This 2019 letter addresses concerns raised about the long-term use of phentermine for weight management. The authors acknowledge existing gaps in knowledge regarding the safety and efficacy of extended phentermine use but highlight emerging evidence suggesting its potential benefits. They reference observational studies indicating that prolonged phentermine therapy may lead
This 2014 prospective study evaluated the effects of combining orlistat (120 mg three times daily) with lifestyle modifications (low-calorie diet and exercise) over six months in 101 women with PCOS and 29 BMI-matched controls. Both groups experienced significant BMI reductions. In the PCOS group, there were notable improvements in insulin
This 2012 review article examines the role of carotenoids—fat-soluble pigments found in fruits and vegetables—in cardiovascular health. Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, possess antioxidant properties that can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing oxidative stress—a key factor in atherosclerosis development. The review highlights that carotenoids may
This 2011 review highlights the significant metabolic and cardiovascular risks associated with antipsychotic medications, particularly second-generation antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine. These drugs are linked to weight gain, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The exact mechanisms remain unclear but may
This 2021 study conducted a multi-country economic analysis to assess the financial impact of cardiovascular and metabolic adverse events, including weight gain, associated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in the treatment of schizophrenia. The research highlighted that SGAs, while effective in managing schizophrenia symptoms, are linked to significant metabolic side effects
This 2014 review article examines the role of testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) in men with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is characterized by a cluster of conditions including increased waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance, which collectively elevate the risk of type 2
This 2020 systematic review assessed the effects of prolonged L-carnitine (LC) supplementation on metabolism and related modifications. Analyzing 11 studies involving healthy human subjects who received oral LC (1–4 g/day) for 12–24 weeks, the review found that LC combined with carbohydrates effectively increased skeletal muscle carnitine content. In centenarians, supplementation
This 2004 review by Astrup et al. evaluates the efficacy and safety of low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, in weight loss. The authors discuss randomized controlled trials comparing low-carbohydrate diets to low-fat diets, noting that while low-carbohydrate diets may lead to greater weight loss at six months, differences
This 2018 correction notice addresses errors in the original 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis comparing low-carbohydrate diets to isoenergetic balanced diets for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. The original study concluded that low-carbohydrate diets were more effective for short-term weight loss but did not provide significant cardiovascular benefits over
This 2017 article by Lauren Vogel in the Canadian Medical Association Journal critiques the generalization of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial results, which primarily involved women over 60, to younger women considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The WHI findings, indicating increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke
