Tag Archives: cardiovascular

Weight loss drugs safe for people with high triglycerides, study shows

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**New Study Finds Popular Weight Loss Drugs Safe for People with High Triglycerides**

A major new study from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City has found that popular weight loss drugs do not raise the risk of pancreatitis or heart problems in people with very high triglycerides. This brings welcome reassurance to both patients and doctors who have been cautious about using these medications.

These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs), have become widely used for weight loss and diabetes management. Since their approval in 2005, they’ve helped millions of people lose weight and lower blood sugar levels. However, many doctors have avoided prescribing them to patients with extremely high triglyceride levels—above 500 milligrams per deciliter—because such patients are already at risk for pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes deadly inflammation of the pancreas.

The pancreas is one of the organs affected by GLP1RA medications, leading to concerns about whether these drugs might exacerbate the condition.

In the new research, however, the team at Intermountain Health found no evidence that GLP1RA drugs increase the risk of pancreatitis. In fact, the study showed that for patients who had never experienced pancreatitis, taking one of these medications reduced their risk of developing it by about four times compared to those not taking the drugs.

“Pancreatitis is incredibly painful and can be deadly. Once a patient has had it, you never want to risk causing it again,” said Leslie Iverson, a clinician specializing in cardiovascular prevention and research at Intermountain Health. “But our findings show no link between pancreatitis and GLP1RA use in people with high triglycerides. Even better, these medications may actually protect against developing it in the first place.”

The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans on November 9.

### Study Details

Researchers reviewed medical records of patients treated at Intermountain Health from January 2006 to April 2025. They looked at adults over 18 who had either type 2 diabetes or a body mass index (BMI) above 27, indicating overweight or obesity.

Out of 346,667 patients studied, 3,834—or just over 1%—had been prescribed a GLP1RA medication. When the researchers compared outcomes between patients who took GLP1RA drugs and those who didn’t, they found no increase in the risk of pancreatitis. This held true even among patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, where triglyceride levels exceed 500.

In fact, among patients with high triglycerides who had never had pancreatitis, those taking a GLP1RA were four times less likely to develop it.

“These results show that having high triglycerides is not a reason to avoid prescribing these medications,” Iverson said. “If a patient could benefit from them, they should be considered a safe option.”

### Additional Benefits: Triglyceride Reduction

Iverson also noted another encouraging finding: many patients taking GLP1RA drugs saw their triglyceride levels drop. This makes sense because the medications help control diabetes and reduce obesity—two major contributors to high triglycerides.

By improving these underlying conditions, GLP1RAs may naturally help lower triglyceride levels and improve heart health.

### Why This Study Matters

The study is important because it addresses one of the main concerns that has made some doctors hesitant to use GLP1RA drugs in patients with high triglycerides. The reassurance that these medications are safe—and may even reduce future risk—could change how doctors manage patients at risk for both obesity and pancreatitis.

Overall, the research suggests that GLP1RA medications could offer a safer and more effective treatment approach for people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides. They not only help patients lose weight and control blood sugar but may also protect the pancreas and heart in the long term.

These findings mark another milestone in understanding how modern weight loss drugs can improve health beyond weight reduction alone.

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**If you care about weight loss, also consider reading about:**
– Studies showing that hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight individuals.
– How early time-restricted eating might help with weight loss.

For more health information, see recent studies revealing:
– The Mediterranean diet can reduce belly fat more effectively.
– The Keto diet may help control body weight and blood sugar in diabetes.
https://knowridge.com/2025/11/weight-loss-drugs-safe-for-people-with-high-triglycerides-study-shows/

Cycling or tai chi: Which is better for your balance?

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**Cycling or Tai Chi: Which Is Better for Your Balance?**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 13, 2025 | 01:00 pm*

Cycling and tai chi are two popular activities that offer unique benefits for improving balance. While cycling is often associated with cardiovascular fitness and leg strength, tai chi is known for its slow, deliberate movements and focus on mindfulness. Both activities can enhance balance in different ways, making them appealing options for individuals looking to improve their stability and coordination. Here’s how each activity contributes to better balance.

### Cycling’s Dynamic Impact on Balance

Cycling requires constant adjustments in body position and weight distribution, which helps improve balance. As cyclists navigate turns or uneven surfaces, they engage core muscles that stabilize the body. The rhythmic pedaling motion also enhances coordination between upper and lower body parts.

Regular cycling can lead to improved proprioception—the body’s ability to sense its position in space—resulting in better overall balance.

### Tai Chi’s Mindful Movements

Tai chi involves a series of slow, controlled movements that emphasize posture and breathing. These exercises promote awareness of body alignment and weight shifting, both crucial for maintaining balance.

Practicing tai chi regularly can increase joint flexibility and strengthen muscles used for stabilization. The meditative nature of tai chi also reduces stress levels, which contributes positively to mental focus during activities requiring balance.

### Comparing Cardiovascular Benefits

Both cycling and tai chi offer cardiovascular benefits, but in different ways. Cycling provides an intense aerobic workout that boosts heart health by significantly increasing heart rate during rides.

Tai chi, on the other hand, offers moderate aerobic activity that improves circulation without overexerting the cardiovascular system. Both forms of exercise support heart health but cater to different fitness levels and preferences.

### Tip 1: Accessibility Considerations

Cycling requires access to a bike and safe routes or trails, which may not be available to everyone. It also demands a certain level of physical fitness to handle longer rides or challenging terrains.

Tai chi is more accessible since it can be practiced indoors or outdoors without special equipment. It is adaptable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a great option for improving balance.

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Whether you choose cycling or tai chi, both can effectively enhance your balance and overall well-being. Consider your personal preferences, fitness level, and accessibility when deciding which activity suits you best.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/cycling-or-tai-chi-which-is-better-for-your-balance/story

Add these seeds to your daily diet

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By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 06, 2025 | 01:35 PM

**What’s the story?**

Seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrition, making them an essential part of a healthy diet. They are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Adding seeds to your daily meals can be an easy way to boost your nutrient intake without making drastic changes to your diet.

Here are five must-try seeds that can significantly enhance your daily nutrition.

### 1. Chia Seeds: The Fiber Powerhouse

Chia seeds are famous for their high fiber content, which helps with digestion and keeps blood sugar levels stable. These tiny black seeds are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds give you 10 grams of fiber—more than one-third of the daily recommended intake for adults.

### 2. Flaxseeds: Rich in Omega-3s

Flaxseeds are an amazing source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and heart health. They also provide lignans, which have antioxidant properties. To reap the maximum benefits, flaxseeds should be ground before consumption, as whole flaxseeds may pass through the digestive system undigested. Two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds provide about four grams of protein and eight grams of fiber.

### 3. Pumpkin Seeds: Nutrient-Dense Snack

Pumpkin seeds make for an excellent snack option as they are loaded with magnesium, zinc, and iron. These nutrients are essential for bone health, immune function, and energy production. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body. A quarter-cup serving gives you around 14 grams of protein and more than 40% of the daily recommended magnesium intake.

### 4. Sunflower Seeds: Vitamin E Boost

Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals. They also provide healthy fats that promote cardiovascular health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. A quarter-cup serving offers about six grams of protein along with significant amounts of copper and selenium.

### 5. Sesame Seeds: Calcium Source

Sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium, making them perfect for those who want to increase their intake without dairy products. These tiny white or black seeds also contain sesamin, which may help lower cholesterol levels naturally over time when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet plan. One tablespoon provides approximately 88 milligrams (about 9% of the RDI) of calcium, along with other essential nutrients like iron and magnesium.

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Incorporating these seeds into your daily meals—whether by sprinkling them on salads, blending into smoothies, or enjoying them as snacks—can be a simple and effective way to enrich your diet with vital nutrients.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/must-try-seeds-for-daily-nutrition/story