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Anti-obesity medications can normalize testosterone levels in men

Anti-obesity medications can significantly raise testosterone levels and improve health outcomes for men with obesity or type 2 diabetes, according to a new study being presented Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

Testosterone not only plays a critical role in the body when it comes to male sexual functioning, but it can also have an impact on an individual’s bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and red blood cell production. Increases in body weight and prevalence of type 2 diabetes are often associated with lowered testosterone levels, resulting in fatigue, decreased libido and quality of life.

“While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied,” said Shellsea Portillo Canales, M.D., endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. “Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.”

To test this hypothesis, researchers analyzed the electronic health records of 110 adult men with obesity or type 2 diabetes being treated with the weight-loss medications semaglutide, dulaglutide or tirzepatide and who were not on testosterone or hormonal therapy. Participants’ total and free testosterone levels were measured before and during treatment over the course of 18 months.

Along with 10% weight loss, the proportion of men with normal levels of both total and free testosterone rose from 53% to 77%. These findings indicate that anti-obesity medications also can have a positive effect on the reproductive health of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

“Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels,” said Portillo Canales. “Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men’s reproductive health.”

About Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses, and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.

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June 30, 2025
Pakistan defeat Japan to reach semi-finals of Asian girls netball championship

A Japanese player attempts to pass the ball to a teammate while Pakistani players try to intercept during the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship at Jeonju, South Korea, on June 30, 2025. — Reporter

Pakistan clinched a resounding 79-39 victory over Japan on Monday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship held in Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in South Korea.

From the very beginning, Pakistan took control of the game, maintaining a steady lead through all four quarters.

The first quarter ended with Pakistan ahead 16-9 and by halftime, they had extended their lead to 39-17.

The momentum continued as Pakistan further widened the gap to 60-26 in the third quarter, eventually sealing the match with a commanding 79-39 victory.

Standout performances came from Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Haleema, Sarina Hussain, Jasmine Farooq, Farah Rasheed, Amani, Parisa, Sumayya Ahmed and Alina, all of whom played exceptionally well and contributed to the team’s emphatic win.

Officials from the Pakistan Netball Federation, including Chairman Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz, congratulated the team on their remarkable victory against Japan, praising the players for their skill and teamwork in securing such a convincing result.

Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the championship and now sit at the top of the group with eight points.

Their next match is scheduled against the Maldives on Tuesday. The team is set to play five league matches in the group stage.

The Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 features a total of 11 participating teams and is being played from June 27 to July 4 under the supervision of the Asian Netball Federation.

The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and India.

While Group B consists of Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Japan, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

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June 30, 2025
Solar flare ‘photobombs’ ISS in unreal space photo that took precision, patience, and a lot of ice

News Desk

30 June 2025, 02:44 PM IST

Astrophotographer captures incredible image of ISS transiting the sun during a solar flare eruption.

Kardashev Dreams | Photo: instagram/cosmic_background

In a rare celestial alignment, a solar flare erupted just as the International Space Station (ISS) passed in front of the Sun, resulting in a stunning photograph by Arizona-based astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy. Captured from the remote wilderness of the Sonoran Desert, the image is being hailed as one of McCarthy’s finest works to date.

Once-in-a-lifetime moment captured in Sonoran Desert

Known for his detailed composite images of the Sun and Moon, McCarthy set out to photograph a solar transit of the ISS — a fleeting moment when the orbiting space station crosses in front of the Sun from the viewer’s perspective. What he didn’t anticipate was a solar flare erupting in the background at the precise moment of transit.

“While waiting for the ISS to transit the Sun, a sunspot group started flaring, leading to this once-in-a-lifetime shot,” McCarthy wrote on Instagram. He titled the image Kardashev Dreams, a nod to Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kardashev, who introduced the Kardashev scale to measure a civilisation’s technological progress.

“The most detailed solar transit photo I’ve ever done…I call the piece ‘Kardashev Dreams’, representing our first steps to being a much greater civilisation,” he added.

To manage the extreme desert temperatures, which soared to 121°F (roughly 49.4°C), McCarthy said he used ice packs and thermoelectric coolers to prevent his telescopes and computing equipment from overheating. “According to the thermometer in my car it was 121F outside when I got this shot. To mitigate the effects of the heat, I brought ice packs and thermoelectric coolers to help keep the telescopes and computers from overheating.”

The final image, which McCarthy described as a composite mosaic, was created by continuing to photograph the Sun after the ISS had passed. “This is a composite mosaic, as I continued shooting the Sun after the transit to fill in the entire full disc in extreme detail,” he explained. He also revealed that certain elements, including the transition into negative space, were enhanced using material from the 2024 solar eclipse.

“The negative space has some elements composited in from the 2024 eclipse to transition the chromosphere to black, which aides in telling the story of everything happening on the Sun,” McCarthy wrote.

ISS safe from solar flare, despite dramatic imagery

Though visually dramatic, the ISS, which orbits Earth at approximately 400 kilometres, was never in danger from the flare. Experts note that while solar flares can increase radiation levels and affect onboard electronics, they typically pose no immediate threat to astronauts.

The station completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 90 minutes, offering rare opportunities for photographers like McCarthy to capture it crossing the Sun or Moon. These moments last only a fraction of a second, demanding precise timing, high-end gear, and meticulous planning.

Social media erupted with praise for McCarthy’s achievement, with many calling it award-worthy. One user commented, “That’s an absolutely insane shot. Second is favourite,” while another wrote, “This gotta win an award. Where can I vote?”

A third user noted the immense skill and patience behind the image: “The average person will look at this photo and be like that’s awesome but most have no idea how much time effort and planning it took to capture this. Well done sir!”

Responding to a follower who asked how he managed to focus on two objects “billions of kilometres apart,” McCarthy replied, “Millions, not billions. They’re both infinity to the camera. After a few miles everything is, depth of field only applies for close distances while there’s still parallax.”

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June 30, 2025
Apple’s USB-C AirPods Max are $69 off ahead of Prime Day

Amazon’s Prime Day is fast approaching and the are coming through thick and fast. One that is perhaps worth your attention is a discount on Apple’s USB-C AirPods Max. The headphones have , which is a $69 discount. The deal is available for all AirPods Max colorways except purple (sorry if you were holding out for a good deal on that variant!).

This isn’t the best price we’ve ever seen for the AirPods Max. They dipped to $450 during last year’s Black Friday period. Still, it’s a solid discount for anyone looking to pick up a pair now.

Apple

Apple’s AirPods Max have dropped to $480, which is a solid discount ahead of Prime Day.

$480 at Amazon

Apple finally the AirPods Max with a USB-C charging port and new colorways last fall. Earlier this year, the company updated the headphones with some new features, but only for the USB-C model. That version of the AirPods Max now supports lossless audio and , though only in wired mode.

That update and the switch to USB-C charging are the only major changes Apple has made to the AirPods Max, which still otherwise . Even so, the headphones deliver high-quality audio with good active noise cancellation.

We gave the original version of the headphones back in 2020. At the time, the lack of high-res music streaming was one of our main misgivings, but that has since been resolved. Another major negative for us was the price, though this offer mitigates that issue.

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June 30, 2025
WestJet and Saudia announce interline agreement unlocking enhanced international connectivity to more than 100 destinations

WestJet and Saudia announce interline agreement unlocking enhanced international connectivity to more than 100 destinations

WestJet guests to gain single-connection access to multiple points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time

CALGARY, AB, June 30, 2025 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced a new interline partnership agreement with Saudia, significantly enhancing global connectivity across both carriers’ networks. The agreement includes single-connection access to Jeddah via Toronto Pearson as well as both Jeddah and Riyadh from London Heathrow and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle.

“An interline partnership with Saudia marks a major step forward in expanding global connectivity for our guests,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “This agreement not only provides WestJet guests with seamless single-connection access to Saudia’s extensive global network but also strengthens inbound tourism and business links. Together, WestJet and Saudia are creating more convenient and diverse travel options for guests on both sides, fostering stronger connections and collaboration across continents.”

Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said, “We value the partnership with WestJet, it reflects Saudia’s commitment to offer our guests more destinations through key international gateways. Canada is now closer than ever, and we are also offering a seamless journey for travellers from Canada to explore Saudi Arabia and experience its unique culture, heritage, and hospitality.”

The agreement was signed by Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, and John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet.

Guests can now book a single ticket with a connected itinerary between WestJet and Saudia’s networks with single point check-in and through-checked bags. Bookings will be available through a travel agent or third-party ticket sales websites.

About WestJet
WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada’s leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians.

Learn more about WestJet at westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are (also available in French) 

Follow WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet   
Follow WestJet on X at x.com/westjet and x.com/WestJetNews   
Follow WestJet on Instagram at instagram.com/westjet/   
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet   

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

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June 30, 2025
Study finds patients with interrupted GLP-1 access still achieve significant weight loss

Popular anti-obesity medications continue to be effective for weight loss even when availability and access is interrupted, according to a study being presented by a private weight-loss company Monday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

“Patients taking GLP-1 treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide often face challenges consistently accessing their medications due to supply shortages or insurance coverage obstacles,” said Kaelen L. Medeiros, M.S., director of data and research at privately held weight-loss company Calibrate in New York, N.Y. “While unpredictable GLP-1 medication access is frustrating, the good news is that our research shows effective weight loss can still be achieved if paired with appropriate lifestyle changes and coaching support.”

Researchers looked at how interruptions to GLP-1 medication access impacted weight-loss outcomes in real-world patients taking part in a commercial metabolic health program that also included intensive lifestyle intervention. Participants followed an intensive lifestyle change curriculum that emphasized the four pillars of metabolic health: food, exercise, sleep and emotional health, while receiving one-on-one health coaching.

The study reviewed records for 6,392 participants who had at least one month of GLP-1 access and completed at least one year in an obesity and overweight care program. Of these participants, 72.5% experienced at least one disruption in their GLP-1 treatment and 11.1% had multiple disruptions. Participants received an average of 8.13 GLP-1 fills during the first year of research and 15.25 fills during the second year.

After 12 months, participants who faced access issues achieved 13.7% weight loss in 12 months and 14.9% in 24 months. Those without treatment interruptions had 17% weight loss in 12 months and 20.1% in 24 months. Those who received only 1 to 4 treatments over 12 months also achieved clinically significant weight loss, with more than 10% change in body weight on average.

“Given the often-unpredictable availability and shifting insurance coverage associated with anti-obesity medications, it’s important that patients understand the significant impact that lifestyle changes and coaching paired with treatment can have on their health outcomes,” Medeiros said.

While findings indicate that significant weight loss is still possible for those with inconsistent access to GLP-1 medications, Medeiros said the results found that a consistent medication course combined with lifestyle changes and support remains the most effective weight-loss program option.

About Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses, and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site at www.endocrine.org. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheEndoSociety and @EndoMedia.

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June 30, 2025
U.N. nuclear watchdog says Iran could enrich uranium again in ‘a matter of months’

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog says Iran could begin enriching uranium again within months following an attack by the U.S. military on three of its facilities earlier in June.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. office that inspects countries’ nuclear programs to ensure compliance with nonproliferation agreements, made the comments in an interview recorded Friday and aired on Sunday by CBS’s Face the Nation.

“They can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that,” he said.

Grossi said he believed the facilities that were hit by U.S. bombs suffered severe but not total damage, and added that Iran had other means of achieving its nuclear goals.

“Iran had a very vast ambitious program, and part of it may still be there, and if not, there is also the self-evident truth that the knowledge is there. The industrial capacity is there. Iran is a very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology, as is obvious,” he said.

President Trump said shortly after the strikes that the U.S. had “totally obliterated” Iran’s three main nuclear facilities, and other administration officials have echoed a similar assessment of the mission’s success.

But a preliminary report by the Defense Intelligence Agency suggested Iran’s nuclear facilities may have only suffered “limited” damage, setting back the nuclear program by months.

On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that report was a “preliminary, low-confidence report that will continue to be refined” and called the U.S. operation a “a ”historically successful attack.“

Grossi told CBS that it was possible Iran could have moved canisters of enriched uranium before the attack to a secret offsite location. The IAEA previously reported that Iran had a stockpile of over 400 kilograms — or nearly 900 pounds — of highly enriched uranium.

But President Trump reiterated in an interview aired on Fox News Sunday morning that he believes that wasn’t the case. ”First of all, it’s very hard to do. It’s very dangerous to do. It’s very heavy, very very heavy,“ Trump said.

Trump said he believed the attacks also caught Iran by surprise — particularly the strike on its underground Fordo facility. ”And nobody thought we’d go after that site, because everybody said, ‘that site is impenetrable.’“

Grossi said it was important for the IAEA and Iran to resume discussions, and for international inspectors to be able to continue their work in the country. ”We have to go back to the table and have a technically sound solution to this,“ he said.

Copyright 2025 NPR

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June 30, 2025
Bryan Mbeumo might stay at Brentford amid Man City interest, say club

Brentford are in “constant dialogue” with forward Bryan Mbeumo and it is “not impossible” he will stay, says director of football Phil Giles.

Cameroon international Mbeumo is the subject of serious interest from Manchester United, who have had two offers for the striker rejected – the second of which was worth up to £62.5m.

Mbeumo, 25, wants to join United and is understood to have told the west London club that.

Speaking on Monday, Giles told BBC Sport there had been “not so much” progress regarding a potential deal.

“He had a fantastic season,” he said. “We expected big interest in him, we have had big interest in him.

“He has his ideas about where he wants to take his career. He is well within his rights to do that.

“It is not impossible he is still a Brentford player next season if we agree he is going to stay.”

Giles said Mbeumo would only be sold if it was “the right deal” for Brentford.

“Any club will tell you that,” he added. “If it’s not right deal, why would we do it?

“He is certainly one of our best players, if not our best player, and we need our best players. There’s no harm in keeping your best players.”

Meanwhile, Giles also confirmed captain Christian Norgaard was close to joining Arsenal.

BBC Sport revealed last week the two Premier League clubs had agreed a fee – believed to be up to £15m inclusive of add-ons – for the Denmark midfielder.

“We have been in conversations with Arsenal for the last week to 10 days,” said Giles. “As it stands it hasn’t been completed yet but it is heading in that direction.

“If that happens for him then fantastic, he’s earned it. He’s been a brilliant captain for us.

“Let’s see how that story ends but we are pretty open about that interest there.”

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June 30, 2025
BBC Verify Live: Verifying video from Gaza after wave of Israeli air strikes

Construction activity visible at Iran’s bombed Fordo nuclear facilitypublished at 10:34 British Summer Time

Kayleen Devlin and Benedict Garman
BBC Verify

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows heavy construction equipment operating at the Fordo nuclear facility in Iran – one of the sites targeted by the US military.

Images from 29 June show an excavator and crane at the top of a newly constructed access road close to an area targeted by the American bunker-busting bombs. Further down the mountainside, a bulldozer and lorry are visible.

Construction vehicles are also working at the entrance to the site and at a bombed building on the east side of the complex – both of which were damaged in Israeli strikes the day after the US attacks.

According to nuclear weapons expert David Albright, who analysed imagery of the same site taken on 28 June, the construction work may include backfilling the craters, carrying out engineering damage assessments and radiological sampling.

Following the US strikes President Donald Trump said they had “obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on Friday that Iran could resume uranium enrichment “in a matter of months.”

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June 30, 2025
PCB appoints Azhar Mahmood as red-ball head coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach for the Men’s cricket team.

The former assistant coach will hold the position until the end of his current contract, according to a statement issued by the PCB on Monday.

Azhar Mahmood, a seasoned cricket professional, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having served as the assistant head coach of the national team, he is well-versed in the team’s strategies and operations, the statement added.

The PCB also stated that his experience extends beyond coaching, with a distinguished career in international cricket and a successful stint in the English county circuit.

“Mahmood’s red-ball credentials are highlighted by two County Championship titles, showcasing his leadership skills, tactical insight, and dedication to the sport,” it said.

The PCB is confident that his expertise will contribute significantly to the team’s continued growth, performance, and discipline on the international stage.

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June 30, 2025