obesity

India has proposed banning the sale of junk food in school canteens and within 50 meters of school premises, a move aimed at curbing rising obesity and diabetes rates among children. The measure would restrict children's access to unhealthy snacks and drinks during the school day. The proposal comes as health officials warn that poor diets are driving childhood health problems, and it has drawn attention to how schools regulate food sold to students.

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy were originally positioned as treatments for obese patients under medical care. A STAT analysis argues they are now marketed as lifestyle products for consumers seeking weight loss, cosmetic benefits and wellness, with telehealth platforms and direct-to-consumer advertising driving demand far beyond traditional clinical settings.

New research suggests tirzepatide, the weight-loss and diabetes drug sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, may activate brown fat, a type of tissue that burns calories to generate heat. If confirmed, the finding could help explain the drug's effectiveness and open new avenues in obesity treatment. Coverage is so far limited, with fitness outlets picking up the claim and experts urging caution until results are published in full.