Have you been experiencing light-headedness, fainting spells, unstable blood pressure especially low blood pressure, (particularly upon standing). Have you been experiencing abnormal heart racing? Then, this information may interest you. When the...

Dr Piou-Brewer’s holistic retreats are held four times a year in St Ann and St Mary in locations including Boscobel, Tower Isle, Mammee Bay and Ocho Rios. Also championing – monitored psilocybin dosing – is consultant psychiatrist and Government...

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday confirmed that the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final postmortem report submitted today by the three internationally renowned pathologists to investigators. A comprehensive postmortem examination, including toxicology and DNA testing, was carried out ...

Public health risk of yellow fever remains high in the Americas due to continued occurrence of human cases

Cristina Mitchell

27 May 2025

Weight-loss medications continue to grow in popularity as an anti-obesity tool — but are some more effective than others?

The question was explored in a new study published this month in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers compared the safety and efficacy of tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound) and semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) in a 72-week clinical trial.

WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS MAY ALSO BENEFIT COMMON MEDICAL PROBLEM, STUDY FINDS

The randomized, controlled trial — called SURMOUNT-5 — included 751 people throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico who had obesity but not type 2 diabetes.

"Doctors, insurance companies and patients are always asking, ‘Which drug is more effective?’" said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center and the Sanford I. Weill Professor of Metabolic Research at Weill Cornell Medicine, in the release. "This study allowed us to do a direct comparison." 

"The results are consistent with — in fact, almost identical to — what we’ve seen in trials in which these drugs were evaluated independently," added Aronne, who was a principal investigator in the trial.

The study found that tirzepatide achieved greater weight loss, with participants shedding about 50 pounds (20.2% of their body weight).

The group taking semaglutide lost an average of 33 pounds or 13.7% of their baseline weight, according to a press release summarizing the study outcome.

Overall, 32% of the people taking tirzepatide lost at least 25% of their body weight; semaglutide users lost around 16%.

WEIGHT LOSS, DIABETES DRUGS CAN CAUSE MOOD CHANGES: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BEHAVIORAL SIDE EFFECTS

Tirzepatide users also reported a "greater reduction in waist circumference" than those on semaglutide.

The likely reason for tirzepatide’s greater effectiveness is that it uses a "dual mechanism of action," according to Aronne.

"Whereas semaglutide works by activating receptors for a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, tirzepatide mimics not only GLP-1, but also an additional hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)," the release stated.

"Together, these actions reduce hunger, lower blood-glucose levels and affect fat cell metabolism."

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS’ IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDY

Additional trials are actively exploring whether tirzepatide also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, a benefit that has been linked to semaglutide.

The study was led by an investigator at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. It was also conducted with the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, the University College Dublin and Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound).

The participants all received guidance regarding nutrition and exercise.

The reported side effects were very similar for the two drugs, with 44% of people experiencing nausea and 25% having abdominal pain.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS TO GET SURPRISING ENDORSEMENT FROM GLOBAL HEALTH GIANT

Dr. Ada Londono, M.D., a board-certified obesity and internal medicine primary care physician with PlushCare — a virtual health platform offering primary care, therapy and weight management services — said she was not surprised by the study's findings.

"The results are consistent with prior trials, confirming tirzepatide’s advantage over semaglutide’s single GLP-1 action," Londono, who is based in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

Beyond weight loss, semaglutide has also shown potential benefits for cardiovascular health, sleep apnea and kidney disease, she noted. 

"These findings highlight the need for continued research to understand tirzepatide’s broader health impacts," she said. "It’s encouraging to see ongoing studies exploring the full potential of GLP-1 medications beyond weight management."

Londono said these treatments can come with side effects. 

SEMAGLUTIDE FOUND TO HAVE SHOCKING BENEFIT FOR LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS IN NEW STUDY

"Most people on these medications only report mild symptoms, but some have experienced more serious reactions, such as pancreatitis," she told Fox News Digital. 

"This underscores the importance of reviewing your medical history and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider."

The study did have some limitations — chiefly that it was not a blinded analysis and participants knew which medication they were receiving. This could introduce some level of bias, the researchers acknowledged.

Londono pointed out that while the study’s findings are "promising," it was funded by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound.

"This may raise questions about potential conflicts of interest," she said. "Additionally, the open-label design and 72-week duration may limit objectivity and long-term insight."

While the study primarily looked at the impact of the medications, experts agreed there are other factors that play a role in successful weight management.

"Weight loss is biological, but it’s also emotional, and whole-person support can make the difference between short-term results and sustainable health," Dr. Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer at the weight care program Found and a practicing endocrinologist in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

Kumar emphasized the importance of working with a physician to choose a weight-loss medication that matches the patient’s personal goals and health status.

"For example, if a patient has fatty liver, we will choose the GLP-1 that is proven to work best for liver disease," she said. 

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate new versions of weight-loss drugs, including retatrutide, which mimics the hormones GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, according to the release.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Even though drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide work really well, better than anything we have ever seen, we still have people who don't respond to them," said Aronne. 

"So, moving forward, we want to keep trying to do better."

A spokesperson from Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy (semaglutide), sent a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Across the respective clinical trial programs and in SURMOUNT-5, both Wegovy and Zepbound have demonstrated clinically significant weight reduction," the company said. "It is important to recognize that the comprehensive management of obesity goes beyond weight reduction alone."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

The spokesperson also pointed out that in a previous trial, adults who were obese or overweight and who took Wegovy along with diet and exercise lost an average of 15.2% of their weight (~35 pounds) at the two-year mark, compared with 2.6% (~6 pounds) for patients taking a placebo.

For the first time in its 21-year history, athletes in the Barbados National Senior Games will not only be competing for personal glory, they will also be carrying the pride of their constituencies.

As the 2025 edition of the Games launched on Saturday with a colourful motorcade through Bridgetown, competitors beamed with excitement at the chance to represent their home communities on the national stage, adding a fresh layer of purpose and rivalry to the long-standing celebration of active ageing.

Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Kirk Humphrey, said remaining active is key to maintaining good health.

“As you know, Barbados is an ageing society. We believe that if you are active, you live longer and live better and that is what the Senior Games are about,” he told the crowd gathered at Golden Square Freedom Park. “From the very beginning, that was the idea behind the Games.”

Opening with a motorcade that departed from Pelican Village, the convoy which included energetic cheerleaders, athletes, and representatives from participating sporting bodies, made their way through the streets of Bridgetown before arriving at Golden Square Freedom Park.

A standout moment during the 30-minute movement session led by fitness instructor Spinny came when he invited 71-year-old attendee Audrey Archer on stage for the “Follow my Lead” segment. Rising to the occasion, Archer demonstrated that age is truly just a number as she displayed her dance skills to Quan De Artist’s Crop Over tune Waistline.

Members of the National Assistance Board Unity Dancers further energised the atmosphere, skilfully incorporating fans into their line dancing routine and drawing cheers from the crowd. Entertainment was also provided by RPB and TC who maintained the party vibe.

More than 300 participants have registered so far, with athletes expected from Brazil, the United States, Trinidad, and St Lucia.

Coordinator Ytannia Wiggins, told Barbados TODAY, “For the National Senior Games this year, this portion of the year we have dedicated it to track and field events. On May 31, it is going to be the field events, held at Queens College, and that is going to be all throws.”

This will be followed by the road race on June 1 with cycling, walking, running and for the first time the skating community will be participating.  This event will take place at 6 a.m. on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

The marquee event, which will see the athletes hitting the track, will be held on June 9th at the Usain Bolt Complex.

Registration remains open and can be completed online. (STT)

The post Senior athletes to bring parish pride to the National Senior Games appeared first on Barbados Today.

While official health data from the Ministry of Health points to a downward trend in major health indicators, dengue cases remain under watch. Epidemiologically, high incidence rates are not expected at this time, yet during epidemiological week 19, two dengue cases were confirmed in five-year-olds—one in Puerto Plata, the other in San Cristóbal. The past four weeks have seen 13 recorded cases, marking a 73.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. So far in 2025, 94 cases have been confirmed, with the highest concentration in Espaillat, Puerto Plata, and Valverde.

Malaria Continues to Affect Young Men

From weeks 1 to 19 of 2025, 194 cases of malaria have been confirmed, with 57% affecting men, primarily aged 10 to 39 years. The highest concentration is in San Juan and Azua, though imported cases have been reported in Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, La Altagracia, Monte Cristi, Dajabón, and Sánchez Ramírez.

Leptospirosis Cases Confirmed Across 12 Provinces

As of epidemiological week 19, 22 cases of leptospirosis have been confirmed, with the highest numbers in La Altagracia and San Cristóbal. The disease has spread across 12 provinces.

Neonatal Mortality Remains a Challenge

Infant mortality figures reveal 23 deaths during epidemiological week 19, bringing the total for 2025 to 635 deaths—172 fewer than in the same period in 2024. The vast majority occur within the first 28 days of life, with neonatal mortality proving the hardest to reduce.

Maternal Mortality Disproportionately Impacts Santiago and Santo Domingo

During the same week, four maternal deaths were recorded from La Vega, Monte Plata, María Trinidad Sánchez, and Santo Domingo. The total count for 2025 stands at 66 maternal deaths, with 34% concentrated in Santiago and Santo Domingo. Of these, 53% were Dominican women, while 47% were Haitian.

Region of the Americas Sees Maternal Mortality Decline, Yet Targets Unmet

In 2023, maternal mortality in the Americas reached 7,850 deaths, reflecting a 15.7% decrease compared to 2000. Improved access to essential healthcare services has been credited for this decline, though official figures continue to spark debate. However, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the region remains at 59 deaths per 100,000 live births, still far above the regional target of 30 deaths per 100,000 live births set by the Pan American Health Organization’s Sustainable Health Agenda.