Trending Now - Weight-loss Medications: Importance of Exercise and Mental Health

WHO:

Daily Kos - Jelon Smart, a 48-year-old caterer from Savannah, Georgia.

Daily Kos - Dafina Allen, an obesity medicine physician in Saginaw, Michigan.

Daily Kos - Gerald Onuoha, an internal medicine practitioner in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Times of India - Dr. Aftab Khan, consultant cardiologist at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata.

WHAT:

Daily Kos - Jelon Smart lost 110 pounds after starting on the GLP-1 medication Ozempic and implementing an intensive workout regimen.

Daily Kos - Nearly 1 in 5 people in America have taken GLP-1 medications at some point, according to research from KFF.

The Times of India - GLP-1 drugs are emerging as potential heart medications, showing reduced chances of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients.

WHERE:

Daily Kos - Savannah, Georgia, where Jelon Smart resides.

Daily Kos - Saginaw, Michigan, where Dafina Allen runs her clinic.

Daily Kos - Nashville, Tennessee, where Gerald Onuoha practices.

The Times of India - Kolkata, India, where Dr. Aftab Khan works.

WHEN:

Daily Kos - Jelon Smart began taking Ozempic a year and a half ago, which would be in 2024.

Daily Kos - The federal government plans to allow temporary coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss starting in July 2026.

WHY:

Daily Kos - Jelon Smart started taking Ozempic due to severe ankle pain and a diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis, which required weight loss to mitigate symptoms.

Daily Kos - Doctors emphasize that regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for long-term weight loss success with GLP-1 medications.

HOW:

Daily Kos - Jelon Smart lost 30 pounds initially without changing her lifestyle, but later incorporated a gym routine, attending six days a week.

Daily Kos - Patients are advised to work closely with doctors to monitor GLP-1 dosages to avoid complications such as pancreatitis and gallstones.

Daily Kos - GLP-1 medications are often accessed through online pharmacies, which may not provide adequate education on dosage or side effects.

(UPDATED March 30, 2026 11:18 UTC)

Jelon Smart, a 48-year-old caterer from Savannah, Georgia, lost 110 pounds after starting the GLP-1 medication Ozempic and committing to an intensive workout routine. Research from KFF shows that nearly 1 in 5 people in America have taken GLP-1 medications, which are now being recognized for their potential to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients. As the federal government plans to allow temporary coverage of GLP-1s for weight loss starting in July 20th26, doctors stress the importance of combining these medications with regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices for lasting success.