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Pens used in obesity treatment have become common, but the cost of these medications prevents many Brazilian citizens from accessing them. According to Deutsche Welle (DW), this financial barrier particularly affects lower-income populations, who ironically are the ones suffering most from the disease.

Patients who cannot maintain treatment risk abandoning it or resorting to illegal products. Currently, no weight loss medication is available in the Unified Health System (SUS).

Recent data from Vigitel, provided by the Ministry of Health, indicates that 25.7% of adults in Brazil struggle with obesity. This condition can trigger other serious complications, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

The most modern drugs demonstrate superior efficacy compared to older methods. While previous treatments resulted in a loss of 5% to 10% of body weight, medications that mimic GLP-1 action, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, can promote a reduction of up to 17%. With tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, this index can reach 22%.

However, access remains restricted. A survey conducted by NielsenIQ Brazil revealed that the pens are present in approximately 5% of Brazilian households, and in 84% of these homes, the medications generate a high or moderate financial impact on the monthly budget.

Concern over Inequality in Access

For endocrinologist Paulo Miranda, coordinator of the International Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SEBM), the disparity in access represents a global issue. He emphasizes the need for these medications to be included at an affordable cost for the public who would benefit from these treatments.

The reduction of semaglutide patents allowed new manufacturers to enter the market and contributed to price decreases. In June, the first national pen with this active ingredient, Ozivy, manufactured by EMS, was launched in retail. Furthermore, five other semaglutide-based medications obtained approval from Anvisa.

The Ministry of Health assures that increased competition should result in a significant drop in prices. Experts point to possible reductions of up to R$ 1 thousand per month in certain treatments.

However, tirzepatide remains more expensive. Treatments with Mounjaro cost between R$ 1,500 and R$ 3,000 monthly. Rachel Teixeira, an endocrinologist, warns that if the cost is prohibitive, it is better not to start the treatment, as suspension tends to cause weight to return to the initial level. She also warns that managing obesity should not be seen merely as a temporary expense.

Obesity control requires more than just medication; nutritional counseling and physical exercise are also part of the therapeutic plan and can increase total costs. Bruno Gualano, president of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP), points out that access to a healthy lifestyle is also unequal.

Due to the lack of resources for continuous treatment, some people end up buying pens of illicit origin. Anvisa condemns this practice, as there is no guarantee regarding the origin, purity, transport, or storage of these items.

It is concluded that, according to experts, expanding access to treatments is fundamental to preventing patients from being trapped between high pharmaceutical costs and the danger of irregular products.

A case of food poisoning has occurred in the Saharsa district of Bihar state. More than one hundred people felt unwell after eating prasad prepared during the Satyanarayan worship in Sardikha village, in the Madhya Tola area of Simri Bakhtiyarpur.

The sick include women, men, and children. The mass illness caused panic throughout the village. According to available information, a worship of the god Satyanarayan was held in the village on Thursday evening, after which residents consumed the prasad. Villagers claim that the deterioration of health began gradually the next day.

Initially, some people experienced discomfort, but soon many started complaining of vomiting and diarrhea. While villagers tried to understand what was happening, dozens of people suddenly fell ill in the area. Due to constant vomiting and diarrhea, the condition of many people began to worsen.

After it became known about the large number of cases, anxiety increased among the residents, and they notified the local health department. A medical team was dispatched to the village.

Local residents reported the situation to a medical worker at the Simri Bakhtiyarpur district hospital. Upon receiving the report, the medical team arrived in the village and began treating the victims in Madhya Tola, Sardikha.

The medical team is visiting homes, examining, and treating patients. Special attention is being paid to the condition of those whose health has deteriorated the most. Some villagers are also seeking treatment outside the village.

The health department team is monitoring the entire situation following the mass illness. Currently, the main complaint among the population is vomiting and diarrhea. Residents link the health deterioration to consuming the prasad during the worship.

This incident did not affect any single age group; a large number of villagers, including women, men, and children, fell ill. According to the villagers, many who consumed the prasad began experiencing health problems the very next day.

An atmosphere of fear descended upon the village after news of the disease spread. Residents exchanged information about each other's health. The arrival of the medical team brought relief to the affected families, and medical workers continue to provide assistance to the patients.

Currently, the health department team is in the village, observing the development of the situation. An investigation into the cause of the sudden illness of a large number of people is underway. According to the villagers, the deterioration of health began specifically after consuming the prasad during the worship.

Currently, many people use various cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance, but dark circles under the eyes can spoil the overall impression. Dark circles can significantly diminish facial attractiveness, especially if a person suffers from lack of sleep, spends a lot of time in front of screens, or feels severe fatigue.

To reduce this problem, expensive creams and serums are often used, but the desired result is not always achieved. If you are tired of buying expensive products, this information offers a natural home remedy.

The article discusses how potatoes, which are available in the kitchen, can help combat dark circles. Potatoes contain nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin care.

Causes of dark circles under the eyes

Some mistakenly believe that lack of sleep is the only cause of dark circles. However, this is not true. The skin under the eyes is very thin, causing blood vessels to become visible, which gives this area a dark tint. Furthermore, dark circles can be exacerbated by genetic traits, aging, allergies, fatigue, the habit of rubbing one's eyes, and prolonged sun exposure. Thus, the causes can vary among different people.

Benefits of potatoes for the skin

Potatoes contain components such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and niacin. Vitamin C participates in the process of collagen production in the skin, while other compounds and antioxidants found in potatoes contribute to skin care. Potatoes also have a cooling effect, which can help reduce puffiness and eye fatigue.

Nevertheless, it should be remembered that one should not place too much hope on the effect of this method, and a doctor's consultation may be necessary for deep or long-standing dark circles.

Ways to use potatoes to fight dark circles

1. Using cold potato slices: Raw potatoes must be thoroughly washed and sliced thinly. After chilling in the refrigerator, close your eyes and apply these slices to the area under the eyes or to closed eyelids for 10–15 minutes. Cold slices help soothe tired skin around the eyes.
2. Applying potato juice with a cotton pad: Raw potatoes need to be grated and squeezed for juice. Then, lightly moisten a cotton pad with this juice and apply it to the lower part of the eyes for about 10 minutes. Afterward, wash your face with clean water. It is important not to let potato juice get into the eyes or onto the edges of the eyelids.
3. Potato paste: A paste can be made by mashing cooked potatoes and adding a small amount of honey. This mixture should be applied in a thin layer to the skin under the eyes and left on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. When applying, ensure the mixture does not get into the eyes, and rinse immediately with clean water if irritation occurs.

Important: If dark circles persist for a long time, relying solely on folk remedies is insufficient. It is crucial to maintain a sufficient sleep schedule, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and protect the skin from the sun. When going outside, it is recommended to use sunscreen and avoid frequent eye rubbing.