(CBS News) — Popular weight loss drugs may come with some unexpected downsides, according to new research. And a separate study finds grandparents could be a powerful force in helping teenagers through a growing mental health crisis.
GLP-1 users are exercising less
People taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss are moving less after they start the drugs, according to a study being presented at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting. On average, patients’ daily physical activity dropped from 28 minutes to 22 minutes after starting GLP-1s.
Researchers say that’s a problem. People on GLP-1 drugs lose both fat and lean muscle mass, making regular exercise especially important for those patients.
Dizziness and fainting risk for some patients
Certain GLP-1 users may also face a higher risk of dizziness and fainting, a Northwestern Medicine study found. The risk is greatest for patients who are also taking blood pressure medications, adults 65 and older, and patients with diabetes.
Grandparents boost kids’ mental health
Grandparents can play a critical role in strengthening their grandchildren’s mental health, according to a report from Weill Cornell Medicine. Researchers say the time grandparents spend listening, encouraging, and playing with grandkids builds emotional resilience that helps children work through their problems.
The findings come as 40 percent of American teens report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.