NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The weight-loss side effects of a new diabetes drug targeting obesity are attracting millions of prescriptions.
“They're a very effective drug, and it's a huge breakthrough for people who have had severe obesity for many years,” says Sharon Stoll, a medical immunologist at Yale University.
It is estimated that more than 2 million prescriptions were filled last year, and supply and demand are expected to rise this year, even with a monthly price tag of more than $1,000.
Innovative treatment for acid reflux has huge impact on patients
“Despite people asking for it in droves, know that it does have side effects and you shouldn't take it without a doctor's prescription,” says Dr. Stoll.
And with a new scientific memory breakthrough, there's a problem. Taking a supplement called lion's mane mushroom improved memory in trials. But these discoveries were not made in humans, but in laboratories.
“When neurons were isolated in a petri dish and the chemicals from this mushroom were added, they did find an extension of the nerve cell growth, which is pretty cool,” Dr. Stoll said.
Although the effects on humans are unclear, she called it promising research.
A new study of 3,500 students suggests a possible link between procrastination and health problems such as depression, anxiety and arm pain.
If procrastination is a problem for you, Dr. Stoll has advice.
Health Headlines: How Procrastination Can Affect Your Health
“You should be evaluated right away. You should be evaluated by a specialist, a cognitive psychologist, to see if there is something you can do to limit that procrastination,” she says.
