An experimental weight-loss medication was shown to help people lose nearly 25% of their body weight in early-stage 1a/2b trials.

The drug, amycretin — developed by Novo Nordisk — works by replicating two hunger hormones — amylin, which regulates appetite and creates a feeling of fullness, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), the same hormone that is used in Ozempic and Wegovy to suppress appetite and boost insulin secretion.

“Amycretin is the first treatment to harness the two distinct biological pathways stimulated by amylin and GLP-1 in a single molecule,” Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president and head of development at Novo Nordisk, previously said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

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In the study, which included 125 overweight or obese adults, participants who received weekly injections of amycretin lost more weight than those who took a placebo, according to a press release from Novo Nordisk.

Those who got the highest doses (up to 60 mg) lost up to 24.3% pounds after 36 weeks, compared to just 1.1% for the placebo group, per the release.

A previous phase 1 trial of the oral (pill) version of amycretin also showed that treatment was “safe and tolerable,” with an “observed reduction in body weight” compared to placebo, the company stated.

Taking the pill once a day led to around 10% weight loss, and those who doubled the dose lost 13%.

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Another benefit the researchers highlighted is that people taking amycretin did not appear to hit a “weight-loss plateau,” continuing to shed pounds as long as they took it.

“The lack of weight loss plateauing indicates the possibility of achieving further weight reductions with extended treatment,” Agnes Gasoirek, a senior clinical pharmacology specialist at Novo Nordisk, wrote in the phase 1 study findings.

Novo Nordisk presented the latest findings at the American Diabetes Association in Chicago on June 22. ((Photo by LISELOTTE SABROE/Scanpix Denmark/AFP via Getty Images))

Novo Nordisk presented the latest findings at the American Diabetes Association in Chicago on June 22; they were also published in the medical journal Lancet.

“We are pleased with the promising results of amycretin and the feedback from regulatory authorities and are excited to advance both subcutaneous and oral versions of this molecule into phase 3 development for weight management,” said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk, in the release. 

“Amycretin is the first treatment to harness the two distinct biological pathways stimulated by amylin and GLP-1 in a single molecule.”

“These results reflect our robust pipeline in obesity, [and] our focus on progressing scientific innovation and expanding the range of options available to patients and healthcare professionals.”

The most common side effects of amycretin, similar to other GLP-1s, were gastrointestinal symptoms — primarily nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite.

Adverse events were “mild to moderate” in severity, according to researchers. More frequent doses resulted in greater side effects.

It’s important to monitor these side effects closely, experts advise, as GI issues are common among patients with obesity. 

“Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that requires a comprehensive, long-term approach,” a doctor said. (iStock)

“While the initial weight-loss outcomes are indeed encouraging, further studies are needed to ensure that the therapeutic benefits consistently outweigh the potential risks, especially with long-term administration,” Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, director and chief of bariatric surgery at the NYU Langone Weight Management Program, previously told Fox News Digital.

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While GLP-1-based drugs — including this new experimental pill — may show promising results, Ren-Fielding, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that they’re “not a cure-all for obesity.”

“Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that requires a comprehensive, long-term approach,” she said at the time.

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“Pharmacological treatments can play a significant role in managing the condition, but they are often most effective when combined with other interventions.”

Next, Novo Nordisk plans to prepare for phase 3 trials of the medication, in both oral and injectable forms, for the management of obesity.

Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older. 

Around 11% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all of their teeth, according to 2020 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — and that number rises to one in five at age 75 and older.

But according to experts, this isn’t inevitable. Dental professionals shared the following tips to prevent tooth loss and boost overall health.

1. Protect gum health

About two in three adults over age 65 are dealing with some form of gum disease, according to a recently published AARP report.

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Clinical experts cited in the report, including Dr. Uchenna Akosa, assistant professor and director at Rutgers Health University Dental Associates in New Jersey, warn that bleeding gums can signal a much deeper problem. 

“Even if you have not lost any teeth, gum disease impairs your ability to chew hard food,” Akosa told AARP. “That will affect your nutrition and can put you at risk of malnutrition in the future.”

Left untreated, gum disease can also destroy the bones that hold teeth in place and may interfere with nutrition and chewing.

Gum disease is also a source of chronic inflammation in the body, which can contribute to dementia risk, studies have shown. A meta-analysis of about 34,000 people found that older adults who had lost all of their teeth had a 1.4 times greater risk of developing dementia, as cited by AARP.

The publication also points to previous research linking gum disease to other health risks, such as heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Around 11% of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 have lost all of their teeth.

Experts recommend focusing on early prevention. If your gums bleed when brushing, or if you notice sensitivity or recession, those are signs to schedule a dental visit. 

Regular professional cleanings and checkups can catch gum problems before they lead to tooth loss or other health effects.

People who had lost all of their teeth had a 1.4 times greater risk of developing dementia, according to the AARP. (iStock)

AARP reports that switching to an electric toothbrush, brushing twice daily for two minutes and using a water flosser are all effective ways to protect gum health.

Dr. David Frey, a cosmetic dentist at Your Perfect Smile in Beverly Hills, California, said that he often recommends water flossers – particularly the Sonic-Fusion by Waterpik – to older patients.

“It’s especially valuable for patients with arthritis, limited mobility or trouble using traditional floss,” Frey told Fox News Digital.

2. Take steps to prevent dry mouth

Saliva plays an essential role in neutralizing acids and protecting tooth enamel, but dry mouth affects nearly six in 10 older adults, according to AARP.

Many common medications — including antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs — can reduce saliva production, making the mouth more prone to tooth decay, infection and gum disease, WebMD states.

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To prevent dry mouth, AARP recommends sipping water regularly, rinsing the mouth after eating, asking your dentist about prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, and using dry mouth rinses like Biotene or Act.

3. Personalize your dental visits

Contrary to the standard six-month checkup rule, AARP notes that dental care schedules should be personalized. 

One doctor in the report noted that there’s “nothing magical about a six-month checkup” — some people may only need to go once a year, while others, especially those with chronic conditions, may need more frequent visits.

The recommended frequency of dental visits is not one-size-fits-all, according to AARP. Some people may only need to go once a year, while others, especially those with chronic conditions, may need more frequent visits. (iStock)

Oral health issues in older adults often go unnoticed, especially those related to bite alignment, according to Frey.

“Bite-related issues are often an overlooked source of headaches and neck pain,” he told Fox News Digital. “The public simply hasn’t been informed that tension, misalignment and jaw dysfunction can manifest in ways that seem unrelated at first glance.”

Evaluating bite position and jaw health can sometimes reveal the root causes of chronic discomfort, Frey noted.

“When I combine 3D imaging with a close exam of the teeth — worn surfaces, tiny fractures and chipping — it often reveals that the muscles around the head and neck aren’t in harmony with the bite.”

4. Explore options for financial help

Only three in 10 adults over 65 have dental insurance, per the American Dental Association, and Medicare typically doesn’t cover cleanings, fillings or other routine procedures.

Many common medications can reduce saliva production, making the mouth more prone to decay, experts say. (iStock)

This financial gap often leads people to skip dental care altogether, which can cause more serious (and expensive) problems in the future.

AARP suggests looking into dental savings plans, local dental schools or sliding-scale community clinics if coverage is an issue.

5. Adopt healthy habits

Smoking is a major contributor to tooth loss. 

CDC data shows that smokers are up to three times more likely to lose all their teeth than non-smokers. 

CDC data shows that smokers are up to three times more likely to lose all of their teeth than non-smokers. (iStock)

And while sugary cough drops or hard candies may seem harmless, they can be damaging to tooth enamel over time, experts warn.

Switching to sugar-free gum or candies containing xylitol may help prevent cavities and support better oral health, Akosa told AARP.

6. Restore appearance

One of the biggest misconceptions about aging and dental health is that worn, discolored teeth are something to simply accept, according to Frey.

“It’s not just about revitalizing the teeth — it’s about revitalizing the person.”

“A delicate, thin porcelain veneer can restore the vitality, color and shape your teeth once had, enhancing your smile and overall appearance,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“And it’s not just cosmetic — it’s about restoring health, confidence and proper function.”

AARP reports that switching to an electric toothbrush, brushing twice daily for two minutes and using a water flosser are all effective ways to protect gum health. (iStock)

According to Dr. Frey, “It’s not just about revitalizing the teeth — it’s about revitalizing the person.”

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For those looking to brighten their smile, Erin Fraundorf, founder of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in St. Louis, recommends seeing a dentist before trying any whitening treatments, per the AARP report.

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“In-office treatments remain the safest, most effective option, while professional-grade take-home kits and OTC products can be great for maintenance,” Fraundorf said.

Kris Jenner — known as the “momager” of the Kardashian-Jenner empire — has made headlines in recent weeks for her more youthful appearance, sparking rumors of a possible deep plane facelift.

A representative for Jenner confirmed to another outlet that Dr. Steven Levine of New York City performed Jenner’s recent work, but did not specify the type of procedure. (Fox News Digital reached out to Levine and Jenner for comment.)

Dr. Patrick Davis, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon, said that Jenner appears “youthful and natural,” which is the hallmark of a “well-performed procedure.” 

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“It is difficult to comment specifically on what technique was performed, though in some fashion, the structural elements of her face were lifted to reset her skin tissues,” Davis, who has not treated Jenner, hypothesized in an interview with Fox News Digital. 

“She has a healthy-looking distribution of fat contributing to this new look, which could potentially be the effect of a fat transfer in addition to a facelift.”

Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, agreed that Jenner has gotten an “incredible result” from what “appears to be” a deep plane facelift.

Traditional vs. deep plane facelift

With a standard or traditional facelift — also known as a SMAS facelift, or a Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System facelift — the surgeon makes incisions behind the hairline and around the front of the ear, lifting and tightening the deeper tissues and muscles and then removing excess skin.

This can eliminate wrinkles, sagging skin and the “jowl-like” effect, achieving a more youthful contour of the face and neck, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

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Davis said most of his education and training has focused on deep plane facelifts.

“A deep plane facelift involves a wider dissection under the structural elements of the face, which then allows the surgeon to reset a greater proportion of facial tissues,” Davis said.

“The benefit of this technique is that a more natural, vertical reset can be achieved — and more importantly, the tissues re-attach themselves in a broader way, allowing for a more durable result.”

Kris Jenner is seen at Nobu on June 7, 2025, in Malibu, California. Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, agreed that Jenner has gotten an “incredible result” from what “appears to be” a deep plane facelift. (Getty Images)

It’s important to choose a facelift that is right for the patient and that falls within the surgeon’s expertise, Davis noted.

“In those patients who have had multiple facelifts in the past, it could be wise to perform a simpler SMAS facelift with less dissection, as the tissues have been manipulated in the past,” he advised.

Risks and recovery

Any elective or non-elective surgery carries some degree of risk, experts agree.

“In any given surgery, there is a risk of infection, nerve damage, or bruising and swelling,” Davis cautioned. “These are minimized based on the surgeon’s experience and the frequency with which they perform the procedure.”

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It is important that the surgeon goes over these risks with the patient in person, according to Davis. 

Because the deep plane technique involves a more extensive dissection of tissues under and around facial nerves, Kaplan cautioned that the biggest risk is facial paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent.

“A deep plane facelift involves a wider dissection under the structural elements of the face, which then allows the surgeon to reset a greater proportion of facial tissues,” a surgeon said. (iStock)

“It’s a newer variation that requires a greater understanding of the anatomy to be successful,” he said.

Davis tells his patients that a deep plane facelift has a typical recovery time of about six months for full results, though many can return to work and other functions within three to four weeks. 

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“These procedures are not debilitating — however, there is some cosmetic downtime, which varies from patient to patient,” he noted.

In Kaplan’s practice, he encourages most patients to be out and about two weeks after surgery.

“They may still have some bruising, but it’s typically in the lower neck or upper chest at that point and can be covered,” he said.

When opting for a facelift, it’s important to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in facelifts of deep SMAS tissue, doctors agreed. (iStock)

Various factors can affect a patient’s recovery timeline, the experts say. Some, like genetics, can’t be controlled.

“Other things, however — like a low-salt diet, exercise, lymphatic massage, hyperbaric oxygen treatments and keeping up with proper post-op care — are within our control,” Davis said.

Most surgeons will have the patient wear a head and neck compression garment for two weeks, Kaplan noted. 

“In general, the patient should not be in a great deal of pain — if they are, that can actually be a sign of a hematoma (bleeding under the skin),” he said. 

What to discuss before surgery

When opting for a facelift, it’s important to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in facelifts of deep SMAS tissue, doctors agreed. 

Before undergoing a facelift, Davis emphasized the need for the patient to share as much detail as possible about his or her medical history, lifestyle and aesthetic goals. 

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“When we have consultations with prospective clients, we want to know more about their diet, lifestyle, support system and any health conditions that may affect a surgery,” he said.

Kaplan noted that it’s important to tell the surgeon if you’re taking any GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as they may ask you to pause them a week prior to surgery.

Before undergoing a facelift, it’s important for the patient to share as much detail as possible about his or her medical history, lifestyle and aesthetic goals, a surgeon advised. (iStock)

The most important things to ask a prospective surgeon, according to Davis, are where they put their incisions, how they close their incisions, details about their individual technique, and any information that provides better insight into their background, experience and frequency with which they perform that specific procedure. 

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“You want to find a surgeon who has extensive knowledge in facial plastic surgery and can provide their patients with tidy incisions that are well-hidden,” he advised. 

“Most of all, it is important that you are comfortable with your surgeon, as they will not only be with you for the procedure, but will be by your side on the recovery journey.”