions.
  • Weight reduction due to semaglutide also leads to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of about 4.8 mmHg and 2.5 mmHg respectively, a reduction in triglyceride levels (a type of blood fat) and improved physical function.
  • Another recent trial in adults with pre-existing heart disease and obesity, but without type 2 diabetes, found adults receiving weekly 2.4mg semaglutide injections had a 20% lower risk of specific cardiovascular events, including having a non-fatal heart attack, a stroke or dying from cardiovascular disease, after three years follow-up.

Who is eligible for semaglutide?

  • Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has approved semaglutide, sold as Ozempic, for treating type 2 diabetes.
  • The TGA has approved Wegovy to treat obesity but it’s not currently available in Australia.

What else do you need to do during Ozempic treatment?

  • In addition to taking medication, people had brief lifestyle counselling sessions with dietitians or other health professionals every four weeks as a minimum in most trials.
  • The aim of these trials was to show the effect of adding the medication on top of other lifestyle counselling.


A review of obesity medication trials found people reported they needed less cognitive behaviour training to help them stick with the reduced energy intake. This is one aspect where drug treatment may make adherence a little easier. Not feeling as hungry and having environmental food cues “switched off” may mean less support is required for goal-setting, self-monitoring food intake and avoiding things that trigger eating.

But what are the side effects?

  • In on study these led to discontinuation of medication in 6% of people, but interestingly also in 3% of people taking placebos.
  • More severe side-effects included gallbladder disease, acute pancreatitis, hypoglycaemia, acute kidney disease and injection site reactions.
  • Here are some potential risks and benefits

    To reduce risk or severity of side-effects, medication doses are increased very slowly over months.

  • Health, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Greater Charitable Foundation.
  • She has consulted to SHINE Australia, Novo Nordisk, Quality Bakers, the Sax Institute, Dietitians Australia and the ABC.

Is Sundown Syndrome Taking Over Your Evenings? Michele Nealon, Psy.D. Shares Expert Tips to Manage the Symptoms

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Sundown syndrome is a state of confusion or agitation that comes on in the late afternoon and worsens into the night, preventing the person from getting sleep.

Key Points: 
  • Sundown syndrome is a state of confusion or agitation that comes on in the late afternoon and worsens into the night, preventing the person from getting sleep.
  • This syndrome's cause is not well understood, but we know it can take a toll on the individual and their caregivers.
  • Setting a schedule of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and quality sleep for you and the person you are taking care of is imperative.
  • Patience and empathy are key when trying to ease their agitation because it can worsen if they sense your frustration.

North Texas Food Bank to Host Taste of the Cowboys Fundraiser

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 4, 2024

Dallas, TX, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and the Dallas Cowboys will host the 20th Annual Taste of the Cowboys fundraiser, presented by Ashley, on the field at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco – home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters – on Friday, June 7, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Dallas, TX, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and the Dallas Cowboys will host the 20th Annual Taste of the Cowboys fundraiser, presented by Ashley, on the field at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco – home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters – on Friday, June 7, 2024.
  • The event will feature live entertainment by country star John Michael Montgomery and gourmet tailgate food stations from some of DFW’s favorite restaurants, led by Taste of the Cowboys Founding Chef, Kent Rathbun.
  • All proceeds from the Taste of the Cowboys provide critical funds to support the North Texas Food Bank’s Nourish the Future programs that directly target child hunger.
  • Last year’s Taste of the Cowboys event provided access to 1.5 million meals for children experiencing hunger to help address this need.

North Texas Food Bank to Host Taste of the Cowboys Fundraiser

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 4, 2024

Dallas, TX, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and the Dallas Cowboys will host the 20th Annual Taste of the Cowboys fundraiser, presented by Ashley, on the field at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco – home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters – on Friday, April 7, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Dallas, TX, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) and the Dallas Cowboys will host the 20th Annual Taste of the Cowboys fundraiser, presented by Ashley, on the field at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco – home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters – on Friday, April 7, 2024.
  • The event will feature live entertainment by country star John Michael Montgomery and gourmet tailgate food stations from some of DFW’s favorite restaurants, led by Taste of the Cowboys Founding Chef, Kent Rathbun.
  • All proceeds from the Taste of the Cowboys provide critical funds to support the North Texas Food Bank’s Nourish the Future programs that directly target child hunger.
  • Last year’s Taste of the Cowboys event provided access to 1.5 million meals for children experiencing hunger to help address this need.

Tricolor Foundation Provides $50,000 Grant to No Kid Hungry Texas

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 2, 2024

DALLAS, April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  The Tricolor Foundation , a nonprofit supporting initiatives in higher education, life skills and financial literacy for underserved Hispanics, today announced a $50,000 grant to No Kid Hungry Texas, part of Share Our Strength’s national No Kid Hungry campaign.

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS, April 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  The Tricolor Foundation , a nonprofit supporting initiatives in higher education, life skills and financial literacy for underserved Hispanics, today announced a $50,000 grant to No Kid Hungry Texas, part of Share Our Strength’s national No Kid Hungry campaign.
  • Specifically, No Kid Hungry Texas will use the contribution to expand its reach, provide more meals and implement sustainable solutions to address the root causes of hunger.
  • No Kid Hungry Texas is committed to ending childhood hunger by ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food.
  • “Tricolor Foundation’s commitment to ending childhood hunger will have a profound impact on families throughout Texas,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, Director of No Kid Hungry Texas.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign Returns to North Texas to Help People Facing Hunger

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024

Now, for the 11th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs are launching the Fight Hunger.

Key Points: 
  • Now, for the 11th straight year, all U.S. Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs are launching the Fight Hunger.
  • campaign, with the goal of providing people facing hunger with access to the food and resources they say they need to thrive.
  • campaign is a way that we invite our customers, members and suppliers to fight hunger alongside us.
  • Kellogg Company; Keurig Dr Pepper; Kodiak; Kraft Heinz; Monster Energy; Pepsi-Cola Advertising & Marketing, Inc.; Red Bull North America; and Unilever.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Global FoodBanking Network Welcomes Vanessa Garcia as Chief Financial Officer

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024

“After a thorough and rigorous search, we are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Garcia to The Global FoodBanking Network,” said CEO Lisa Moon.

Key Points: 
  • “After a thorough and rigorous search, we are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Garcia to The Global FoodBanking Network,” said CEO Lisa Moon.
  • “Joining The Global FoodBanking Network as Chief Financial Officer is a pivotal moment in my career, blending my personal mission with my professional journey.
  • Garcia will be taking over the Chief Financial Officer position from Beth Saks, who has been part of The Global FoodBanking Network team for more than 15 years.
  • The Global FoodBanking Network extends our deepest thanks to Saks for enabling us to do such critical work year after year.

Food Lion Feeds and Customers Team Up to Increase Access to Nutritious Food

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024

By providing access to nutritious food through this initiative, the collective effort helps address food insecurity and nourish neighbors who are experiencing hunger.

Key Points: 
  • By providing access to nutritious food through this initiative, the collective effort helps address food insecurity and nourish neighbors who are experiencing hunger.
  • Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.
  • Food Lion Feeds’ partnership with Feeding America ensures neighbors have access to nutritious food.
  • “Every cash donation and orange bag purchase make a lasting impact to help nourish our neighbors,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion.

AI, Inclusion, and Sustainability: Must-Haves for Business School Aspirants

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

What’s also driving the interest in advanced business education of would-be students is the transformative technology of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Points: 
  • What’s also driving the interest in advanced business education of would-be students is the transformative technology of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Candidate demand for it grew 38 percent year-over-year, with two-fifths now saying it is essential to their curricula.
  • Interest was the highest among those from the Middle East and Latin America as well as among millennials and men.
  • Global interest in STEM-certified business programs also grew 38 percent in five years—and to new heights in Asia, driven by demand in India and Greater China.

The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation Commits $15 Million Over Three Years to Rise Against Hunger to Provide 463 Million Meals to People in Need

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Today, The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation announces an extended three-year partnership and $15 million commitment to Rise Against Hunger , an international nonprofit organization.

Key Points: 
  • Today, The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation announces an extended three-year partnership and $15 million commitment to Rise Against Hunger , an international nonprofit organization.
  • The commitment builds on a decade-long partnership between Kraft Heinz and Rise Against Hunger to alleviate global hunger and improve access to nutrition.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240409900011/en/
    Kraft Heinz employees pack meals during the annual Packathon (Photo: Business Wire)
    “At Kraft Heinz, we aim to provide 1.5 billion meals to people in need by 2025,” said Andrea Budelli, President of The Kraft Heinz Company Foundation and Chief R&D Officer of Developed & Emerging Markets at Kraft Heinz.
  • This impact includes:
    Fortified more than 127 million Rise Against Hunger meals with 21 million micronutrient sachets for school feeding and dietary supplementation programs.