Big risks from weight-loss shortcuts

J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Hobbit,” once said, “shortcuts make long delays.” He would have been spot-on if he were talking about weight loss. Recently the Food and Drug Administration warned about online products that promise shortcuts.

■ FDA alarm No. 1: Unauthorized versions of fat-dissolving injections for use on the chin, back, thighs, underarms and stomach, turn out to deliver a combo of ingredients (phosphatidylcholine … and sodium deoxycholate) linked to serious side effects, including “persistent scarring, severe infections and skin deformities.” There’s only one injected fat dissolver (only for under the chin) that’s Fda-approved and it’s administered by a health care professional.

■ FDA alarm No. 2: Supplements identified as tejocote root and sold as weight-loss supplements contain toxic yellow oleander. If you ingest yellow oleander, it can trigger severe, even fatal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular problems.

If your goal is weight loss and a younger Actualage, you want to adopt proven approaches that include eliminating inflammatory, empty calories found in highly processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary beverages. And ask your doc if one of the GLP-1/GIP meds like Wegovy or Zepbound are right for you. Aim for 150-300 minutes of physical activity weekly, including resistance training for 20 minutes at least twice a week.

Pushing out PPD

The Office of Women’s Health says one in eight women experience post-partum depression, and it can affect the mother’s emotional and physical health and an infant’s physical and cognitive development. One study in JAMA found five to 18 years after delivery, women who experience PPD have double the risk of suicide compared to women who haven’t had PPD. Another study in The Lancet highlights the far-reaching impact of PPD on a newborn (behavioral and psychomotor problems), and the benefits to the mother (improved mood and feelings of closeness to the child) when she receives treatment.

If you feel angry or moody, hopeless or worthless, are sleeping and eating more than usual, and withdraw from family and friends for more than two weeks after childbirth, call the doctor for a referral to a support group or individual therapy, and to obtain medication, including antidepressants or the recently approved oral PPD medication, zuranolone.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.