DEAR READERS: The news that insurance companies will not cover the cost of Ozempic for people using the drug to lose weight is a major concern, since obesity can lead to serious health issues -- including diabetes, for which Ozempic is primarily intended. The FDA has approved Ozempic only for those who have diabetes.
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According to the CDC, 41.9% of U.S. adults had obesity from 2017 to March 2020, which was an increase from 30.5% in 2000. We clearly have an obesity epidemic in the U.S., as do many countries, in humans as well as in cats and dogs. Diabetes, too, is worryingly common in dogs and cats, especially those fed cheap, high-carbohydrate kibble. (For details, see my book, co-authored with two other veterinarians, “Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat and Dog Food.”)
What we have learned from our animal companions on this issue is not to consume highly processed convenience foods, many of which are obesogenic and diabetogenic, but rather whole foods, ideally USDA Organically Certified. People should also avoid beverages high in sugar and “empty” calories.
Establishing a health-promoting gut microbiome with whole foods, prebiotics and probiotics will improve the bacterial population in our digestive systems and those of our animal companions. Our microbiomes play essential roles in digestion and overall health and well-being. Plant-based diets for humans and dogs are showing greater health benefits than conventional, meat-based diets, probably because of improved microbiome diversity. Some beneficial bacteria break down dietary fiber into nutritious short-chain fatty acids, while others produce serotonin, the deficiency of which is linked to depression.
In sum, there would be no need for highly advertised and profitable drugs like Ozempic if consumers were better educated, especially in childhood at school, about good nutrition and food sourcing/preparation -- which would also benefit the animals they keep and feed.
I voiced concerns some time ago about Pfizer’s weight loss drug for dogs, Slentrol (dirlotapide). It blocks the absorption of dietary fat (which may not be the primary cause of obesity in dogs in the first place -- rather, it is likely a high consumption of carbohydrates and a lack of exercise), and could therefore prevent the uptake of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients, with detrimental health consequences. Risks to humans taking this drug to lose weight are discussed in the study “Dirlotapide, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved first-in-class obesity drug for dogs -- Will humans be next?” by David Klonoff, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, May 2007.
DEAR DR. FOX: What is your opinion of this article, headlined "Top Study: Carbon Emissions CANNOT Cause 'Global Warming'"? (source: slaynews.com) -- R.E., Washington, D.C.
DEAR R.E.: In my opinion, it is partially right. I say “partially” because the authors say nothing about the acidification of rainwater by the carbon dioxide-saturated atmosphere and its harmful consequences, nor do they make mention of methane and nitrous oxide, which trap heat. Given those omissions, this limited article descends to the level of disinformation.
The warming of the oceans is feeding more intense storms and tornadoes. The jet stream and Atlantic deep current are becoming erratic, and when combined with a high-moisture-content lower atmosphere, there are more intense rains in some areas and droughts in others. Catastrophic flooding is becoming more frequent in many parts of the world, while unrelenting droughts occur in others. Both kill many people and animals, and lead to famine for millions.
Without the collective will of nations to address pollution and the climate crisis, the ultimate biological corrective of massive human depopulation -- compounded by war -- will be inevitable.
ANOTHER STATE BANS DECLAWING OF CATS
A Virginia law prohibiting veterinarians from declawing cats (with some exceptions) is set to take effect in July. Instances in which the procedure would be allowed include recurring infections or injuries of claws, nail beds or toe bones that put the animal’s health at risk. (Full story: WGHP-TV, High Point, North Carolina; April 17)
The routine declawing of cats should be prohibited in all states, and veterinarians need to step up and educate cat owners. Cats need their claws! They use them for purposes of self-grooming, stretching and scent-marking. It is up to cat owners to accommodate their scratching needs in their homes. For more details, see my article here: drfoxonehealth.com/post/declawing-cats.
(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxOneHealth.com.)