Does 'nature's Ozempic' work for weight loss? What doctors say

Plus, how a girl with a rare sun allergy found her happy place. September 24, 2024 | [VIEW IN BROWSER]( [This is TODAY] Civilians are fleeing Lebanon after hundreds were killed in Israeli missile strikes. Plus, a girl's rare condition means she has to be protected from sunlight at all times, and what to know about the trendy GLP-1 weight-loss supplements known as "nature's Ozempic."   The Latest   [Thousands are fleeing southern Lebanon as Israeli strikes have killed more than 550 people.]( Civilians are [fleeing southern Lebanon]( this morning after more than 550 people were killed in the [deadliest Israeli bombardment]( of Lebanon since Israel's 34-day war with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in 2006. The Israeli military said Hezbollah continued to launch rockets into northern Israel, vowing to continue its campaign until Israel's offensive in Gaza ends. The Department of Defense announced yesterday that the [U.S. plans to send a few dozen troops]( to the region in a few days to assist any American citizens fleeing the conflict. [Here's the latest](. [A girl, 7, is 'allergic' to UV light. But she got to play like a regular kid at a sun-proof camp.]( Adeline Tonhaeuser, 7, was born with a severe condition known as porphyria, which makes her [skin hypersensitive to the sun](. Any exposure to UV light can cause painful blistering and scarring, so Adeline can't play outside during the day and [must attend school completely covered]( in a hat, gloves, long sleeves and pants. The Wisconsin girl has struggled with isolation, but she got to play like a regular kid on a recent trip to a North Carolina camp specifically designed for children sensitive to sunlight. [Read more](. [Do GLP-1 supplements work for weight loss? What to know about so-called 'nature's Ozempic']( [GLP-1 supplements]( can be significantly cheaper than injectable weight-loss medications, leading some to refer to them as "[nature's Ozempic](." The options include [berberine](, vitamin gummies and drink mixes infused with oatmeal and tea. But do they really work? "If you can just go buy a supplement and lose 20 or 30, 40 pounds, you wouldn’t hear the end of it. It would be all over the place. But they’re not," Dr. Hans Schmidt, a bariatric surgeon, told TODAY. [Here's what doctors recommend](.   Shop TODAY   Budget-friendly deals, gift guides and more from Shop TODAY. [Amazon fall fashion finds under $50: Sweater tops, swing skirts and more]( Refreshing your wardrobe for the fall season? From a pleated skirt you can dress up or down to a go-everywhere crossbody bag, here are our favorite fashion finds under $50. [SHOP NOW](   Start TODAY   Achieve your life and health goals with easy tips. These 22 arm exercises use dumbbells, resistance bands and bodyweight movements to tone your triceps, biceps and shoulders. [READ MORE]( [GET THE NEWSLETTER](   What's For Dinner?   Allow us to do the meal-planning for you This week's Start TODAY healthy meal plan includes one-pot chicken and potatoes, baked eggs in avocado, a simple salmon dish and more. [VIEW RECIPE]( [♡ SAVE RECIPE](   Daily Delight   A little pick-me-up before you go. A [large baby penguin named Pesto]( has waddled his way into the hearts of the internet. The hearty lad is already [46 pounds at nine months old](, making him the largest penguin chick the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia has ever seen. He eats 25 fish a day and shares tender moments with his parents, Hudson and Tango, on [TikTok](. "Pesto! You bring the world so much love and joy! Thank you for existing," one fan commented. [See more photos](.   Thanks for letting us in your inbox! See you tomorrow. Written by Scott Stump | Edited by Philip Caulfield Enjoying This is TODAY? Invite a friend to[subscribe here.]( Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters Copyright © 2024 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 [MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_today) | [PRIVACY]( | [SEND FEEDBACK](