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Diet and Weight Loss

A New Approach to Migraine Treatment: Diabetes Drug Shows Promise in Reducing Frequency and Severity of Attacks

A common diabetes drug may be the next big thing for migraine relief. In a clinical study, obese patients with chronic migraines who took liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, experienced over 50% fewer headache days and significantly improved daily functioning without meaningful weight loss. Researchers believe the drug s ability to lower brain fluid pressure is the key, potentially opening a completely new way to treat migraines. The effects were fast, sustained, and came with only mild side effects.

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A groundbreaking study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025 has revealed that a commonly used diabetes medication can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in people with chronic migraine. The research, conducted by neurologists at the Headache Center of the University of Naples “Federico II,” involved administering liraglutide to 26 adults with obesity and chronic migraine.

Results showed that patients experienced an average reduction of 11 headache days per month, while their disability scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test dropped by 35 points. This improvement in work, study, and social functioning was observed even though participants’ body-mass index declined slightly, and this change was not statistically significant.

The researchers hypothesized that the pressure-modulating effects of liraglutide, rather than its weight-loss properties, were responsible for the benefits. As GLP-1-receptor agonists have already been shown to reduce cerebrospinal fluid secretion and effectively treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), it is thought that exploiting this mechanism might ultimately dampen cortical and trigeminal sensitization that underlie migraine.

According to Dr Simone Braca, lead researcher, “Most patients felt better within the first two weeks and reported quality of life improved significantly. The benefit lasted for the full three-month observation period.” Mild gastrointestinal side effects were experienced by 38% of participants but did not lead to treatment discontinuation.

The findings suggest that GLP-1-receptor agonists could offer a new treatment option for people with migraine, particularly those who do not respond to current preventives. Given liraglutide’s established use in type 2 diabetes and obesity, it may represent a promising case of drug repurposing in neurology.

Follow-up studies are being planned by the research team to investigate whether other GLP-1 drugs can deliver similar relief and with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. If confirmed, these findings could provide hope for millions of people worldwide who live with migraine.

Alternative Medicine

A 30-Minute Workout That Could Help Slash Cancer Cell Growth

A vigorous workout can spark anti-cancer proteins, cut cancer cell growth, and help survivors fight recurrence by reducing inflammation and improving body composition.

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The article’s core idea is that a single bout of either resistance or high intensity interval training could help in the cancer battle by increasing levels of myokines, a protein produced by muscles which have anti-cancer effects. Here’s the rewritten article:

A groundbreaking study from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shed light on the potential benefits of exercise for cancer patients. Researchers found that a single bout of either resistance or high intensity interval training could help reduce cancer cell growth by 20 to 30 per cent.

PhD student Mr Francesco Bettariga led the research, which measured myokine levels in breast cancer survivors before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-exercise. The results showed that both types of exercise increased myokine levels, a protein produced by muscles with anti-cancer effects.

“The results from this study are excellent motivators to add exercise as standard care in the treatment of cancer,” Mr Bettariga said. His research aimed to investigate whether breast cancer survivors would see similar benefits compared to a healthy population, given the impact that cancer treatments and cancer itself often has on the body.

Further research by Mr Bettariga investigated how changes in body composition, following consistent exercise, could impact inflammation, which plays a key role in breast cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass through exercise could help decrease inflammation, making it a more supportive environment for cancer survivors.

“Strategies are needed to reduce inflammation which may provide a less supportive environment for cancer progression,” Mr Bettariga said. He stressed the importance of consistent exercise, stating that quick fixes to reduce fat mass would not have the same beneficial effects.

“You never want to reduce your weight without exercising, because you need to build or preserve muscle mass and produce these chemicals that you can’t do through just diet alone.” The long-term implications of elevated myokine levels should be further investigated, particularly in relation to cancer recurrence.

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Back and Neck Pain

The French Fry Effect: Scientists Reveal the Surprising Truth About Potatoes and Diabetes Risk

French fries may be more than just a guilty pleasure—they could raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 20% if eaten three times a week, while the same amount of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes doesn’t appear to have the same effect.

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The relationship between potatoes and type 2 diabetes has long been debated. While it’s known that potatoes contain several essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium, their high starch content also contributes to a higher glycemic index, potentially increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A recent study published in The BMJ sheds new light on this topic by investigating the association between different potato preparation methods and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers analyzed data from over 205,000 health professionals across three large US studies conducted between 1984 and 2021. Participants were free of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer and completed detailed food questionnaires every four years. The study found that for every three weekly servings of total potato, the rate of type 2 diabetes increased by 5%. However, a similar intake of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes was not associated with a significantly increased risk.

In contrast, eating French fries three times a week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with whole grains lowered the type 2 diabetes rate by 8%. Substituting French fries with whole grains reduced the risk by 19%. On the other hand, replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with white rice increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This observational study highlights that the association between potato intake and type 2 diabetes risk depends on the specific foods used as replacement. The findings align with current dietary recommendations promoting whole grains as part of a healthy diet for preventing type 2 diabetes.

While baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes can be part of a healthy and sustainable diet, especially when prepared in moderation, it’s essential to consider preparation methods and replacement foods when guiding the public or informing policy. Future studies from diverse populations that account for both preparation methods and substitution analysis are needed to further understand this relationship and provide more tailored recommendations.

In conclusion, the French fry effect is a significant concern, but not all potatoes are created equal. By being mindful of our potato choices and making informed decisions about food substitutions, we can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and promote overall well-being.

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Colon Cancer

Scientists Discover a Tiny Molecule That Could Revolutionize Weight Loss Treatment

Researchers at the Salk Institute have used CRISPR to uncover hidden microproteins that control fat cell growth and lipid storage, identifying one confirmed target, Adipocyte-smORF-1183. This breakthrough could lead to more effective obesity treatments, surpassing the limitations of current drugs like GLP-1.

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The fight against obesity has been an ongoing battle for decades. With over one billion people worldwide affected by this condition, scientists are constantly seeking new and effective treatments. Recently, researchers at the Salk Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially change the game. They’ve identified a tiny molecule called Adipocyte-smORF-1183, which plays a crucial role in regulating fat cell biology and lipid accumulation.

This breakthrough was made possible by using CRISPR gene editing to screen thousands of fat cell genes. The researchers found dozens of genes that likely code for microproteins involved in either fat cell proliferation or lipid accumulation. One of these potential microproteins, Adipocyte-smORF-1183, was verified to influence lipid droplet formation in fat cells.

The discovery of this molecule is a significant step towards understanding the complex energy storage system in our bodies. It also opens up new possibilities for developing targeted therapies that can specifically address obesity and related metabolic disorders.

While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of Adipocyte-smORF-1183, this breakthrough is a promising development in the fight against obesity. As scientists continue to study this molecule and its role in fat cell biology, we may see new and innovative treatments emerge that can help millions of people worldwide manage their weight and improve their overall health.

In related news, researchers at Scripps Research Institute have also been studying microproteins involved in fat cell differentiation and proliferation. Their work has identified several potential candidates for further investigation, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.

The study was supported by various grants from the National Institutes of Health, Ferring Foundation, Clayton Foundation, and Larry and Carol Greenfield Technology Fund. Further validation or screening of new cell libraries will expand the list of potential drug candidates, setting the stage for the new-and-improved obesity and metabolic disorder therapeutics of the future.

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