well aware
Shot in the Dark
Scroll social media long enough, and you might think weight-loss peptides are as easy to buy as a pair of jeans. (Apparently, some people source them on Temu.) Ads promise cheaper versions of popular GLP-1s or access to experimental drugs, all with a quick intake form and credit card.
The problem is that these products aren’t necessarily interchangeable with Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound. The FDA doesn’t approve compounded medications, and gray-market peptides may contain the wrong dose, a different ingredient, or no active ingredient at all. That easy access poses particular risks for teens and young adults who may not be appropriate candidates.
In a recent study that has yet to undergo peer review, people who bought products sold as an experimental weight-loss drug outside clinical trials lost less than half as much weight at six to 12 months as trial participants.
For Your Sanity:
Do your research. If you use an online provider, know that some are more reputable than others. Before you toss GLP-1s in your cart alongside your Halloween decorations, find out exactly where the medication comes from and who to contact if something goes wrong.
Question the hype. That influencer who swears by a GLP-1? They may get paid to promote it. Burnt Toast newsletter author Virginia Sole-Smith shares that she and her boyfriend declined free GLP-1s in exchange for a grid post.
Check in with yourself. GLP-1s can bring up complicated feelings about weight and looks. If you could use support, look for a therapist or nutritionist who takes a body-neutral approach.
TOGETHER WITH RULA
Help Yourself
In a recent Instagram poll, 19% of you said cost is what’s getting in the way of taking care of your mental health, which is fair. Mental health care shouldn’t feel like a luxury purchase. Rula breaks that barrier by connecting you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, at $15 a session on average with insurance.†
Now through World Mental Health Day on October 10, new patients who book their first session also get a $50 Taskrabbit credit‡ — because one less thing on your to-do list means more room for the appointment that matters most. Match with a therapist who gets you in minutes, and meet with them as soon as tomorrow.
Well Reviewed
Smoothing Things Over
Itchy, scaly skin doesn’t have to be a seasonal sentence. These moisturizers are great options to protect yours as temperatures dip.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is the best option for dry skin.
First Aid Beauty
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is the best option for nighttime.
CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the best option for reactive skin.
NeutrogenaNeutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is the best option for combination skin.
Here’s the full list of the best moisturizers, according to experts.
TOGETHER WITH AMGEN & ASTRAZENECA
Ask an Expert
Q: I live with asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, which feels normal at this point. How do I know if that’s actually a problem, and what should I do to get the help I need to feel better?
FEATURED EXPERT:
Payel Gupta, M.D.
Triple board-certified allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist who treats adults and children in New York City. Her response has been edited for length and clarity.
Payel Gupta, M.D.: When you've lived with asthma for a long time, it's easy to normalize symptoms, but that doesn't mean your asthma is well controlled. Some people may have challenges managing their asthma due to certain risk factors such as where they live, income, air quality, access to medical care and adherence to asthma medications, among others. These risk factors can lead to increased asthma symptoms and attacks which can be especially difficult to manage during Asthma Peak Season (happening now), when asthma-related ER visits spike.*
To help determine your level of asthma control, it is important to track the frequency and severity of your symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, rescue inhaler use, and nighttime waking. Tell your doctor about recent asthma attacks, including whether you needed steroids or visited an urgent care or ER.
Bring that info to an asthma specialist and talk about your goals — fewer attacks, better breathing, and symptom relief. If you're regularly having asthma symptoms or attacks, your current medication(s) may not be enough, and a specialist can help find the right treatment.
Well said
“Trust your body, trust your mind, and be confident in your decisions when something feels off. “ — Simone Biles talks to theSkimm about how she puts herself first and knows when to walk away.
Well Fed
Jacket Weather
Jacket potatoes (British for baked potatoes) are a big deal on TikTok. Frankly, they deserve some good PR. Potatoes get plenty of carb slander, but they’re cheap, filling, and provide magnesium, fiber, and potassium. If a chip is a rowboat for dip, a baked potato is a yacht. Bring on the chili or last night’s leftover chicken. There’s room for a whole dinner on board.
Perhaps the best part: You don’t really need a recipe. Go with whatever sounds good, or steal some inspiration:
Give it the royal treatment. According to Princess Diana's former chef, the trick for extra crispy skin is a coat of whisked egg whites.
Pile on the superfoods. Sour cream, quinoa, kale, and salmon give the humble baked potato a nutrient-packed punch.
Stuff in an entire dinner. Kind of genius. One recipe developer treats hers like a blank canvas. This version, filled with chicken in a vodka-Parmesan sauce, feels made for a cozy meal on the couch with friends.
No Notes
well aware
Shot in the Dark
Scroll social media long enough, and you might think weight-loss peptides are as easy to buy as a pair of jeans. (Apparently, some people source them on Temu.) Ads promise cheaper versions of popular GLP-1s or access to experimental drugs, all with a quick intake form and credit card.
The problem is that these products aren’t necessarily interchangeable with Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound. The FDA doesn’t approve compounded medications, and gray-market peptides may contain the wrong dose, a different ingredient, or no active ingredient at all. That easy access poses particular risks for teens and young adults who may not be appropriate candidates.
In a recent study that has yet to undergo peer review, people who bought products sold as an experimental weight-loss drug outside clinical trials lost less than half as much weight at six to 12 months as trial participants.
For Your Sanity:
Do your research. If you use an online provider, know that some are more reputable than others. Before you toss GLP-1s in your cart alongside your Halloween decorations, find out exactly where the medication comes from and who to contact if something goes wrong.
Question the hype. That influencer who swears by a GLP-1? They may get paid to promote it. Burnt Toast newsletter author Virginia Sole-Smith shares that she and her boyfriend declined free GLP-1s in exchange for a grid post.
Check in with yourself. GLP-1s can bring up complicated feelings about weight and looks. If you could use support, look for a therapist or nutritionist who takes a body-neutral approach.
TOGETHER WITH RULA
Help Yourself
In a recent Instagram poll, 19% of you said cost is what’s getting in the way of taking care of your mental health, which is fair. Mental health care shouldn’t feel like a luxury purchase. Rula breaks that barrier by connecting you with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, at $15 a session on average with insurance.†
Now through World Mental Health Day on October 10, new patients who book their first session also get a $50 Taskrabbit credit‡ — because one less thing on your to-do list means more room for the appointment that matters most. Match with a therapist who gets you in minutes, and meet with them as soon as tomorrow.
Well said
“Trust your body, trust your mind, and be confident in your decisions when something feels off. “ — Simone Biles talks to theSkimm about how she puts herself first and knows when to walk away.
Live Smarter
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