“Ozempic butt” is here

On days when I’m in the office, I work at a standing desk. When I’m home? It’s not uncommon for me to be lying on the couch. Forget “tech neck,” this is a full-on goblin spine — and turns out, it’s tanking my mood, my energy, and (sorry, boss) even my work.

And while “perfect posture” is a myth, there are definitely reasons to be more upright (better circulation, respiration, bladder function, and better brainpower, to name a few). 

Here’s how I’m attempting to unfurl: 

• Trying this quick test to see if my “normal” stance is actually a hunch.

• A “wall angel" for all my posture sins.

• Don’t have your grandma following you around, rapping your back with a ruler? A posture corrector can be the nudge you need.

• Your sleep habits may be messing with your spine. Here’s what to know.

— Anna “5' 9" When I Try” Davies, writer

Standard planks? So American. Enter: the “Copenhagen plank” — a twenty second international kick in the butt for your workout routine.

“Crack an egg on your head, the yolk drips down.” Meet the ASMR spas that are turning creepy camp chants into big business.

Matcha shortage making you nervous? This supercharged tea is ready to be your new fall little treat.

These five tests can tell you how fast you’re aging. And major congrats if you can do three perfectly.

We thought we’d seen it all… but then we saw “quadrobics.” And you may want to expand your workout attire from your usual leggings + tank.

The antidote to endless scrolling? “Junk journaling.”

“Social jet lag” is one reason you might feel like this week is absolutely crawling — here’s how to perk up. 

This common gel manicure is now illegal in the EU. Will the same rules be coming for the US?

Open your phone, dip into the group chat, or head to brunch — it’s nearly impossible to avoid GLP-1s. Serena Williams is repping them, your go-to restaurant might be rewriting its menu, and “Ozempic butt” has become a thing.

So, what’s actually in these drugs? GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone your body naturally makes to help regulate blood sugar and appetite. The meds (Ozempic is the main character but you’ve heard of Zepbound and Wegovy) mimic that hormone to slow digestion, sending signals to the brain to curb hunger, and steady blood sugar.

Aren’t these meds super expensive? It depends on your insurance coverage. Recently, many drugmakers have capped prices at $500 per prescription for cash pay… which adds up to $6,000 a year. Some providers also offer “compounded” versions (aka a custom-mixed drug), but those come with their own risks.

What about potential side effects?. There are a lot, including some head scratchers like “Ozempic babies.” There’s also nausea, fatigue, and, in rare cases, vision loss and eye problems. And while the shot shrinks your appetite, it can also shrink muscle mass, leaving you at risk of diseases like osteoporosis in the future.

Also being studied… Researchers are curious about seemingly positive impacts of the drug on everything from heart health to helping treat addiction disorders like alcoholism.

And let’s talk about “microdosing.” Not just for mushrooms, now, folks are taking smaller, often off-label doses of the drug  to maintain weight, curb late-night snacking, or get an “extra edge.” But microdosing is an experimental, technique and comes with risks.

If you feel conflicted about GLP-1 everything… You’re not alone. GLP-1s spark strong opinions about body image, access, and what “healthy” even means.

For Your Sanity:

• Talk with your doctor. If you're curious about a prescription, be upfront about your full health history, including mental health. If you struggle with body image, a therapist can also help you sort through your feelings. Online platforms vary in expense and medical access. Here’s how to sort through your options. 

• Don’t expect a magic shot. Nutrient-dense foods + movement still matter to protect muscle and keep results sustainable. 

• Listen to your gut. Your body isn’t a group project and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Just can’t quite get on board with the “at least it’s caffeinated” coffee offered at work? No need for a quick latte run. Instead, add a pinch of salt to your brew. It can tamp down the bitterness and bring out any fruit flavors in “meh” coffee, making the coffee taste less “sad breakroom pot” and more “cute corner café.” But beware: Using this trick on the good stuff might mess with flavors you already like.

You’re washing your hands a million times a day. Turn rinse and repeat into rinse and reward with these soaps. They clean, yes, but they also smell amazing, look chic on your sink, and turn a boring rinse into a tiny moment of self care. Here are the ones worth a permanent spot on your counter…

Click here for the full list of the best hand soaps on the market.

You’re washing your hands a million times a day. Turn rinse and repeat into rinse and reward with these soaps. They clean, yes, but they also smell amazing, look chic on your sink, and turn a boring rinse into a tiny moment of self care. Here are the ones worth a permanent spot on your counter…

Click here for the full list of the best hand soaps on the market.

If you think you could benefit from working with a registered dietician, this nutrition platform makes it easy to connect with one that'll support your health goals.

If you're prone to migraines, this relief cap might help. It's filled with squishy gel that you stick in the freezer for cooling relief, and the wraparound style covers every affected area. Not a silver bullet, but it's handy to have in your medicine cabinet.

Gone are the days when you need to spend a ton to get quality workout clothes. We've been really impressed with Old Navy's activewear line. Everything we've tried is super-soft, fits great, and doesn't break down in the wash.

Ocean sounds. Country twilight. If you’ve cycled through every sound on your machine and you’re still staring at the ceiling at 2 am, it might be time to try binaural beats. These sound waves sync with your brain waves to make you more receptive to sleep.

The Binaural Beat Method for Better Sleep by wellness expert Sadie Nardini walks you through what binaural beats are, plus how to build a bedtime routine with gentle stretches, calming meditations, and an 8-hour playlist designed to carry you through the night. The course is pay as you wish, learn more here.