fat

Comedian Michael McIntyre admits turning to fat jabs after wife ordered him to lose weight when doc told he was obese

COMIC Michael McIntyre has admitted turning to fat jabs after his doctor told him he was obese.

The 5ft 5ins star said wife Kitty ordered him to start after the medic ticked him off for being 100kg (15st 10lbs).

Michael McIntyre playing padel at the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic.
Michael McIntyre, pictured in May, has admitted turning to fat jabs after his doctor told him he was obeseCredit: Getty
Michael McIntyre at the 69th BFI London Film Festival.
The comedian looked thinner this monthCredit: Splash

McIntyre, 49, said he first used Ozempic before switching to ­Mounjaro and the weight dropped off in only three weeks of injections.

The dad of two, who has long struggled with his weight, made the admission to an audience in London.

He joked: “Have you noticed how tiny I am? I have lost weight.

“Don’t applaud it because there is a little bit of cheating that has gone on.”

Read More on MICHAEL MCINTRYE

KITTED OUT

Inside Michael McIntyre’s marriage to his wife Kitty


BIG TOW

Moment fuming Michael McIntyre gets £200,000 Mercedes TOWED on posh London street

McIntyre who once lost 7kg (14lbs) at a £2,000-a-week clinic, confessed that he did not want to use appetite suppressants but Kitty insisted.

He also blamed his problem on eating his kids’ leftovers.

On his trip to the GP, he told fans: “The ­doctor told me I weighed 100kg.

“He told me I was ‘obese’. How rude. He said, ‘It’s a medical term’.”

McIntyre, whose new series of The Wheel started last night on BBC One, also declared that his weight-loss success will “fall apart” if he ever eats something sweet again.

Other stars who have admitted taking fat jabs include Jeremy Clarkson, 65, James Corden, 47, and US model Chrissy Teigen, 39.

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Natalie Cassidy says getting £100k for ‘scary’ 4st weight loss DVD ‘damaged’ her but says why she’ll never take fat jabs

EASTENDERS star Natalie Cassidy claims she was “damaged” by doing her fitness DVD, which saw her pocket £100,000 for shedding four stone.

The actress – who quit playing soap favourite Sonia Fowler in April after 32 years – was offered a bumper pay cheque to release two weight loss DVDs in 2007.

A woman in a green midi dress and brown handbag stands in a hallway.

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Natalie Cassidy has opened up about how her weight loss DVD ‘damaged’ herCredit: INSTAGRAM/@natcass1
Natalie Cassidy wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone.

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Natalie shared her thoughts on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcastCredit: YouTube
Natalie Cassidy's "Then & Now Workout" fitness DVD cover showing her before and after weight loss.

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Natalie was offered a bumper pay cheque to release two weight loss DVDs in 2007Credit: Amazon
Natalie Cassidy wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone with "Happy Mum Happy Baby" on it.

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Natalie told host Giovanna, pictured, that it is a ‘scary’ world when we ‘think about what we look like all the time’Credit: YouTube

Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher on her Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Natalie, 40, opened up about the damaging effect the weight loss deal had on her. 

Host Giovanna said: “I know that in the years to come you do find yourself in a place where you are completely comfortable with your body.”

Natalie, who has been promoting her new book Happy Days, replied: “I am but I think it damaged me doing that.

“Well I still would look in the mirror and go ‘oh I could be this, could be that.’

“But I think that is just us today.

“I just think it’s what we’re seeing all the time as women and men, but as women, I think it’s a scary world when you think about what we look like all the time.”

The soap actress opened up about signing up to do the DVD at a vulnerable time – and said she regrets her decision.

She added: “I’d lost mum at 19 so all of that weight stuff was happening through all of that time.

“Silly decisions were being made, shouldn’t have done that, not the right guidance.

“It’s a silly thing to do but if someone says ‘here’s £100,000 you want to lose some weight?’ I was like ‘yeah, I’ll take that’.”

EastEnders’ Natalie Cassidy reveals she has finally ‘forgiven herself’ over horrific family loss

Natalie said losing weight for the DVD left her “worse off” with her body.

She explained: “It took a turn for the worse, I put loads of weight on very, very quickly afterwards, if not more.

“I think I just ate loads and then I started taking laxatives at some point.

“And you know I would never say I had an eating disorder, I’m very fortunate to say that, but you know I think if I had carried on with laxatives and this and that, who knows where I’d be.”

Natalie said that raising her daughters Eliza, 14, and Joanie, eight, helped her snap out the cycle. 

She said: “I think because you’re not the be all and end all. You have those kids and that’s it. You forget about yourself.

“All you worry about, all you focus on is if they’re well cared for, their dinner, what they’re eating, what they’re wearing, are they sleeping. that that was my focus and  the idea of worrying about what I look like kind of fell to the wayside.”

Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler from EastEnders, arms crossed, wearing a striped tank top and jeans.

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Natalie, who plays Sonya in Eastenders, shared how she was offered the DVD when ‘silly decisions were being made’Credit: BBC

DIET PILL RUMOURS

However, attention on her weight has not eased up over the years.

Just last year, Natalie, who has been with her BBC cameraman fiance Marc Humphrey since 2014, was forced to deny she used diet pills to lose weight.

Her fans were targeted by scams online and the actress took to her social media to clarify that she recently lost her weight by cutting out treats.

The actress previously told The Sun: “I cut out rubbish. I cut down on alcohol too, even though I love white wine.”

“Alcohol is full of hidden calories, which all add up when it comes to a person’s daily limit.”

WEIGHT LOSS JABS

On the podcast, she denied using weight loss jabs too.

Natalie explained: “I’ve never gone through any injectable route. 

“I’ve not done Botox before or lip filler. I just haven’t. So to inject something, I’m just scared of it.”

Giovanna, 40 – mum to Buzz, 11, Buddy, nine, and Max, six – gave her own views on weight loss jabs and admitted that they have come up on her radar. 

It’s a silly thing to do but if someone says ‘here’s £100,000 you want to lose some weight?’ I was like ‘yeah, I’ll take that’

Natalie Cassidy

The wife of McFly’s Tom Fletcher, explained: “Only because I’ve had people going and doing it in a way where it’s almost discussed in a way that they’re trying to encourage you to do it.

“I’m like, I don’t want to do that. No, I’m not interested.

“It feels so bizarre to go from ‘this is me’ to a ‘let’s change myself’, and for what? 

“I don’t think anyone would like me more if I’m skinny. 

“I don’t think anyone would love me more. I don’t think I’ll be happier. 

“I think it would do the opposite.”

Giovanna Fletcher attends the British Podcast Awards.

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Giovanna Fletcher opened up about her views on weight loss jabsCredit: PA

What are the side effects of weight loss jabs?

Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.

Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:

Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.

Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.

Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.

Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.

Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.

Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.

Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.

Serious side effects can also include:

Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.

Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.

Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.

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My sex life is on fire after I turned to fat jabs… but intimate side effect left my lover limp

Illustration of "Dear Deidre After Dark" text with hands pulling back a curtain.

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DEAR DEIDRE: FAT jabs have put a rocket up my sex life and I’ve been enjoying more attention than I’ve had in years.

I’ve lost four stone, look younger, feel far more confident and my ex who left me because ‘I’d let myself go’ has started flirting with me again.

But there is one side effect that no one is talking about and the last man I had sex with admitted it’s a total turn off.

I’ve been single for two years and when my husband left me for a woman who looked like I used to it was a real wake-up call.

I’m only 33, yet no one looked up at me when I spoke to them, the admiring glances I’d enjoyed as a younger woman had gone. 

After nine years of marriage, two children and plenty of miscarriages, I felt exhausted. My husband stopped wanting sex with me and we barely spoke. 

Looking back I should have seen the direction we were heading in because the next stop was discovering his affair with a woman from his circuits class.

The detail, that she was the same age as me but much slimmer and fitter, was not lost on me.

It was devastating but I vowed to get myself back on form. I would not let myself go again.

So I was delighted when the fat jabs started to work their magic and the pounds started dropping off.

Within three months, I needed new clothes because my old wardrobe looked like I was wearing tents.

Six months on, and I was no longer relegated to the ‘fat friend’ in the corner on nights out. Instead men made a B-line for me. 

Dear Deidre on relationships, jealousy and envy

Over the last year I’ve had several flings, I’m not looking for anything serious as yet.

My children, nine and seven, have been through enough change so I don’t want to introduce anyone to them for a while. 

I do like the guy I’ve recently met, he’s fun, hard working and treats me well. But last week we were giving each other oral pleasure and he went limp.

I tried everything to revive his erection, massage, more oral, we watched porn together but nothing made a difference.

After a good hour I gave up and he admitted my vagina looked ‘deflated’. He’d found it ‘distracting’.

I knew the fat jab causes muscle and fat loss but never thought it would affect me down below.

Thinking about it, I had been feeling drier down below and my labia had felt smaller when I was showering but I’ve been so busy I hadn’t had time to really dwell on it.

After he left I looked, using a mirror, and saw exactly what he meant – I looked ‘withered’.

After researching the issue, I have found other women who have complained about sex becoming uncomfortable because they have lost definition down there and other women complaining they looked old and saggy.

Why isn’t anyone talking about this? And more importantly what can I do about this?

DEIDRE SAYS: You’ve done so well to pick yourself back up after the shock of your ex-husband’s affair and should feel very proud of yourself.

I’m sorry that you’ve been experiencing these side effects from using GLP-1 medications, otherwise known as fat jabs. 

And as your research confirmed, you are not alone because “Ozempic vagina” is a thing.

A number of women have reported cosmetic issues where the vulva and labia look deflated due to fat loss from rapid weight loss, others experience vaginal dryness and some complain of weaker pelvic muscles.

It’s important to note this is not a medical side effect of Ozempic itself. 

Talk to your doctor about vaginal lubricants, and topical oestrogen gels which should help with the dryness.

Some women have reverted to surgical and non surgical treatments to rejuvenate their appearance below – a process dubbed ‘vaginal puffing’ but it’s very expensive.

So if you are interested make sure you do plenty of research and make sure any surgeon is BAAPS accredited.

Also you may find that once your weight settles and any moisturisers take effect that you don’t want to go down this invasive and expensive route.

You haven’t mentioned a lack of pelvic floor tone but for anyone who is concerned about this issue, it’s worth contacting your GP and asking for a referral to their women’s health physiotherapist who can advise on exercises and treatments to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Dear Deidre’s Weight Worries

From pre-wedding insecurities to hurtful family remarks and lifelong self-esteem struggles, weight-related issues frequently flood Deidre’s inbox. 

One bride-to-be is plagued by anxiety about walking down the aisle as she feels  overweight

Another young woman feels humiliated after her father publicly joked about her weight at a family gathering. 

And, in another case, a woman whose childhood was marked by relentless bullying and parental criticism admits that even cosmetic treatments and diets haven’t healed her deep-seated insecurities.

SIDE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT-LOSS JABS: MEN VS WOMEN

Weight loss Medications affect people differently. While many side effects are shared, some can be more pronounced depending on sex.

In Women

  • Menstrual cycle changes – irregular periods or heavier/lighter flow.
  • Fertility impact – some research suggests possible effects on ovulation; more studies are needed.
  • Physical comfort – GI upset, bloating, or rapid weight loss can temporarily reduce sexual satisfaction or comfort.
  • Libido changes – reduced appetite, fatigue, or hormonal fluctuations can lower sexual interest in some cases.
  • Hair thinning – rapid weight loss and hormonal shifts can trigger temporary shedding.
  • Nausea & vomiting – reported at slightly higher rates in women.
  • PCOS links – women with PCOS may see symptom changes (sometimes improvement, occasionally worsening).

In Men

  • Lower testosterone – significant weight loss can reduce levels, affecting energy, mood and libido.
  • Muscle loss – lean muscle mass may drop alongside fat, sometimes more noticeable in men.
  • Erectile changes – a small number of men report reduced sex drive or erectile difficulties.
  • Digestive issues – constipation and bloating are more commonly flagged by male patients.
  • Mood swings – some studies suggest men are more likely to report irritability during early treatment.

Both sexes commonly experience nausea, stomach upset, headaches, and fatigue. These effects usually ease after the first few weeks but should always be monitored by a doctor.

Ask me and my counsellors anything

Every problem get a personal and private reply from one of my trained counsellors within one working day.

Sally Land is the Dear Deidre Agony Aunt. She achieved a distinction in the Certificate in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, has specialised in relationships and parenting. She has over 20 years of writing and editing women’s issues and general features.

Passionate about helping people find a way through their challenges, Sally is also a trustee for the charity Family Lives. Her team helps up to 90 people every week. 

Sally took over as The Sun’s Agony Aunt when Deidre Sanders retired from the The Dear Deidre column four years ago.

The Dear Deidre Team Of Therapists Also Includes:

Kate Taylor: a sex and dating writer who is also training to be a counsellor. Kate is an advisor for dating website OurTime and is the author of five self-help books.

Jane Allton: a stalwart of the Dear Deidre for over 20 years. Jane is a trained therapist, who specialises in family issues. She has completed the Basic Counselling Skills Level 1, 2, and 3. She also achieved the Counselling and Psychotherapy (CPCAB) Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies.

Catherine Thomas: with over two decades worth of experience Catherine has also trained as a therapist, with the same credentials as Jane. She specialises in consumer and relationship issues.

Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you.

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at:

[email protected]

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Love Island’s India shows off ‘new face’ after getting ‘fat pocket’ removed

LOVE Island star India Reynolds has shown off her ‘new face’ after having fat pockets removed from her cheeks.

The TV beauty rose to fame as a finalist in the fifth series of the show before returning for the ITV2 show’s All Star edition earlier this year.

Before and after photos of India Reynolds' HIFU skin tightening treatment.

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India has shared an initial before and after of her new faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
India Reynolds undergoing HIFU skin tightening treatment.

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She underwent a skin treatment for a more defined faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
India Reynolds in a red bikini and cowboy hat on a pebbly beach.

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The TV beauty was famously dubbed Love Island’s most attractive Islander everCredit: Instagram

India has taken to social media this week to show off her latest facial procedure in order to gain a more defined look.

The star, once labelled as Love Island’s hottest contestant ever, underwent a tightening and uplifting skin treatment which helped to give her a more defined jawline along with a slimmer face.

She opted for a “High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy”, known for being “a minimally invasive procedure to rejuvenate and lift skin”.

India admitted her treatments could take up to 12 weeks to show clear results but she shared an initial before and after snap in which she revealed she was already very happy with the results.

Read More on India Reynolds

Alongside the snap, India said: “Here’s my before and after, results take up to 12 weeks but this was my immediate result which I’m thrilled with!”

She then added alongside an arrow to a part of her cheek: “This little fat pocket has already reduced.”

India will continue to document her facial procedures on her Instagram page.

Earlier this year, she made her return to TV after taking a backseat in the spotlight.

She signed up for All Stars but left after one week amid a failed connection with Scott Thomas.

However, India has since found love with someone new since her return to dating on TV.

India Reynolds mocks her most awkward Love Island moment with throwback clip – do you remember iconic scene-

Appearing on Olivia Attwood‘s So Wrong It’s Right podcast earlier this year, India revealed: “After I came out of this series, the All Stars in January, I was like ‘I need to get my act together’ because I haven’t dated anyone properly in ages, I’m getting older, I want to have kids… get a move on.

“I downloaded Hinge and thought this is going to be great for me and then they deleted my profile for impersonation, they thought it was a fake account.

“I had to redownload it and I had to send my passport and go through this whole palaver just to go on a first date with someone.”

She then shared her excitement of her blossoming new romance, saying: “But I finally got it back, went on a first date and the first guy I went on a date with was really nice.

Olivia then asked if she was still dating the mystery man and a smitten India confirmed they were an item.

India Reynolds from Love Island: All Stars.

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She returned to the spotlight earlier this year after appearing on All StarsCredit: Rex
Love Island's India Reynolds receiving HIFU skin tightening treatment.

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India shared snaps from the treatment onlineCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram

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MAFS bride makes another ‘fat shaming’ comment at first dinner party – leaving experts seriously unimpressed

A BRIDE on MAFS UK has made another ‘fat shaming’ comment about her husband at the first dinner party.

The experts, Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas were left seriously unimpressed on the E4 show.

A young woman with blonde hair grimacing, appearing to react to the dramatic scenes described in the accompanying text.

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Sarah was again left unimpressed at DeanCredit: E4
A blonde woman in a magenta top looking displeased.

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Mel Schilling was not happy at her latest commentsCredit: E4
A man with a beard, wearing a beige jacket and black shirt, holds a silver cup and looks up to the right with his mouth open in an excited expression.

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A preview for the next episode showed Dean breaking into one of his rapsCredit: E4

Viewers of Married At First Sight UK tuned in tonight to see the last of the honeymoon scenes.

Next week, all the couples will land back in Blighty for the first dinner party of the series.

A preview for the next episode was shown to the audience at the end of the episode to give them a taste of what they can look forward to.

At the table, Dean, 31, stood up as he broke into one of his custom raps for the rest of the contestants at the table.

The team building host rapped: “Here we are on this mad experiment, seeing things not in our element.”

His bride Sarah, also 31, later made it clear on their honeymoon that she was not a fan of his spontaneous performances.

At the time she said: “The outburst of song and rapping is beginning to grate on me.”

Once again, her expression indicated that she had still not warmed up to aspects of his personality as she was left grimacing.

Then, the voiceover artist teased that Sarah served a ‘scathing review‘ of her new husband after his rap.

Turning to Maeve, she remarked: “He asked me if I ever slept with anyone fat before.”

Watch the horrifying moment MAFS bride tells groom ‘lose some weight’ as he confronts her over fancying him

Before she added: “He’s calling himself the funny fat kid, he’s like a care bear.”

The experts were all seen to be watching all the action unfold in another room.

Mel was left completely unimpressed by those words as she remarked: “That’s not a very hot thing to say about your partner.”

More jibes

This is not the first time that Sarah has landed herself in hot water on the show due to the alleged ‘fat shaming’.

On her wedding day, Sarah admitted that Dean wasn’t her dream man – as she branded him “over the top” and saying she “didn’t fancy him” or want to “rip his clothes off”.

Sarah confessed on their honeymoon that she has never dated anyone as “big” as Dean, which came as a huge blow.

A devastated Dean admitted at the time: “It’s hard to hear, that has left me feeling empty,” as droves of viewers slammed her cruel delivery.

He’s calling himself the funny fat kid, he’s like a care bear.

SarahMAFS UK

She was later heard talking to the camera about what it would take to get a “spark” with Dean.

The recruitment consultant bluntly replied: “Get some tattoos, lose some weight.”

People clapping at a table.

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The rest of the cast had their hands in the air as Dean spat his rhyming lyricsCredit: E4
Two women are shown, one with blonde hair smiling, and another with dark hair looking away.

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Sarah hit out at her husband as she said he was ‘like a care bear’Credit: E4
Three people, two women and one man, seated at a wooden table.

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All three of the experts seemed concerned as they watched in another roomCredit: E4

Married At First Sight UK continues on E4 and is available to stream back on Channel 4.

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The group of dieters most likely to pile the weight back on after stopping fat jabs revealed

WEIGHT loss jabs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy have offered a lifeline to those with diabetes and obesity.

But not everyone who takes the GLP-1 receptor agonists benefits equally, warn scientists.

A woman in a white shirt and gray sweatpants measures her waist with a tape measure, looking at her reflection in a mirror.

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Certain dieters may struggle to see success from GLP-1 receptor agonistsCredit: Getty

The way GLP-1 receptor agonists work is by lowering blood glucose, which then modifies a person’s appetite leading to weight loss.

But not everyone experiences weight loss while taking them.

As part of their investigations, researchers looked at people’s relationship with food, and the influence this had on their treatment.

The scientists focused on three different types of eating behaviours linked to weight gain; emotional eating, where people eat in response to negative emotions rather than hunger; external eating, where people eat because the food looks great rather than because of hunger; and restrained eating, which can help with weight loss but can also lead to disordered eating.

The study monitored 92 individuals with diabetes in Japan over their first year of taking the drugs.

All three types of eaters showed a significant reduction in body weight, cholesterol levels, and body fat percentage over the course of the year.

But there were some differences in results.

People who overeat in response to the sight or smell of tasty food were most likely to respond well to the drugs in the long term.

But individuals who overeat for emotional reasons were less likely to. 

“Pre-treatment assessment of eating behaviour patterns may help predict who will benefit most from GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy,” said Prof Daisuke Yabe of Kyoto University, senior author of the study published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

I had weight regain and stomach issues coming off fat jabs

“GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for individuals who experience weight gain or elevated blood glucose levels due to overeating triggered by external stimuli.

“However, their effectiveness is less expected in cases where emotional eating is the primary cause.”

After three months, participants reported more behaviours associated with restrained eating, and fewer behaviours linked to external or emotional eating.

By 12 months, a decrease in external eating was sustained.

But restrained and emotional eating behaviours returned to their baseline levels.

“One possible explanation is that emotional eating is more strongly influenced by psychological factors which may not be directly addressed by GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy,” said Dr Takehiro Keto of Gifu University, second author of the study.

“Individuals with prominent emotional eating tendencies may require additional behavioural or psychological support.”

Woman makes a weekly subcutaneous injection of Semaglutide in the stomach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

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Emotional eaters may not see the results they desire, warn scientistsCredit: Getty

The researchers did point out participants who fell into the external eating group may have been especially highly motivated to try to improve their control over their diabetes, which may have resulted in greater weight loss.

“While our study suggests a potential association between external eating behaviour and treatment response to GLP-1 receptor agonists, these findings remain preliminary,” said Yabe.

“Further evidence is necessary before they can be implemented in clinical practice.

“Should future large-scale or randomised controlled trials validate this relationship, incorporating simple behavioural assessments could become a valuable component in optimising treatment strategies.”

Everything you need to know about fat jabs

Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.

Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.

Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.

Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.

How do they work?

The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.

They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.

Can I get them?

NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.

Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.

GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.

Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.

Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.

Are there any risks?

Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.

Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”

Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.

Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.

Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.

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Fat jabs vs weight loss ops – the best way to lose weight, live longer and slash your risk of deadly diseases revealed

WEIGHT loss injections and weight loss surgery are both effective ways to slim down.

But one may lead to longer life and fewer serious health problems, say scientists.

An obese woman injecting a hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) into her abdomen with a pen syringe for weight loss.

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There’s been a sharp rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the UK, driven primarily by use for weight lossCredit: Getty

A large Cleveland Clinic study found people with obesity and type 2 diabetes who undergo weight loss surgery (known as bariatric or metabolic surgery) live longer and face fewer health risks compared with those treated with GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist weight loss jabs.

Patients who underwent weight loss surgery lost more weight, achieved better blood sugar control, and relied less on diabetes and heart medications over 10 years.

“Even with today’s best medicines, metabolic surgery offers unique and lasting benefits for people with obesity and diabetes,” said Ali Aminian, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute and primary investigator of the study.

“The benefits we observed went beyond weight loss. Surgery was linked to fewer heart problems, less kidney disease, and even lower rates of diabetes-related eye damage.”

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.

There’s been a sharp rise of their use in the UK, driven primarily by use for weight loss through private prescribing.

Both surgery and jabs improve cardiovascular health and metabolism.

But at the end of the study that followed 3,932 adults with diabetes and obesity who received care at Cleveland Clinic for up to 10 years, patients who underwent surgery had a:

  • 32 per cent lower risk of death
  • 25 per cent lower risk of major health problems (such as heart attack, heart failure, or stroke)
  • 47 per cent lower risk of serious kidney disease
  • 54 per cent lower risk of diabetes-related eye damage (retinopathy)

On average, people who had weight loss surgery lost 21.6 per cent of their body weight over 10 years, while those on weight loss jabs lost 6.8 per cent.

I’ve lost 3 stone in 8 months on fat jabs – there’s a common error new starters are making & it means nasty side effects

Hemoglobin A1c, a marker of average blood sugar, improved more with surgery than with GLP-1 medicines.

And patients who had surgery required fewer prescriptions for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.

“Even in the era of these powerful new drugs to treat obesity and diabetes, metabolic surgery may provide additional benefits, including a survival advantage,” said Steven Nissen, Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic and senior author of the study.

“Our findings indicate that surgery should remain an important treatment option for obesity and diabetes,” said Dr Aminian.

What are the side effects of weight loss jabs?

Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.

Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:

Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.

Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.

Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.

Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.

Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.

Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.

Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.

Serious side effects can also include:

Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.

Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.

Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.

“These long-term benefits are harder to achieve with GLP-1 medicines alone, as many patients stop using the medications over time.”

There were some limitations to the study – it was observational rather than a randomised comparison of drugs and surgery.

It also didn’t focus exclusively on the newest and most effective GLP-1 medicines.

The researchers said future studies should directly compare surgery with newer GLP-1 medicines, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide to guide treatment decisions.

The side effects of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery carries risks of both short-term and long-term side effects.

Short-term side effects

Infections: Wounds or internal areas can become infected after surgery.

Anethesia risk: Risks associated with general anesthesia can include breathing problems.

Nausea and vomiting: These are common, but severe or prolonged episodes should be reported to your surgeon.

Bleeding: Internal bleeding is a possibility after surgery.

Blood clots: These are a risk after any surgery and can occur in the legs.

Pain and swelling: Some discomfort and swelling are normal, but severe pain or swelling may indicate a problem.

Long-term side effects

Malnutrition: Reduced ability to absorb vitamins and minerals can lead to deficiencies.

Dumping syndrome: Rapid passage of food, especially sugary foods, into the small intestine can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, and dizziness.

Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can lead to the formation of gallstones.

Bowel obstruction: The stomach or small intestine can become blocked by scarring or other issues.

Hernias: These can occur after surgery.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially common after gastric bypass, this can be triggered by high-sugar foods.

Acid reflux: While some surgeries can help with reflux, others, like the gastric sleeve, can worsen it.

Stomach ulcers: Ulcers can develop in the stomach after surgery.

Excess skin: Rapid weight loss can leave loose folds of skin, which may require further cosmetic surgery to remove.

Failure to lose weight or weight regain: This can happen if lifestyle changes are not maintained.

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New fat jab ‘golden dose’ is ‘safe and more effective’ – blasting nearly a FIFTH of body weight

A HIGHER ‘golden dose’ of Wegovy than is currently approved is safe and could be more effective – helping patients lose nearly a fifth of their body weight.

The once-weekly injection containing the semaglutide – also the active ingredient in diabetes jab Ozempic – is prescribed on the NHS at a maximum dose of 2.4mg.

Illustration of Wegovy boxes in different dosages.

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Wegovy is prescribed at a maximum dose of 2.4mgCredit: Reuters

Now, two major studies show that tripling doses to 7.2mg can trigger significant weight loss, without bringing on more side effects or risking patient safety.

The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, suggest a higher dose of semaglutide could be an option for people with obesity – as well as type 2 diabetes – who haven’t lost enough weight on standard doses.

“Once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg is approved for weight management in people with obesity and related complications,” researchers said.

“However, some individuals do not reach their therapeutic goals with this dose.

“We aimed to test the efficacy and safety of a higher dose of semaglutide in people with obesity.”

Researchers investigated whether 7.2mg semaglutide injections could provide patients with “further benefits” and boost fat loss for people whose weight had plateaued “without jeopardising safety or significantly increasing the risk of adverse events”.

The two trials involved more than 2,000 adults with obesity, some of whom also had diabetes.

They were conducted across 95 hospitals, specialist clinics, and medical centres in 11 countries, including Canada, Germany, Greece, Norway and the US.

Researchers randomly assigned participants the 7.2mg dose, the 2.4mg dose, or placebo injections.

All participants received advice on improving diet and increasing exercise.

The new 4-in-1 weight loss drug: combining ozempic, mounjaro, and more

After 72 weeks, people without diabetes given the higher dose lost an average of 18.7 per cent of their body weight.

Those on the standard dose 15.6 per cent of their weight and those on placebo injections lost just 3.9 per cent.

Almost half of those on the higher dose lost at least 20 per cent of their body weight, while nearly a third shed 25 per cent or more.

This rivals the average weight lost with competitor jab Mounjaro, known as the ‘King Kong’ of weight loss injections.

Participants on the higher dose also saw their waists shrink and reported improvements in their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels – all key factors in reducing obesity-related health risks.

As for obese adults with type 2 diabetes, the 7.2mg dose caused them to lose 13 per cent of their weight.

Those on 2.4mg lost 10 per cent of their body weight on average, while placebo-users lost 4 per cent.

Both trials showed the higher semaglutide dose to be safe and generally well tolerated, though people taking 7.2mg did report more side effects.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS?

NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them.

Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics.

Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription.

They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.

Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions.

The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need.

NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible.

The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor.

“Serious adverse events” were reported by 68 of 1004 participants receiving the 7.2mg dose of semaglutide – about 7 per cent – researchers said.

Meanwhile, 22 of 201 taking 2.4mg reported side effects – about 11 per cent – and 11 of 201 receiving placebo injections, researchers said.

Nausea and diarrhoea, and some sensory symptoms like tingling, were the most common.

However, most side effects were manageable and resolved over time, researchers said.

One in 20 patients taking the higher dose stopped treatment because of side effects, similar to the standard jab.

Study authors concluded: “Semaglutide 7.2 mg was superior to placebo and semaglutide 2.4 mg in reducing bodyweight, including reaching reductions of 20 per cent or greater and 25 per cent or greater over 72 weeks.

The higher dose was “well tolerated and provided additional clinically meaningful weight loss compared with 2.4 mg, suggesting that higher doses could help patients who do not achieve sufficient weight loss with the currently approved dose”, they added.

But Professor Alex Miras, an obesity expert at Imperial College London, was more hesitant in touting the benefits of the 7.2mg dose.

He told the Daily Mail: “Tripling the dose only gives a marginal extra benefit, but the dose increase is massive.

“Going from 2.4mg to 7.2mg is a very big jump. I’m concerned many patients won’t tolerate such a high dose.

“In clinical practice people already struggle at 2.4mg.

“Even if 7.2mg is approved, I suspect uptake will be low because of cost and side-effects – the top dose is already expensive.”

It comes as many Brits taking weight loss jabs privately are priced out of paying for Mounjaro – after manufacturer Eli Lilly hiked up prices.

The highest dose was set to rise from £122 to £330 a month – an increase of 170 per cent – from September 1.

It was later reported that some pharmacies would be able to offer the jabs at a discount, saving patients £83 on the cost of the maximum dose.

But the price rise has still made Mounjaro unaffordable for many – leading Brits to switch to cheaper Wegovy or give up the jabs altogether.

In the UK, fewer than 200,000 people are thought to be accessing weight-loss jabs through the NHS, but over 1.4 million are estimated to be using them privately, according to the health think-tank the King’s Fund.

Meanwhile, jabs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have been connected to 24 deaths in the 21 weeks since January, The Sun revealed.

The 7 fat jab mistakes stopping you losing weight

WHILE weight loss jabs have been hailed as a breakthrough in helping tackle Britain’s obesity crisis, some users say they’re missing out on their waist-shrinking powers – and it could be down to some simple mistakes…

POOR PENMANSHIP

Many people don’t correctly use the injection pen, according to Ana Carolina Goncalves, a pharmacist at Pharmica in Holborn, London.

Make sure to prime your weight loss pen correctly, as per the instructions. If nothing comes out, try again, and if it still doesn’t work, switch the needle or ask a pharmacist for help.

It’s also recommended to rotate injection sites between the abdomen, thigh and upper arm to avoid small lumps of fat under the skin.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

Make sure you’re using the jabs on the most effective day of your schedule.

For example, taking the jab right before a takeaway or party won’t stop you from indulging, says Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss expert at Chemist4U.

Weight loss injections need time to build up in your system, so if you’re planning for a heavier weekend, inject your dose mid-week.

MAKING A MEAL OF IT

You may not feel the urge to overeat at mealtimes due to the jabs. But skipping meals altogether can backfire, says Dr David Huang, director of clinical innovation at weight loss service Voy.

If a person is extremely malnourished, their body goes into emergency conservation mode, where their metabolism slows down.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

A key mistake using weight loss jabs is not eating the right foods.

As well as cutting out sugary drinks and alcohol, Dr Vishal Aggarwal, Healthium Clinics recommends focusing on your protein intake.

DE-HYDRATION STATIONS

Dehydration is a common side effect of weight loss injections. But it’s important to say hydrated in order for your body to function properly.

Dr Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, says hydration supports metabolism, digestion, and can reduce side effects like headaches, nausea and constipation.

MOVE IT, MOVE IT

It can be easy to see the jabs as a quick fix, but stopping exercising altogether is a mistake, says Mital Thakrar, a pharmacist from Well Pharmacy.

Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and help shape the body as you lose weight, which may be crucial if you’re experiencing excess skin.

QUIT IT

While there’s the tendency to ditch the jabs as soon as you reach your desired weight, stopping them too soon can cause rapid regain.

Mr Thakrar recommends building habits like healthier eating during treatment for sustaining results.

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The cancer symptoms you should NEVER dismiss as fat jab ‘side effects’ – after mum given months to live

ALL medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even herbal remedies, have the potential to cause side effects.

But experts have warned weight loss jab users to pay real attention to any side effects they experience, as they could actually be signalling deadly cancer, as Dawn Clegg tragically found out.

Dawn Clegg, who has been diagnosed with the UK's rarest incurable cancer.. A mum has been diagnosed with the UK's rarest, incurable cancer after suffering chest pain she thought was from Mounjaro weight-loss jabs. Dawn Clegg, 51, began suffering from the pain in late March this year after taking the jabs which helped her deal with her diabetes. But after having several X-rays at the hospital, shadows were found on her lungs, kidneys, and breast and she was later diagnosed with a soft-tissue cancer known as sarcoma. Photo released 20/07/2025

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Dawn Clegg initially put her chest pain down to a side effect of the ‘King Kong’ of fat jabs, Mounjaro
Photo of Arron and Dawn Clegg.

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Dawn, pictured with husband Arron, was given less than a year to live after doctors discovered a soft-tissue cancer known as sarcomaCredit: SWNS
Close-up of a person self-administering a semaglutide injection.

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Like all medications, fat jabs have the potential to cause side effects – but many can mask various deadly cancers, experts tell Sun HealthCredit: Getty

The 51-year-old, from Morecambe, Lancashire, had been using Mounjaro to treat her diabetes, but in March this year, she began suffering from chest pain, which she initially put down to a side effect of the jabs.

When the pain persisted, she headed to A&E before doctors made a shocking discovery.

After undergoing several X-rays, doctors spotted shadows on her lungs, kidneys and breast, and she was diagnosed with soft-tissue cancer, known as sarcoma.

Dawn was then given the life-shattering news that she had less than a year to live.

Her heartbroken husband, Arron Clegg, 51, is planning to hold a “living wake” in November to celebrate the life of his wife.

He said: “We were devastated on hearing news of cancer in these areas – there is no cure and she is now terminal.”

Weight loss expert at The Lagom Clinic, Dr Jack Ogden, said he has also been made aware of a fat jab user mistaking symptoms of cancer for side effects, though they weren’t linked to the clinic.

He tells Sun Health: “As a clinician, hearing about cases like this is always sobering. It reinforces how easy it is for both patients and healthcare professionals to attribute symptoms to the most obvious cause.

“In this case, weight loss injections, when something more serious may be underlying.”

The fat jab user, a 52-year-old who remains anonymous, began experiencing persistent fatigue, feeling full quickly, and mild nausea while on a GLP-1 weight loss injection.

Weight Loss Jabs – Pros vs Cons

They initially assumed these symptoms were routine side effects, but they persisted beyond the expected two to three-week adjustment period.

Further investigation by their GP revealed a diagnosis of stage two stomach cancer – which isn’t very common in the UK but can be deadly.

When detected early, stomach cancer has a high chance of being cured.

But it’s often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which makes it harder to treat and means survival rates can be low.

Dr Ogden said: “It’s important to monitor persistent symptoms, keep a log of side effects, and seek prompt medical advice if anything unusual arises.”

So what cancer symptoms could people mistake for the side effects of fat jabs?

Here, a team of experts offer their life-saving advice…

THE SYMPTOMS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE

Illustration showing possible cancer symptoms related to fat jab side effects.

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THERE are more than 200 different types of cancer, and they all have different signs and symptoms.

While some affect specific areas of the body, symptoms can be more general and similar to those caused by less serious conditions or medication side effects.

Superintendent pharmacist at pharmica.co.uk, Ana Carolina Goncalves, said symptoms such as persistent indigestion, heartburn and abdominal pain are potential side effects of weight loss injections, but could also be signs of liver, bladder, pancreatic or stomach cancer.

She says: “Thyroid swelling or a lump in the neck might be dismissed as an injection side effect, but it could also indicate thyroid cancer.

“The risk of thyroid swelling has been confirmed as a potential side effect by the manufacturers of both Mounjaro and Wegovy.

“And nausea is another common side effect of weight loss jabs that can also indicate liver, bladder or pancreatic cancer.

“There’s a lot of overlap between the symptoms of different organ cancers (like liver and pancreatic cancer) because they affect similar areas of the body.

“This can make identification of cancer symptoms difficult, especially when side effects of weight loss injections are also present.”

It’s also important to note that while use of the jabs results in weight loss, sudden, unexplained, unintentional, and significant (more than 5 per cent of your body weight in six to 12 months) weight loss could be a red flag for cancer.

HOW TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

THERE’S not always an easy way to tell the difference between cancer symptoms and weight loss side effects.

It depends on the symptoms you experience, says Ms Goncalves.

She explains: “High levels of acid reflux or heartburn that persist even after you’ve stopped weight loss injections should definitely be looked into by a doctor or GP.

“Also, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing could indicate thyroid cancer.

“It’s not possible to fully tell on your own, so you should consult your doctor or GP if you experience these symptoms.”

WHAT’S THE RISK?

Doctor holding a patient's hand and reviewing notes.

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Mistaking cancer symptoms for medication side effects could lead to a delay in diagnosisCredit: Getty

KEVIN Joshua, clinical lead at Juniper, an online healthcare provider, says while it’s not very common, confusing symptoms and side effects are a real risk.

He warns: “The danger is that someone may put persistent or worsening symptoms down to the medication, rather than seeing their GP.

“That missed time can make all the difference in cancer treatment and survival.”

Ms Gonclaves adds: “Cancer caught early is far easier to treat. If people assume ongoing pain, nausea or weight loss is just a side effect, they may only get checked once the cancer is more advanced – and that can be life-threatening.

“Given the increasing use of weight loss injections in the UK, the potential for confusion is likely growing, especially for cancer symptoms that overlap with common injection side effects.

“However, there’s currently no large-scale study that estimates how frequently cancer symptoms are misattributed to jabs.

“But it’s important to note the safety of Wegovy and Mounjaro has been proven in clinical trials, and they are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in the UK.”

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

IF you experience any symptoms after starting weight loss jabs, Dr Ogden recommends you do the following:

  1. Track your symptoms – keep a daily log noting timing, intensity, and duration.
  2. Monitor persistence – common side effects usually settle within two to three weeks.
  3. Note severity changes – sudden worsening or new symptoms are red flags.
  4. Consult a healthcare professional promptly – don’t wait to see if symptoms pass if they are unusual or severe.
  5. Communicate openly – share your symptom log with your GP or specialist for accurate assessment.

Weight loss injections can be safe and effective, but awareness and careful monitoring are essential, added Dr Ogden.

“Early detection of serious issues can save lives and prevent complications.”

The majority of common side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin redness or fatigue, can be managed with adequate hydration, dietary choices, and over‑the‑counter medication.

Ms Goncalves advises: “You can try eating smaller meals, and using herbal teas or oral rehydration salts to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.

“You should drink fluids regularly to ensure you are hydrated.”

But you should seek medical help if symptoms are severe, continue for more than a few weeks, or are linked with alarm signs like vomiting blood, blood in stools, jaundice, unexplained weight loss or a lump.

“These should never be written off as ‘just the jab’,” said Mr Joshua.

THE MOST COMMON CANCERS IN THE UK TO BE AWARE OF

THE most common cancers in the UK are breast, prostate, lung, and and bowel cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting both men and women but far more common in women. 

Symptoms include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, nipple changes like inversion or discharge (especially with blood), skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or a rash, and persistent pain. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.

 Symptoms primarily involve urinary and sexual issues, such as frequent or urgent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a weak stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, linked to smoking.

Common lung cancer symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, an unexplained cough that gets worse, chest pain or ache, recurring chest infections, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

And bowel cancer is a common cancer affecting both men and women.

Symptoms can include a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in your poo or bleeding from the bottom, unexplained weight loss, unexplained tiredness, and a pain or lump in your tummy.

Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes for most cancers, so if you experience any of these symptoms, see your GP.

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‘It’s going to be a big, fat, beautiful wall!’: Trump’s words make his California climb an even steeper trek

Donald Trump says he can be the first Republican presidential nominee to win California since 1988, but his rhetoric on immigration, the environment and guns risks pushing the strongly Democratic state even further out of his reach.

In recent travels across the state, Trump has shown no inclination to modulate his language the way nominees normally do as they turn from their party’s primary toward a wider general-election audience.

Instead, he has emphasized positions that are not only out of step with independents and Democrats whose support he would need to carry California, but also with many fellow Republicans in the state.

“He’s reinforcing all of the negative stereotypes of the Republican brand that have been hurting us for 20 years, which is a peculiar approach to putting California back in play,” said Mike Madrid, a Republican campaign consultant in Sacramento.

At rallies in Anaheim, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose and Redding over the last week, Trump has riled up overwhelmingly white crowds with his call to build a wall along the southern border and force Mexico to pay for it.

“It’s going to be a big, fat, beautiful wall!” Trump shouted to cheering supporters Thursday night in San Jose.

More than 7 in 10 Californians oppose building a border wall, according to a poll last month by the Public Policy Institute of California.

Though Republicans favored the proposal, they are a sharply diminished force in California elections, thanks largely to a GOP hard line on illegal immigration that has turned away the state’s growing Latino and Asian population. The party’s share of California voters has slid to 27%.

In San Diego last week, Trump deepened his trouble with Latinos as he attacked the judge overseeing a fraud lawsuit against Trump University, his defunct real estate program, calling the judge a Mexican and saying, “I think that’s fine.”

He went further Thursday and Friday, saying the ethnic heritage of U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was born in Indiana to Mexican immigrants, made it a conflict of interest for him to handle the case. “He’s a Mexican,” Trump told CNN. “We’re building a wall between here and Mexico.”

Bill Carrick, a veteran California strategist running the U.S. Senate campaign of Democrat Loretta Sanchez, called the initial remark “blatantly racist” and “blatantly stupid.”

“It just makes it harder for him to have any appeal to Latino voters at all – and a lot of other voters,” Carrick said.

Republican leaders have voiced similar concerns on a national scale. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said Thursday that he worries Trump might drive Latinos from the Republican Party the way GOP nominee Barry Goldwater did with blacks after opposing the Civil Rights Act during the 1964 presidential race.

McConnell, who has endorsed Trump, told CNN that Trump made a “big mistake” last week by attacking Republican Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, the nation’s first Latina governor.

Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks did not respond to a request for comment.

It’s going to be a big, fat, beautiful wall!

— Donald Trump, to cheering supporters in San Jose

Trump can be deft about calibrating his rhetoric at times, routinely muting some of his more controversial positions.

Apart from answering reporters’ questions, Trump rarely discusses his support for barring Muslims from entering the U.S., punishing doctors who perform abortions, overturning the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage, and deporting millions of immigrants in the country illegally.

Trump also refuses to answer questions about his demand in 2011 that President Obama release his birth certificate to prove he was born in the U.S.

And he rarely talks about his belief that climate change is a hoax, a topic he often raised on Twitter in the years before his run for president – and one that could cause him trouble in California.

On the eve of his California visit last week, Trump told a petroleum conference in North Dakota that he would withdraw the United States from the landmark Paris treaty to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

“In a Trump administration, political activists with extreme agendas will no longer write the rules,” he said.

But 8 in 10 Californians, including half of Republicans, viewed global warming as a serious threat to the state’s economy and quality of life, a Public Policy Institute survey found last year. And nearly two-thirds of Californians supported the state making its own policies separate from the federal government to address global warming.

At his California rallies, Trump has steered clear of climate change. But in Fresno, he mocked environmentalists, saying their misguided efforts “to protect a certain kind of 3-inch fish” were depriving farmers of sorely needed water.

It was a sharp break with the custom of California Republicans to use support for environmental protections to appeal to Democrats and the independents who side with them in most statewide elections.

The state’s last Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, made efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions a cornerstone of his 2006 reelection campaign. Schwarzenegger also broke with conservatives in his party on immigration, supporting a path to citizenship for many of those in the country illegally.

When he was first elected in the 2003 recall election, Schwarzenegger also had advantages Trump will not: Most Californians thought the state was moving in the wrong direction, and they strongly disapproved of its Democratic leadership.

“That’s not the mood in California now,” said pollster Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California.

Trump’s staunch opposition to gun control could also pose problems in the state, where polls have found most voters believe in stronger restrictions on access to firearms. At all of his campaign stops here, Trump has touted his endorsement by the National Rifle Assn. and accused his presumed Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, of trying to abolish the 2nd Amendment.

“We’re going to keep our guns — don’t worry about it,” Trump told the crowd in Sacramento. “You need them.”

Beth Miller, a Republican campaign consultant in Sacramento, frets that Trump could cause long-term harm to GOP candidates in California who embrace his candidacy.

“It could potentially backfire for years to come,” she said. “I think there are going to be a lot of Republican candidates who are going to have to very delicately distance themselves from Donald Trump’s rhetoric.”

As for Trump himself, his prospects in California are grim, according to the latest USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. It found that 71% of California voters had an unfavorable impression of him, and Clinton would beat him in a hypothetical November match up by 26 points.

ALSO

Speaker Paul Ryan endorses Donald Trump

Clinton says Trump’s foreign policy agenda is ‘dangerously incoherent’

Just like Clinton, Obama has an argument against what Donald Trump says about foreign policy

[email protected]

Twitter: @finneganLAT


UPDATES:

June 3, 5:41 p.m.: This article was updated with additional remarks by Trump.

June 2, 8:09 p.m.: This article was updated with a quote from Trump in San Jose.



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I invented fat jab… why there could be a HUGE undiscovered benefit for women & dangerous problem with super-thin celebs

IT was 1984 and newly qualified doctor Daniel Drucker was excited to dive into the world of ­scientific research.

Fresh out of the University of Toronto Medical School, the 28-year-old was working at a lab in Boston in the US when his supervisor asked him to carry out a routine experiment — which proved to be anything but.

Researcher standing in a lab.

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Dr Daniel Drucker says he would not rule out using jabs in the future if they proved to be effective against Alzheimer’s diseaseCredit: Supplied
Lottie Moss in a black cutout outfit.

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Model Lottie Moss was taken to hospital last year after a seizure linked to high doses of weight-loss drug OzempicCredit: instagram

For it led to Dr Drucker’s discovery of a previously unknown hormone, sparking a new era in medicine.

What he modestly calls a “happy accident” then kick-started a series of ­discoveries that made today’s game-changing weight loss jabs a reality.

The hormone was called glucagon-like peptide 1 — or GLP-1, as the world now knows it.

And the drugs that have resulted from its discovery have produced amazing effects — with users losing up to a fifth of their body weight.

So far around 50,000 of us have been prescribed jabs on the NHS for weight loss, but it is ­estimated around 1.5million people here are buying them privately — a figure that is expected to rise sharply.

Dr Drucker, now 69, tells The Sun: “I never felt like I was on the brink of something huge.

“It was just a fantastic stroke of luck to be in the right place at the right time and to be part of an ­innovation that could improve the health of hundreds of millions of people all over the world.”

The drugs are now being hailed as a possible cure for a range of other conditions too, including dementia and migraine.

But Dr Drucker warns: “We need to be cautious, respect what we don’t know, and not rush into thinking these medicines are right for everyone.

‘Full of hope’

“There could be side-effects we haven’t seen yet, especially in groups we haven’t properly studied.”

I had weight regain and stomach issues coming off fat jabs

Some studies have also raised concerns about gallbladder problems and in rare cases, even ­suicidal thoughts.

GLP-1 was found to play a key role in regulating the appetite and blood sugar levels, by slowing digestion and signalling a feeling of fullness to the brain.

Fat jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy contain synthetic versions of GLP-1, tirzepatide and semaglutide, which mimic the natural hormone with astonishing, fat-busting results.

Originally these drugs — known as GLP-1 agonists — were licensed to treat Type 2 diabetes, due to their ability to stimulate the body’s production of insulin, which cuts high blood glucose levels.

But over the past 15 years, after studies ­confirmed the potential to tackle obesity, pharmaceutical firms have reapplied to have the drugs approved as weight loss treatments.

And now evidence is emerging almost daily to suggest these drugs could help treat and even prevent other chronic and degenerative diseases.

Hundreds of scientific trials are under way, and Dr Drucker is “full of hope”, adding that he would consider taking the drugs himself, to ward off ­Alzheimer’s disease.

He says: “I think the next five years is going to be massive. These drugs won’t fix everything, but if they help even half the ­conditions we are testing them for, we could finally find ­treatments for conditions once thought untreatable.”

Decades after his discovery, Dr Drucker is now a professor of ­medicine at the University of Toronto, and a senior investigator at the affiliated Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, where GLP-1 research now fills his life.

He says: “Every morning I turn on my phone and check what’s happened overnight — what new ­discovery has been made, what could this hormone cure or treat.”

Even so, in May UK health chiefs warned that the jabs must not be taken during pregnancy or in the two months before conception, after studies of animals found that semaglutide can cause ­pregnancy loss and birth defects.

But with human use, no such ­danger has been ­confirmed, Dr Drucker says, and dozens of women have ­conceived while taking them.

Scientist in lab coat operating lab equipment.

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Dr Drucker’s pioneering work led to fat jabs that have become a medical game-changer
Close-up of a person injecting semaglutide into their abdomen.

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The drugs are now being hailed as a possible cure for a range of other conditions too, including dementia and migraineCredit: Getty

Some scientists even believe GLP-1 drugs may boost ­fertility, and could become a go-to for infertility treatment.

Dr Drucker, listed in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024, says: “It wouldn’t surprise me if five years from now, once we have more clinical trial evidence, if we start recommending these medicines to help people get pregnant, and have safer pregnancies.”

It is exciting stuff, but Dr Drucker admits he also worries about people using the drugs for the wrong ­reasons — such as slim, young women in pursuit of unrealistic beauty ideals on social media.

He says: “If I’ve got a 17-year-old who wants to lose another five per cent of her body weight to look like some celebrity, that’s a real concern.

“We haven’t studied 10,000 teenage girls on these drugs over five years. We don’t know how they affect bones, fertility, mental health or development in the long term.”

Last year model Lottie Moss, sister of supermodel Kate, revealed she had ended up in hospital after a seizure linked to high doses of weight loss drug Ozempic.

I think the next five years will be massive. These drugs won’t fix everything, but if they help even half the conditions we are testing for, we could find treatments for conditions thought untreatable

Dr Daniel Drucker

A nurse told her the dose she had been injecting was meant for someone twice her size.

Dr Drucker warned that older adults, people with eating disorders and those with mental health ­conditions may respond differently to the drugs.

He says: “We’re still ­learning, and just because a medicine works well in one group doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone.”

One of the biggest risks is dehydration, which OnlyFans star Lottie blamed for her seizure.

Dr Drucker says: “Some people experience nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, and that in itself can be dangerous.”
He also warns that losing weight too quickly can reduce muscle mass and bone density, which is especially risky for older people.

He adds: “This is why it is important people only take these drugs when being monitored by medical professionals, so they can be properly assessed for side-effects and receive the safest, most effective care.”

Cheryl Rosen and Daniel J. Drucker at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.

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Dr Drucker with his fellow medic wife Dr Cheryl Rosen, a dermatologistCredit: Getty

So far at least 85 people in the UK have died after taking weight loss jabs, according to reports sent to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency watchdog.

While none of the deaths has been definitively linked to the drugs, health bodies noted a “suspicion” that they may have played a role.

Dr Drucker says: “Reports like these can raise flags, but without proper comparison groups they don’t tell the full story.

‘Drugs aren’t candy’

“In fact, large trials show GLP-1 drugs actually reduce death rates in people with Type 2 diabetes and those with obesity and heart disease.

“So far, the evidence looks solid and reassuring.”

With millions of patients treated over the years, GLP-1s have a well-established safety record for diabetes and obesity.

But Dr Drucker warns that for newer uses, such as ­Alzheimer’s, fatty liver disease or sleep apnoea, we need more data.

He says: “I don’t think there are any hidden, terrifying side-effects waiting to be uncovered.

“But that doesn’t mean people should take them lightly. We don’t yet have 20 years of experience ­treating some of these ­conditions.

“We need to approach each new indication with appropriate caution, to really understand the benefits ­versus the potential risks.

“These drugs aren’t candy, they won’t fix everything — and like all medicines they have side-effects.

“I don’t think we should abandon our focus on safety. We need to move carefully and thoughtfully as this field evolves.”

I’m not struggling with Type 2 diabetes or obesity, but I do have a family history of ­Alzheimer’s. I’m watching the trials closely and, depending on the results, I wouldn’t rule out taking them in the future

Dr Daniel Drucker

He continues: “I’m not struggling with Type 2 diabetes or obesity, but I do have a family history of ­Alzheimer’s. I’m watching the trials closely and, depending on the results, I wouldn’t rule out taking them in the future.

“I have friends from college who are already showing early signs of cognitive decline, and there’s hope that in some cases, ­semaglutide might help to slow it.”

Several studies over the years ­support that theory.

A recent study by a US university found that the jabs could prevent Alzheimer’s-related changes in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Separate research from Taiwan found that people on GLP-1 agonist drugs appeared to have a 37 per cent lower risk of dementia.

Dr Drucker now regularly receives messages from people around the world whose lives have been changed by the drugs his lab helped to create.

He says: “I get tons of stories. ­People send me emails and photos, not just showing their weight loss, but how their health has changed in other ways too.”

Some say the jabs have helped their chronic pain, cleared brain fog or improved long-standing health conditions such as ulcerative colitis or arthritis.

Dr Drucker adds: “It’s incredibly heartwarming and I never get tired of hearing these stories.”

But for him there is even deeper meaning attached to his discovery.

His 97-year-old mother Cila, ­originally from Poland, survived the Holocaust, spending months as a child hiding in the family’s attic before they were captured and held in a ghetto, where her mother and sister were later shot dead.

At the end of the war in 1945 she became a refugee in Palestine, then in 1953 she emigrated to Canada, first settling in Montreal then making Toronto her home in the 1990s.

Dr Drucker says his work has helped to ease Cila’s survivor’s guilt which had consumed her for decades.

He says: “She looks at my work and she’s so proud of how many people it could potentially help.”

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Fat jabs gave me misshapen boobs & an apron belly – I looked 50 but mummy makeover gave me the body of a 20 year old

A WOMAN who was left with a “turkey neck” after losing three stone on weight loss jabs is finally comfortable in her own skin after getting a £10,000 ‘mummy makeover’ abroad.

Victoria Vigors decided to have a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, face lift and neck lift after using Mounjaro – a prescription injection used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity – to slim down.

Woman in a beige bikini by a pool after a mummy makeover.

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Victoria Vigors says she can now confidently wear a bikini now after having a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift, face lift and neck lift, as part of a mummy makeoverCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman in pink bikini at the beach.

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Victoria before surgery and feeling ‘misshaped’ after weight loss jabsCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman smiling in leopard print top after receiving a mummy makeover.

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Victoria now oozes confidenceCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

The 40-year-old initially felt “misshapen” after losing so much weight.

But now she’s never been happier – and says she looks better today than she did aged 20.

“I was very self-conscious about my fupa,” the mum, who is a content creator with 270,000 followers, revealed.

“My tummy overhung because I had a caesarean with my daughter, so it left a scar that my stomach would fall over.

“It was really obvious – I would wear tight-fitting clothing, and you could just see I had a really unnatural-looking belly. I hated it.

“My boobs felt misshapen, and one was much bigger than the other.

“And where I had lost weight on Mounjaro – the skin around my neck was like a turkey.

“It was all saggy, and I hated my jowls.

“I just felt old and unattractive.”

Victoria, from Kent, said people used to stare at her stomach and even make comments.

I spent £75k to turn myself into a ‘yummy mummy’ – not only am I now more confident in a bikini, but a better parent too

She said: “I’ve been called ‘flabby belly’ online.

“People would say I looked more like 50.

“My side profile would show my sagging neck, and people would point it out.

“As much as my daughter would joke, she would also call me ‘jelly belly’ and poke my stomach.

“I’d been on Mounjaro for ages and eating really healthily, so I felt fantastic on the inside.

“But on the outside, my confidence was at an all-time low.”

Woman's profile showing neck and face before neck lift surgery.

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Victoria said she had a turkey neck¿ after losing three stone on weight loss jabsCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Close-up of a woman's face and neck immediately following a face and neck lift, showing stitches and bandages.

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Victoria after undergoing a face and neck liftCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman smiling after a mummy makeover.

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Victoria says she has now wound back the clockCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

After speaking to friends and getting recommendations, Victoria found Revitalize in Turkey.

She spoke to the clinic and was told about a £10,000 ‘mummy makeover’.

The mum booked in for surgery and flew out just 10 days later.

She said: “Weirdly enough, I didn’t feel anxious at all about going in.

“I was just so excited.

“I was already staying at the villa with loads of people who’d already had surgery and were recovering.

“They were all looking great already, so I wasn’t nervous.

“I was a bit more stressed going into having my face done because obviously that’s my face, and if that goes wrong, then I’m stuck with it.

“But I’d seen other people’s results, which looked great.”

Woman in a yellow dress on a balcony at night.

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Before the surgery, Victoria would cover her tummy in photosCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman showing her stomach scars after a mummy makeover.

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Victoria after a full mummy makeover surgeryCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

DAY OF THE SURGERY

Victoria’s first surgery was for her tummy tuck, liposuction and breast lift.

She said: “I woke up feeling very groggy, and the pain in my stomach was unreal.

“It’d hurt even more when I moved or coughed.

“I was in and out of sleep for a while, so I was a bit confused at times, but the next day they encouraged me to get up and see if I could start walking.

“I didn’t feel any pain in my boobs whatsoever – it was all in my belly.

“I had drains in to collect any blood that was still coming out, and then they showed me a bit of my stomach that they cut away.

“It looked like a slab of fatty pork – I asked them to bin it!”

Five days later, she was taken in for the second surgery for her face and neck lift.

Woman post-face and neck lift surgery giving thumbs up.

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The 40-year-old after her face and neck liftCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

She said: “Waking up, my face felt really painful and tight.

“I had massive quilting stitches all over my face and neck, which looked like bicycle tyre tracks.

“I was told they were to help direct the blood flow and drain any excess, but they were really uncomfortable and itchy.

“The first 24 hours were really painful, but then after that it eased off and just felt tight and numb.”

Woman in a hospital gown after a mummy makeover surgery.

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After speaking to friends and getting recommendations, Victoria found Revitalize in TurkeyCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

SURGERY RECOVERY

Victoria had a check-up two days later and was allowed to go home five days later.

She said: “I was really nervous to see the results of my facelift as I had to keep the support on for four weeks, as well as the compression garments on my abdomen.

“I also had to keep my boobs strapped for six weeks.

“But once I could take them off, I was over the moon.

“My tummy had gone down and was so flat.

“My boobs looked great, and my face even better.

“I was like, wow, this is my body now!”

The mummy makeover would have cost £10,000 – but Tracy paid a discounted rate.

Woman in pink Adidas top and green Adidas pants in a bathroom.

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Delighted Victoria said friends and family have been ‘super supportive’ of her new lookCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman in blue and white floral crop top and maxi skirt.

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The mummy makeover would have cost £10,000 – but Tracy paid a discounted rateCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

BOOSTED CONFIDENCE

She is overjoyed with her new look, and her friends and family have been “super supportive”.

Victoria said: “They just can’t believe how great I look.

“I went to a baby shower a couple of weeks ago, where I hadn’t seen some of the girls there for a long time.

“And one of them walked straight past me, didn’t even realise it was me, and then she was like, ‘Oh my god, look at you now – the glow-up is real.’

“Now I can wear little belly tops, cocktail dresses, tight clothing, and not feel self-conscious anymore.

“I’m super happy.

“There is a lot of pressure for you to be perfect.

“Of course, nobody can be, but this is my idea of perfect to me.”

In May, Victoria re-visited the clinic to have laser eye surgery and turkey teeth fitted.

Close-up of a woman showing off her new turkey teeth.

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In May, Victoria headed back to get turkey teethCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman showing off her new teeth after a dental procedure.

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Victoria during the procedureCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_
Woman smiling after dental procedure.

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The mum was delighted with the resultsCredit: Jam Press/@uk_victoria_

She said: “I had 20 porcelain crowns and my eyes done.

“My vision is incredible, and my teeth are perfect.

“My face looks lovely.”

TIMELINE OF SURGERY

  • 10 March – First surgery on tummy tuck, liposuction and breast lift.
  • 15 March – Second surgery on neck and face lift.
  • 20 March – Flew home back to the UK.
  • 7 May – Turkey teeth and laser eye surgery.
  • 20 September – Labiaplasty and breast implants.

MORE SURGERY

Victoria plans on visiting for the final time in September to have breast implants and a labiaplasty.

She said: “I was supposed to have breast implants when I was there in March, but they said doing that, as well as a lift, was a no-go.

“My blood count was too low when I went for blood tests, so the surgeon said he couldn’t do my implants at the same time.

Now I can wear little belly tops, cocktail dresses, tight clothing, and not feel self-conscious anymore

Victoria Vigors

“Now I’ve given my boobs some time to rest – then I’ll be going back.

“I’m super excited for my labiaplasty.

“After having two children, one of my labia appears bigger than the other one.

“I want it to be more levelled out and neat.

“Now, my face is done, my body looks great, it is just those final things.”

What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?

IT’S important to do your research if you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.

It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.

Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.

No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.

If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.

Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.

Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.

Source: NHS

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Men used to stand me up when they saw my 20st body now I’m half my weight without fat jabs and they race to take me out

A MUM halved her weight without the help of fat jabs and now men are racing to take her out.

Laura Taylor was a heavy size 24 before she embarked on her weight loss journey in March 2024, after struggling with her weight since she was a teenager.

Woman in a polka dot bikini at the beach.

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Laura Taylor was previously a size 24Credit: Kennedy News & Media
Woman in bra and underwear taking a selfie in a tanning salon.

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The mum halved her body weight without the help of fat jabsCredit: Kennedy News & Media

The mum claims fellas would flee dates because ‘they didn’t realise’ her size, but now blokes try to woo her with drinks.

The 35-year-old says the battle with her weight began when she was bullied for being ‘fat’ and branded ‘tree trunk legs’ by cruel bullies at high school.

As a result, the mum-of-five didn’t wear a skirt for decades and was reluctant to leave the house due to her size 24 figure.

The self-conscious cleaning business owner would only share pictures of her face, not of her body, on her dating profiles.

Laura says when she did meet up for dates, men would sheepishly admit they ‘didn’t realise how big she was’ before slinking off just an hour after meeting her.

After trying and failing to lose the weight naturally, Laura underwent a ‘life-changing’ gastric sleeve operation in Turkey in March 2024.

Since then, she has switched her old diet of McDonald’s breakfasts, pub lunches, takeaway dinners, and five cans of Coca-Cola per day for protein coffees, fruit and chicken salads.

As a result, Laura has shed a whopping 10 stone in 16 months, initially tipping the scales at 20st 1lb and dropping down to 9st 13lbs and a slinky size eight.

Following her incredible weight loss, Laura says men now race to the bar to buy her drinks – and she’s finally confident enough to share full body images on her dating profile.

Laura, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said: “When men tell me that I look beautiful and sexy because I’ve lost all of my weight I do feel it.

I look unrecognisable after my 14st weight loss – it’s like my partner has brand new girlfriend

“When I was really big I used to go on dates and then an hour later they would say that they had to go and then I’d get blocked.

“They used to say that they didn’t realise how big I was or that my pictures looked different because they couldn’t see my body.

“I never used to show my body [on my dating profile], I just used to show my face.

“I include pictures of my body now. All of my profile pictures are of my full body because I feel more confident in myself now I’ve lost weight.

“I think I look a lot better, but I think I still have the mindset of when I was fat.

“I go out and I’ve got men coming up to me asking to buy me a drink and I’m like ‘what do you see in me really?’ Sometimes it’s quite hard to take in.”

Problems with Laura’s weight first began when she received cruel comments from bullies at high school.

Laura said: “I’ve had an issue with my weight all my life, really since I was a teenager.

“I got a lot of bullying at school because when I used to wear skirts I’d get called ‘tree trunk legs’ and fat.

“After a couple times of wearing skirts I never wore them again.

“I never wanted to go to school with a skirt on because I used to get called that all the time.

“Food was a comfort for me. I used to sit at home and eat food because I got bullied and I felt like nobody fancied me.”

After struggling with her weight since she was a teen, Laura decided to commit to having gastric sleeve surgery.

What is the difference between a gastric band, bypass and sleeve?

The three most widely used types of weight loss surgery are:

  • Gastric bandwhere a band is used to reduce the stomach’s size, meaning you will feel full after eating a reduced amount of food
  • Gastric bypasswhere your digestive system is re-routed past stomach, so you digest less food and it takes less to make you feel full
  • Sleeve gastrectomywhere some of the stomach is removed, to reduce the amount of food required to make you feel full

When coupled with exercise and a healthy diet, weight loss surgery has been found to be effective in dramatically reducing a patient’s excess body fat.

Recent research in the United States found that people with gastric bands lose around half of their excess body weight.

Meanwhile gastric bypasses reduce this excess body weight by two thirds post-op.

However, it’s not always successful – and patients still need to take responsibility for eating well and working out.

Laura said: “I went to the doctors and asked to be put on the waiting list for a gastric sleeve in the UK but they told me I wasn’t big enough.

“I looked at the prices in the UK but it was £10,500 and I didn’t have the money.

“When I was pricing it up it was so much cheaper in Turkey than it was over here.

“It was £2,400 and then the flights were £600, so about £3,000 in total.

“The NHS was a six-year waiting list and I couldn’t wait that long because I didn’t leave the house.

“I didn’t see my friends or anything like that because they were all quite skinny and I was the fat one of the bunch.”

Since having the £3,000 op, Laura says she gets told she looks younger and some of her friends don’t even recognise her when they see her in the street.

Laura said: “I get told I look younger because I have lost a lot of weight in my face.

“I feel good in myself and people say that I look amazing.

“I do need to start taking those compliments in because I’ve been fat all of my life it’s hard for me to say I do actually look good.

“A lot of friends haven’t seen me in the past 18 months and when I’ve been out they’ve walked past me.

“I’ve had to tap them on the shoulder and say ‘do you not recognise me?’.”

Laura says she now finally has the confidence to wear skirts and dresses again and will even be wearing a bikini when she goes on holiday in August.

Laura said: “I never used to wear the stuff I wear now, there’s no way I would be putting on a dress on above my knees.

“I don’t go out in jeans now, I only wear skirts or dresses.”

Laura says the operation ‘saved her life’ and has had a positive impact on her socially.

Laura said: “I’ve always been the one [in my friend group] that’s sat in the corner and not really danced because I didn’t want to.

“I’m on the dance floor before anyone else now because I’ve got so much energy I want to dance.

“The operation saved my life. I’d still be sat in the house now not going out, so it has changed my life completely.”

Here’s what Laura would eat in a day.

TYPICAL FOOD DIARY BEFORE WEIGHTLOSS

Breakfast – McDonalds breakfast

Lunch – Pub lunch mixed grill or English breakfast

Dinner – Takeaway or chips and sausages

Snacks – Chocolate, sweets, crisps and five cans of Coca-Cola per day

TYPICAL FOOD DIARY AFTER WEIGHTLOSS

Breakfast – Protein coffee

Lunch – None

Dinner – Chicken salad, chilli or chicken and rice

Snacks – Apples, cheese strings, decaf coffee

The 5 best exercises to lose weight

By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist

EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you?

As a PT and fitness journalist, I’ve tried everything.

I’ve taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates.

Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas!

The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit.

My top five forms of exercise, especially if you’re trying to lose weight, are:

  1. Walking
  2. Running
  3. Pilates
  4. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
  5. Strength training
Photo of Laura Taylor before her weight loss journey.

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Men used to stand her up after clocking her larger sizeCredit: Kennedy News & Media
Woman in a hospital gown giving a thumbs up.

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Laura underwent a gastric sleeve surgery in TurkeyCredit: Kennedy News & Media
Photo of Laura Taylor before her weight loss journey.

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Her battle with weight began when she was bullied for being ‘fat’ in high schoolCredit: Kennedy News & Media
Woman in pink Nike workout outfit taking a selfie.

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Now the mum says men are racing to buy her drinksCredit: Kennedy News & Media
Woman in a metallic gold dress.

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Charlotte has shed 10 stonesCredit: Kennedy News & Media

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Lawsuit against Fat Joe alleges coercion, sex with minors

Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, once a hype man to rapper Fat Joe, has sued his former employer for $20 million, making some allegations that might blend right in at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ RICO and sex-trafficking trial.

The federal lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York and reviewed by The Times, alleges that the rapper underpaid Dixon, cut him out of promised pay for contributing to album tracks, defrauded authorities about his income, ditched Dixon in foreign countries without money or transportation home and is running a criminal organization built on intimidation and violence.

The lawsuit alleges that Fat Joe forced the hype man — a sort of backing vocalist who pumps up the audience — into approximately 4,000 sex acts with women in front of him and his crew.

The 54-year-old rapper, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is also accused of having sexual relationships with girls who were 15 and 16. The allegations go back to when the rapper was in his late 30s, the lawsuit says. Fat Joe’s song “She’s My Mama,” which has graphically sexual lyrics, was based on what is alleged to have happened with him and one of the girls in real life, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit states that Dixon’s role over about 16 years was more than that of the usual hype man. He “consistently” had duties that included co-writing lyrics, structuring hooks, recording background vocals, performing at more than 200 live shows as Fat Joe’s primary onstage counterpart and managing travel logistics, including equipment transport, security and emergency arrangements. The complaint alleges that Dixon also acted as Joe’s bodyguard and handler during tours.

According to the filing, Dixon wrote or co-wrote tracks including “Congratulations,” “Money Over Bitches,” “Ice Cream,” “Cupcake,” “Blackout,” “Dirty Diana,” “Porn Star,” “Okay Okay,”“No Problems,” a version of “All the Way Up,” “300 Brolic,” “All I Do Is Win (Remix verse),” “Red Café (Remix),” “Winding on Me,” “Cocababy” and “Get It for Life.”

The complaint alleges that Dixon was not properly paid for his efforts, even though he says he was promised certain ownership percentages and documented credit on songs that Fat Joe released commercially. Dixon, who left Fat Joe’s team in 2020, was unable to obtain certain evidence of wrongdoing until a person named as “Accountant Doe” came forward last year with information, the lawsuit says.

Fat Joe “exercised sole control over contracts, budgets, tour management, licensing, and credit attribution and intentionally omitted Plaintiff’s name from liner notes, publishing registrations, and royalty structures, despite Plaintiff’s direct contributions to these works’ creative and commercial success,” the complaint says.

Joe Tacopina, an attorney for Fat Joe, called the lawsuit “a blatant attack of retaliation” and labeled the allegations “complete fabrications” that his client denies in a statement to Variety. Retaliation referred to the slander lawsuit that the rapper filed against Dixon in April after the former hype man accused him on social media of flying a 16-year-old across state lines for sex.

Dixon’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, is also representing producer Lil Rod (Rodney Jones) in his $30-million federal lawsuit filed last year against Sean “Diddy” Combs and others in Combs’ orbit, in which Lil Rod alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault. A judge tossed out a majority of Lil Rod’s allegations against Combs in late March.

Both lawsuits include trigger warnings in bright red type ahead of the allegations — something not often seen in such documents.

“Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi [pink cocaine],” Blackburn said in a statement to the Independent. “He learned nothing from his 2013 federal conviction,” the attorney added, referencing Fat Joe’s four-month sentence and $15,000 fine in a plea deal for failure to file a tax return in multiple years on more than $3.3 million in income.

In addition to Fat Joe, defendants in the new lawsuit include Peter “Pistol Pete” Torres, Richard “Rich Player” Jospitre, Erica Juliana Moreira and several companies —including Roc Nation — that are affiliated with the rapper. Dixon is asking for a jury trial.

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New fat jabs warning over ‘increased risk of cancer – as experts fear they ‘stop common medication working’

WEIGHT loss jabs could prevent a medication taken by millions of women from working – and increase patients’ risk of cancer.

The British Menopause Society said the jabs could cause hormone imbalance in women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly for those with obesity, putting them “at increased risk of womb cancer”.

Woman applying HRT patch to her thigh.

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Women commonly take a progesterone pill along with oestrogen patches or creamCredit: Getty

It follows warnings to women on weight loss medications to take effective contraception, as the jabs could render the pill less effective.

That’s because weight loss drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro – as well as diabetes jab Ozempic – can delay the absorption of pills taken orally, as well slowing down the passage of food through the gut.

Guidance suggests women taking HRT in pill form may also be at risk.

The British Menopause Society (BMS) told doctors to closely monitor menopausal women on HRT who are also using weight-loss jabs.

The treatment tops up the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which dip to low levels as the menopause approaches.

Data from 2023-24 showed that 2.6 million women in England rely on the drugs to alleviate hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping and mood changes.

“During the last two years, since semaglutide and tirzepatide [the active ingredients in Wegovy and Mounjaro] received licenses for weight loss, there has been an increase in uptake of these medications through private clinics, while NHS prescribing is limited to specialist weight management services,” the BMS guidance stated.

“There are no current data available about numbers of women receiving HRT concurrently with semaglutide or tirzepatide.”

The most common form of HRT is a progesterone pill alongside a skin patch or gel to deliver oestrogen, but some people opt for a combined pill.

Progesterone balances out the effects of oestrogen, which on its own stimulates the growth of the womb lining, and can cause “abnormal cells and cancer” to grow.

Women taking fat jabs need ‘effective contraception’ – as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies

The menopause experts expressed concern over the loss of the progesterone’s protective effect on the womb as a result of weight loss jabs.

They recommended that doctors move women taking progesterone orally to an intrauterine device, such as a Mirena coil, or increase their dose of progesterone.

Prof Annice Mukherjee, a consultant endocrinologist and member of the society’s medical advisory council, who led on the guidance, told The Telegraph that a hormone imbalance could put women “at increased risk of womb cancer” – particularly if they are obese.

“Oestrogen is almost always given through the skin for HRT in women living with obesity, but progesterone is frequently given as a tablet, and that formulation is thought to be the safest route for women who have complicated health issues,” she said.

“If we then start one of these injectable weight-loss drugs, then you’re preferentially stopping absorption of the progestogen that’s coming in orally, but you’re allowing plenty of the oestrogen through the skin.

“The rules are very clear that if you give a very high dose of oestrogen and you don’t give enough progesterone, however that happens, you’re putting that woman at risk of womb cancer,” she said.

Prof Mukherjee said there was currently a “culture of putting women on very high doses of oestrogen”, which can make the womb lining thicken.

“It’s like having a lawn in a woman’s womb. Oestrogen makes the lawn grow. Progestogen cuts the lawn. But if it’s not being cut, it grows thicker, and then you can get abnormal cells and cancer.”

Everything you need to know about fat jabs

Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.

Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.

Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.

Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.

How do they work?

The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.

They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.

Can I get them?

NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.

Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.

GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.

Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.

Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.

Are there any risks?

Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.

Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”

Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.

Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.

Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.

But she also stressed that the biggest risk factor for womb cancer was obesity – meaning that on the whole, weight loss jabs can cut the risk of disease.

“These drugs reduce the risk of cancer,” Prof Mukherjee said.

“But if they are prescribed to a woman who’s on oestrogen through the skin, and she might already have womb thickening because she’s living with obesity, and she’s not absorbing the progesterone because she’s been put on a weight-loss injection, she’s potentially getting loads of oestrogen on top of her thickened womb lining, and that could potentially unmask cancers that are there or drive an early cancer to a more advanced stage.”

The BMS put together the guidelines after calls from GPs for advice to give to patients.

Dr Janet Barter, the president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, told The Telegraph that weight loss jabs can cause side effects such as “vomiting and severe diarrhoea in some patients”.

“Obviously this could render any medication, such as HRT tablets or oral contraception, ineffective if there hasn’t been enough time for them to be fully absorbed,” she said.

“If these side-effects are occurring, then people should discuss the matter with their doctor or specialist clinician to find the combination of drugs that’s right for them.”

Sun Health has contacted Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly – the makers of Wegovy and Mounjaro – for comment.

It follows warnings from the Medicines and Healthcare products Agency (MHRA) that GLP-1 weight loss drugs could reduce the absorption of contraceptives, due to the fact they slow down the emptying of the stomach.

The watchdog also said the jabs should not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive or breastfeeding, over fears they could lead to miscarriage or birth defects.

The MHRA explained: “This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.”

Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist and medical director of clinical trials at Anglia Ruskin University, told The Sun: “It’s not the medication itself, but the weight loss that helps regulate a woman’s hormones allowing her ovaries to function properly again.

“Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.”

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Forget fat jabs! The 6 simple ‘Nozempic’ diet anchors that will make a big difference to your weight loss goals

DOES it feel like you’ve tried everything in your quest to lose those final pounds?

While the world is obsessed with Ozempic-like fat jabs, not everyone wants to resort to injecting drugs to shed weight. But what’s the answer when all the fad diets have failed?

Person injecting Mounjaro pen.

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Not a fan of the idea of injecting yourself to lose weight? There are all sorts of drawbacks of jabs to considerCredit: Alamy
Woman measuring her waist with a tape measure.

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Fat jabs aren’t the only way to lose weight quicklyCredit: Alamy

As a nutritionist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen it all from quick fixes to restrictive plans that rarely deliver long-lasting results. I’m not alone – most professionals in this space would agree that rigid diets don’t work long-term.

But here’s what does…. Rethinking your approach to weight loss and health by focusing on sustainable habits known as diet ‘anchors’.

Anchors are a common concept that many wellness experts (myself included) use with our clients. Think of them as an antidote to fad diets that don’t hold up over time. 

Like the name suggests, these fundamental vows help keep you grounded and consistent. They are easy to weave into your daily routine, making them sustainable, unlike rigid rules that come with most diets. They become so ingrained that they become natural, which is the key to success.

Many of my clients come in thinking they need to overhaul their diet overnight, but when it comes to health, it’s actually the small, steady shifts that have the biggest impact. 

So if you’re fed up of complicated calorie counting, are struggling with flagging energy levels or can’t seem to stick to the new gym routine, try implementing these tried and tested non-negotiable rules to flip the weight loss switch… 

1. BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

It may be the first thing you eat, but breakfast sets the tone for the whole day. The food choices you make have an impact on your blood sugar levels.

Slurping a bowl of milky cereal or a chowing a syrupy stack of pancakes might hit your sweet spot, but sugary breakfasts send your blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster.

What this means, is that after they spike your blood sugar, you soon experience a crash. It results in a mid-morning energy dip and cravings for the biscuit tin come 10am.

Make sure your breakfast choices lean more towards savoury, protein-rich meals to feel fuller for longer with no nasty blood glucose crashes. 

Feeling Full Naturally: Top 5 Foods That Act Like Weight Loss Jabs

Protein takes more energy to digest than fat or carbohydrates, which means it slightly increases calorie burn, whilst keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Panfried mushrooms with melted cheese on toast, anchovy and tomato bruschetta or eggs cooked shakshuka style are a protein-fuelled start to the day.

But if you’re limited on time, or on-the-go, try:

  • Boil a couple of eggs the night before and serve with salad leaves or wholemeal toast. Make a veggie frittata which can be eaten cold.
  • Whizz together a bowl of fruity overnight oats. Pop some oats in a mason jar and cover with milk. In the morning, add a sprinkling of seeds (which are high in plant-based protein), your favourite fruit and a drizzle of honey. 
  • Combine plain Greek yoghurt with berries and top with mixed nuts or chia seeds. 
  • Nibble a protein bar with a piece of low-sugar fruit such as an apple or pear.
Soft-boiled egg in an egg cup with toast.

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Eggs are a great protein source to eat at breakfast. You can cook them in the morning, or cook a frittata to eat cold at workCredit: Getty

2. COLOUR, NOT QUANTITY 

Variety is the spice of life, so if you’re eating the same foods day after day you’ll hit a boredom wall and risk nutritional deficiencies. 

To avoid this food rut, rotate the colours on your plate, aiming for a total of nine different shades every day. 

This is easier than it sounds, and the simplest way is to aim for three different vegetables at each meal

For example, sneak diced courgette and colourful peppers into bolognese sauces, make use of frozen bagged vegetables into casseroles and soups and add a side salad to your lunch. 

When you lose inspiration, find new recipes on social media; it’s saturated with accounts showing how to make meals that hit all the spots; healthy, delicious, cheap and quick.

Try doubling up on everything you make for a week or two, so that you can freeze portions. That way you always have a healthy meal when you’re in a hurry.

8 simple swaps to boost your fibre intake 

Feel fuller for longer and support your digestion – both helpful for weight loss – with more fibre. SWAP:

  1. White pasta for whole wheat pasta
  2. White bread for wholemeal or seeded bread
  3. White rice for brown rice or quinoa
  4. Potato crisps for popcorn (air-popped)
  5. Breakfast cereals for oats or whole-grain cereals
  6. Snack bars for Vegetable sticks with hummus
  7. Fruit juice for whole fruit
  8. Mashed white potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes or parsnips

3. UP AND OUT

Kicking back on the sofa and flicking on Netflix might be your current go-to after dinner, but gentle exercise after eating is a science-backed no-brainer weight loss hack that us nutritionists swear by. 

A short walk within a 60-minute window of finishing your meal can help with weight loss as well as ward off disease. It makes all the difference in how your body absorbs carbohydrates. 

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine showed that 20 minutes of walking straight after eating helped muscle cells use glucose more efficiently from the bloodstream which reduces insulin demand and boosts weight loss. 

No time to walk, or stuck at the house? Pace up and down the stairs – set a goal and see if you can increase how many flights you can do over time – or get some chores done around the house.

4. SPICE AND NICE

Lots of us have to make a conscious effort to cook things from scratch. It’s easier to grab ready-to-eat meals for the family, but this is certainly not the best way to lose weight.

If there’s one thing you can do to liven up meals that you’re cooking from scratch – and keep your diet on track – it’s adding flavour. So, include at least one herb or spice at each meal. 

From adding blood-sugar balancing cinnamon to porridge, topping green smoothies with anti-inflammatory golden turmeric and being extra liberal with herbs like sage, basil and parsley in pasta sauces, getting in the habit of seasoning will help to elevate your meals both in taste and nutrition. 

Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon.

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Cinnamon is a great alternative to sugar for porridge or yoghurt – and it helps to keep blood sugar levels balancedCredit: Getty

You can use dried herbs and spices or buy fresh. To keep costs down and wastage low, you can now buy pre-chopped herbs, as well as onions and garlic, in the frozen section.

Want to take it one step further? Create your own little herb garden on a sunny windowsill. Basil, thyme and mint are all super-easy varieties to grow at home. 

5. SELF-WORTH REIGNS

Sustaining motivation to workout and eat well can be difficult at the best of times, but anchoring your thoughts to your goals is the best way to keep your get-up-and-go firing. Keep in mind that success is about consistency, and it’s those small wins that add up over time.

Mantras can help to reinforce your diet choices, so put pen to paper and make up a few that resonate with your goals. 

Some of my personal favourites include “your choices today build results tomorrow”, and “nothing changes unless you change it”.

Self-worth can often shatter on fad diets, but with diet anchors you feel shaped by your positive health choices, so when you do smash one of your micro goals, be kind to yourself.

Even something simple like getting your nails done, or pampering yourself with a candlelit bath, can help to keep motivation high. And if you do fall off the wagon? Don’t beat yourself up for it, every day is a new day with new possibilities to better your health. 

6. PLATE ART

Learning to become meticulous about how you organise your plate is a simple yet powerful anchor that can help to speed up weight loss, and keep those stubborn pounds off.

To build the perfect plate, it’s important to re-think the way you serve your food; Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and peppers as these are high in fibre and contain a hefty dose of nutrients.

Next, dedicate one quarter to protein – this includes foods like eggs, poultry, red meat or tofu to help support muscle health and promote fullness.

Finally, split the remaining quarter between healthy fats, (including avocado, nuts, and seeds), along with complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, wholemeal pasta or sweet potato as these help to sustain energy whilst providing essential nutrients.

The order in which you eat your food can also make a difference to weight loss – it’s a concept called ‘food sequencing’ and can help to improve your body’s insulin response to food.

To practice food sequencing, eat your non-starchy veg first, followed by your protein and healthy fat sources. Save your carbs until last to help minimise blood sugar spikes and aid fullness. 

Louise Pyne is a registered nutritionist. Find her at www.louisepynenutrition.com and on Instagram @loulou_nutrition.

What a balanced plate looks like

How can you make sure you are eating a balanced, filling and nutritious plate at every meal?

Think of your plate divided into different food groups – protein, carbs, fat and fruit and veg.

Protein: David Wiener, training and nutrition specialist at AI-based lifestyle and coaching app Freeletics, told The Sun: “Aim for one to two palm-size portions of lean protein in each meal.”

Protein includes meat (chicken, turkey, pork, beef), beans, peas, lentils and fish.

The NHS Eatwell Guide says to choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat like bacon, ham and sausages.

Aim for at least two portions (two x 140g) of fish every week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.

Carbs: Carbohydrates should make up about a third of your plate, or a fist-sized portion.

The Eatwell Guide says: “Choose higher fibre or wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave the skins on potatoes.

“There are also higher fibre versions of white bread and pasta.

“Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet.”

Fat: Generally the advice is to think of fat like a thumb-sized amount on your plate.

The Eatwell Guide says: “Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten in small amounts.

“These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream.

“They’re not needed in our diet, so should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts.”

But a small amount is still essential for the diet. Try and eat more unsaturated fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), which are healthier than saturated fats (butter, hard cheese, sour cream).

Fruit and veg: David says: “Make sure you also get lots of colourful fruit and vegetable carbohydrates too.

“Aim for at least five of these portions a day.

“One to two fist-sized portions of fruits and vegetables with every meal is generally recommended.”

Fruit and veg can be fresh, frozen, tinned or dried. You can roast, boil, steam or grill veggies.

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Belly fat ‘may cause burning and painful skin condition’ suffered by Kim Kardashian – how to shift the pounds

BELLY fat increases your risk of the skin condition psoriasis, a study warns.

Psoriasis, which affects one in 50 people – including reality TV star Kim Kardashian – causes scaly patches of skin usually around the scalp, knees and elbows.

Kim Kardashian at a pre-Oscar party.

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Kim Kardashian has the condition psoriasis. It affects two per cent of BritsCredit: Getty
Close-up of a woman pinching her belly fat.

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A study showed that belly fat was linked with the skin condition, thought to be caused by a faulty immune responseCredit: Alamy

The 44-year-old has previously opened up about her struggle with the condition she described as ‘painful’.

Model Cara Delevingne and singer Cyndi Lauper are also sufferers.

Researchers at King’s College London analysed data from over 330,000 Brits, including more than 9,000 people with psoriasis

They found that abdominal fat was strongly linked to someone’s likelihood of having the condition, particularly for women. 

Study author Dr Ravi Ramessur said: “Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk. 

“Central fat, especially around the waist, seems to play a key role. 

“This has important implications for how we identify individuals who may be more likely to develop psoriasis or experience more severe disease, and how we approach prevention and treatment strategies.”

Psoriasis typically begins in someone’s 20s or 50s.

It’s not known what causes the incurable, and therefore chronic, condition.

Close-up of Kim Kardashian's face showing psoriasis.

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Kim discussed her psoriasis journey on her skkn Instagram account in 2019Credit: skkn/Instagram
Image of a leg with psoriasis.

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Kim has previously described living with psoriasis flare-ups as ‘painful’Credit: Instagram/Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian showing psoriasis on her leg.

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Kim on an early season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians showing psoriasis on her legsCredit: E!

It is thought that a problem with the immune system causes the skin cells to replace faster than they should. It is therefore sometimes referred to as an autoimmune disorder.

Dr Ramessur says: “The observed links between central body fat and psoriasis suggest that there may be underlying biological mechanisms contributing to the disease that are not yet fully understood and which warrant further investigation.”

Khloe Kardashian leaks ‘creepy’ video of sister Kim’s legs on Snapchat as fans say ‘this is so strange!’

In light of the new findings, experts said Ozempic-style fat jabs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may help people with psoriasis. 

Dr Joel Gelfand, Department of Dermatology and Center for Clinical Sciences in Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, wrote in an accompanying editorial: “The strong relationship between psoriasis and obesity, and the emerging promise of GLP-1 RAs, is a call to action for clinical trials.”

Dr Catherine Smith, senior author, said: “As rates of obesity continue to rise globally, understanding how different patterns of body fat influence chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis is important.”

How to get rid of belly fat

Most of us have tried to shift belly fat at some point – it can be stubborn and takes some hard work.

Personal trainer Lucy Gornall previously shared with The Sun her non-negotiables if your goal is to lose the extra chub around your middle.

These include:

1. Fill your plate with as many coloured fruits and vegetables as you can.

“These are the fruits and vegetables which pack in nutrients and fibre, but contain very few calories,” Lucy says.

Fibre fills you up and therefore prevents overeating.

2. Don’t overdo the cardio.

“Going hard on runs, cycles and other types of cardio, is NOT the best way to burn belly fat,” says Lucy.

“It will leave you tired (you’ll be turning to high sugar snacks for energy), it will leave you sore, and it will leave you very hungry.”

3. Instead, lift weights.

“More muscle means more calories burnt at rest, meaning you burn off the food you eat easier than if you had less muscle,” says Lucy.

“Aim to include three 30 to 45 minute resistance-based training sessions each week, ensuring that the weight is challenging and your form is correct.”

4. Eat protein

Protein is the most filling food you can eat (over carbohydrates and fats) and helps with muscle recovery from all that weight training you’ll be doing.

“Look to include a source of protein in every meal and you won’t go too far wrong,” says Lucy, noting chicken breast and lean turkey mince are good sources.

5. Move more generally.

Increase your NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by doing things like taking the stairs over the lift and walking home from an earlier train or tube station.

What is psoriasis?

Roughly two per cent of the population – both men and women – are affected by psoriasis.

Prominent figures that deal with the skin problem are model Cara Delevingne and singer Cyndi Lauper.

TV personality Kim Kardashian has also described psoriasis as her “big flaw”, always “hoping for a cure”.

Sadly, there is no cure for psoriasis. 

Patients have to learn to deal with the condition by finding a treatment that works for them.

But some have also found that modifying their diet helps.

Treatments

The NHS says: “A wide range of treatments are available for psoriasis, but identifying the most effective one can be difficult.”

Treatments fall into three categories.

First, topical creams and ointments applied to the skin are usually the first option to help with mild psoriasis. 

If the condition has spread to the scalp, there are also shampoos and ointments that can help.

Examples include:

  • Emollients to keep the skin moist and reduce water loss
  • Steroid creams – which are only prescribable – to calm the skin 
  • Vitamin D analogues to slow the production of skin cells and reduce inflammation
  • Calcineurin inhibitors to dampen inflammation and the immune system, sometimes in sensitive areas
  • Coal tar to reduce scales and itchiness
  • Dithranol to suppress the production of skin cells

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