Latest news with #Meade
Vogue Singapore
14 hours ago
- Health
- Vogue Singapore
Are GLP-1s a cure for menopausal weight gain?
It was night sweats, wild mood swings, and, ironically, significant hair loss that first sent Kate, 54, a New York–based hairstylist, to her doctor in her late 40s looking for relief; she was prescribed an estrogen patch. 'It made me feel like myself again,' says Kate, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. 'I was sleeping, I wasn't losing my temper, and my mood really evened out, but I was still overweight.' Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, there were a dozen or so pounds that just wouldn't budge. So she started taking Wegovy, part of a new class of medications known as GLP-1s, now being explored for menopausal weight gain . For Shelby Meade, 55, an LA-based publicist, regular doses of estrogen helped temper her sometimes 30-day periods but did nothing for her perpetually bloated state. 'I was heavier than I'd ever been and there was a constant pressure on my lower abdomen,' says Meade, who, like Kate, exercised regularly and had a healthy diet. A family doctor suggested Wegovy. 'I just wanted to feel better in my body, and that flipped a switch,' says Meade. 'It was a game changer.' While vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are recurring topics in convers ations about menopause , weight gain is just as pervasive: Around 60 percent of women gain weight during this transition, putting on an average of 1.5 pounds per ye ar throughout their 40s and 50s. And that will happen to women without any changes in diet or exercise. Much of that midlife weight gain tends to be concentrated in the midsection, earning the unfortunate moniker 'meno belly.' Vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are recurring topics in conversations about menopause, and weight gain is just as pervasive Courtesy of Lum3n This happens due to a combination of factors. Estrogen has many important functions related to weight and body composition: It helps women maintain muscle mass, and it contributes to the regulation of appetite and metabolism. A drop in estrogen can lead to insulin resistance , meaning that it becomes more difficult for the body to regulate sugar, and for many women that glucose gets turned into fat. Addressing excess weight around the midsection isn't just about vanity, it can pose a health risk: Associated metabolic complications can include fatty liver disease and hypertension, the latter of which, says Reena Bose, MD, an internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic, increases almost 30 percent with even a 10-pound weight gain. The hormonal changes of menopause can make the weight gain more resistant to traditional diet and lifestyle adjustments, says Peminda Cabandugama, MD. But studies have found that GLP-1s can be a very effective reinforcement of diet and exercise. GLP-1s can be a very effective reinforcement of diet and exercise Courtesy of Tirachard Kumtanom GLP-1s—that is, the class of drugs that includes semaglutide, packaged in brand-name form as Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, like Mounjaro—act on estrogen receptors in the body, and they improve insulin resistance. They also slow GI motility so you feel full. That last part 'can be essential because women are often simply hungrier during the menopause transition,' says Bose, adding that estrogen is also responsible for keeping the body's hunger-balancing hormones, ghrelin and leptin (which tell us when we're full), in check. Research is also growing about the potential benefits of combining GLP-1s with the menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) that has long been recommended, and there are new companies to support the regimen. Alloy Women's Health, an expansive digital menopause platform that connects board-certified physicians to women across the country (a boon in health care deserts), launched with estrogen creams and patches, but earlier this year they started offering GLP-1s as well. 'Women really wanted it,' says Monica Molenaar, cofounder and co-CEO of Alloy. Now 35 percent of Alloy's customers are on both a GLP-1 and hormonal treatment. A recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that overweight or obese postmenopausal women using hormonal treatments and semaglutide lost about 30 percent more weight than those using semaglutide alone. Chrisandra Shufelt, MD, an internal medicine doctor specialising in women's health at the Mayo Clinic and one of the authors of the study, emphasizes that the findings don't necessarily mean that hormone therapy supercharges the effects of semaglutide, but rather that hormones help the body respond more optimally to the drugs. (A larger study is expected to be published soon.) In lay terms, it makes sense: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood shifts, joint pain, and sleep disruptions—all of that can dramatically impact your quality of life and, in turn, lead to weight gain. There are doctors, of course, who remain conservative about prescribing GLP-1s to women who don't fit a specific set of criteria. There are the common side effects of GLP-1s, like gastrointestinal issues, abdominal pain, and nausea, and women should assess their risk factors with their doctor before starting any treatment. There is also the ever-present threat of the now infamous Ozempic face , which experts describe as rapid weight loss in the face and loss of skin elasticity, creating a significantly older appearance. 'Ozempic face can look gaunt, deflated, and saggy,' New York facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine previously told Vogue . Something that would, then, exacerbate other symptoms of menopause and aging. Additionally, there's growing claims from people who are noticing that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs are affecting their hairlines, and possibly, causing muscle loss . But there is also a growing sense that women no longer want to suffer silently. 'We have this societal norm where we make women in particular wait until they get diseased or are in crisis before we say, 'Here's a treatment,' ' says Alloy cofounder Molenaar. For some women the benefits of these drugs far outweigh any potential risks. Carolyn Chang, MD, 58, a plastic surgeon in San Francisco, experienced some of the expected negatives of Ozempic when she added it to her hormonal regimen but says it's been worth it: Her mood has improved, her joint pain is gone, and she is no longer prediabetic . That threat of diabetes was part of the reason Chang decided to start taking Ozempic, but the other was, she admits, her appearance. 'I'm a plastic surgeon so, yes, my presentation matters to me,' says Chang. Many women may feel shy to express it in such blunt terms, but put in other words, it has a straightforward appeal: There doesn't need to be a divide between feeling better in one's body and feeling better about it. This article was first published on
USA Today
a day ago
- Health
- USA Today
This chronic pain condition almost only affects women. Most never get treated.
Amber Meade expected her foot to heal without complications. She rolled her ankle while pushing a shopping cart, but for six weeks, she continued working on her feet at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. As the discomfort grew, Meade, 33 at the time, eventually booked an appointment with the orthopedics specialist at her hospital. An X-ray revealed that she had broken an extra bone in her foot. Surgery was required to both remove the bone and move her tendon over. But during the procedure, which took place in 2017, an anchor screw used in the repair pressed on a nerve in her foot, causing excruciating pain that left her unable to stand or work. "As soon as I started waking up in the operating room, I knew there was an issue," Meade, now 41, says. For nine months, Meade's foot swelled, turned purple and left her debilitated. Doctors came up with a myriad of explanations: She needed to push through the pain before it got better. She was "getting older," her surgeon suggested. "That made me get a second opinion," Meade says. "That second opinion is what sent me into the CRPS world." Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a form of chronic pain that usually develops after an injury, surgery, stroke or heart attack. The pain is often more extreme than the severity of the initial injury, but the average CRPS patient will go undiagnosed for nearly four years. Chronic pain is most prevalent among women, but most research studies investigating pain predominantly focus on men. Of the nearly 200,000 people in the U.S. affected yearly by CRPS, almost three-quarters of patients are women. However, there is a misconception that CRPS is a mental rather than physical illness, and women who seek care for CRPS symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed with mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. "Because it's rare, it's hard for people to recognize it and diagnose it," Dr. Anita Davis, a physical therapist and expert in chronic pain at Brooks Rehabilitation, says. "There's so much for medical professionals to learn about that these rare diseases seldom make it into the textbook." Women with untreated or poorly treated chronic pain report not being believed by their doctors as the core reason why they did not receive adequate care, according to a 2023 study. Reducing a physical illness to a psychosomatic condition not only undermines the patient's lived experiences, but can lead to feelings of abandonment by the medical system during an ongoing battle of diagnosis searching and interrupted functioning. When pain goes untreated, an individual can suffer from learned helplessness or depression, which an estimated 35-45% of people with chronic pain do. 'I lost my identity' Meade sought a second opinion, but that doctor never suggested she could have CRPS. He instead did a decompression from the knee down and a nerve block. It didn't help. From there, she got "thrown into the world of pain management." Failed procedures and a never-ending search for answers led to "severe depression." "I was probably in the best shape of my life when this happened," Meade says, adding that she would run about 5-10 miles a day. She had a young child and a teenager at the time who loved playing sports, and she would play with them constantly. "Everything in my life came to a grinding halt when this started, and I felt like I lost my identity," she says. For 13 months after the initial injury, she had been "standing like a flamingo" at work, putting all her weight on her second foot. She eventually injured the Achilles tendon and got plantar fasciitis on her second foot. After that surgery, the nerve pain impacted both her feet. Finally, she was sent to a nerve specialist – her third doctor – and heard the first mention of CRPS. She was referred to Davis, who worked with her to provide physical therapy and desensitization therapy, and Meade was able to attend group sessions with other CRPS patients. Meade had tried a spinal cord stimulator, which some patients have success with, but in her case, it set her on a "massive downfall." She was nauseous and vomiting almost every day for a year before getting it taken out. She also tried ketamine infusions, but had to pay for them out of pocket, and eventually couldn't afford to continue with those treatments. "The most important aspect is getting to the correct type of physical therapy. The quickest I've seen the most gains in myself from doing just that," Davis says. Regaining the ability to perform simple, everyday tasks significantly improved her quality of life. "To go through a grocery store by myself and not have to get on one of those scooters, getting out of bed," she lists. "Most people don't think about that, but getting out of bed was a big chore." Her pain, however, comes in flares. "Everyday pain feels like I'm walking through fire or ice," she says. "A lot of moms can relate to walking through a hot bed of Legos, with someone stabbing your feet constantly. That's what it feels like." CRPS has clear signs, but too many doctors don't know them CRPS is rare, meaning that it's not seen by many general practice physicians. Since it most commonly occurs following an injury or surgery, it can be "hard to differentiate," Davis says. But among clinicians who are familiar with the symptoms of CRPS, Davis says there are clear signs that can help diagnose patients. "When people present with complex regional pain syndrome, there's a significant amount of pain that's beyond what you would expect with a typical injury, it lasts longer and it's more intense, and it may even be painful, even after the event has healed," she explains. Patients may exhibit temperature differences between the affected and unaffected limbs (i.e., comparing the right and left feet); the affected limb may be colder or warmer, which can be measured with a thermal camera. The affected limb may also be sweatier or drier than the other. Other diagnostic measures include looking at the texture of the skin, and spending time assessing differences in thickness, brittleness and shininess of the skin, Davis says. "The complexity is, it changes from day to day. It can change from hour to hour. So having more than one data point is very valuable," Davis adds. If CRPS isn't treated early, the disease may progress to further disabling symptoms, such as tissue wasting (atrophy) and muscle tightening (contracture). The skin, bones and muscles may begin to deteriorate and weaken after reduced usage, or the hand and fingers contract into a fixed position. "We really need to get better at identifying it early to get that right treatment to the right person to get a better outcome," Davis says.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Transfer news LIVE: Viktor Gyokeres medical details, Alexander Isak blow, Man Utd masterplan
Premier League clubs have splashed the cash in the summer transfer window - and they're showing no signs of stopping. Viktor Gyokeres is finally on his way to Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon after a saga that has dragged on all summer. The 27-year-old striker will undergo his medical with the Gunners on Saturday after a deal was struck for a £55.1m (€63.5m) guaranteed fee, plus £8.7m (€10m) in add-ons. But, while Gyokeres will get his dream move, Alexander Isak faces a tough task in leaving Newcastle. Isak dropped the bombshell that he wants to leave on Thursday but whether clubs will be able to afford a £125m deal remains to be seen. And Manchester United could be busy too, with it emerging on Friday night that Ruben Amorim has drawn up a three-striker wishlist in his bid to further improve the club's attack. Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is among the target. For all that - and much more - follow the Mirror Football live blog below. 07:51Matt Maltby Good morning Welcome to Mirror Football's live blog on this lovely Saturday. It's expected to be a busy one, with VIktor Gyokeres expected to complete his move to Arsenal this weekend. He's due to have his medical today. We'll keep you updated with any developments, as well as other sagas including Alexander Isak and what happens next with the wantaway Newcastle star... 22:32Samuel Meade Goodnight That's all from us - we'll be back tomorrow with all the latest from the transfer world. 21:57Samuel Meade Dortmund eye surprise Brighton deal Borussia Dortmund want to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, according to Sky Germany. The playmaker spent last season on loan at Leicester as they were relegated from the Premier League, but he struggled to make an impact. The German side, however, are thought to have made contact with the Seagulls over a potential deal. 21:14Samuel Meade Amorim wanted 'experienced' at Man Utd Ruben Amorim admitted that Man Utd needed experience as they ready for the new Premier League season. The Red Devils have added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their squad this summer with Amorim happy with the business they've done. "We need experience,' he said. 'Matheus [Cunha] is young but with experience. You watch every weekend, Matheus doing things against players you are going to face, which can help you when you choose players. "That was a policy that we tried to use this season, so I can say yes. It's not just that, they have characteristics that we need but focus on players that can face the pressure." 20:46Samuel Meade European clubs keen on Sterling Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Napoli are among the clubs weighing up the situation regarding Raheem Sterling at Chelsea. Sterling is expected to leave the Blues this summer given he is not part of head coach Enzo Maresca's plans. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but only scored one goal in 28 appearances, and may have to move abroad for the first time in his career. 20:19Samuel Meade Hope for some of Man Utd's unwanted players Ruben Amorim left four players out of his Man United touring squad – Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia – after they all expressed a desire to leave. While United want to offload them Amorim said they will not allow them to be sold on the cheap. 'There are different reasons for the players [left behind],' he said. 'Some players have to find a new place to have more space in the team and other players clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams. We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide. If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team because they are our players." 19:51Samuel Meade Wrexham's recruitment policy Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has a golden rule when signing new players which echoes the approach taken by Arsenal's Mikel Arteta. However, club director Shaun Harvey has now shone a light on the extensive homework Parkinson does before bringing in new recruits. Similar to the strict non-negotiables Arteta has set out in relation to players' personalities at Arsenal, Wrexham have a firm "no d*******s" policy. He said: "It's been couched around Wrexham as Phil's d******* test. Is he going to fit in, or is he going to upset the dressing room culture? The dressing room culture plays such a big part in the success of any team so background checks will be done. Some will be good, some will be bad." 19:26Samuel Meade Some updates from Amorim Ruben Amorim has maintained if he starts to the season this his current squad he would "be happy" and told the Manchester United hierarchy "to be careful" before the sign any more players this summer. The Portuguese boss has only seen two new faces arrive in recent months - Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United have been expected to sign more than two new arrivals, yet Amorim maintains he is happy with what he's got. He said during the club's pre-season tour: "In the moment we need to be careful when we sign a player. If I start the season with this squad I will be happy." Eriksen impressed by Wrexham Wrexham have made a shock attempt to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer - and the player himself is impressed with the set-up at the Championship outfit. The Dane is a free agent and his representative Martin Schoots told The Daily Mail: 'Wrexham are really upgrading everything both on and off the field, and it is a hugely impressive project, as you can see from the presence of people like [CEO] Michael Williamson there. 'But Christian still wants to play in a first-tier competition and he absolutely wants to stay in Western Europe. There are some contacts going on but it has to suit both sides.' Newcastle's striker shortlist Newcastle are considering a move for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as they weigh up players who could replace Alexander Isak if he does leave. The Express and Star reports that the Norwegian, who scored 14 Premier League goals last year, is on the Magpies radar. They are yet to make contact with Wolves though with Yoane Wissa or Benjamin Sesko also being considered. 17:04Samuel Meade Luiz pushing for Juve exit Douglas Luiz is pushing for a Juventus exit and has failed to turn up for the start of pre-season training with a move back to England on the cards. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the former Aston Villa midfielder's relationship with Juventus has broken down and as a result Man Utd, West Ham and Everton are among the clubs keen on offering him a chance to return to the Premier League. 16:41Felix Keith Man Utd's striker options Manchester United missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres this summer as they looked for a striker. They have been told that Ollie Watkins isn't for sale at Aston Villa. So who is? Paris Saint-Germain are desperate to sell Randal Kolo Muani, but Juventus would appear to be in the box seat there, having had him on loan previously. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, have dropped their price for Benjamin Sesko, who has an influential fan at United in the form of scouting chief Christopher Vivell. Bayern to seriously test Liverpool resolve Bayern Munich are expected to majorly up their offer for Luis Diaz after seeing their opening offer rejected by Liverpool. The Colombian himself is open to leave Anfield and it has been reported that the German giants will table an offer of £70m including add-ons. 15:25Samuel Meade How Slot convinced Ekitike New Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has revealed how a "very good discussion" with Arne Slot convinced him to move to Anfield after a huge amount of interest in his signature this summer. With the deal rubber-stamped, Ekitike has been giving his first interview and explained how Arne Slot's persuasive tactics helped seal the move, praising the Dutchman as a "really good coach and person". "We had a very good first discussion together," he told the club's official website. "Obviously the coach is very human so we could talk not only about football [but] about everything." 14:37Press Association Viktor Gyokeres could be 'hours away' from Arsenal move Mikel Arteta is still refusing to confirm whether Viktor Gyökeres is set to become Arsenal's latest signing but admits early integration during pre-season is a key part of his transfer strategy. The Gunners boss was speaking after new defender Christhian Mosquera trained with the squad for the first time on their Asia tour in Singapore. Asked if a new striker signing would be treated the same way, Arteta said: 'Yes for sure. Once we have finalised everything with a player we want to integrate him with the team as quickly as possible.' He added: 'I think immediately is better so they can start to join the team, get to know each other and get the ideas we want to put in their minds.' Pressed on Gyökeres, Arteta said: 'You know I cannot talk about a player who is not ours yet. Whatever happens in the next few hours I'm sure the club will make a statement about it.' On selecting forwards, he explained: 'It is about impact and performance... Once someone is in the right moment and pushing the door full of confidence, for sure the manager is not going to stop them playing.' He also confirmed Gabriel has only a minor injury and that Jurrien Timber is close to returning. Arteta praised Gabriel Martinelli's consistency and said he is 'very happy' with the Brazilian's contribution. 14:02Mark Jones Bayern Munich resume talks over Luis Diaz transfer Liverpool have been busy bringing in players this summer, but Luis Diaz remains one of their most likely departures. The Colombian was the subject of a £58.5m bid from Bayern Munich earlier in the window, which the Reds rejected outright, but now the German giants have returned to the table to resume talks. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will sanction the departure of Diaz, 28, who has two years left on his contract and won't be offered a new deal at Anfield. The Reds are seeking to raise funds for their move for the Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. 13:17Felix Keith Viktor Gyokeres to wear No.14 at Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres will be stepping into the shoes of Thierry Henry when he completes his Arsenal transfer. After weeks of negotiations, Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal have finally agreed a deal over the striker, who will undergo a medical on Saturday. Gyokeres is joining the Gunners for £55million plus £8.7m in add-ons, having agreed a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta 's side. He will become the centre-forward the team has craved during their three successive second-place finishes in the Premier League. It has been 12 days since the two clubs struck an agreement over the top line transfer figure, but talks have continued over the structure of the deal. Finally, everything is in place and Gyokeres has already picked his shirt number. The 27-year-old is used to talisman status, having worn the No.9 shirt and scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season as they won the domestic double. And he certainly doesn't appear worried about the expectations on his shoulders in north London having selected the No.14 shirt at his new club. More here. 12:57Felix Keith DONE DEAL: Beck signs new Liverpool contract Owen Beck has signed a new contract with Liverpool before joining Derby on loan for the season. The 22-year-old left-back has played three times for the Liverpool first team, but will get more experience with the Rams in 2025/26, having spent last season in the Championship with Blackburn. 12:32Felix Keith Shaw ready to quit Man Utd Luke Shaw is reportedly considering his options and is ready to leave Manchester United in an effort to revive his career. United have signed Diego Leon this summer as competition at left-back, where Patrick Dorgu in the first-choice. Ruben Amorim has played Shaw at centre-back and is not pushing him out of the door. But Shaw has interest from Saudi Arabia and, despite having two years left on his £150,000-a-week deal, is considering leaving. Details of Man City's deal for Trafford The Athletic says that Manchester City are paying £27million to sign James Trafford from Burnley. They matched Newcastle's offer and the 22-year-old chose to return to City. Ederson has been courted by Galatasaray, but will stay put. Stefan Ortega, however, will be allowed to leave. 11:56KEY EVENT Gyokeres paperwork nearly there The saga that looked like it would never end will, in fact, end soon. Mirror Football's Ryan Taylor reports that Viktor Gyokeres will have his medical tomorrow after Sporting and Arsenal came to an agreement over the finer points. Paperwork was exchanged on Tuesday and the lawyers are working hard to get everything in order. 11:36Scott Trotter Sterling's transfer options Raheem Sterling has been offered two new escape routes as he looks to secure a move away from Chelsea this summer. Fulham and Serie A champions Napoli could now find themselves among the candidates for his signature amid previously reported interest from Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen. Man City agree Trafford deal Manchester City are poised to sign James Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano. Trafford left City in 2023 in pursuit of regular football at Burnley, who paid £19million for his services. He's now returning to City, who have agreed for deal for under his £40m buy-back clause. It comes as Ederson heads for Galatasaray, and amid rumours that Stefan Ortega could also depart. 10:50KEY EVENT Simons to Chelsea latest Xavi Simons' entourage have travelled to RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp as they look to push through the Dutchman's switch to Chelsea, writes Ryan Taylor. The Blues have identified the 22-year-old attacking midfielder as a primary target and are looking to exploit their strong relations with his agent Ali Barat to get the exciting acquisition over the line. Chelsea are mindful that both Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also shown interest in Simons, however, there is confidence they already have the approval of the player after presenting their project. Newcastle team-mates speak out on Isak Alexander Isak's team-mates are away in Singapore on a pre-season tour without their star striker, who has dropped a bombshell by saying he wants to leave. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion," defender Dan Burn told The Daily Mail. "But I think we can just control what we can control. That's a question for Alex to answer. He's obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well. Bringing Anthony [Elanga] in as well, which I think was a great signing." Captain Bruno Guimaraes added: "I'm really close to him. He's a good guy. He's been through some rough things at this moment. My focus is with the lads. Isak is something I cannot control. The club has control of it. I hope he's going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season. "They told us he was there in Newcastle because of his injury. Of course he's a top player for us and he's going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible." How Liverpool can afford Isak Liverpool have signed seven players this summer, spending £265million, which could reach £300m with performance-related add-ons. So how can they possibly afford to sign Alexander Isak, for over £120m in the age of profit and sustainability rules? Mirror Football's Alan Smith has written a helpful explainer. ICYMI - Mosquera signs for Arsenal Cristhian Mosquera became the latest player to join Arsenal yesterday. The young defender completed his £13million move from Valencia and will wear the No.3 shirt for the Gunners after signing a five-year contract. 'He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season," Mikel Arteta said. "Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us." Van Dijk drops transfer hint Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hinted that the club aren't done spending this summer. 'This season, we all start from scratch. I think everyone has tried to improve their teams – and we as well, I think we've done great additions to the team so far," he said. 'Let's see what happens for the rest of the transfer window." 08:31Felix Keith Sesko asking price reduced RB Leipzig have reduced their asking price for Benjamin Sesko in a boost for Manchester United. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were put off by the German side demanding a fee between £68m and £85m. But now it has been suggested that €70m (£60m) would be enough to secure his services. United were beaten to the signing of Liam Delap by Chelsea, to Hugo Ekitike by Liverpool and to Viktor Gyokeres by Arsenal. But their head of scouting Christopher Vivell has been to watch Sesko personally and is pushing for a deal to happen. Gyokeres set for Arsenal medical Viktor Gyokeres is expected to fly into London today to tie up his protracted transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal. The deal has taken weeks and weeks of painstaking negotiations, but the Swedish striker should complete his medical today before flying out to join his new team-mates on their pre-season tour.
Vogue Arabia
4 days ago
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
Are GLP-1s a Cure for Menopausal Weight Gain?
It was night sweats, wild mood swings, and, ironically, significant hair loss that first sent Kate, 54, a New York–based hairstylist, to her doctor in her late 40s looking for relief; she was prescribed an estrogen patch. 'It made me feel like myself again,' says Kate, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy. 'I was sleeping, I wasn't losing my temper, and my mood really evened out, but I was still overweight.' Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, there were a dozen or so pounds that just wouldn't budge. So she started taking Wegovy. For Shelby Meade, 55, an LA-based publicist, regular doses of estrogen helped temper her sometimes 30-day periods but did nothing for her perpetually bloated state. 'I was heavier than I'd ever been and there was a constant pressure on my lower abdomen,' says Meade, who, like Kate, exercised regularly and had a healthy diet. A family doctor suggested Wegovy. 'I just wanted to feel better in my body, and that flipped a switch,' says Meade. 'It was a game changer.' While vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats are recurring topics in conversations about menopause, weight gain is just as pervasive: Around 60 percent of women gain weight during this transition, putting on an average of 1.5 pounds per year throughout their 40s and 50s. 'I have 16 patients a day, and usually 16 out of 16 are reporting weight gain to me,' says Tara Iyer, MD, medical director of the Menopause and Midlife Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Massachusetts. 'Many had never struggled with weight but now have gained 15 or 20 pounds.' And that will happen to women without any changes in diet or exercise. 'It's a very unfair paradigm,' says Caroline Messer, MD, a New York City–based endocrinologist. Much of that midlife weight gain tends to be concentrated in the midsection, earning the unfortunate moniker 'meno belly.' This happens due to a combination of factors. Estrogen—which, much like the collagen in our faces, we lose at a rapid rate come midlife—has many important functions related to weight and body composition: It helps women maintain muscle mass, and it contributes to the regulation of appetite and metabolism. 'Essentially women are losing muscle, gaining fat tissue, and where we store our weight changes,' says Iyer. A drop in estrogen can lead to insulin resistance, meaning that it becomes more difficult for the body to regulate sugar, and for many women that glucose gets turned into fat. Addressing excess weight around the midsection isn't just about vanity, it can pose a health risk: Associated metabolic complications can include fatty liver disease and hypertension, the latter of which, says Reena Bose, MD, an internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic, increases almost 30 percent with even a 10-pound weight gain. The American Heart Association also highlights the menopause transition as a time of heightened risk for women's cardiovascular health. The hormonal changes of menopause can make the weight gain more resistant to traditional diet and lifestyle adjustments, says Peminda Cabandugama, MD. But studies have found that GLP-1s can be a very effective reinforcement of diet and exercise GLP-1s—that is, the class of drugs that includes semaglutide, packaged in brand-name form as Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, like Mounjaro—'act on estrogen receptors in the body, and they improve insulin resistance,' explains Judi Chervenak, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Montefiore with a clinical focus on menopause. They also slow GI motility, so you feel full. That last part 'can be essential because women are often simply hungrier during the menopause transition,' says Bose, adding that estrogen is also responsible for keeping the body's hunger-balancing hormones, ghrelin and leptin (which tell us when we're full), in check. The hormonal changes of menopause can make the weight gain more resistant to traditional diet and lifestyle adjustments, says Peminda Cabandugama, MD, an endocrinologist and obesity specialist at Cleveland Clinic. But studies, like a recent one in the journal Obesity, found that GLP-1s can be a very effective reinforcement of diet and exercise. Research is also growing about the potential benefits of combining GLP-1s with the menopausal hormone treatment (MHT) that has long been recommended, and there are new companies to support the regimen. Alloy Women's Health, an expansive digital menopause platform that connects board-certified physicians to women across the country (a boon in health care deserts), launched with estrogen creams and patches, but earlier this year they started offering GLP-1s as well. 'Women really wanted it,' says Monica Molenaar, cofounder and co-CEO of Alloy. Now 35 percent of Alloy's customers are on both a GLP-1 and hormonal treatment. Another platform, Noom, started as a digital weight-management platform and first offered semaglutide in 2023; it expanded into hormonal treatment this year. 'These drugs are addressing different problems, but they work together in the sense that they both bring down inflammation,' says Karen Mann, MD, medical director at Noom. Messer is a huge proponent of coupling the treatments (she favors low doses of tirzepatide, which often has fewer side effects than semaglutide). A recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that overweight or obese postmenopausal women using hormonal treatments and semaglutide lost about 30 percent more weight than those using semaglutide alone. Chrisandra Shufelt, MD, an internal medicine doctor specializing in women's health at the Mayo Clinic and one of the authors of the study, emphasizes that the findings don't necessarily mean that hormone therapy supercharges the effects of semaglutide, but rather that hormones help the body respond more optimally to the drugs. (A larger study is expected to be published soon.) In lay terms, it makes sense: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood shifts, joint pain, and sleep disruptions—all of that can dramatically impact your quality of life and, in turn, lead to weight gain. There are doctors, of course, who remain conservative about prescribing GLP-1s to women who don't fit a specific set of criteria. 'We have to be careful about using them willy-nilly, like with someone, for example, who has a normal BMI and may just not be happy because of a slight increase in body weight,' says Chervenak. 'These drugs are not without risk.' There are the common side effects of GLP-1s, like gastrointestinal issues, abdominal pain, and nausea, and women should assess their risk factors with their doctor before starting any treatment. But there is also a growing sense that women no longer want to suffer silently. 'We have this societal norm where we make women in particular wait until they get diseased or are in crisis before we say, 'Here's a treatment,' ' says Alloy cofounder Molenaar. For some women the benefits of these drugs far outweigh any potential risks. Carolyn Chang, MD, 58, a plastic surgeon in San Francisco, experienced some of the expected negatives of Ozempic when she added it to her hormonal regimen but says it's been worth it: Her mood has improved, her joint pain is gone, and she is no longer prediabetic. That threat of diabetes was part of the reason Chang decided to start taking Ozempic, but the other was, she admits, her appearance. 'I'm a plastic surgeon so, yes, my presentation matters to me,' says Chang. Many women may feel shy to express it in such blunt terms, but put in other words, it has a straightforward appeal: There doesn't need to be a divide between feeling better in one's body and feeling better about it.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Roosevelt Island just saw its latest record home sale
The tram isn't the only thing soaring on Roosevelt Island these days. A three-bedroom, two-bath penthouse with a sprawling terrace has just sold for nearly $2.27 million — making it the most expensive residential sale in the island's history, The Post has learned. The deal is the third record-breaking transaction brokered by Corcoran's Kaja Meade in less than two years on Roosevelt Island, and it marks a turning point for an area that once traded more on affordability than prestige. Not to mention, an area that has largely been overlooked by city locals, in large part due to its location directly in between Manhattan and Queens, with the island as a pass-through. This particular unit — Penthouse 1C at Riverwalk Landing — was initially listed for $2.25 million and sold in a bidding war. 12 A penthouse at Riverwalk Landing has sold for nearly $2.27 million, setting a new residential price record on Roosevelt Island and signaling the neighborhood's arrival as a serious player in New York's luxury real estate market. Westend61 – 12 The penthouse offers more than 1,400 square feet of interior space. Courtesy of Corcoran 'When people are willing to spend in the higher price points, probably the main amenity or the number one property feature that people look for on the island is obviously the view,' Meade said. 'Because you can't have a Manhattan view when you're in Manhattan.' Perched on the southwest corner of 425 Main St., the condo offers nearly 270-degree skyline views — from the Upper East Side to Queens — and a private terrace that dwarfs many city apartments. 'The terrace is 1,122 square feet … that's bigger than a two-bedroom apartment,' Meade said. 12 It features a 1,122-square-foot terrace with sweeping skyline views. Courtesy of Corcoran 12 The home offers one of the largest private terraces on Roosevelt Island. Courtesy of Corcoran With more than 1,400 square feet of interior space, the penthouse features a corner living room that opens directly onto the terrace. The layout includes a windowed five-fixture primary bath, an oversized walk-in closet, and a grand kitchen with counter seating that flows into an open-concept dining and living space, the previous listing noted. But the deal is significant for another reason: it's part of the final chapter in Roosevelt Island's long-running development arc. The apartment, along with several others in the Riverwalk Landing complex, had been leased since construction by developers Hudson Companies and Related Companies. Only recently, as leases expired, did the developers begin absorbing the inventory and releasing the units to market as sponsor sales. 'These units were already above market for, like, all of history,' Meade said, adding that in order to sell these units that many vie for, 'you have to have a little bit of kahunas.' 12 The home offers panoramic views of the East River, the Manhattan skyline and the Roosevelt Island Tram, along with a tax abatement in place until 2031. Courtesy of Corcoran 12 The sale surpasses two other recent high-priced transactions in the same building: Unit 11E, which sold for $2.1 million in April, and Unit 15C, which went for $2.05 million in July after a bidding war. Courtesy of Corcoran The sponsor-held apartments represent the last bastion of new condo product on the island. Riverwalk Landing is the final phase of Southtown, the condo district co-developed by Hudson and Related over the past two decades. With no additional ground to build on, the remaining sponsor inventory is expected to sell out quickly. 'We had four, three-bedroom apartments. We sold them all and three of them had outdoor space,' Meade said. 'This was the largest one.' This transformation has been decades in the making. Roosevelt Island was originally a hub for public institutions — its 19th-century landscape dominated by hospitals and asylums. 12 A second bedroom. Courtesy of Corcoran 12 The third bedroom. Courtesy of Corcoran In the 1970s, it was reimagined as a planned residential community, with its first wave of apartment buildings constructed under the Mitchell–Lama program — a state initiative that offered developers tax breaks and low-interest loans to build affordable co-ops and rentals for middle-income New Yorkers. 'For a long time, we just didn't see a lot of sales because the Mitchell-Lama buildings were converting,' Meade said. 'Those people were not necessarily eager to sell … they wanted to live in their apartments for the rest of … until they retired or frankly died.' But as those buildings transitioned out of the program and the tax abatements on newer developments began to phase out, the island's resale market finally started to take shape. 'We're selling more … but it's still a developing market in New York City,' Meade said. 'It hasn't been available for decades and decades.' 12 Riverwalk Landing offers full-service amenities including a rooftop deck, a concierge — and prime location near the F train, ferry and tram. Courtesy of Corcoran 12 The apartment was one of the last sponsor-held units released by developers Hudson Companies and Related Companies, which had previously rented out the apartments since the building's completion. Courtesy of Corcoran The penthouse's appeal also came down to lifestyle. Buyers increasingly want more than just square footage — they want fresh air, flexibility and some breathing room from Manhattan without actually leaving it. 'Since COVID, people have changed how they live in their homes and want to be in their communities, we have awesome outdoor space, fantastic views,' Meade said. 'And we're really close to the city … one subway stop … we're an 8-minute tram.' In Riverwalk Landing, buyers also get a 24-hour concierge, a fitness center, a playroom and a rooftop terrace. The building is steps from the waterfront promenade, parks and ferry dock. For Meade, herself a Roosevelt Island resident, those perks explain why locals are often the island's biggest champions. 12 The record-breaking deal reflects shifting buyer preferences post-pandemic, as demand grows for space, outdoor access and proximity to Manhattan without the density of city living. ADDICTIVE STOCK – 'A lot of people who live on Roosevelt Island know that this is the livable solution for them,' Meade said. 'And they are even better and more ready to make that investment because they appreciate how unusual it is.' The buyer of the record-breaking penthouse was no exception. 'It was like a legacy of the family,' Meade said. 'This was going to be the silver bullet for a really new beginning for their family.' 12 With sponsor inventory dwindling and resale momentum building, Roosevelt Island's once-overlooked condo market is rapidly redefining itself. Getty Images The sale is also a reminder that on Roosevelt Island, supply is still deeply limited. 'If you want to live on Roosevelt Island, you have to buy on Roosevelt Island,' Meade said. 'We're sort of insulated from a larger real estate market.' And with the last few sponsor units from Hudson-Related now hitting the market, buyers might not get another shot. 'When this is gone, it is gone,' Meade warned.
