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Experts warn of fake Wegovy pills entering the market – here are the warning signs

9. July, 2026

The new Wegovy pill has been approved in several countries, but experts warn that growing demand could lead to an increase in counterfeit products being sold on the black market.

They urge consumers to purchase the medication only through approved providers, according to The Sun.

Growing demand worries experts

Experts fear that the rising interest in Wegovy tablets will encourage criminals to produce and sell counterfeit versions on the black market.

Recently approved

Photo: Photo Nature Travel / Shutterstock.com

Wegovy is the first GLP-1 weight loss pill to receive approval from the UK’s medicines regulator.

The medication is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Pills available through private pharmacies

Approved Wegovy tablets are available through selected private pharmacies in countries such as the UK, in various doses for patients who meet the eligibility requirements.

Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous substances

According to experts, fake products may contain materials such as brick dust, chalk, or paint in an attempt to imitate genuine tablets.

Pharmacies expect more counterfeit products

A survey of 310 pharmacies conducted by the National Pharmacy Association found that 97% expect an increase in fake or illegal weight loss medicines as treatment shifts from injections to tablets.

Authorities have already cracked down on fraud

The UK’s medicines regulator has carried out raids on illegal manufacturing sites and seized thousands of counterfeit weight loss injections.

Social media could be exploited by scammers

Experts warn that criminals may attempt to sell fake Wegovy tablets through social media platforms, where oversight is more limited.

Check the packaging carefully

Spelling mistakes, poor print quality, missing information, or the absence of a patient information leaflet may all indicate that a product is counterfeit.

Unusually low prices should raise suspicion

Deep discounts or unusually low prices may be a sign that the medication is not being supplied by a legitimate provider.

Compare prices with other providers

According to The Sun, experts recommend comparing prices offered by other approved suppliers before purchasing the medication.

A prescription and consultation are required

Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine, and legitimate providers must carry out a consultation, including an assessment of the patient’s medical history, current medications, and suitability for treatment.

Lack of checks is a warning sign

If a seller does not ask about your weight, BMI, overall health, or current medications, you should proceed with caution.

Approved pharmacies should also be able to provide proof of their official registration.

Avoid buying through social media

Foto: valiantsin suprunovich / Shutterstock.com

Experts stress that prescription medicines should not be sold through social media platforms or online marketplaces, as the risk of counterfeit products is high.

Seek advice if you are unsure

If you have concerns about medication purchased online, experts recommend contacting your local pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Any tablets suspected of being counterfeit should not be taken.

These oils can replace expensive olive oils in the kitchen

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

These oils can replace expensive olive oils in the kitchen

Price is not always the deciding factor when choosing the best cooking oil.

According to food publication The Kitchn, as cited by Vince, the choice should instead depend on how the oil will be used.

If you are frying or cooking at high temperatures, it is important to choose an oil that can withstand the heat.

The Kitchn recommends avocado oil as a good option because it remains stable at high temperatures while also offering a mild flavor.

Flavor matters

When oil is used in salads or marinades, a neutral flavor is an advantage.

Grapeseed oil is therefore a good alternative because it does not overpower the other ingredients, The Kitchn writes.

For cold dishes where the oil also contributes to the flavor, walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, or hazelnut oil can be excellent choices.

These oils pair well with salads, bruschetta, and bread, among other dishes.

Affordable alternatives

Regular sunflower oil is significantly cheaper than extra virgin olive oil.

According to The Kitchn, it costs less than one-fifth as much.

Sunflower oil works well for frying and baking, where the oil’s flavor is not a key factor.

However, it should be stored in a cool place, as it can become rancid.

There is no single oil that is suitable for every purpose. According to The Kitchn, you should choose your oil based on the dish you are preparing.

For cold dishes, flavor is the priority; for dressings, balance is key; and for frying, an oil’s ability to withstand high heat is what matters most.

Study suggests new weight-loss pill could compete with Ozempic

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

Study suggests new weight-loss pill could compete with Ozempic

GLP-1 medicines are currently used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Many of these medications are administered by injection, which can be challenging for some patients.

They also need to be stored under refrigeration, making transportation and storage more difficult, according to The Conversation, as cited by ScienceDaily.

The oral semaglutide tablet currently available must be taken on an empty stomach, and patients must wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.

This makes the treatment less flexible.

A new type of medication

The new tablet is called orforglipron. According to The Conversation, it is manufactured differently from oral semaglutide.

This makes it less expensive and easier to produce, and it also does not require refrigeration.

Researchers therefore believe that the tablet could eventually be easier to use and distribute, particularly in countries where maintaining a cold chain is difficult.

Trial revealed both strengths and weaknesses

A phase 3 trial published in The Lancet included 1,698 adults with type 2 diabetes from six countries.

After 52 weeks, the results showed that orforglipron produced greater reductions in both blood sugar levels and body weight than the current oral semaglutide, according to The Conversation.

The findings also highlighted a drawback. More participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Around 10 percent of participants discontinued treatment because of side effects, compared with 4 to 5 percent of those receiving oral semaglutide, according to The Conversation.

The researchers therefore conclude that the new tablet could become a strong competitor, although its side effects may influence how many patients choose to continue treatment.

Warning: Dietary supplement falsely marketed as a diabetes treatment

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

Warning: Dietary supplement falsely marketed as a diabetes treatment

The Swedish Medical Products Agency has identified numerous advertisements for the dietary supplement Insulinorm on websites and social media, according to a press release from VIA.

According to the Danish Medicines Agency, the product is presented as a treatment that can help people with diabetes.

The authority also states that the advertisements use fake AI-generated videos.

The product is not approved as a medicine for diabetes, and there is no evidence that it is effective in treating the disease.

The authority issues a warning

The Danish Medicines Agency explains that fraud involving products claiming to cure diseases is a well-known problem.

According to the authority, diabetes medicines must be approved and prescribed by a doctor.

Consumers should therefore be skeptical of products that promise treatment without a prescription or consultation with a doctor.

The greatest risk

The Danish Medicines Agency has received reports that some people are considering stopping their prescribed diabetes medication and using Insulinorm instead.

According to the authority, replacing a doctor’s prescribed treatment with the dietary supplement could be life-threatening.

Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications. The Danish Medicines Agency therefore urges patients to always consult their doctor before making any changes to their treatment.

The best types of exercise for healthy joints

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

The best types of exercise for healthy joints

As we age, the body produces less cartilage and synovial fluid in the joints. This can lead to stiffness and joint pain, prompting some people to become less physically active.

According to Gordon Waddington of the University of Canberra, that may not be the best approach.

Movement helps distribute synovial fluid throughout the joints, providing essential nutrients to the cartilage.

At the same time, stronger muscles help support the joints and reduce the strain placed on them.

Balance matters

Ageing also affects the body’s balance and its ability to sense how the joints move.

As a result, the knees, hips, and ankles may be subjected to uneven loading.

According to research discussed in The Conversation, exercising on grass, gravel, or other uneven surfaces can improve balance.

A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews also found that balance exercises can reduce the number of falls among older adults by around 23 percent.

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries among people over the age of 65.

Exercise can make a difference

Several types of exercise are considered good options for people with sore or ageing joints.

These include swimming, water aerobics, cycling, tai chi, yoga, and walking.

These activities place less stress on the joints than many other forms of exercise while strengthening muscles and improving mobility.

A large review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine also found that exercise can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis.

According to the researchers, regular, appropriately tailored exercise can therefore play an important role in maintaining healthy joints throughout life.

Dietitian ate kale for a week – here’s what happened

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

Dietitian ate kale for a week – here’s what happened

A dietitian challenged herself to eat kale every day for a week to see how her body would respond, according to Prevention.

While the experiment did not produce any dramatic changes, it offered valuable insights and highlighted the vegetable’s many nutritional benefits.

Fast food

On the very first day, the dietitian’s serving of kale came from a salad at Chick-fil-A.

The combination of kale, cabbage, vinaigrette, and toasted almonds turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Kale required more preparation

As the week went on, it became clear that raw kale required a bit more preparation in the kitchen.

The leaves were massaged with olive oil and lemon juice to make them softer and more enjoyable to eat.

Spinach remained the favorite

Although kale was on the menu every day, the dietitian still missed the softer texture and convenience that spinach usually provides.

No miraculous changes

After one week, energy levels remained steady, but there were no noticeable improvements in skin appearance or any other obvious physical changes.

Digestion worked well

Eating kale every day supported comfortable and regular digestion without bloating or other unwanted side effects.

Reaching the daily vegetable goal was motivating

It felt rewarding to know that the daily vegetable intake was more consistently met throughout the week.

Kale is packed with vitamins

Kale is considered one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, providing high amounts of vitamins A, K, and C while remaining low in calories.

Vitamin K plays an important role

Kale is especially rich in vitamin K, which is essential for healthy blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.

Fat helps the body absorb nutrients

Several of the nutrients found in kale are absorbed more effectively when eaten with fat, making it beneficial to pair the vegetable with a source of healthy fats.

May support liver function

Kale belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which contains compounds known as glucosinolates.

These compounds can be converted into substances such as sulforaphane, which has been associated with the body’s natural liver detoxification processes.

Rich in antioxidants

Kale contains powerful antioxidants, including quercetin and kaempferol, which help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.

May benefit eye health

The vegetable is a natural source of lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that help protect the retina and may reduce the risk of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Not everyone should eat large amounts of kale

People taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin should be cautious about making significant changes to their kale intake.

Raw kale may also be problematic for individuals with certain thyroid conditions or a tendency to develop specific types of kidney stones.

Variety is better than eating it every day

After completing the experiment, the dietitian decided not to continue eating kale every day.

Instead, she recommends rotating among different leafy greens to benefit from a wider range of nutrients.

The more languages you speak, the younger your brain may be, new study suggests

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

The more languages you speak, the younger your brain may be, new study suggests

Brain health depends on several factors.

According to Christina Dalla, a professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, regular exercise, a healthy diet, an active social life, and creative activities can all help keep the brain in good condition.

She also explains that learning activities requiring mental effort can strengthen the brain, according to HealthDay.

Researchers examined the brain

The researchers developed a method to estimate the brain’s biological age using brain scans from 728 individuals.

They then tested the model on 144 people with varying language proficiency.

The study was presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum in Barcelona but has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

The researchers now plan to investigate whether language skills may also influence diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms

Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce such as basil, cilantro, raspberries, and sugar snap peas.

The number of infections typically increases during the spring and summer months.

Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after infection. They may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a mild fever, and severe watery diarrhea.

Most people recover without complications, although some require treatment with antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of prolonged illness.

Michigan stands out

The largest increase has been recorded in the state of Michigan.

A total of 572 cases had been reported there as of July 4, representing a sharp increase from 170 cases just a few days earlier.

The state typically records around 50 cases over the course of an entire year.

Cases have been identified in seven counties in southeastern Michigan, but authorities have not yet identified a common source of infection.

They are therefore continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the unusually high number of infections.

Study reveals how sleep helps your body recover

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

9. July, 2026

Study reveals how sleep helps your body recover

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have investigated how the brain regulates the release of growth hormone during sleep.

The study, published in the journal Cell, is based on experiments conducted in mice.

Scientists have long known that the body releases the highest levels of growth hormone during deep sleep.

However, they did not previously understand exactly how the brain controls this process.

Growth hormone is important for everyone

Growth hormone is not only essential for children.

In adults, it helps repair muscles and tissues, supports the immune system, and regulates the body’s fat metabolism.

According to the study, specific nerve cells in the brain become active during deep sleep and trigger the release of growth hormone.

The researchers also found that the hormone subsequently sends signals back to the brain, helping prepare the body to wake up.

What does this mean for the future?

The researchers emphasize that the study was conducted in mice.

As a result, the findings cannot be directly applied to humans. The study also does not demonstrate that any specific treatment can improve sleep or increase growth hormone levels.

According to the researchers, the discovery could lay the foundation for future research into sleep disorders and the development of new treatment options.

Here’s what drinking coffee every day could do to your liver

Mie Hermansen

9. July, 2026

Here’s what drinking coffee every day could do to your liver

Several studies suggest that coffee may have a positive impact on liver health. Research links regular coffee consumption with a lower risk of several liver diseases and better outcomes for some people who already have liver conditions, reports VeryWell Health.

Coffee is linked to a healthier liver

Research suggests that people who drink coffee regularly appear to experience fewer liver-related problems than those who do not drink coffee.

Three to four cups may offer the greatest benefit

Studies indicate that the greatest liver benefits are seen in people who drink around three to four cups of coffee per day. Drinking more has not shown a clear additional advantage.

Both regular and decaffeinated coffee may help

Research has found that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee are associated with a lower risk of several liver conditions, suggesting that compounds other than caffeine also contribute to the benefits.

Coffee may slow the progression of fatty liver disease

Among people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of significant liver fibrosis, or scarring of the liver.

Coffee does not necessarily prevent fatty liver disease

Researchers found no clear evidence that coffee lowers the risk of developing fatty liver disease in the general population.

Coffee may help protect liver cells

Coffee has been associated with reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, two processes that can damage liver cells and contribute to liver disease.

A lower risk of liver cancer

A 2023 research analysis found that higher coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer.

The risk of cirrhosis may also be lower

Regular coffee drinkers appear to have a lower risk of developing cirrhosis and a reduced risk of dying from chronic liver disease.

Brewing method may make a difference

Unfiltered coffee contains higher amounts of cafestol and kahweol, compounds that may benefit the liver but can also raise LDL cholesterol. Paper filters remove most of these compounds.

Keep an eye on your caffeine intake

Healthy adults are generally advised to keep total caffeine intake below 400 milligrams per day, while pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to limit intake to 200 milligrams daily.

What you add to your coffee matters

Adding large amounts of sugar or heavy cream may reduce coffee’s health benefits and contribute to weight gain.

More research is still needed

While the findings are promising, much of the current evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies. More research in humans is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

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Growing demand worries experts

Recently approved

Pills available through private pharmacies

Counterfeit pills may contain dangerous substances

Pharmacies expect more counterfeit products

Authorities have already cracked down on fraud

Social media could be exploited by scammers

Check the packaging carefully

Unusually low prices should raise suspicion

Compare prices with other providers

A prescription and consultation are required

Lack of checks is a warning sign

Avoid buying through social media

Seek advice if you are unsure

Flavor matters

Affordable alternatives

A new type of medication

Trial revealed both strengths and weaknesses

The authority issues a warning

The greatest risk

Balance matters

Exercise can make a difference

Fast food

Kale required more preparation

Spinach remained the favorite

No miraculous changes

Digestion worked well

Reaching the daily vegetable goal was motivating

Kale is packed with vitamins

Vitamin K plays an important role

Fat helps the body absorb nutrients

May support liver function

Rich in antioxidants

May benefit eye health

Not everyone should eat large amounts of kale

Variety is better than eating it every day

Researchers examined the brain

More languages linked to younger brains

Symptoms

Michigan stands out

Growth hormone is important for everyone

What does this mean for the future?

Coffee is linked to a healthier liver

Three to four cups may offer the greatest benefit

Both regular and decaffeinated coffee may help

Coffee may slow the progression of fatty liver disease

Coffee does not necessarily prevent fatty liver disease

Coffee may help protect liver cells

A lower risk of liver cancer

The risk of cirrhosis may also be lower

Brewing method may make a difference

Keep an eye on your caffeine intake

What you add to your coffee matters

More research is still needed

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