Researchers reported that eating within a nine‑hour window and fasting for four hours before bedtime may help preserve cognitive function in older adults. A pilot trial enrolled 47 overweight or obese women aged 50 to 79 and assigned 26 to eat only between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. while the remaining 21 spread meals across roughly 12 hours. Both groups reduced calorie intake by about 500 calories per day for six months and lost an average of 7 kg (15 lb). Cognitive testing at the study’s conclusion showed the time‑restricted group performed better on spatial planning and problem‑solving tasks and made fewer errors on memory and learning measures, though performance on multitasking and reaction‑time tests was similar for both groups. The lead researcher, Prof. Sue Shapses of Rutgers University, described the effects as modest but said they suggest that timing of meals may aid everyday memory and reduce attention‑related mistakes. The findings were presented at Nutrition 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Maryland. The team plans larger trials to confirm the results and to explore the mechanisms, which may involve circadian rhythms, metabolism and inflammation. Prof. Wendy Hall of King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, noted that time‑restricted eating could support brain health by improving weight management, blood‑sugar control, vascular function and reducing inflammation. She cautioned that the data are preliminary and that peer‑reviewed publication is needed to determine clinical relevance.

Jennifer, a 57-year-old attorney, began using the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro in 2023 and lost 40 kilograms (88 pounds). The drug, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, is now used by millions for weight loss. She reports that while her weight has improved, her 30-year marriage has experienced new challenges. GLP-1 receptor agonists regulate blood sugar, slow digestion and reduce appetite. Prescriptions have risen sharply, with Australian use increasing almost tenfold since 2020 and U.S. use more than quadrupling. Known physical side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Some patients in online support groups report changes in sexual desire and function. A 2025 analysis of FDA data identified 185 reports of sexual dysfunction, mainly among men using GLP-1 receptor agonists. A 2025 Kinsey survey found 18% of respondents indicated increased desire and 16% reported decreased desire. Dr Terri-Lynne South, a general practitioner specializing in obesity medicine, said GLP-1s may influence dopamine pathways that affect reward seeking for substances and potentially sexual drive. Dr Mark Mellor, a bariatric physician, noted that heightened self‑confidence after weight loss could lead individuals to question their relationship satisfaction. A 2018 Swedish study of 1,958 bariatric surgery patients found higher rates of divorce or separation among couples and more frequent formation of new relationships among singles. Psychologist Glenn Mackintosh of the Weight Management Psychology Clinic said that major weight loss can disrupt established relationship routines, creating a grieving process. Experts suggest that weight loss does not cause relationship problems but can reveal pre‑existing issues, which may be addressed through communication and therapy. Jennifer’s husband asked for couples therapy after 34 years of marriage, noting that she became less physically demonstrative and more critical. She said she now holds her partner to a higher standard and is unsure whether the medication altered their marriage or simply removed a long‑standing explanation for their difficulties. She plans to continue the medication indefinitely. Jennifer said she expects to remain on the drug for life and that she and her spouse will adapt to the changes, though the future remains uncertain.