Latest news with #Bindra
Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How novel weight loss drugs help 40-year-old lose 16 kg over a year: First she was on semaglutide pill, then Mounjaro shots
For the first time, 40-year-old Manmeet Bindra feels motivated to exercise and has set up a home gym, cleaned up her diet and has more energy to ride out her 10 am to 7 pm work days and the pressure of deadlines. Tired of seeing the weighing scale needle tipping over the 90 kg mark and her blood sugar levels spiral despite fad diets, gym routines and natural supplements, she is now 74 kg. For the past year, she had been on the oral weight loss drug semaglutide (Rybelsus) but since she couldn't tolerate its side effects well, has had better results with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) this year. 'I needed that one push to get off the weight plateau, steel my mind and focus on getting better and be disease-free. Mounjaro accelerated the process,' says Bindra, who has battled uncontrolled diabetes, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), hypothyroidism and fatty liver because of her weight. Her appetite has now gone down by 30-40 per cent, her binge cravings are zero and she has managed to tame the 'food noise' that made her peckish through the day. Food was not just her pleasure but escapism, something that Dr Jasjeet Singh Wasir, her endocrinologist and diabetologist at Medanta, understood when she consulted him last year. That's why he put her on a new class of weight loss drugs. Her blood sugar readings are better and her HbA1c (average blood sugar count of three months) has gone down from 8 per cent to 7.3 per cent (normal is less than 5.6 per cent). The new drugs are more than a life-saver for people like Bindra as they help them eliminate several obesity-related risk factors. The GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic natural gut hormones responsible for blood sugar and appetite control, such as semaglutide – the active ingredient in Wegovy. It improves secretion of insulin, inhibits glucose production in the liver and slows down digestion. Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, additionally mimics the GIP hormone, primarily by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. GIP also influences lipid metabolism. THE INSIDIOUS WEIGHT GAIN Bindra never realised how a sedentary lifestyle, long work hours, performance anxiety and stress-eating had turned into belly fat. Then she gained weight all over. After developing Covid in 2020 and 2022, her random blood tests showed a blood glucose level of 190 mg/dL and a HbA1c count of 5.8 per cent. In April 2023, during her executive health check-up, she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as her HbA1c shot up to 8.4 per cent. Looking at her body weight, family history of diabetes and her dual role as professional and caregiver for her parents, Dr Wasir put her on oral semaglutide or Rybelsus pills, mainly to control her diabetes though it also helps in some weight loss. According to randomised controlled trials, one starts losing weight immediately after taking Rybelsus. After one month, the average weight loss on Rybelsus is around 2 kg; after two months, it's over 3 kg. THE SIDE EFFECTS OF A PILL 'I constantly had nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea, fatigue, constipation and headaches. My body simply did not take to semaglutide,' says Bindra. Then Dr Wasir put her on the injectable tirzepatide. 'Around 300 patients of mine on weight loss pills had extreme gastric symptoms. The same patients are tolerating the injectable Mounjaro better,' he says. Since Mounjaro mimics two hormones involved in appetite regulation and glucose control, this dual action may result in more significant weight loss and potentially better blood sugar control. This can indirectly improve overall tolerability. However, Dr Wasir attributes tolerability to the grading of doses. Most of his patients begin from 2.5 or 5 mg, which is a kind of stage one and stage two doses. Then it goes up to 7.5 mg and a maximum dose of 15 mg. 'It's still very early for us to arrive at an observation,' he says. BEGINNING WITH MOUNJARO Bindra started with a low 1.25 mg dose. Once she could tolerate it, Dr Wasir upgraded the dose to 2.5 mg. But at the same time, he insisted she make lifestyle changes, particularly her diet and exercise. 'I cut down on junk food, fried items and oily meals. I used to binge-eat when I was stressed and that's significantly reduced now. I am into plant proteins,' she adds. Now Bindra focusses on simple, home-cooked foods that keep her stomach happy. 'Looking back, that kick we seek in our food rather than exercising was the reason I always craved the spicier and heavier chole bhature or rajma rice. This dietary shift has influenced some of my health markers, too,' she says. Mounjaro has been an effective appetite suppressant. 'I used to eat two rotis but now I'm comfortable with one. I can portion-control. Interestingly, I no longer feel as hungry as before or feel dizzy. I have given up alcohol too, though I was nothing beyond a social drinker,' says Bindra. WATCH OUT FOR MUSCLE LOSS AFTER USING MOUNJARO For Dr Wasir, the key challenge remains her protein intake, now that she only has plant proteins. 'There's always a risk of muscle loss alongside fat loss, which can be hard to reverse. We're working on optimizing her protein intake to support muscle health during weight loss,' he adds. On her part, Bindra never misses her strength training sessions. 'I repeat it at every visit — your investment in muscle is as important as your medication,' says Dr Wasir. DO THE DRUGS NEED TO BE TAKEN INDEFINITELY? Dr Wasir says clinical trials for both semaglutide and tirzepatide have lasted between 72 and 88 weeks. But they don't provide a clear answer on how long treatment should continue. Trials show taking off the drug midway leads to weight regain. 'Based on current evidence, these medications appear to be intended for long-term use. As for long-term efficacy, we rely on two things: the duration of clinical trials and real-world experience after approval. For example, even if a drug was trialled for two years, if it has been used safely for five years since, we consider that seven years of practical experience,' he adds.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India's celebrated stars Abhinav Bindra, PV Sindhu extend wishes on Olympic Day 2025
New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Former shooter Abhinav Bindra, top shuttler PV Sindhu and other athletes led Olympic Day 2025 celebrations on Monday and shared inspiring messages. The Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23, commemorating the birth of the modern Olympic Games, which began on June 23, 1894, in Paris. The primary objective of Olympic Day is to encourage global participation in sports, regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. Since 2023, Olympic Day celebrations have aligned with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Let's Move initiative, which aims to promote physical activity and encourage people to move more daily. India's first individual gold medallist at the Olympics, Bindra, lavished praise on the outgoing Olympic president, Thomas Bach, for the amount of hard work during his tenure and wished the best to Kirsty Coventry, who will take the role. Bindra believes the 'Olympic Movement is in wonderful hands.' 'Today, on Olympic Day, we honour the power of sport to unite, uplift, and inspire -across borders, generations, and every walk of life. It is also a deeply historic day, as we witness the end of an era. President Thomas Bach has led the Olympic Movement with extraordinary grace, integrity, and conviction always placing the athlete at the heart of every decision. His legacy will echo for generations,' Bindra wrote on X. 'In just a few hours, the torch will be passed to Kirsty Coventry, a fellow Olympian and champion both in the pool and in life. As an athlete, she inspired the world. As President-elect, she now carries the hopes of a new generation. Kirsty, your journey is a testament to the values we hold dear. You understand not just what it means to win, but what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. I wish you strength, courage, and joy in this new chapter. The Olympic Movement is in wonderful hands,' he concluded. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, extended her wishes on the occasion. She also reflected on the pride and honour of representing India on the world's biggest sporting stage. 'There's nothing bigger than this. This isn't just sport -- it's my land, my blood, my sweat, and my tears. Grateful to have represented India at the highest level,' Sindhu wrote on X. International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah joined in the celebrations and expressed his delight at cricket's return to the quadrennial extravaganza at Los Angeles 2028. 'Cricket has always united us, and now, it's part of the Olympic movement! On this #OlympicDay, let's celebrate the power of sport to inspire, connect, and uplift. Invite your +1 for a walk, a run, or a game of cricket, and take a step towards a stronger, healthier India. Together, let's keep moving forward on our journey to bring the Olympic Games home,' Shah wrote on X. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) echoed the ICC chairman's sentiments and posted on X, 'Cricket has joined the Olympic movement- a historic leap for our beloved sport! This #OlympicDay, let's celebrate the power of sports to connect and inspire. Through the #LetsMove campaign, we invite you to pick your +1 and move - whether it's a walk, a run, or a game of cricket. Together, we can build a healthier, more united India, because when we move together, we move better. Let's make our dream a reality - Olympics in India.' (ANI)
NDTV
23-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Abhinav Bindra, PV Sindhu Extend Wishes On Olympic Day 2025
Former shooter Abhinav Bindra, top shuttler PV Sindhu and other athletes led Olympic Day 2025 celebrations on Monday and shared inspiring messages. The Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23, commemorating the birth of the modern Olympic Games, which began on June 23, 1894, in Paris. The primary objective of Olympic Day is to encourage global participation in sports, regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. Since 2023, Olympic Day celebrations have aligned with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Let's Move initiative, which aims to promote physical activity and encourage people to move more daily. India's first individual gold medallist at the Olympics, Bindra, lavished praise on the outgoing Olympic president, Thomas Bach, for the amount of hard work during his tenure and wished the best to Kirsty Coventry, who will take the role. Bindra believes the "Olympic Movement is in wonderful hands." "Today, on Olympic Day, we honour the power of sport to unite, uplift, and inspire -across borders, generations, and every walk of life. It is also a deeply historic day, as we witness the end of an era. President Thomas Bach has led the Olympic Movement with extraordinary grace, integrity, and conviction always placing the athlete at the heart of every decision. His legacy will echo for generations," Bindra wrote on X. "In just a few hours, the torch will be passed to Kirsty Coventry, a fellow Olympian and champion both in the pool and in life. As an athlete, she inspired the world. As President-elect, she now carries the hopes of a new generation. Kirsty, your journey is a testament to the values we hold dear. You understand not just what it means to win, but what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. I wish you strength, courage, and joy in this new chapter. The Olympic Movement is in wonderful hands," he concluded. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, extended her wishes on the occasion. She also reflected on the pride and honour of representing India on the world's biggest sporting stage. "There's nothing bigger than this. This isn't just sport -- it's my land, my blood, my sweat, and my tears. Grateful to have represented India at the highest level," Sindhu wrote on X. International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah joined in the celebrations and expressed his delight at cricket's return to the quadrennial extravaganza at Los Angeles 2028. "Cricket has always united us, and now, it's part of the Olympic movement! On this #OlympicDay, let's celebrate the power of sport to inspire, connect, and uplift. Invite your 1 for a walk, a run, or a game of cricket, and take a step towards a stronger, healthier India. Together, let's keep moving forward on our journey to bring the Olympic Games home," Shah wrote on X. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) echoed the ICC chairman's sentiments and posted on X, "Cricket has joined the Olympic movement- a historic leap for our beloved sport! This #OlympicDay, let's celebrate the power of sports to connect and inspire. Through the #LetsMove campaign, we invite you to pick your 1 and move - whether it's a walk, a run, or a game of cricket. Together, we can build a healthier, more united India, because when we move together, we move better. Let's make our dream a reality - Olympics in India."
New Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Bindra's world: Olympic spirit & social change
CHENNAI: There is nothing that unifies more than sport and brings joy to people's faces — Abhinav Bindra. These words encapsulate the power of sport quite succinctly. Just a couple of days before the Olympic Day (June 23), Bindra spoke about Olympism, Olympic Value Education Programme and the Let's Move campaign and how collaborative initiatives in schools have led to social change. Some of the children have taken flights for the first time in their lives. A few even went to Lausanne. A small initiative can usher in miracles. The true power of sport lies in its innate quality to bring in social upliftment and change. It can stir emotions that are unparalleled, can appeal to the senses and render justice to the highest form of being — life. The gold medal at the Beijing Olympics changed Bindra's life forever. Sport has, like he acknowledges, been his life and has given him everything. And this is a small way to give back to society, and in the larger context, India and the world. It has given him a new meaning. The OVEP is one such vehicle that's created a new ecosystem across government schools in Odisha and Assam. Bindra is passionate while describing the nuances of the programme that was launched four years ago in Odisha. OVEP started as a programme to spread Olympism and spirit of sport, but Bindra says it has brought about not just social but behavioral changes in the students and even the parents. For the uninitiated, OVEP is the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) initiative that "communicates the long-term benefits of sport and physical activity through an understanding of Olympism and its impact on individual health, enjoyment, and social interaction." Bindra usually comes across as a man who has his emotions under control. Even his celebrations after winning countless medals were muted. Yet, during an online conversation with this daily, he sounded emotional. At times, he was excited while speaking about OVEP and how it has impacted lives. He says the attendance in schools have increased and more interestingly, girls have started participating in sport. "We have had many positive stories coming out," Bindra explains. "There are many important things that have helped kids become active, but also have had a byproduct. There is better attendance in schools. There are behavioural changes in kids, a positive environment in schools and sport does that." It is fascinating to converse with Bindra. He narrates anecdotes with such clarity that it keeps one engaged. "I have always been inspired by the role sport can play to shape society," he says. "As an athlete, maybe when I was competing, I saw sport from a very small lens. And that was trying to be on top of the podium. But after retirement, I realised that the true power of sport lies on what sport can really do to people, to normal people. How it can really play a positive role in shaping society, in our context in India." Bindra believes that the essential need in India is to try and increase the playing population: "the need to embrace sport as a tool for nation building, the need for people to just play sport for the sheer joy of playing sport, because that is the only way you will build a culture for sport." He feels through these activities "you will have more kids and more young people getting involved in elite sport. And then performances at the elite level will become a byproduct of a larger movement where communities and society on its own embrace sport." Bindra has seen how the top countries win the majority of the medals at the Olympics and he has realized that more than money, it's the sport culture that helped the citizens pursue sports not just as a profession alone. "Sport is played by a normal person, not to become some champion, but just to embrace, make sport as a way of life. That is what we need to develop in India. And that is where I was very inspired by the OVEP," he says. Bindra, who is a member of IOC's athletes' commission, has been doing his bit to spread Olympism in the country and through play and games they are able to imbibe Olympic values and values of sport into character development of kids. "There is no better way than sport to put our youth on the right track and the world to imbibe values that are so unique to sport. That is how we started with a small pilot four years back and that grew and we are now in about 60,000 schools with state curriculum integration in the states of Odisha, Assam, as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh," he says. "We signed off and started Chandigarh earlier this year. We have had many positive stories coming out." Last year, the IOC came up with their Let's Move campaign in India. He feels it is to get the global population to get moving. "Because of the IOC's partnership with the WHO, we know the numbers are at an all time high on lack of physical inactivity. That is going to have severe health related issues to the population in years to come. And there the role sport and Olympianism can play to make the world a better place." Bindra's foundation has been involved in implementing the Let's Move campaign in the territories that they are working so deeply in these states for the last couple of years.
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Bindra to drive IOC's Olympic Day campaign in India
Beijing Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra is set to drive International Olympic Committee's (IOC) 'Let's Move +1' initiative in India for this year's Olympic Day (June 23). A vocal advocate of taking sports to grassroots, Bindra will spearhead IOC's initiative through his Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) that touches over 60,000 schools across Odisha, Assam, and Chandigarh. Abhinav Bindra will spearhead IOC's initiative through his Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) that touches over 60,000 schools across Odisha, Assam, and Chandigarh (HT) As part of the celebrations, over 50 sports venues across India will open their doors to public for free paired sessions in sports such as football, padel, cricket, badminton and pickleball. 'We want to build a culture for movement and physical activity which will eventually become a culture for sport. As part of OVEP, we have introduced two PE classes in each school that we cover and we hope to see a cultural shift in a few years. It won't happen in a year or two. So far, the response from the parents and teachers have been very encouraging,' Bindra, India's first individual gold medallist at the Olympics, said. A key initiative of Abhinav Bindra Foundation, OVEP has touched about 10 million children by enhancing physical activity, gender inclusivity and educational outcomes. To mark the Olympic Day, the students will participate in activities such as paired yoga, group dance sessions, skipping, football, cricket, volleyball and kho-kho along with Olympic-themed arts and crafts. 'Fitness needs to be a fun activity for kids if we want them to stay invested for a long period of time. Therefore, we have tried to make our activities as engaging, as fun as possible for them.' 'Through OVEP and the inaugural Let's Move campaign, we have witnessed how sport can inspire, uplift and empower the next generation. Let's Move + 1 carries this spirit forward, reminding us that sport is not just about physical strength, it is about fostering connection, mutual support and a shared sense of purpose,' Bindra added. Launched in 2023 in collaboration with World Health Organisation, Let's Move campaign has already engaged over 20 million people in India.
