JD Vance's wild take on weight loss drug Ozempic sparks criticism
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"
On a recent appearance on comedian Theo Von's podcast, Vance launched into an unscripted riff about a medical commercial he'd seen. 'I only saw it briefly,' he said, 'but I could have sworn that two of the medications in this med pack were—Ivermectin and Ozempic. And I'm like thinking to myself, what is the situation where you need emergency Ozempic?'
Then came the part that really raised eyebrows. With a laugh, Vance added, 'I thought like, you know, if you have a Donner Party situation...
and it's like alright, we gotta suppress our appetites.'
Wait—what?
What was the Donner Party?
Credit: X/@pitsenberger
To decode Vance's joke, you'd have to go back to 1846, when a group of American pioneers known as the Donner Party became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains while traveling to California. With winter closing in and food supplies exhausted, some members of the group reportedly resorted to cannibalism to survive.
It's a dark, tragic chapter in American history—and probably not the best setup for a punchline about a modern weight-loss drug.
Social media reactions
Social media lit up in the hours after the podcast aired, with critics slamming Vance for making light of both the desperation of the Donner Party and the medical struggles of people using Ozempic. Many pointed out that the drug is not just used by people who want to lose weight, but is also used by diabetes patients.
One user commented, 'Ozempic was designed for patients with diabetes, and people with the disease also use it, J Dunce. Diabetes can be caused by other conditions, like pancreatitis and pregnancy. '
Another commented, 'What kinda of #weirdo uses "Donner Party" as the metric to evaluate bulimic therapy???' A third said, 'Why is he talking like he is expert on something he doesn't know about? Ozempic is a diabetic drug.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
It helps to regulate sugar in diabetics.'
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and slows digestion, which can help people feel fuller for longer. While not originally developed as a weight loss drug, one of its side effects is appetite suppression—leading to noticeable weight loss in many patients. In recent years, Ozempic has entered the public conversation beyond diabetes care, with growing demand among people seeking medical help for obesity.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
Who Was Dr Kishore Divan? Indian-Origin Anesthesiologist Killed With Family In Tragic US Crash
Four members of an Indian-origin family, including retired anesthesiologist Dr. Kishore Divan, were killed in a car crash in West Virginia Four members of an Indian-origin family, including a well-known retired doctor, were killed in a tragic car crash in the United States while on their way to visit a temple in West Virginia over the weekend. Among the deceased was Kishore Divan, an 89-year-old anesthesiologist who lived and worked in Williamsville, New York. His wife, Asha Divan, and two others—Shailesh Divan and Gita Divan—were also killed in the accident. All four were believed to be in their 80s. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact relationship between the two couples, although they shared the same surname and appeared together in social media posts. The family was travelling to Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, located in the New Vrindaban community in West Virginia. The temple is a memorial to Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Who Was Dr Kishore Divan? Dr Kishore Divan was a respected medical professional, affiliated with Kaleida Health-Buffalo General Medical Center. According to his professional profiles on WebMD, US News Health, and Doximity, he specialised in anaesthesiology and served the local community for decades. A graduate of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (Class of 1962), Divan completed his medical residency at the University at Buffalo in 1972. His Facebook profile suggests he studied at Bharda New High School in Mumbai before moving to the US. Friends and members of the local Indian-American community remembered Divan as a dedicated physician and community leader. In a tribute posted on Facebook, Uma Maheswari Krishnan called him a 'super-charged hero" and praised both Divan and his wife Asha for their kindness and involvement in cultural and religious activities. When void spaces surround 😔RIP – Divan a shattered heart & deepest sadness inform the demise… Posted by Uma Maheswari Krishnan on Saturday, August 2, 2025 'Will miss u greatly Kishore uncle, you were always there like a Dad. Buffalo community will miss this super charged Hero( a physician, philanthrapist & community leader )& his sweet spouse. Together, they supported this community with their relentless service, adding value to people & organizations," Krishnan wrote? Divan was also actively involved in the management of Hindu temples in the Western New York area. He was associated with the Hindu Cultural Society of Western New York, where fellow community members appreciated his long-standing commitment and service. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Gaza's Hunger Pain: When The Body Starts To Eat Itself Due To Lack Of Food
Last Updated: Gaza's hunger crisis explained: What happens when humans get no food? Why is starvation or malnutrition worse for kids? 'We basically eat our body for nutrition,' says expert In what may be termed as the huge cost of the Israel-Gaza war are the deaths from starvation and malnutrition-related conditions. Gaza's 2.1 million residents have been subjected to relentless bombardment and mass displacement — many forced to flee multiple times, some even as many as 10 times since the conflict began. This instability, coupled with blocked aid, has created conditions of extreme hunger. How children became the casualty of Hamas-Israel war Hamas triggered the war when militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 others hostage. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, but fewer than half are thought to be alive. Israel's military offensive has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry is part of the Hamas government, but the U.N. and other international organisations see it as the most reliable source of data on casualties. Israel enforced a complete blockade on food and other supplies for 2½ months beginning in March. It said its objective was to increase pressure on Hamas to release dozens of hostages it has held since its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Why is the aid not really helping Gazans? Though the flow of aid resumed in May, it is drip fed and is a fraction of what aid organisations say is needed. Aid deliveries have often fallen far below the daily minimum needed to sustain the population—at times dipping to just 10-20 trucks a day, compared to the pre-war average of 500. The result is a humanitarian system that delivers just enough to avoid total collapse, but not enough to prevent widespread hunger, disease, and death. How do Gazans get aid? Why many die even while getting food? Why is there malnutrition despite aid? Most of the food supplies Israel has allowed into Gaza go to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American group backed by Israel. Aid seekers (on foot, by cart, or vehicle) travel up to a designated drop-off point, usually 1.5 km from the distribution site, where they must disembark and proceed on foot carrying supplies. From there, they walk to al Joura—a sandy pit where families wait, often for 12–24 hours, to receive a drone or military 'go" signal to move toward the aid point. Once the signal arrives (supposedly indicating safe passage), they proceed roughly another 1 km through lines of Israeli military checkpoints, sniper positions, drones, and barriers to reach the guarded gate of the distribution center. Witnesses have reported fire near or into al Joura—even before the signal is given—endangering crowds gathered for hours hoping for sustenance. After the signal, thousands of people who have waited for hours (often overnight) in al Joura or nearby dunes begin sprinting toward the distribution gate to ensure they get aid before the supplies run out, often causing stampede. To reach the gate, people must cross 500–1,000 meters of exposed terrain. This area is often surveilled by Israeli drones, surrounded by sniper or observation posts and lined with Israeli army checkpoints or trenches. Despite the 'go signal," witnesses say that gunfire frequently breaks out, either to control the crowd or for unclear reasons. Many are killed or injured in the chaos — shot by live rounds, rubber bullets, or drone-fired projectiles; crushed in crowd surges or while trying to flee; trampled if they fall. Israeli soldiers or GHF staff allow only a small number of people through the final gate. The rest are either turned back or forced to wait again until the next day. Gaza's aid-related deaths According to the United Nations and humanitarian sources, at least 875 people have been killed while trying to access food, water, or medical assistance since late May. The vast majority—over 670 deaths—occurred near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution centers, primarily in Rafah and Khan Younis. Gaza sees a rise in starvation, malnutrition-related deaths The United Nations World Food Programme has reported that more than one-third of the population has gone for days at a time without food. At least a quarter of Gaza's people are now experiencing what experts describe as 'famine-like conditions." The World Health Organisation has warned that the 'worst-case scenario of famine" is no longer a prediction — it has arrived. Take a look at the numbers: By July 22, 2025, Gaza's Health Ministry reported 101 deaths due to malnutrition and starvation since October 2023, including 80 children. As of July 30, 2025, Anadolu Agency reported 154 cumulative deaths from starvation—89 were children. Reuters on August 1, 2025 confirmed the figure—156 such deaths, including 90 children. UNICEF statement on July 24, 2025 highlighted that child malnutrition deaths rose from 52 to 80 in just a few months. On August 2, 2025, reports from WHO indicated 21 deaths of children under five due to malnutrition in 2025 up to mid July. Moreover, UNICEF estimates that 100,000 women and children are currently suffering from severe malnutrition, while other UN agencies warn that disease is spreading rapidly and health infrastructure has almost completely collapsed. Case study 1: From dawn to dusk, a Gaza family focuses only on finding food The AP reported one family's search for food from dawn to dusk. Every morning, Abeer and Fadi Sobh wake up in their tent in the Gaza Strip to the same question: How will they find food for themselves and their six young children? The couple has three options: Maybe a charity kitchen will be open, and they can get a pot of watery lentils. Or they can try jostling through crowds to get some flour from a passing aid truck. The last resort is begging. If all else fails, they simply don't eat. It happens more and more these days, as hunger saps their energy, strength and hope. The predicament of the Sobhs, who live in a seaside refugee camp west of Gaza City after being displaced multiple times, is the same for families throughout the war-ravaged territory. Aid worker in Gaza says she no longer recognises friends due to hunger Spokesperson for the UN Agency OCHA which coordinates humanitarian aid in Gaza, Olga Cherevko, told CNN's Ben Hunte that she has 'no words' when she sees her friends in Gaza as they are in such a desperate state. 'Situation gone from bad to worse': Paediatric oncologist on starvation in Gaza Dr. Zeena Salman, a pediatric oncologist and founder of the organization HEAL Palestine, told CNN's Wolf Blitzer what's happening in Gaza is 'the decimation of a healthcare system". What happens when human body is deprived of food? 'If you're not eating enough, we have evolved mechanisms for how to stay alive," Dr. Kevin Stephenson, a malnutrition expert at Washington University in St Louis, US, explained, while speaking to National Public Radio (NPR). 'We basically eat our own body for nutrition." This self-consumption unfolds in five overlapping metabolic stages, as the body adapts to survive without external energy sources. When the human body is deprived of food, it enters a progressive state of energy conservation and physical breakdown. Here's a timeline of what typically happens, stage by stage: 0-6 hours: Post-meal/ normal state The body uses glucose from the last meal for energy. Glycogen (stored glucose in liver and muscles) is still available. 60-72 hours: Glycogen depletion and onset of ketosis Glycogen stores run out in 24–48 hours. The body begins breaking down fat stores into ketones (alternative fuel for brain and muscles). Blood sugar levels start to drop slightly. The person may feel intense hunger, irritability, fatigue, headaches, lightheadedness. 3-7 days: Muscle breakdown begins The body begins breaking down muscle protein to get amino acids for energy and essential functions (especially to feed the brain and heart). Ketones become the primary fuel source. Muscle wasting, slowed heart rate, and lowered body temperature occur. Mental clarity may fluctuate: some report clarity, others confusion or disorientation. Immune system starts weakening. 7-21 days: Severe starvation Fat stores become critically low, especially in lean individuals. Severe muscle loss including heart, diaphragm, and other organs. Major symptoms include extreme weakness, loss of coordination, drop in blood pressure and heart rate, difficulty breathing, swelling (edema) from protein deficiency (kwashiorkor-like symptoms). Organ failure risk increases. Cognitive decline: confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness. 21-70 days: Fatal starvation. Death usually occurs from cardiac arrest, infection (due to immune collapse), organ failure, dehydration (if no fluids are consumed). Estimated death time: Without food, but with water: 45–70 days Without food and water: 3-10 days, depending on climate and health Can you recover from starvation? Yes, but refeeding must be gradual. Too rapid nutrition reintroduction can cause Refeeding Syndrome, a dangerous shift in fluids and electrolytes that can be fatal. Specific starvation conditions in children like in Gaza Children deteriorate much faster under starvation. Their bodies need a steady stream of nutrients for growth, but their energy reserves are small. UNICEF estimates that 12.2 million children worldwide faced severe malnutrition last year, with South Asia being the hardest-hit region. Gaza is now adding dramatically to those figures. Children, especially under 5, are more vulnerable: Marasmus: Severe calorie deficiency which leads to emaciation Kwashiorkor: Protein deficiency leads to edema, skin/hair changes, liver enlargement Symptoms include: Sunken eyes, protruding ribs Thin limbs but swollen belly Apathy or constant crying Skin peeling, hair discoloration Psychological effects Irritability, apathy, and depression Impaired concentration and memory top videos View all Hallucinations and emotional numbness in extreme stages With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : gaza Gaza aid gaza crisis news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 03, 2025, 12:46 IST News explainers Gaza's Hunger Pain: When The Body Starts To Eat Itself Due To Lack Of Food Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
Peptides: performance-boosting, anti-ageing drugs or dangerous snake oil?
By Adam Taylor For a growing number of middle-aged men, ageing no longer means surrendering to sagging skin, sore joints or slowing metabolism. Instead, it's becoming a science experiment. The new frontier? Injectable peptides – experimental compounds that promise rapid recovery, fat loss and muscle gains with the ease of a twice-daily to weekly jab. Once confined to elite labs and obscure bodybuilding forums, these amino acid chains are now flooding wellness spaces, social media feeds and online marketplaces. Although they are marketed as 'next-generation biohacks' and 'research chemicals', many peptides are not approved for human use and lack basic clinical testing. Still, their popularity is growing – fuelled by testimonials, influencer hype and the seductive promise of turning back time. But beneath the surface of glossy marketing and fitness fantasies lies a far more sobering truth: many of these substances operate in a medical grey zone, with unknown long-term risks, questionable manufacturing standards, and in some cases, life-threatening side-effects Peptides aren't entirely new to medicine. The first peptide drug – insulin – was isolated in 1921 and became commercially available in 1923. Today over 100 peptide medications are approved, including semaglutide – better known as Ozempic and Wegovy. But the compounds now circulating in fitness communities represent a very different category. They're experimental substances that have shown promise in animal studies but have never undergone proper human trials. One such compound, first discovered in human gastric juice, that is attracting lots of attention is BPC-157. Early animal studies suggest it may help repair damaged tissue throughout the body. Researchers tested it on mice, rats, rabbits and dogs without finding serious side-effects. The compound appears to support healing of the tendons, teeth and digestive organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas. Scientists don't yet fully understand how BPC-157 works, but animal studies suggest it triggers several biological processes essential for healing. The compound appears to help cells move to damaged areas and encourages the growth of new blood vessels, bringing nutrients and oxygen to tissues in need of repair. Another compound gaining attention is TB500. It is a synthetic version of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein fragment that plays an important role in repairing and regenerating damaged cells and tissues. It also helps protect cells from further harm by reducing inflammation and defending against microbes. The combination of BPC-157 and TB500 has earned the nickname 'the Wolverine stack', named after the Marvel superhero famous for his rapid healing. Then there's IGF-1 LR3, a modified version of a natural protein (IGF-1) linked to muscle growth. This synthetic compound was shown to increase muscle mass by 2.5 times in animal studies, though it has never been studied in humans. The limited human research that does exist for these compounds offers inconclusive results. For example, a study showed that over 90% of patients experienced reduced knee pain after BPC-157 injections. However, the study had no control group and several methodological issues, so the results should be viewed with caution. Even though the early results seem exciting, these experimental compounds can be dangerous. Making them involves special chemicals called coupling agents, which can trigger serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis – a life-threatening condition. The health consequences extend well beyond allergic reactions. Long-term injection of performance-enhancing substances can lead to heart failure that can occur rapidly with little warning, as documented in recent medical case studies of young bodybuilders. Injection-related injuries pose another significant threat. 'Compartment syndrome' can develop at injection sites in leg muscles, causing numbness, blood clots and muscle spasms that result in permanent loss of function. In severe cases, skin and underlying tissue can suffer necrosis (tissue death), requiring antibiotics or surgery to treat. More alarming still are reports of users contracting HIV, hepatitis B and C, and serious eye infections from contaminated injections. These compounds don't just target muscles – they affect the entire body in ways scientists are only beginning to understand. Some interfere with natural insulin production, while others activate biological pathways that healthy cells use for growth and repair. The concern is that these same pathways are exploited by cancer cells. The VEGF pathway, which promotes blood vessel growth, is active in about half of all human cancers, including melanoma and ovarian cancer. Laboratory studies suggest that thymosin beta-4 may play a role in helping colorectal and pancreatic cancers spread. While there's no direct evidence linking compounds like BPC-157 or TB500 to cancer, researchers emphasise that the long-term effects remain unknown because these substances have never undergone proper human trials. The World Anti-Doping Agency has banned these compounds, noting they lack approval from any health regulatory authority and are intended only as research tools. Yet their use appears to be spreading rapidly. A 2014 study found that 8.2% of gym members used performance-enhancing drugs. By 2024, a comprehensive review suggested the figure could be as high as 29%. Perhaps most concerning: only 38% of users recognised the health risks involved. These experimental compounds represent a dangerous gamble with long-term health. Unlike approved drugs, they haven't undergone the rigorous testing required to understand their safety profile in humans. While they may promise enhanced performance and healing, they deliver it at a cost that users may not fully understand until it's too late. The appeal is understandable – who wouldn't want faster healing and better muscle tone? But the reality is these substances remain experimental for good reason. Until proper human trials are conducted, users are essentially volunteering as test subjects in an uncontrolled experiment with their own bodies.
