Feeding your children with powdered milk and cereals may make them significantly vulnerable to the risk of diabetes later in life, warned health experts on Wednesday, ahead of World Diabetes Day. 

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14, and the theme this year is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”.

India is known as the diabetes capital. The country is home to an estimated 77 million people with diabetes and 25 million prediabetic.

Besides environment and genes, lifestyle factors play a huge role in the onset and progression of the disease. And it begins from the womb, said experts.

“If we reduce sugar intake during pregnancy and early life, we are reducing the risk of diabetes, blood pressure, and other metabolic diseases later in life,” Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, told IANS.

“Our bodies get programmed according to the environment that we are in utero. These are epigenetic phenomena, which are added on to our genetic predisposition, especially during intro uterine life,” he added.

A recent study, published in the journal Science, showed that children who were in the womb or born during times of sugar restrictions during their first 1,000 days after conception had up to 35 per cent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

While exposure to limited sugar before birth was enough to lower risks, continued sugar restriction after birth increased the benefits, revealed the study.

“The role of processed diets, mainly powdered milk, and cereals, in a baby’s early nutrition loaded with refined sugars and carbohydrates is known to take a toll on the child’s metabolic health. Early exposure to such ingredients may spike blood glucose in later life,” Dr Shashank Joshi, Consultant Endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, told IANS.

“Processed diets including powdered milk and cereals contain sugar. Nutrition during early infancy and childhood can impact our propensity to develop metabolic disorders later in life. Hence, consumption of processed food including powdered milk and cereals could contribute significantly to the development of diabetes and other metabolic diseases later in life,” added Mithal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no processed diet including powdered milk and cereals for babies and added sugars for children up to 2 years is advisable.

“After six months, when solid foods are introduced, it’s essential to be mindful of sugar’s impact on the child’s body. Children over the age of 3 should avoid added sugars entirely,” Joshi said.

“This means no sweetened snacks or drinks, as even natural sources like fruit juices can contribute excess sugar that’s not necessary at this stage,” he noted.

The experts said fresh fruits can satisfy children’s sweet cravings while also providing vital nutrients and fibre.

They also advised parents to avoid giving sugary treats such as snacks, candies, pastries, chocolates, and ice creams to the children right from the beginning. This will help the kids to avoid sugar or eat in lower quantities.

It is better to keep a tab on the child’s sugar consumption to ensure he/she doesn’t eat too much sugar. Instead, introduce children to healthier options such as dates, dry fruits, and fruits in controlled proportions, the experts noted.

November 14 is observed as World Diabetes Day and the day aims to raise awareness about high blood sugar or diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a “chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves”. It’s important, doctors say, to be aware of the risk of diabetes and it’s crucial to tackle the problem as early as possible.

Even before you develop diabetes, there’s a stage called pre-diabetes. Dr Dheeraj Kapoor, Head of Endocrinology, Artemis Hospitals, shares, “Prediabetes is often referred to as the grey zone between normal blood sugar and diabetes; it has become a growing health threat, of which most people have never heard of. Its presence does not always result in Type 2 diabetes, but silent progression has instilled worry among people regarding serious complications, such as heart diseases, strokes, and kidney problems. Moreover, as it remains largely unreported; therefore, one needs to know the early warning signs and preventive measures for its development.”

Early Warning Signs Of Prediabetes

Many of those who have prediabetes have no symptoms. “There are, though, some minor warning signs that may suggest high risk, such as darkened skin in the areas of the neck and elbows, called acanthosis nigricans, which is associated with insulin resistance. The other would be constant fatigue, wherein you feel tired even though you have had enough sleep,” shares Dr Kapoor. Some other symptoms to watch for would be sudden weight gain, particularly around the abdomen region. “These symptoms can be quickly dismissed, but they may translate to your body not effectively managing blood sugar. Early detection of these conditions helps prevent the advancement to type 2 diabetes,” Dr Kapoor adds.

World Diabetes Day: Tips To Prevent Prediabetes

Pre-diabetes is prevented by lifestyle changes. “Diets that have less refined sugar and processed food are rather indispensable. Food fibre, lean proteins, and healthy fats help in keeping blood sugar stable. Regular exercise, including brisk walking or resistance training, is a good agent of weight management alongside taking good care of the insulin response,” says Dr Kapoor. He adds, “Another essential is weight control. Literature shows that a reduction of 5-7% in body weight can drastically decrease the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Controlling blood sugar is also necessary, particularly when there is a family history of diabetes or you are overweight. In short, early detection and some preventive steps can control the condition of prediabetes. Awareness and timely intervention would prevent the serious complications that take shape with this silent but dangerous condition.”

Chhath Puja, a significant Hindu festival, involves rigorous fasting and offering prayers to the Sun God. For people with diabetes, this period can be challenging, as fasting and changes in routine may affect blood sugar levels.  

Dr. Akash Shah, Consultant Pathologist at Neuberg Diagnostics, offers expert advice on how to manage diabetes during Chhath Puja to stay safe while observing the festival. Dr. Shah emphasizes that “fasting periods, altered eating habits, and physical exertion may impact blood sugar levels.”  

Here are tips for managing diabetes and the key health tests to consider: 

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider 

Dr. Shah recommends consulting your doctor before beginning the fast. This allows your healthcare provider to offer personalized guidance based on your health condition, medical history, and current medications. They might suggest modifications to the fasting approach or, in some cases, recommend avoiding fasting altogether to prevent drastic blood sugar fluctuations. 

2. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly 

According to Dr. Shah, regular blood sugar monitoring is essential during fasting. He advises checking blood sugar levels before, during, and after the fast. This helps in identifying any significant fluctuations that may require immediate action, such as consuming food or adjusting medication as prescribed by your doctor. 

3. Stay Hydrated 

Dr. Shah underscores the importance of staying hydrated, as dehydration can worsen diabetes symptoms. Even if you are fasting, it is vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day. “If allowed, try herbal teas or coconut water, which can help maintain hydration and support electrolyte balance,” he suggests. 

4. Opt for Nutrient-Dense Foods 

For individuals who can consume food at specific times, Dr. Shah advises focusing on low glycemic, nutrient-dense options. He suggests whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, while avoiding sugary Prasad and high-carb foods, which can cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. 

5. Avoid Overexertion 

Since Chhath Puja involves standing for prolonged hours during prayers, Dr. Shah cautions against overexertion. Physical stress can affect blood sugar, so take breaks as needed and pay attention to your body’s signals. 

Recommended Health Tests for Diabetics During Chhath Puja 

Dr. Shah recommends a few essential health tests for individuals with diabetes to ensure they are in optimal health before observing Chhath Puja: 

HbA1c Test: This test indicates average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Dr. Shah recommends this test to understand how well blood sugar is managed. 

Kidney Function Test: Since diabetes can impact kidney health, Dr. Shah suggests checking kidney function through serum creatinine and urinalysis tests, especially before fasting. 

Electrolyte Level Test: Fasting may alter electrolyte balance. Dr. Shah advises monitoring sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels to maintain proper balance. 

By following these expert-backed tips and keeping up with regular health tests, individuals with diabetes can safely participate in Chhath Puja and manage their health effectively 

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, brings a joyous season of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. For those managing diabetes, however, Diwali’s spread of sweets and snacks can pose a challenge. Fortunately, with some mindful strategies and a bit of planning, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your health. Here’s how to control diabetes and navigate the temptations of Diwali sweets.

1. Set Clear Limits on Sweets

Moderation is Key: Diwali may tempt you with an array of sweets, but it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation. Choose one or two of your favorite treats instead of sampling everything, and aim for smaller portions.

Choose Healthier Sweet Options: Traditional sweets like barfi, gulab jamun, and laddu are often high in refined sugar. Opt for sugar-free or low-sugar versions, which many stores now offer.

2. Try Homemade Diabetic-Friendly Sweets

Use Natural Sweeteners: When preparing sweets at home, you can replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. These options keep the blood sugar spike in check and allow you to enjoy your favorite treats guilt-free.

Incorporate Whole Ingredients: Use ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut flour to create wholesome sweets. These foods are low on the glycemic index and help provide a sense of fullness while stabilizing blood sugar levels.

3. Eat Balanced Meals Before Attending Festive Gatherings

Prioritize Proteins and Fiber: Having a protein- and fiber-rich meal before heading to a Diwali celebration can help control your appetite. Foods like lentils, chickpeas, vegetables, and lean proteins keep you feeling full and help stabilize blood sugar.

Avoid High-Carb and Sugary Snacks: While Diwali snacks like samosas, kaju katli, and jalebi are tempting, try to limit your intake of these foods, which can spike blood sugar. Instead, go for protein-rich snacks like roasted chickpeas or homemade chaat.

4. Stay Active During the Festivities

Take Short Walks: Aim to stay physically active by taking a short walk after meals, which can help manage blood sugar spikes. Encourage family members to join for a festive evening walk, making it both a bonding and a healthy activity.

Incorporate Diwali Chores: If you’re involved in cleaning or decorating, consider it part of your fitness routine. Activities like hanging lights, setting up decorations, or cleaning contribute to burning calories and controlling blood sugar.

5. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly

Track Your Levels: During Diwali, keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, especially if you’re indulging in sweets. This will allow you to adjust your eating habits or medication if necessary.

Carry Emergency Snacks: Keep some nuts, seeds, or a small protein bar on hand, especially if you’re going to a gathering. These snacks can help prevent blood sugar dips or spikes, ensuring you maintain stable energy throughout the day.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Choose Low-Sugar Options: If you plan to drink alcohol, stick to lower-sugar options like dry wine or spirits mixed with soda water, avoiding sugary cocktails and mixers.

Set a Limit: Moderation is important, as alcohol can interfere with blood sugar control. Set a limit of one or two drinks and have water in between to stay hydrated.

7. Practice Mindful Eating

Enjoy Each Bite: Diwali is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Savor each bite slowly and mindfully, which can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions.

Be Conscious of Emotional Eating: Diwali can be a highly social time, leading to snacking out of habit or emotion rather than hunger. Before reaching for another treat, check in with yourself to see if you’re genuinely hungry.

(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by  qualified medical professionals.)

 

 

 

 

Apple Inc., seeking to make further inroads in health care, tested an app this year to help people with prediabetes manage their food intake and make lifestyle changes, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The company tested the service on select employees earlier this year, part of its broader push into blood-sugar features, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is secret. Though Apple doesn’t have plans to release the app, the company may eventually integrate the technology into future health products, including a noninvasive glucose tracker that it’s been developing for more than a decade.

The employees involved in the test needed to validate that they were prediabetic with a blood test. That means they don’t currently have diabetes but may be at risk of developing the Type 2 version of the disease. As part of the test, they actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market and then logged glucose-level changes in response to food intake.

The idea behind the system is to show consumers how certain foods can affect blood sugar — with the hope of inspiring changes that could ward off diabetes. For instance, if users logged that they ate pasta for lunch and that their blood sugar spiked, they could be told to stop eating the pasta or switch to protein.

The study was intended to explore the possible uses for blood-sugar data and what tools the company could potentially create for consumers. For now, though, the app test has been paused to let Apple focus on other health features. A company spokesperson declined to comment.

Makers of devices that treat conditions associated with diabetes slid after the report was published Friday, though they soon rebounded. Insulet Corp., which makes insulin pumps, fell as much as 4.7%. Glucose monitor maker Dexcom Inc. dropped as much as 5.3% before bouncing back, and Tandem Diabetes Care Inc. slid as much as 3.4%. Apple, meanwhile, rose about 1% to $232.45.

The work indicates that glucose tracking and food logging could be two important areas of expansion for Apple in the future. The company’s current health app lacks features for logging meals, a contrast with rival services. The research could also lead to Apple integrating third-party glucose tracking more deeply into its offerings.

The research wasn’t directly tied to Apple’s longstanding effort to build a no-prick glucose monitor, but it could ultimately help inform how the company handles that project. The noninvasive checker is one of Apple’s most ambitious health initiatives. The idea is to analyze a person’s blood without pricking the skin — a potentially groundbreaking advance in the fight against diabetes.

Apple often uses employee studies to get health features ready for public launches. It took a similar tack with its hearing aid and sleep apnea detection features for AirPods and the Apple Watch. The Cupertino, California-based company has multiple labs on its campus for testing health features.

The glucose studies were highly secretive — even compared with Apple’s previous projects — and employees required specific vetting from managers before they could partake in the program. Several medical and nondisclosure agreements were also required to participate.

Today, glucose-testing systems typically require a blood sample, often through a finger prick. There also are small shoulder-worn patches from Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom that are less cumbersome — though they still require insertion into the skin.

About 15 years ago, Apple set out to create something less invasive. The project — dubbed E5 — was so under-the-radar at the start that Apple created a subsidiary dubbed Avolonte Health LLC to operate it. That unit was eventually moved to Apple’s hardware technologies group and is now run by a deputy to the company’s head of silicon chips.

Last year, Bloomberg News reported that Apple had made headway on the project and believed it was finally on track to eventually commercialize the technology. But an actual product is still years away. Before the company can shrink down the sensor enough to fit in a smartwatch, it is working on an iPhone-sized prototype. And even with that format, Apple has run into challenges with miniaturization and overheating.

The system uses lasers to shoot light into the skin and determine how much glucose is in the blood. Though Apple hopes to eventually provide specific blood-sugar readings, the initial version will likely be designed to just notify users if they may be prediabetic.

Apple is taking a similar strategy with new sleep apnea notifications, which can tell smartwatch wearers if they may have the condition. An upcoming hypertension detection feature will work in much the same way.

© 2024 Bloomberg LP

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Apple Inc., seeking to make further inroads in health care, tested an app this year to help people with prediabetes manage their food intake and make lifestyle changes, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The company tested the service on select employees earlier this year, part of its broader push into blood-sugar features, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is secret. Though Apple doesn’t have plans to release the app, the company may eventually integrate the technology into future health products, including a noninvasive glucose tracker that it’s been developing for more than a decade.

The employees involved in the test needed to validate that they were prediabetic with a blood test. That means they don’t currently have diabetes but may be at risk of developing the Type 2 version of the disease. As part of the test, they actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market and then logged glucose-level changes in response to food intake.

The idea behind the system is to show consumers how certain foods can affect blood sugar — with the hope of inspiring changes that could ward off diabetes. For instance, if users logged that they ate pasta for lunch and that their blood sugar spiked, they could be told to stop eating the pasta or switch to protein.

The study was intended to explore the possible uses for blood-sugar data and what tools the company could potentially create for consumers. For now, though, the app test has been paused to let Apple focus on other health features. A company spokesperson declined to comment.

Makers of devices that treat conditions associated with diabetes slid after the report was published Friday, though they soon rebounded. Insulet Corp., which makes insulin pumps, fell as much as 4.7%. Glucose monitor maker Dexcom Inc. dropped as much as 5.3% before bouncing back, and Tandem Diabetes Care Inc. slid as much as 3.4%. Apple, meanwhile, rose about 1% to $232.45.

The work indicates that glucose tracking and food logging could be two important areas of expansion for Apple in the future. The company’s current health app lacks features for logging meals, a contrast with rival services. The research could also lead to Apple integrating third-party glucose tracking more deeply into its offerings.

The research wasn’t directly tied to Apple’s longstanding effort to build a no-prick glucose monitor, but it could ultimately help inform how the company handles that project. The noninvasive checker is one of Apple’s most ambitious health initiatives. The idea is to analyze a person’s blood without pricking the skin — a potentially groundbreaking advance in the fight against diabetes.

Apple often uses employee studies to get health features ready for public launches. It took a similar tack with its hearing aid and sleep apnea detection features for AirPods and the Apple Watch. The Cupertino, California-based company has multiple labs on its campus for testing health features.

The glucose studies were highly secretive — even compared with Apple’s previous projects — and employees required specific vetting from managers before they could partake in the program. Several medical and nondisclosure agreements were also required to participate.

Today, glucose-testing systems typically require a blood sample, often through a finger prick. There also are small shoulder-worn patches from Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom that are less cumbersome — though they still require insertion into the skin.

About 15 years ago, Apple set out to create something less invasive. The project — dubbed E5 — was so under-the-radar at the start that Apple created a subsidiary dubbed Avolonte Health LLC to operate it. That unit was eventually moved to Apple’s hardware technologies group and is now run by a deputy to the company’s head of silicon chips.

Last year, Bloomberg News reported that Apple had made headway on the project and believed it was finally on track to eventually commercialize the technology. But an actual product is still years away. Before the company can shrink down the sensor enough to fit in a smartwatch, it is working on an iPhone-sized prototype. And even with that format, Apple has run into challenges with miniaturization and overheating.

The system uses lasers to shoot light into the skin and determine how much glucose is in the blood. Though Apple hopes to eventually provide specific blood-sugar readings, the initial version will likely be designed to just notify users if they may be prediabetic.

Apple is taking a similar strategy with new sleep apnea notifications, which can tell smartwatch wearers if they may have the condition. An upcoming hypertension detection feature will work in much the same way.

© 2024 Bloomberg LP

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

In a major breakthrough, Chinese scientists found a clinical cure for type 1 diabetes after carrying out a world-first procedure to transplant islet cells in a female patient that reverses the major disease.

She was injected with stem cells harvested from her own body, according to clinical research published on Wednesday in the journal Cell, which also quoted the procedure of the Chinese doctors as a possible clinical cure for type 1 diabetes.

The first of its kind, stem cell therapy, was performed by medical scientists from Tianjin First Central Hospital, Peking University, Changping Laboratory and Hangzhou Reprogenix Bioscience.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the more severe forms of the major disease in which some people’s own immune system starts attacking their pancreas, as early as their childhood, damaging the islet cells responsible for making insulin.

Until now, any long-term cure for the condition has been via transplantation of a pancreas, and in the short term most type-1 diabetes patients rely on insulin injections to control blood sugar.

Emerging studies over the last decade have pointed to a potential cure using stem cells, which have the special ability to grow and differentiate into different types of cells, Independent UK reported.

Scientists previously developed a breakthrough procedure in which a type of stem cell, which can be nurtured and grown into any tissue, is used to replace tissues in the body.

The new medical trial, described in the journal last week, involved first extracting cells from a 25-year-old female patient from Tianjin, China, and reverting them to their unspecialised state.

The patient, who had type 1 diabetes for 11 years, was completely dependent on insulin treatment and suffered from poor blood sugar control.

After the transplant of islet cells derived from chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSC-islets), she regained the capability to autonomously regulate her blood sugar.

“Traditional islet transplant therapy can alleviate these problems,” Wang Shusen from Tianjin First Central Hospital, one of the corresponding authors of the paper, was quoted by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

Shusen added that the therapy has shown clear progress as an alternative treatment strategy, but a shortage of pancreas donors means its application is limited.

Seventy-five days after the transplant, she became insulin independent and has remained insulin injection-free for over a year. All her diabetes-related indicators have reached the levels of a healthy person, confirming the clinical cure of this type 1 diabetes patient, the report added.

The researchers said that the procedure “restored glycemic control” in the patient, functionally reversing her type-1 diabetes over a year. They added that there was “no indication of transplant-related abnormalities.”

However, the patient had to be monitored for a long duration to validate the effectiveness of the method, the researchers cautioned. They added that the patient was already receiving drugs to suppress her immunity due to a prior liver transplant.

The scientists also called for further clinical studies assessing the benefits of stem cell transplantation in reversing type 1 diabetes.

CNN
 — 

Now that the Fall-Winter 2023 catwalks have been disassembled, it’s clear one trend was more pervasive than any collective penchant for ruffles, pleated skirts or tailored coats.

Across runways in New York, London, Milan and Paris, there was a notable scarcity of plus-size models. This comes at a time when there are five injectable medications which can be used as appetite suppressants currently available by prescription in the US, stirring much conversation; a sixth medication, Rybelsus, is taken as an oral pill. Two are officially approved in the UK — the largest influx of weight loss medication seen in the country in almost a decade.

In recent months, injectables such as Wegovy and Ozempic — which share the same active ingredient, semaglutide — have been widely reported as Hollywood’s worst-kept weight loss secret. (Ozempic is intended for use primarily to treat Type 2 diabetes.) Comedian Chelsea Handler claimed her “anti-aging doctor just hands (Ozempic) out to anybody” while appearing on a podcast in January. Even Elon Musk tweeted last year about being on Wegovy.

For many fashion commentators and diversity advocates, the Fall-Winter 2023 runways were in sharp contrast to the (albeit limited) progress and heady promise of recent seasons. This rollback has been widely criticized in the style media as such. And its potential impact is being assessed more broadly: With the rise of these weight loss panaceas, the pursuit of size zero is now just a prescription away.

In 2020, Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser became the first models outside of a sample size to walk for the Italian fashion house Fendi. (Traditionally, a sample size falls between a US 0-4.) British label Erdem entered the plus-size market in 2021, extending its offering to a UK size 22 (or US size 18). And in January 2022, Valentino made headlines after its haute couture show featured a broad spectrum of body types. But this season, there was a visible lack of curve bodies on their runways — or many others.

Fendi and Valentino did not respond when contacted by CNN, while Erdem declined to comment.

According to fashion search engine Tagwalk, the number of mid and plus-size models dropped by 24% in comparison to Spring-Summer 2023. Similarly, a size inclusivity report conducted by Vogue Business found that 95.6% of all looks presented for Fall-Winter 2023 were in a size US 0-4. For context, industry market firm Plunkett Research estimated in 2015 that 68% of American women wear a size US 14 or above.

“It was a definitive backslide,” said IMG model agent Mina White, who represents plus-size and curve supermodels including Elsesser and Ashley Graham. “It was frustrating to see some of these designers not using curved bodies where they had in the past.” Fendi and Valentino did not respond when contacted by CNN, while Erdem declined to comment.

“Watching somebody like Ashley Graham attend the front row for so many of these major houses in full looks (provided by the designer), it was frustrating,” White continued. “They wanted to utilize her image and her social following to command a certain space in the market, but they didn’t want to be reflective on their runways.”

For others, even the term “backslide” was too generous. “Slipping back from… what? A glorious time when the average American woman (size 16) was as present on the runways as she is in everyday life? A time when fashion ads cast as many ‘plus-size’ and ‘mid-size’ women as ‘straight-size’ women?” fashion journalist Amy Odell wrote in her Substack newsletter of this past season’s runways. “No one needed any data to understand that representing a wide array of body shapes and sizes in runway shows or in fashion imagery is not a priority for the industry.”

That said, a handful of — mostly smaller — brands pushed ahead this season. In London, emerging labels Di Petsa, Karoline Vitto and Sinead O’Dwyer showcased lineups of size-diverse models. Inclusivity at Christian Siriano, Coach, Kim Shui, Collina Strada and Bach Mai stood out in New York; while in Paris, Belgian brand Esther Manas — a consistent flag-bearer for size diversity — staged one of the city’s most refreshing runways with an assortment of fun, sensual, feminine looks that complimented a range of bodies.

There was also a smattering of mid- and plus-size castings to be seen elsewhere: Off-White and Michael Kors, for example, featured a few such models. At Harris Reed’s debut for Nina Ricci, Precious Lee opened the show — which also featured three more plus- and mid-size models.

Fashion samples and sample size pieces are one-off garments made before an item is mass-produced, typically to be worn during runway shows. Prioritizing the same body type in sample sizes means runway models are more easily interchangeable, saving fashion houses time and money if someone were to drop out or get sick during or after the casting process for a show.

It’s also partly why, according to White, casting curve models is still an uphill battle. She says she introduces brands to new faces months in advance of runway season, with their specific measurements up-top and easy to read in all correspondence. “I want to be ahead of that,” White said. “So I’m never told ‘Oh, we wanted to make it work, but we didn’t have her size’ or whatever that conversation might look like.”

But despite her efforts, she says she’s frequently told it’s too much of a “financial lift” to make larger samples — even by legacy brands. “I get very upset when brands say that,” White said. “I don’t believe that it is, I believe that it’s people not being properly educated on how to do this right.”

Beyond the lack of representation, White notes it’s painful for plus-size consumers to watch brands leverage resources to create custom, made-to-fit pieces for celebrities — all the while claiming the pot is empty for more inclusive runway samples.

London-based stylist and editor Francesca Burns agrees sample sizes are part of the problem. In 2020, Burns went viral after she posted on Instagram about a fashion job gone wrong. She says she was sent five looks to style from Celine, none of which fit the size UK 8 (US 4) model booked for the shoot— an 18-year-old on her first job in the business. The experience left her “horrified,” Burns told CNN, recalling what she saw as the model’s shame and embarrassment. “Looking into this girl’s eyes,” Burns said, “she shouldn’t have felt like that.”

Burns’ post, which called the current system “unacceptable,” was picked up widely in the fashion media. (When reached by CNN, Celine declined to comment on the incident.) “Ultimately, the desire to see change has to be there,” Burns said. “And I wonder whether luxury has that desire?”

Progress has been slow, but not entirely inexistent. Across fashion campaigns, magazine covers and editorial shoots, there is a growing enthusiasm for inclusivity. “I see the options rolling in for the plus-sized talent, and they’re great offerings,” said White. “Great, strong editorials and covers and campaigns. But I do feel like without the clothes, we are going to go back to see more naked curve stories, or lingerie curve stories or a curve girl in a trench coat. That’s what I don’t want.”

For British Vogue’s April issue, unveiled March 16, Elsesser, Lee and Jill Kortleve were dubbed “The New Supers.” Preceding the cover story is a letter written by editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful commending the models for “leading the way” and holding “powerful space” in the industry.

“Catwalks are once again under scrutiny for a stark lack of body diversity,” read the magazine’s Instagram caption, unveiling the cover. “But this cover was not conceived as a statement. It is a crowning of an all-powerful trio, the supermodels for a new generation.”

But many online were quick to point out the disconnect: Two of the Saint Laurent Spring-Summer 2023 dresses were modeled by plus-size women, though they are not available to buy in most plus sizes.

In his own social media post, Enninful wrote about his disappointment at the Fall-Winter 2023 runways. “I thought I had gotten into a time machine. Show after show dominated by one body type, so many limited visions of womanhood… one prescribed notion of beauty prevailed again, and it felt like the reality of so many women around the world were being ignored.”

But for White, the power rests within the entire industry — not just at the feet of brands. “I really do believe there should be an industry standard between the (Council of Fashion Designers of America), the British Fashion Council and key editors at some of these major mass market magazines,” she continued. “If there was a call-to-action from these figureheads saying, moving forward samples need to be readily available for a few different body types, we would see significant and impactful change.”

Burns agrees there must be a trickle-down effect. “I think a lot of responsibility is put on young designers to solve all these issues around sustainability or issues around body inclusivity,” she said. “It’s important that the big powerhouses, which have the capacity to action change, really take some responsibility.”

On March 8, Wegovy — developed primarily as a treatment for those living with obesity and weight-related conditions — was approved in the UK. It’s the second injectable weight management medication to be made available with a prescription via the country’s National Health Service (NHS) in about 3 years, after almost a decade of quiet. Before 2020, the last weight loss medication was approved in the UK was in 2010.

Similarly, the US has now approved three weight management injections: Wegovy, Saxenda and IMCIVREE. Medications for type-2 diabetes like Mounjaro and Ozempic are not FDA-approved for weight loss, though some doctors are issuing them at their own discretion.

While these medicines are a revolutionary tool for those who struggle to lose weight for genetic or medical reasons, they are at risk of being abused.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, was originally developed for treating type-2 diabetes. It quells hunger signals to the brain by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). “It can slow how quickly your stomach empties out and may give you a little more feeling of feeling full,” said Dr. Robert Lash, an endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer of the Endocrine Society in Washington, D.C. In clinical trials, over a period of 68 weeks, participants who used the medication in conjunction with eating fewer calories and increasing their physical activity on average lost around 15% of their body weight compared to 2.4% of those using a placebo, according to the manufacturer Novo Nordisk.

On March 13, the European Medicines Agency issued a statement warning of an Ozempic shortage that could continue through the year, urging doctors to prioritize prescriptions to diabetics. “Any other use, including for weight management, represents off-label use and currently places the availability of Ozempic for the indicated population at risk,” read the release.

Patients typically need a BMI of 27 or higher (along with another weight-related condition like high blood pressure or diabetes) or have a genetic predisposition towards obesity to be prescribed such appetite suppressant medication by their doctor. But talk of these injectables has been sweeping the West. In January, the New York Times reported on the term “Ozempic Face,” coined by a New York-based dermatologist who reported treating several patients with a hollowed-out appearance that can come with rapid weight loss. By the end of February, the medication had made it to the cover of New York Magazine in a feature titled “Life After Food?” Adverts for GLP-1 injections are even blanketing New York City subway stations.

And across social media, online forums and private group chats, some people looking to lose weight for primarily aesthetic purposes are searching for a way to skirt the requirements.

“I was just looking for a way to lose a few pounds, like 10 to 15 at most,” said one 30-year-old American woman, who wished to remain anonymous, in a phone interview. She scoured social media and forums for guidance on securing a weight loss drug. “I’m certainly a normal BMI, I just have a trip to Mexico coming up and I want to look really good,” she said.

Although she says she found a way to access Wegovy, she decided against the medication after considering the cost (which can reach more than $1,000 a month without insurance). “I’ve always very much fit the societal standard but lately I was just like f*ck it, I want to be skinny,” she told CNN.

Dr. Lash emphasized the importance of taking weight loss drugs only with medical supervision and a valid prescription. “If somebody was a normal weight and they took this drug because they thought they could be even thinner than they are now, that could lead to complications,” he told CNN, warning of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even gallbladder problems. “These drugs are not benign, they do have side effects involving the GI tract. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

Every body is invited

Fashion has long promoted size 0 as the ultimate virtue — regardless of its viability for many people, or any health risks. And now with the accessibility of accelerated weight loss medication, the stakes are even higher. For Burns and White, the industry is responsible for amplifying a new, more inclusive vision of beauty.

“There’s a very archaic way of looking at women over a size 16 and just assuming that they’re unhealthy or uneducated or unstylish. Or don’t have the resources to buy into luxury,” said White. “The reality is the same women these brands are alienating in their fashion space are the same women running out to buy their handbags, shoes, perfumes, cosmetics and skincare.”

Not only do designers need to create clothes with this consumer in mind, according to White, but they need to be seen on the runway, too.

“It shouldn’t be a conversation. It should just be normalized that we’re not just looking at a single view of beauty,” echoed Burns.

Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, whose bridal-inspired Fall-Winter 2023 collection was one of this season’s most size-diverse runways, summarized it best in their accompanying show notes: “The body is not the subject. Because, obviously, at a wedding, everybody is invited. And all to the party. That is where the designer duo Ester and Balthazar take their stand.”