Fitness and Exercise

HUGE sports fan? Setting sail on the seas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the big game or your  fitness regime. 

Modern cruise ships come kitted out with all the latest wellness gear whether its high-tech courts, sports bars showing the latest footie games or  themed itineraries for mega fans.

From footie sailings with NFL tickets to island-hopping cycling tours, Sophie Swietochowski picks five of the best sports voyages. 

TAKE ON CROATIA ON TWO WHEELS 

CYCLISTS  will love this  adventure along Croatia’s sun-drenched Dalmatian coast with Sail Croatia. 

In just one week, you’ll tick off some of its  most picturesque islands on two wheels, including  mountainous Hvar and Mljet with its  peaceful lakes. 

Sail Croatia’s ships are small, so there will be just 38 of you on board. 

NO WAY

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Guests can hire bikes or e-bikes and will be accompanied on daily  cycling adventures by a  local guide. 

Itineraries vary in difficulty level – the Split Return Southern route is the toughest but has  breathtaking views. 

This cruise also calls at Milna, Bol, Korcula, Makarska and Split. 

GO: The seven-night Split Return Southern cycling cruise  from £929pp leaves Split on April 18, 2025. Flights extra. See sail-croatia.com.

BIG GAME WITH MIAMI NFL CRUISE 

AMERICAN Football is soaring in popularity in the UK with NFL matches taking place here for several years.  

But nothing beats seeing the stars on their home turf. So Iglu Cruise has launched NFL packages that combine a voyage with tickets to top games.

Fans can hop aboard Carnival Sunrise for a nine-night Western Caribbean cruise which includes tickets to see Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills.  

You’ll spend three nights in Miami then day four at sea where you can enjoy mini golf or volleyball on board, before reaching Ocho Rios in Jamaica. You’ll head to Grand Cayman then back to Miami.  

GO: The nine-night NFL cruise is from £2,079pp, including Heathrow flights and Miami hotel stay. Leaves November 7. See iglucruise.com. 

WATCH GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI 

FORMULA One legends will be putting their pedals to the metal in Abu Dhabi this December for the much-anticipated grand prix.  

And if one cruise line understands what racing fans want, it’s Celestyal. You’ll have to splash the cash, but it’ll be worth it for this cruise.  

The Arabian Gulf package includes a short stay in a four-star hotel on the Corniche – the five-mile promenade – in Abu Dhabi and three-day  grandstand ticket to the Grand Prix.  

This is  followed by a five-night Desert Days cruise, with an overnight stop in Dubai.  

If you’ve never made it to the Grand Prix before then prepare to be dazzled as  fans will not only be watching their racing favourites  whizz round the tracks, they’ll also enjoy performances from Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry.  

And the F1 fun continues on board, with passengers  joined by guest speakers, former race ace David Coulthard and sports host Laura Winter,  as they sail between Dubai, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.  

GO: The seven-night Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise costs from £2,390pp including flights from the UK, all transfers, two-night hotel stay, three-day grandstand ticket and cruise.  

The price also includes an exclusive beach party on Sir Bani Yas island. See ­celestyaltravel.com. 

PUMP SOME IRON AROUND THE MED 

KEEN to keep on top of your fitness? Princess Cruises has 18 ships offering top-notch gyms, blood-pumping classes and state-of-the-art courts. 

Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or prefer something more low-key,  the sports court  of Sun Princess has something for all. 

More of a runner? The gym isn’t short of treadmills, and there’s also an outdoor running track. There are fitness classes too, from pilates to spin. Revive aching muscles  at the spa. 

Explore Naples in Italy, Chania in Greece, Kusadasi in Turkey and Mykonos and Athens in Greece on this seven-night Med voyage. 

GO: A seven-day Mediterranean with Italy & Turkey sailing is from £796pp departing Rome on May 23. Flights extra. See princess.com. 

SINK HOOPS IN  THE CARIBBEAN 

MORE of an all-rounder?  You’ll love the adults-only Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on board Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas. 

The lively venue is crammed with screens showing the biggest sports games and events. 

For something more physically  challenging, the sports court has a basketball area, pickleball and football. Or at Adrenaline Peak, guests can take on the rock-climbing wall or try riding waves on the surf simulator. 

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The ship departs Orlando and sails to  CocoCay in the Bahamas, above, Cozumel (Mexico) Roatan (Honduras) and Puerto Costa Maya (Mexico). 

GO: The seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise is from £1,059pp leaving  on November 23. See royalcaribbean.com. 

Derek Lunsford is an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder and Mr Olympia champion who’s as devoted to his family as he is to his training.

Here’s the lowdown on his wife, their family life, and the latest on his success in Olympia.

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Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife, Jhelsin?

Derek is married to Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness professional who focuses on helping clients with weight loss and muscle building.

She’s built her own following by sharing practical coaching content and healthy-living advice online.

The pair have been together for more than a decade and tied the knot in 2022, marking two years of marriage in 2024.

Jhelsin regularly features in Derek’s posts, with the couple sharing glimpses of their life together, from gym sessions to big family milestones.

Derek has publicly praised her as his best friend and the “mother of our baby girl.”

Does Derek Lunsford have any children?

Derek and Jhelsin welcomed a baby girl in January 2024.

He shared the news shortly after the birth and has since posted heartfelt tributes to his wife and daughter.

In a later message celebrating their relationship, Derek also referred to their daughter by name, Evie.

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Who is Derek Lunsford?

Born May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana, Derek Lunsford competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League.

He first made waves after moving up from the 212 class, showcasing the blend of size, symmetry, and conditioning needed to contend with the biggest names in the sport.

His fast rise included an early pro splash at the Tampa Pro in the 212 division and, after stepping into Open, he delivered on the sport’s biggest stage by becoming the 2023 Mr Olympia champion.

Has Derek Lunsford appeared at Mr Olympia?

Derek has become a fixture at the Olympia weekend.

After early success in the 212s, he transitioned to Open and captured the Mr Olympia title in 2023, confirming his status among bodybuilding’s elite.

He has continued to compete at the very top since then, balancing the demands of championship prep with new-dad life.

Derek reclaimed the Sandow in 2025, becoming a two-time Mr Olympia champion.

He sealed the win on Saturday night against a stacked field to put his name back on the trophy after the 2024 setback.

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Why fans love the Lunsfords’ updates

Beyond the hardware, fans connect with Derek because he brings them along for the ride — from late-night posing updates to intimate family moments.

Posts like his “31 and glowing!” birthday tribute to Jhelsin, calling her the “mother of our baby girl,” have become some of his most-liked family content, showing the softer side of a world-class competitor.

Likewise, his “13 years together and 2 years married” message thanking God “every single day for you and Evie” says a lot about where his priorities are these days: faith, family, and physiques — in that order.

If you’re looking to change your body shape, we’ve got you covered.

Here, Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer and author, takes you through your new workout plan.

Your New Workout 

Include a few compound movements in each workout, which work multiple muscles and joints at once. Do eight to 12 reps in each set.

“Women should lift heavy enough that the last two to three reps of a set are challenging but doable with good form,” says Laura.

You can use dumbbells or a barbell for these exercises:

SQUATS 

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• Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at your sides. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest up, and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are reaching for a chair behind you.
• Bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor (or as low as you can comfortably go while keeping your back straight and chest up). Keep the dumbbells close to your sides.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to powerfully drive back up to the starting position.
• At the top, fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes for a complete repetition.

Try a goblet squat with one, heavier dumbbell held at the chest, or with a barbell on your upper back/neck.

DEADLIFTS

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• Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend over and grip the bar with your hands just outside your shins.
• With the bar still on the floor, bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. The bar should be going across the mid-foot. Keep your hips low, chest up, and back straight. Take a big breath and brace your core.
• Drive through your heels, pushing the floor away. Stand up by extending your knees and hips simultaneously. Keep the bar in contact with your body (dragging it up your shins).
• Finish the lift by standing tall. Squeeze your glutes together and lock your hips and knees.
• To lower the bar again, hinge at your hips first, keeping your back straight, and allow the bar to descend down your thighs. Once the bar passes your knees, bend your knees to lower it to the floor with control.

BENCH PRESS

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• In the gym, set up a barbell on a rack with a flat bench underneath it. Lie on the bench and, planting your feet firmly on the floor, grab the bar with an overhand grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
• Squeeze your shoulder blades back and down (like you’re pinching a pencil between them). Arch your upper back slightly and drive your feet into the floor to lock in your entire body.
• Take a deep breath and push the bar straight up and off the rack. Move it forward until it is balanced directly over your shoulders. This is your starting position (see illustration above).
• Slowly lower the bar to your mid-chest, just below your collarbone. Keep your elbows tucked to a 45-to-70-degree angle from your body (avoid flaring them out wide).
• When the bar lightly touches your chest, press it forcefully up and slightly back (not straight up) until your arms are fully extended over your shoulders. Exhale, and then repeat the movement for the next rep.

Try with dumbbells if you are at home or are new to the exercise and want more flexibility or range of motion, for example.

BENT OVER ROWS

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• Stand with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other (neutral grip). Bend your knees slightly, then hinge at your hips so your torso is close to a 45-degree angle to the floor.
• Keep your back straight, chest up, and core tight. Let the dumbbells hang straight down, just below your knees.
• Lead the movement by pulling your elbows up and back towards the ceiling, drawing the dumbbells toward the sides of your chest/lower rib cage.
• At the top of the movement, squeeze your back muscles together (imagine pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades).
• Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position with your arms fully extended, maintaining the bent-over posture for all repetitions.

Try with a barbell too.

OVERHEAD PRESS WITH SQUAT

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• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand by your sides (palms facing inward). Keep your chest up and core tight.
• Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back, as if you are sitting down into a chair.
• Bend your knees, keeping your back straight and the dumbbells hanging close to your body. Go down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, or as low as comfortable.
• Push through your heels and the middle of your feet to drive your body back up to the starting position. Fully straighten your legs and squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.

Add on a couple of accessory lifts, which target specific areas and work only one side of the body at a time.

Think biceps curls or single-leg glute bridges.

Short on time?

“I suggest pairing exercises together from opposite muscle groups (such as quads and hamstrings), or an upper and a lower exercise to get the biggest bang for your time spent in the gym,” says Laura. 

HER incredible figure has been the envy of women across the world for decades.

But now supermodel-turned-filmmaker Caprice Bourret has revealed she was so scared of being trolled after gaining 20lbs that she turned to weight loss drug Mounjaro.

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The 53-year-old – who was concerned about possible health issues – put on weight after easing up on her strict health regime and started indulging in sweet treats like cake and chocolate, as well her favourite tipple – red wine.

Her relaxed regime in Spring 2024 saw her jump from a size 8 to 12, bringing with it a string of worrying ailments including “heart palpitations”, difficulty walking upstairs, joint pain, severe inflammation and being unable to fit into her designer clothes.

As much as she tried, she just couldn’t shift the weight, which she blames on menopause and a refusal to go on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

“My health was deteriorating and I was feeling really bad about myself,” Caprice, who is also an actress and filmmaker, explains while chatting to us in her gleaming white kitchen as she tucks into a pot of cottage cheese.

“Even small things like walking up the stairs left me huffing and puffing.

“I would get out of bed and my back and joints were inflamed and stiff because of the additional weight.

“I started to get sick more often, so I knew my immunity was being compromised.

“I tried to lose the weight, but I couldn’t because I wasn’t taking HRT and I’m going through the menopause.

“My normal weight is about 138lbs, but I shot up to 160. That was the same weight as when I was pregnant.

“Then I started having these weird heart palpitations. Who has that at 53? I was too young for what was going on.”

Having made her fortune through her good looks and appearing on more than 350 magazine covers, from Vogue to Playboy, Caprice was suddenly terrified of “being judged for not looking how I did in my twenties.”

She continues: “Maybe it was me being hard on myself. Maybe I thought everyone was going to judge me because I was judging myself.

“I guess people might have been more supportive and said ‘you look great’. But I manifested this craziness in my head.

“I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be judged.”

Dozens of celebrities have confessed to using the jabs including Oprah Winfrey, James Corden, Sharon Osbourne, and tennis player Serena Williams.

But it’s not just showbiz royalty who rely on the drugs to shed the pounds – 1.5million Brits are also hooked.

Most people will find it hard to be sympathetic to super slim Caprice – but she explains that even her doctor was worried and suggested she try the fat busting drug.

I used to put on clothes and everything looked amazing, but then nothing fit. Honestly, I thought I’d be ridiculed

Caprice

At first she was hesitant – always preferring to tackle health issues with natural methods.

But she admits that the reported health benefits of taking Mounjaro – which include reducing inflammation, improving liver health, protecting kidneys, and potentially enhancing cognitive and mental well-being – were attractive.

‘It was awful’

“My BMI was super high,” she says, “and the doctor said: ‘You need help here, you need to lose this weight. You’re borderline clinically obese.’

“But I wasn’t sure. Even when I had bronchitis I had a whole bag of vitamin C and zinc intravenously to get rid of it.

“I like to go down the natural way first but I obviously couldn’t do it this time. It was strange because you’d look at me, and even though I was a size 12 – which is totally normal – I was struggling.”

Regular check-ups ensued, with the doctor prescribing half of .25, “a microdose of a microdose.”

But after a few days Caprice was struck with severe nausea.

“It was awful,” she says, “I got sick to my stomach. I got dizzy and lightheaded but I kept persisting because I needed to lose the weight.

“I continued for two months, mainly because there was all this research about the benefits for cardiovascular health.”

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After two months she lost five pounds but the side effects continued. Battling nausea and not being able to properly enjoy food anymore, she decided to stop taking Mounjaro.

“I’d had enough,” she insists. “I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that.”

Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to cut out carbs and processed sugar.

“The first month eliminating carbs and sugar was hell,” she explains, “an absolute horror. You are begging for that pasta but I stuck to it.

“Then I started exercising again. I know we go to the office and we get stuck behind the computer and think, tomorrow I’ll do it. But try to make it a part of your life.”

Now she still enjoys three meals a day but has made her portions smaller.

“Sometimes I’ll cheat,” she says, “and have some white rice or a baked potato but that’s okay.

“I only have dark chocolate and lots of honey. I also eat lots of fruit. I love pomegranate, it’s great for your gut health, as is watermelon which is super alkaline.

“At the end of the day we keep our body alkaline and we keep disease away.”

As we talk she pulls out dozens of supplements, swallowing them one by one. Then she shows me Shilajit – a black tar like paste formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter over centuries in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I also love craving food and that’s another thing with these drugs, you don’t get the cravings. I really missed that

Caprice

She puts some of the paste onto a knife and tells me to lick it off. Intrigued, I follow orders then quickly gag, as it is probably one of the most revolting things I’ve ever tasted.

But she beams. “Well done,” she says, “it’s vile. But it’s full of goodness.”

She also has filtered Kanyon water and she suggests I drink a glass of celery juice every morning if I want to get clear skin.

Talking about her weight loss, she continues: “Since losing the weight I’ve no ache in my joints. The energy levels I have are the same as when I was in my twenties.

“I sleep through the night. Everything has changed.”

Thankfully Mounjaro didn’t damage her sex life. Caprice has been married to businessman Ty Comfort since 2019. They have 12-year-old sons Jett and Jax together.

“That’s been pretty healthy,” she says, smiling, “I have to be honest. My husband is so amazing. Even when I was 20 pounds over, he was like ‘you look great Cap’.

‘Change your lifestyle’

“I actually didn’t tell him I was going on the jabs. But I told him when I finally stopped because I couldn’t stand the sickness.

“When I started to lose weight quite fast by cutting out the carbs and exercising, I’d been away for two weeks shooting a movie.

“I came back and he said: ‘What happened to my wife?’ That’s when I told him. He said: ‘No, Cap, I didn’t mind the curves, I liked the curves.’”

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She won’t be telling her kids about Mounjaro or weight loss because “they already have so much pressure from social media. I don’t want to get it in their heads at all.”

She says everyone in showbusiness is on a weight loss drug. And she recently reached out to one celebrity pal who’d lost too much weight.

She explains: “When you take Mounjaro for a long time your skin changes and loosens. I’ve seen it with my friends. You think you are going to avoid it but you don’t.

“I called up some of my friends, worried, but they are so happy to be that skinny that they don’t see it.

“I think ‘wow, look what it’s done to you.’ It’s complete body dysmorphia.”

She says many of her friends go on the jabs but when they come off they put the weight back on.

“Ultimately, is that going to be healthy?” she wonders. “People are on Ozempic because it’s easy and they are getting a result – but is it at a cost?

“You are losing weight because you are starving your body. Let’s be clear on this. Also a lot of people have been losing their hair. I’ve heard of some women having to wear wigs because of Ozempic.”

At that point she makes me touch her hair, which is extremely thick and silky.

“This is what you get from doing it naturally,” she says. “Yes, it’s more difficult and then you change your lifestyle. I want people to be educated on healthy options and think twice about doing this jab. Ultimately the healthy route is longevity.”

Caprice admits her whole life has centred on her image – and she is not ashamed of being vain.

“I am vain but I don’t care,” she says. “I come from a world of vanity, it’s instilled in me, and it makes me feel good when I look good but it makes me feel good when I feel good more than anything. Health is my number one priority.

“That I swear to you is coming from my heart.”

WE all know gardening is good for you.

But did you know that when you’re getting older, it can also help with arthritis?

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Research published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity also found gardeners were 30 per cent less likely to report falls than non-gardeners, with improved gait and balance helping you along the way.

World Arthritis Day is celebrated on October 12th, so why not get out there and garden – safe in the knowledge that you’ll actually be helping your aching joints.

Dr Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action’s Medical Advisor and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, told Sun Gardening: “Being active and incorporating exercise into your life helps arthritis .

“Even if joints are hurting, they can’t be harmed by exercise.

“Getting outside in the fresh air, being close to nature and nurturing plants also improves both mood and mental health.

“Just remember to pace yourself, take breaks when you need them and make use of many types of adaptive tools available to assist you.”

She added: “Whatever type of arthritis you have, staying active, keeping your joints moving and looking after your sleep and mental wellbeing are all vital to help beat pain.”

Naomi Patrick, Clinical Director at Medella Home Physio & Occupational Therapy, based in Dorset and Wiltshire, added: “Pruning requires controlled movements that work through the full range of motion in shoulders, elbows and wrists.

“These actions can help maintain joint flexibility and may reduce stiffness in people with early-stage arthritis.

“The reaching and snipping motions help maintain the upper body mobility that’s essential for everyday tasks like dressing, cooking and personal care.

“Research shows these movements can be as effective as targeted exercise therapy for certain conditions.

“For those with painful joints, we recommend using lightweight, ergonomic secateurs and taking regular breaks,” she said.

TOP TIPS FOR ADAPTING YOUR GARDENING

Make access easier by using raised beds, vertical gardens, hanging baskets, or containers
Reduce stress on joints and muscles from repetitive movements by using garden tools that keep hands and wrists in a good position
Minimise bending and stress on back, neck and shoulders by using special long-reach easy grip tools – this includes bulb planters
Reduce the amount of weeding you do by applying a weed barrier with mulch
Reduce the amount of force required to trim plants by using power assisted tools

ADAPTIVE TOOLS FOR ARTHRITIS

Essentialaids.com is a website selling adaptive tools for gardeners. They include tools like easy grip gardening tools with arm supports, and long handled tools for those who struggle bending down. Great for easier weeding and digging. From £29.99

Stiga.com has a cordless, battery powered electric pruning shears and saw. I’ve tried both of these and the pruning shears especially, are fantastic for those with limited strength, as they require no effort to cut. From £129

Flexon Guard N Grip Hose, which earned an Arthritis Foundation Ease of Use certification, makes connecting it to outdoor faucets less strenuous on hands and wrists and stops the need for lugging around heavy watering cans.

Safetygloves.co.uk has a whole range of gardening gloves for arthritis from £3

Amazon.co.uk sell Bionic ReliefGrip Premium Leather Gardening Gloves which are good for arthritic hands. From £29.99

New company www.rootup.co.uk has launched a new product perfect for people with limited reach. Called the Growyo Hanger, it is endorsed by thirteen-time gold Chelsea Flower Show winner, Medwyn Williams MBE. The hanger organises individual yo-yos used to lift the branches of heavily-laden plants — such as tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and apple trees — allowing users to more easily and efficiently support and train them. £14.99

Also in Veronica’s Gardening Column this week…

Top tips, Gardening news, plant of the week, and a competition to win a year’s subscription to 123Flowers

For more gardening content and competiitons, follow me @biros_and_bloom

WIN! 123 Flowers is a UK-based online florist designed to make flower delivery ‘as easy as 1-2-3’, with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. They’re offering one Sun Gardening reader a whole year flower subscription.
To enter, visit www.thesun.co.uk/123FLOWERSCOMP or write to 123 Flowers Competiton, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Entries close 11.59pm. October 18, 2025. T&Cs apply

PLANT OF THE WEEK! CORNUS ‘Midwinter Fire’ AKA Dogwood.
This is a perfect plant to see you through Autumn and Winter. Not only does it provide lovely green leaves over summer and into Autumn – they fall to reveal stunning vivid orange red and yellow stems which look like fire through Winter.

JOB OF THE WEEK Don’t throw away all your raked up leaves – they can be turned into leaf mould – literally chop them up, pack them in binbags hidden away – and eventually after a year or so, they’ll turn into lovely usable nourishing compost.

SCARLETT Moffatt has wowed fans after showing off her incredible weight loss – revealing she’s ditched her size 18 clothes for good.

The former Gogglebox star, 31, left viewers stunned as she unveiled her slimmer figure on Big Brother Late and Live on Sunday.

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Scarlett looked happier than ever as she wowed viewers in a dark green co-ord top and mini skirt with feather deatiling at the trims.

She oozed confidence wearing a pair of leopard print block high heels and styled her dark hair in classy loose curls.

The reality star posted her look on Instagram, with the caption: “Always been a huge fan of big brother, in fact my guilty pleasure will forever be a chicken kebab and watching reality tv!

“So glad I got to do a major tick off my bucket list and be at a launch night at @bbuk“.

Fans flooded the comments gushing over her transformation, with one saying: “You look amazing.”

Another added: “Stunning!!🔥 😍😍 need outfit drop pls!”

A third penned: “Looking beautiful gal.”

This comes after Scarlett revealed she finally feels “happier” than ever after years of yo-yo dieting, brutal bootcamps and body battles.

She admitted she once dropped to a size 8 after punishing herself with 700-calorie days and a gruelling Swiss bootcamp involving six hours of exercise – all in a bid to stay slim after releasing her controversial fitness DVD in 2016.

But despite shedding three stone, Scarlett confessed she was still miserable and wracked with body image issues.

Now, she says she’s proud to embrace her curves – and is finally comfortable in her own skin.

“The thing with being body positive and having body confidence is just celebrating everybody’s body,” Scarlett previously told The Sun.

“As long as you are healthy, being yourself and you’re being nice to people, you do you.”

The I’m A Celeb star said she regrets the years she “missed out” on life because of low self-esteem, but now urges fans to stop being so hard on themselves.

Scarlett even revealed her own trick – imagining she’s speaking to her younger self whenever negative thoughts creep in.

“Would you ever say horrible things to a six-year-old?” she said. “Of course not. So don’t say it to yourself either.”

Now proudly flying the flag as a plus-size TV presenter, Scarlett says she’s thrilled kids today get to see more diverse faces and body types on screen.

Since bursting onto Gogglebox in 2014 aged just 23, Scarlett has carved out a successful career in telly.

And now she’s moving into hard-hitting documentaries, with her latest, Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery: Scarlett Moffatt Investigates, airing soon on Channel 4.

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DREAMING of upgrading your home gym? Don’t miss out on this year’s best treadmill Black Friday deals.

Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a brand and style to suit your fitness goals among the Black Friday bargains.

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Whether you’re buying your first treadmill or upgrading to a high-tech model, Black Friday is the perfect time to snag a fantastic deal.

To help you navigate the November sale, we’ve covered everything you need to know about this year’s best Black Friday treadmill deals.

From important dates and unmissable deals to delivery fees and additional discounts, read on to find out more.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28.

The sale follows the Thanksgiving celebrations in the US, where the event first started.

The best Black Friday deals usually hit on the day itself, with prices steadily dropping throughout November.

Want to learn more about the biggest shopping bonanza of the year? Our ‘Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?‘ explainer covers everything you need to know.

What treadmill deals to expect during Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 is expected to offer some seriously impressive savings across a wide range of brands and models.

To get the most out of the sale, figure out which type of treadmill you need and do some research.

You’ll want to consider factors such as budget, space and storage, speed settings, incline options, and noise level.

It’s always best to shop around, so make sure you check out the places below for the best Black Friday deals:

What was in the treadmill Black Friday sale last year?

Black Friday 2024 saw major discounts on home treadmills.

The savings included:

• Reebok FR20z Floatride Treadmill with Connected Fitness, £529 (was £749) from Argos – buy here
• Echelon Stride-6 Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill, £972 (was £1,599) from Echelon – buy here
• Toputure 2-in-1 Home Folding Treadmill with Dual LED Screen, £322.99 (was £399.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE 3-in-1, £197.19 (was £289.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, £549.99 (was £799.99) from Sports Direct – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and are treadmill retailers taking part?

Cyber Monday falls on December 1, 2025.

It’s normally the final day to get your hands on incredible discounts, as it comes straight after Black Friday.

Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday was traditionally geared toward online shoppers, with some retailers adding extra discounts for web purchasers.

However, over the last few years, it has become an extension of Black Friday, with retailers extending deals both online and in-store.

It’s well worth keeping an eye out for any last-minute price cuts, as it’s the final chance to score treadmill savings before the festive season (although retailers will sometimes extend the sale).

For this year’s best Cyber Monday deals, make sure to check out our Cyber Monday hub.

How much does treadmill shipping cost?

Delivery costs will vary depending on the retailer, distance, weight, and size of the treadmill.

If free shipping isn’t available, treadmill delivery costs generally range from around £25 to £100 or more.

Additional fees may apply for installation or upstairs delivery.

Do treadmill retailers offer any other discounts?

Yes, retailers like Amazon, Argos, Very, and John Lewis offer treadmill promotions, limited-time deals, and new customer discounts throughout the year.

You can also search for monthly offers and seasonal sales at retailers like NordicTrack, Decathlon, WalkingPad, Echelon, and Sports Direct.

Which retailers had the best Black Friday treadmill deals in 2024?

All the big fitness brands usually take part in the Black Friday sales action, as well as retailers like Argos, WalkingPad, and Decathlon.

This means you can pick up a bargain on treadmills by the likes of NordicTrack, Echelon, Reebok, and more.

Because of the sheer range of choices, it’s hard to give a definitive answer for which retailer had the ‘best’ deal.

There were bargains to be found in several places and on different brands and models of treadmills – so this year, it’s well worth shopping around to compare prices.

Make sure you check out the following places for deals:

What are the best treadmills you can buy?

Not sure which treadmill is right for you?

When it comes to the best treadmills to use in the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great options out there, depending on your needs and budget.

If you’re prepared to make a serious investment, NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i will keep you motivated and quite literally on track with its trainer-led iFIT workouts and 22″ smart HD touchscreen.

ProForm’s Carbon TLX is equally as immersive, with interactive training sessions through cities, trails, and studio classes to help keep you stimulated.

If you’re on a budget, though, fear not – there are plenty of options for those looking to shell out a bit less.

We’ve listed a couple of budget-friendly options below, so make sure to check them out.

How much do treadmills cost?

You can pick up a cheap, foldable treadmill for around £100 if you’re budget-conscious.

If you spend around £300, you’ll get more choice of design and features, like a smartphone connection.

On average, the majority of treadmills fetch around £400 – a reasonable amount that will get you all the gadgets and gizmos, a foldable and compact design, and still help you on your fitness journey without breaking the bank.

High-end treadmills are around £500-£3,000, with a huge choice of designs, brands, sizes, and features within that range.

It really depends on what you need from your treadmill, how often you’ll use it, how much space you have, and whether it’s worth making that bigger investment.

How much is a Peloton treadmill?

A Peloton treadmill starts at £3,345.

There is also a £39 monthly fee for membership and access to the Peloton app and classes.

Shoppers who purchase a Peloton treadmill will also receive free delivery and installation to a room of their choice.

Peloton also offers several deals to help shoppers save.

For example, you’ll save £55 when you purchase the Tread Ultimate Set, which includes dumbbells in four different weights, a workout mat, and a water bottle.

Finance options are also available to take the sting out of paying the total sum in one fell swoop.

What is the best foldable treadmill to buy?

According to our best home treadmills UK 2025 guide, one of the best foldable options on the market is the Stride-6s Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill from Echelon.

It features a 10” Class HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, adjustable speed and incline levels ranging up to 12.4 MPH and 12.5, and, best of all, it folds away easily.

There are plenty of foldable treadmills available from various online retailers, so be sure to shop around.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a treadmill?

Yes, Black Friday is a fantastic time to invest in a treadmill, especially if you’re hoping to score significant savings on premium models.

Major retailers like Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis stock several models to suit all fitness needs and budgets, and during Black Friday, many of them are heavily discounted.

Whether you’re searching for a foldable treadmill to maximise storage or a machine that features a smart display to monitor your progress, there are plenty of options up for grabs in the Black Friday sales.

We’ve listed several retailers worth checking out above, so make sure to take a look at the deals and discounts they’re offering this November.

What is the best treadmill on a budget?

For those on the hunt for a budget-friendly treadmill, Amazon has an array of offers you won’t want to miss.

One standout saving is on the Walking Pad Treadmill with 5% Incline, which has been discounted from £119.99 to just £99.99.

The major retailer is also treating bargain hunters to an incredible price drop on the Treadmill Walking Pad Running Machine, which has been slashed by a staggering 75%.

It’s now scanning at the checkout for just £149.99, down from £599.99.

Both machines effectively boost your workouts, fold down when not needed, and are ideal choices for at-home fitness routines.

FORMER PM MARGARET THATCHER famously got by on just four hours’ kip, while wartime leader Winston Churchill hit the hay for just a few hours a night.

A study suggests the average person gets just six hours and 50 minutes sleep – and others are getting less than three hours.

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But a good night’s shut-eye doesn’t start with jumping into bed at a reasonable time, it begins the moment you open your eyes in the morning.

Confused? Here, physiologist and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, tells Ella Walker how she gets quality sleep.

4AM – Go back to sleep: Dr Nerina says: “There are two main hormones that govern our kip – the sleep hormone melatonin and cortisol, which is produced when we’re stressed and drives us to get things done.

“Cortisol levels start to increase from around 4am, so many people find they can go into a shallower phase of sleep.

“I wake around then but don’t look at the time. I place weighted yoga eye pillows over my eyes and get another phase of sleep.”

7AM – Wake up the right way: The circadian rhythm – the body’s internal 24-hour biological clock that determines your sleep-wake cycle – is important to Dr Nerina.

She says: “I like to wake up naturally, I don’t like the jangling of an alarm.

“I get some natural daylight, ideally not through glass, even just a few seconds. It helps adjust my circadian rhythms.”

8AM – Breakfast of proteins, fats and carbs: It might be the first meal of the day, but Dr Nerina is already prepping for her sleep.

Something sugary like a croissant can overstimulate the nervous system and ruin sleep later.

So Dr Nerina has full-fat Greek yoghurt with a mixture of chia and flax seeds soaked overnight.

Dr Nerina says: “Protein and fat provides sustained energy, fullness and supports stable blood sugar levels.

“It sets the body on the right metabolic trajectory, increasing the likelihood of optimal melatonin production later.”

9AM – Post-breakfast coffee: Even sleep experts are not afraid of caffeine but they are careful with it.

“I have caffeine either with food or after breakfast,” says Dr Nerina.

“I don’t tend to have more than one caffeinated drink a day, and that’s before midday.

“The half-life of caffeine is about five hours, so if you have a cup of coffee at 3pm, you’ll have half the amount in your blood supply around 8pm.

“It might not make you feel lively, but could impact the quality of sleep.”

11 AM – Mid-morning exercise: Working out too late can also disrupt sleep so Dr Nerina does hers early.

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She says: “I do strength training or go to the river and swim.

“Exercise is really important, otherwise I’m more stressed with too much mental energy.

“I don’t like exercising in the evening.

“It can overstimulate the nervous system and produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which will disrupt sleep.”

1PM – Lunch of eggs and gut-friendly foods: Increasing research is showing the impact of microbiome health on sleep.

Dr Nerina says: “If your gut is healthy, you sleep better.

“Lunch for me is always something that won’t spike blood sugar levels like heavy carbohydrates (which turn into sugar) would. I like an omelette with salad and sauerkraut.”

5PM – Dinner: A healthy meal and fasting window can support better quality sleep and help manage your circadian rhythm.

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Dr Nerina says: “I’ll eat some fish, vegetables and rice. I do like something sweet, so it might be some dark chocolate.

“A few days a week, I try intermittent fasting, having my last meal at 5pm. Other times, I eat no later than 7pm.”

8PM – Turn down the lights: Bright light tells your body to wake up, even in the evening, so turn the main lights off.

Dr Nerina says: “I might watch TV and turn the lamps on instead.

“I go to bed around 9pm, my device is switched off, charging outside my room, and I keep the room as cool as possible.

“I take a magnesium supplement now too, which helps relax the nervous system and muscles.”

10PM – If drifting off is tricky: It should take 15 minutes to fall asleep.

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“If you have any trouble, Dr Nerina says: “I use some box breathing to help me fall asleep.

“If I’m really stressed, I do ten minutes of journaling before I turn the lights out.

“Stress journaling has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.”

GEMMA Collins flaunted her three stone weight loss in stunning snaps from her holiday.

The glam reality TV star looked slimmer than ever after embarking on a health kick earlier this year.

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She jetted abroad with her fiance Rami and shared sun soaked snaps of their getaway, one showing her topping up her tan on the beach.

The Towie legend looked incredible modelling a white swimsuit as she stood with one hand resting on her hip.

Gemma, 44, later stood for a romantic snap with Rami, and wore a long pleated pink dress.

She teamed the look with a bouncy blow dry and large shades.

Earlier this year, Gemma revealed she had gone from a size 26 to a size 20 in just three months since starting weight-loss injections, describing them as “life-changing”.

GLP-1 injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have had a surge in popularity in the past 12 months.

Having been used primarily as diabetes drugs, they are now prescribed to boost weight loss by suppressing your appetite.

In January, Gemma teamed up with weight loss injection company Yazen in a paid partnership to try the jabs.

Elsewhere, The Sun recently revealed Gemma will be fronting a new reality show following her IVF journey.

Titled Four Weddings And A Baby, it sees the reality star team up with Sky.

The eight-part series will depict her daily life, from domestic moments, planning her dream wedding to striving for a baby through IVF.

Gemma is engaged to her long-term fiance Rami Hawash, 50, whom she first met in 2011.

Discussing the new series, she said: “This really is the most important year of my life, and for the first time people will get to see the Gemma behind the GC.

“Over the next year I will be planning my wedding and beginning the steps into starting a family.

“I’ve always felt natural in front of the cameras, but now I want to let the world see the real raw me sharing the most intimate and personal times in my life.

“I feel ready to truly open up, not just about the present, but about my past and everything I’ve been through to become the woman I am today.

“I feel truly blessed and excited for everyone to come with me on this new chapter of my life.”

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USAIN BOLT has stunningly revealed he huffs and puffs when he climbs a flight of stairs.

The Jamaican sprinting legend, the fastest human in living history, won a litany of titles during his career – including eight Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles.

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Bolt called time on his illustrious career in 2017 and has been dealing with the devastating effects of a torn Achilles tendon for the last year.

And the injury has taken its toll on his once amazing cardiovascular endurance.

He told The Guardian: “I mostly do gym workouts 1757974939.

“I’m not a fan, but I think now that I’ve been out for a while, I have to actually start running.

“Because when I walk upstairs, I get out of breath.

“I think when I start working on it fully again, I will probably have to do some laps just to get my breathing right.”

Bolt, 39, still holds three world records, including his world-famous 9.58-second running of the 100m.

He also holds the records for the fastest-ever 200m and 4x100m, having run them in 19.19 and 36.84 seconds respectively.

SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN

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Despite the advancements in training, nutrition and running technology, nobody has come close to breaking them.

When asked why this generation of sprinters aren’t as quick as his, he replied: “We’re just more talented. That’s all I’m saying.

“Of course, it shows when it comes to the men. You can see the women are different.

“They’re running faster times and faster times. So it shows – it has to be the talent.”

Bolt stopped watching athletics after his retirement but travelled to Tokyo this month to watch Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Oblique Seville win gold.

The pace of Bolt’s once hectic life has changed in large part due to his three children, Olympia Lightening, five, and twin boys Leo and Saint, two.

But he wouldn’t trade dad life for anything, partly because it’s helped him find a passion for Lego.

When I walk upstairs, I get out of breath.”

Usain Bolt

He said of his post-athlete daily routine: “Well, normally, I wake up just in time to see the kids off to school.

“And then it depends on what I have to do. If I have nothing to do, I just chill out.

“I might work out sometimes if I’m in a good mood. I just watch some series and chill until the kids come home.

“I spend some time with them, hang out, until they start annoying me then I leave.

“And then afterwards, I just stay at home and watch movies or I’m into Lego now, so I do Lego.”

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.

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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.

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.

“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.

OPENING up her bank account, Grace Parkin can hardly believe how healthy her balance is – and it’s all thanks to Mounjaro.

The mum-of-one says the weight-loss jab has not only helped her slim down to a size 12 from 26, dropping 9st – but it’s stopped her £1k-a-month “boredom spending” sprees.

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The estate manager, from Sheffield, had been looking into weight loss surgery but decided to try Mounjaro in May 2024 as a less invasive way to shed the pounds.

Grace, 34, was 17st 9lbs before starting the weekly injections and has now lost 9st 4lbs, making her a slender 10st 7lbs and a size 12.

But she credits the drug, which she is still taking, with not only helping her control her diet but also her out-of-control spending habits.

Previously, the mum-of-one was blowing up to £1,000 a month on luxuries including clothes, eating out and alcohol.

She told The Sun: “I was an impulsive spender before.

“I was spending between £600 and £1,000 a month on recreational things. I’d just be buying shoes – trainers, Uggs, boots.

“Then it would be buying loads of jumpers and holiday clothes, even when I’d not booked a holiday.”

Grace said at her worst, she could spend up to £300 while sat on the sofa.

She explains: “I wasn’t getting into debt, but if I was bored in an evening – I’d buy from Boohoo, PrettyLittleThing, Shein – any brands that did plus-sized clothes.”

Meanwhile, Grace impulsively went on shopping trips several times a week purely for the thrill.

She said: “Two or three times a week, I’d be in my local shopping centre and would come out with bags of stuff. I’d go to Primark and pick up five or six tracksuits for my son.

“I was void-filling – looking for that adrenaline. If I could spend money and it could give that rush – I’d do it.”

Despite being in a well-paid job and always paying her bills, Grace said by the end of the month her wages would be gone.

But since being on Mounjaro, Grace had cut her spending down and now saves £600 each month.

She said: “Now if I need something, I buy it, but I no longer buy things due to boredom. I’m saving in excess of £600 a month.”

“”I am sure my Uber Eats driver probs think I’ve died.

“My Evri driver asked, ‘Is everything alright?'”

My spending diet plan – and how I stay on track

SAVVY saver Karen Powell keeps her spending on a strict diet plan to save her hundreds of pounds every year.

Karen, from Surrey Hills, has budgets for different outgoings and checks her bank statements each week to make sure she’s on track with her money.

The 63-year-old, who runs the time management and organisation skills company The Organising Lady, said: “It’s so important to slim down your spending for your mental health, relationships, and family.

“There’s nothing worse than worrying about money.

“Spending can be addictive if you’re not careful – it’s a dopamine hit going shopping.”

To keep her finances on track, Karen limits her spending.

“I try and stick to £100 a week on food.

“We’re careful with holidays, and will only have two ‘splurge meals’ out while we’re away.

“Me and my sister set a £20 limit on birthday and Christmas presents.

“And me and my husband don’t buy gifts for each other.”

She makes sure to never throw away any food by bulk cooking and freezing – which she reckons saves her £600 a year at least.

She also puts time in her diary each week to monitor her finances.

“Once a week, I’ll look at my bank account to make sure I haven’t splurged and so I can keep track of what I’ve spent.”

She also has “treat” days where she’ll buy affordable things for herself to avoid overspending on big shopping trips.

“I’m human and I love clothes – I just make sure I choose well now, and stick to the rule of one in, one out and sell my unwanted clothes on sites like Vinted.”

Some users of the weight-loss jab have reported a secondary side effect that has helped them to curb impulsive spending.

It’s thought the drug – and other GLP-1 medicines – can not only help to intercept brain signals associated with food cravings but for shopping splurges as well.

We previously revealed how the drug helped another user who was struggling with a cocaine and gambling addiction.

Binge drink and gorge on takeaways

Grace has struggled with her weight for years.

She previously got a gastric balloon in 2009 – when she was just aged 18  – but she only lost three stone and found it didn’t help with her eating habits.

She was never a “big eater” but would find herself gorging during the weekend.

Grace would stick to a strict healthy diet during the week, but it would all go out the window at the weekend when she would binge drink and gorge on takeaways and bacon butties.

She said: “I’d think, ‘It’s the weekend – I can treat myself to a takeaway’.”

She would often go out drinking on a Friday or a Saturday and eat a pizza on her way home.

To mop up her hangover the next day, she would tuck into a bacon sandwich and a takeaway.

She says: “By Monday, I’d hate myself and be back on the diet.”

But when she realised her diet wasn’t working she started to look into surgery options, before trying Mounjaro as a last ditch attempt to shift the pounds.

Grace said: “It’s been incredible. It turns the food noise off.”

She added it has stopped her cravings to gorge on fast food and while she might still occasionally have a takeaway, she’ll opt for a smaller meal.

She explained: “It removes the guilt from food.”

The only bad side effects she has experienced are feeling cold and nauseous and stomach discomfort.

She said: “I had sulphur burps for one day, but I’d take that every day.”

Grace has also seen the mindset shift help with other aspects of her life – including her spending habits.

How you can slim down your spending

ANDREW Hagger, founder of MoneyComms, shares his top tips to slash your spend and avoid piling on the pounds.

Slim down your direct debits

Check your last few bank statements to see if there are any regular payments or subscriptions you can do without.

Cancel any non-essential direct debits to give your bank balance a breather.

Slash your lunchtime spend

Take a few minutes to make sandwiches for the next day to save a packet compared to shop bought lunches.

Dine out on switching bonuses

Switching your bank account could help you to bag a cash lump sum.

You could earn £100 or more by swapping banks, which can give your balance a big boost.

Shed costly credit card balances

You may be able to save hundreds of pounds by switching to a 0% credit card if your credit score is good.

You can transfer your balance to a 0% credit card for up to 34 months without needing to pay interest.

Drop your overdraft

You could save money by ditching your overdraft and paying with a credit card instead.

Doing so could slash your interest rate from 40% to 24.9%.

But if you pay off your card in full each month then it won’t cost you a penny.

Previously, she would splash out on clothes, holidays, eating out and alcohol without so much as a second thought.

But now she only buys what she needs – and credits the control the drug has given her.

“I didn’t try to curb my spending – it just naturally happened,” she said.

“I had money left after the first month on Mounjaro and thought I’d missed a bill.”

Grace doesn’t usually do a weekly food shop but estimates that if she did it would have been £160 before and now would be around £50.

“Before I’d go looking for tea and pick up 20 other things. Without realising I’d spend £50,” she said.

“Now I don’t go in and look at crisps and puddings.”

Grace says she has seen some harsh comments about those choosing to take the jabs.

But she said: “Why would you want to be miserable?

“When I say I have battled obesity and used medication people say ‘you’ve cheated’.

“I’ve tried it the hard way. This has been life-changing. It’s saved my life.”

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Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A WOMAN in her 50s has been flooded with praise online after showing off her massive “glow up” – and people are calling it “legendary.”

The brunette beauty named Kristina told how she achieved her flawless skin and youthful appearance without surgery or any invasive procedures.

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So it’s little surprise people have been begging the brunette beauty to reveal her anti-ageing secrets.

Taking to TikTok (@kristina.maay), she penned: “When you’re a good-looking 50, but you were very ugly in your early 40s.”

In the clip, she shared a stunning video of herself revealing her flawless skin now – and there’s not a wrinkle in sight.

She then posted a series of photos from in her 40s to show just how much she believes she has changed.

In response to one person who commented that she must’ve had a change in money to achieve her new look, Kristina confirms: “No change in finances.

“I spent more before on my face tbh.”

Kristina also shared a second post shared to TikTok and went on to reveal some of the changes she made in just six years that she believes have helped to turn back the clock.

Firstly, she explains how she started using glycolic acid,
microcurrent, gua-sha and doing facial yoga.

Next, she made changes in her eating and started focusing on consuming a high protein diet.

Kristina also says she stopped eating gluten and started ditching alcohol and sugar.

As for exercise, she took up weight training and shed a whopping 5kgs.

“Weight loss is absolutely a massive glow up isn’t it?! Body composition changes are an even bigger glow up,” she wrote, in response to one social media user.

She notes that ditching the “ugly fake lashes” also helped to make a huge difference and says she also let her feather touch brows fade.

Along with having 2 pre-cancerous moles removes, Kristina also started her supplement regime.

It wasn’t long before the post went viral, racking up a whopping 408k views and several comments from very impressed social media users.

“Wow we who, what, where, when and HOW!!!” wrote one.

A second commented: “We are sat for lessons!”

A third wrote: “You are beautiful no matter what. Looking more sophisticated now and natural so well done.”

Meanwhile, a fourth added: “You were beautiful before, but the glow up is legendary!!!!”

Another praised: “You look so good now.”

A further noted: “You’re 50!?! You look amazing.”

And another pleaded: “So what’s the secret?”

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.

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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.”

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.

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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.”

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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.”

WHETHER it’s fish and chips, a fry-up or afternoon tea and cake, British diets are pretty calorific.

And all that fat, sugar and salt is having a serious impact on our waistlines, with almost one in three of us considered obese.

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That might seem pretty high, but it’s actually considerably lower than the 43 per cent obesity rate in the United States.

Even Australia trumps the UK at 32 per cent, and these figures don’t even account for the people who are simply overweight. 

Around the world, each country has its own way of eating; some contain lots of processed foods, while others enjoy more vegetables or have a focus on fish and meat. 

Often, these diets have a huge influence on the population’s body mass index (BMI) – a way of measuring if you’re a healthy weight. 

A score between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30-plus is obese. 

Many of us think of obesity as just being fat, but it’s actually increasingly being recognised as a chronic, complex disease. 

It can have a huge, negative impact on your health, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and even some types of cancer. 

Thankfully, you can tailor your diet to help keep the number on the scales down. 

But which one is best?

Follow in the footsteps of these countries, which all have a lower obesity rate than the UK…

If you can’t face giving up cheese… eat like the French 

Obesity rate: 11 per cent 

CHEESE is big business in France. In fact, the French consume an average of 60lbs (27kg) of the stuff per person every year, according to Statistica. 

Instead of turning to low fat cheeses and spreads to stay slim, eat like the French and go for full fat.

“Fat is what gives a sense of fullness in a meal,” says Lucia Stansbie, registered nutritional therapist.

“When we eat fat, hormones telling the brain to stop eating are released, making a full fat yogurt more satisfying that a zero per cent one, so you end up needing to eat less. 

“Many low fat foods have added sugars and emulsifiers to recreate the same texture of full fat foods, making them ultra processed foods (UPFS).”

Research published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports identified UPFs as being a key driver of obesity.

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In France, all-day grazing is a no-no – so much so, that snack products often contain a warning on the packet which says, “for your health, avoid snacking between meals”. 

“Snacks can be the downfall of all diets as they can be very calorie-dense,” says Lucia.

“And if they’re sugar-rich, they can lead to a sugar high followed by a crash so more snacks are needed to pick yourself up.

“Eating a proper meal that fills you up until your next one is the best strategy.”

Instead of having a plain, low-carb, low-calorie vegetable salad for lunch to manage your weight, enjoy a meal with a source of protein, some carbs and healthy fats to keep you full until dinner time.

“This is better than being really hungry a few hours after lunch and craving a high calorie snack,” says Jess Hillard, nutritionist at Warrior. 

Try some spicy chicken with sweet potato mash, avocado and a vinaigrette.

If you like wine… eat like the Italians

Obesity rate: 22 per cent 

ALTHOUGH alcohol can pack in some serious calories, you don’t have to go teetotal to lose weight. 

Instead, go for quality booze, in moderation, alongside food. 

“In Italy, people don’t drink on an empty stomach,” says Lucia.

“Doing so leads to sugar spikes and then sugar crashes, so we eat quick-release carbs such as crisps or sweets to get our energy back.”

One way to flatten this spike is eating a decent meal. 

The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK plates so smaller portions are eaten

Lucia StansbieNutritional therapist

Lucia adds: “In Italy, there is a big focus on quality and taste. 

“People don’t drink a cheap bottle of wine to get drunk. Instead, they match a nice glass of wine with the meal they are having. 

“Culturally, getting drunk and excessive drinking are frowned upon. 

“This makes a massive difference in the amount of alcohol that is consumed.”

Italian mealtimes are also leisurely. Rather than wolfing down lunch at a desk while frantically working on a deadline, Italians eat mindfully. 

“Mindful eating leads to eating slower and feeling fuller sooner, while eating while distracted – such as while working or watching TV – will lead to less satisfaction and mindlessly eating bigger amounts of foods or looking for snacks,” says Lucia.

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Don’t forget to add olive oil – the main fat used in Italy – to your meals too.

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that fat loss was approximately 80 per cent higher for participants who included 25ml of extra virgin olive oil in their diet compared to those who didn’t. 

Lucia adds: “The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK serving plates, so smaller portions are eaten.”

Why not try swapping your dinner plates for side plates or pasta bowls? You’ll be forced to reduce your portion!

If you love carbs… eat like the Japanese 

Obesity rate: 5 per cent 

DESPITE popular belief, carbohydrates are certainly not the devil when it comes to weight loss. 

Not only could they actually help you slim down, they could even help you live longer.

Japan is home to Okinawa – a ‘blue zone’, where many people live to 100 and beyond. 

Their diet? An estimated 10:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, according to a study in the journal Age and Ageing – yes, that’s 10 times as much carbs as protein!

While you definitely shouldn’t turn your back on protein, you shouldn’t fear carbs. 

But Lucia says the type of carbs you choose will make a huge difference.

“Wholegrains have a higher fibre content, which means that the sugar spike won’t be so high, while white carbs are devoid of all fibre,” she adds.

“The body can manage a maximum of 4g of sugar in the blood at a time; the excess will be stored either in the liver as glycogen or as abdominal fat.

“Eat slow release carbs – such as wholegrains – and pair them with fibre (such as vegetables), proteins (such as meat, fish and eggs) and fats (such as avocado, olive oil and nuts) to ensure a slow release of sugar in the blood system for sustained energy and weight management.”

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Tuck into seafood and cut back on red meat.

“Fish and seafood are excellent sources of protein,” says Lucia.

“Just 100g of fish has, on average, the same amount of protein as 100g of meat but fewer calories.

“Oysters are the richest source of zinc. People with diabetes, which is often linked to obesity, tend to have lower zinc levels.  

“Plus, fish and shellfish are sources of iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function, and suboptimal function can lead to increased weight and fatigue.” 

If you love chocolate… eat like the Swiss

Obesity rate: 14 per cent 

LINDT, Toblerone, Nestlé – some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland. 

So how can such a chocolate-filled nation remain so slim?

Along with an active lifestyle, Jess says that listening to your body is key. 

“Ignoring cravings makes you want them even more and binge on them eventually,” she says.

“Have a balanced meal before the chocolate you’re craving. 

“If you still want some chocolate, break off a few squares and put the rest of the bar away.” 

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Depriving yourself will only make you want it more and make you more likely to scoff the whole bar! 

The Swiss also love their oily fish.

“Oily fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA,” Jess says.

“These are excellent for brain health and they’ve been found to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“Aim for two portions of fish per week. One of these should be oily, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.”

Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein. Any fats should be thumb-size

Jess HillardNutritionist

Omega-3s have been found to potentially help with fat loss.

In a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, adults given 4g of fish oil per day lost 0.5kg of body fat and built more muscle than those who were not given fish oil.

Plus, research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that incorporating fish into one meal a day as part of a weight loss regime was more effective than the regime on its own. 

“Fish’s high oil content keeps you fuller for longer as well as helping to decrease inflammation in the body,” says Jess.

Inflammation can lead to health problems, including chronic inflammation, which can even cause the body to hold onto fat, especially visceral fat which sits around your organs.

If you struggle to eat your five-a-day… eat like the Vietnamese 

Obesity rate: 2 per cent 

NOODLE soups, grilled meats, broths and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are the order of the day in Vietnam, which boasts an incredibly low obesity rate.

Most dishes are delicious, yet nutritious – so you don’t even notice how much veg you’ve eaten.

“Vegetables are filled with fibre which will keep you fuller for longer,” says Jess.

“They also contain few calories as well as high levels of vitamins and minerals, particularly non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, peas and leafy greens.

“Having a nutrient rich diet won’t just ‘stop cravings’ for high fat and/sugary foods.

“You will feel fuller after meals, meaning you won’t feel the need for these foods as much.”

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She recommends filling half your plate with veg at every meal, and to make sure your veggies retain their nutrients, choose steaming over boiling or frying.

Research published in the journal Nutrition & Food Science found that when steamed, vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and lettuce lose nine to 15 per cent of their vitamin C content.

The Vietnamese way of eating is an easier way to get these veggies into meals – you can buy noodle soup kits in supermarkets to try at home.

Compared to many western countries, Vietnam’s portions are also fairly moderate. 

Practising portion control is simple and can be done using just your hands. 

“Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein,” says Jess.

“Any fats, such as oils, butter and cheese, should be thumb-size.”

SHE’S lost a staggering 10 stone.

And Karina’s transformation is so impressive – leaving her completely unrecognisable – that people have even accused her of using AI to alter her appearance online.

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She’s been documenting her weight loss journey on her TikTok page, and is now no stranger to confidently flaunting her new figure in skintight ensembles.

But it was a different story two years ago, when Karina was a whopping 10 stone (65kg) heavier.

In a slideshow of pictures on TikTok, she showed how she looked before losing the weight – soundtracked by Michael Bublé’s cover of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good.

In the final picture, at the culmination of the song, she showed how she looks now – with her figure perfectly highlighted by her bodycon dress.

“The journey is worth it. This is your sign to start,” she captioned the TikTok.

Unsurprisingly, people were gobsmacked by Karina’s new look, with some even alleging her glow up was AI.

“Feelinggggg… AI,” one laughed.

“Convince me that’s not AI!” another said.

While a third wrote a simple “AI”, to which Karina responded: “I’ll take this as a compliment!”

And others praised Karina for her dedication to her weight loss and transformation.

“My jaw just dropped at your last picture,” one wrote.

“Wow girl! You owned it!”

“This is a glow upp for real,” another said.

“You look like sofia vergara,” a third added.

“Biggest glow up,” someone else said.

“Wowwwww big respect, you look gorgeous,” another wrote.

“Ultimate glow up- inspiration!” someone else gushed.

As another said Karina looks “stunning”, and added: “Wow deffo glow up, well done!”

In a separate video on TikTok, Karina responded to the AI allegations as she captioned it: “Am I AI? That’s the question!”

Alongside it, she shared shots of herself in 2019 and then this year.

“You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself; I’d take it as a compliment!” one person commented on that clip.

“The best best beeeeest weight loss transformation I have seen and I have seen many,” another praised.

Karina went on to reveal that her new look was sparked by the breakdown of her marriage.

“The breakup glow up needs to be studied,” she wrote over the top of a TikTok.

Before adding in the caption: “You don’t realise how much a situation drains you until you’re out of it.”

She added hashtags including “#divorce” and “#transformation”.

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FRANKIE Bridge made a very cryptic comment about her stress levels being ‘at an all time high.’

This comes amid her feud with both Rochelle Humes and Myleene Klass.

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Posting a full-length selfie in the gym, the Loose Women star flaunted her washboard abs in a black crop top and matching leggings.

However, the star made a somewhat pointed hint at the feud and her current mood with her captions.

“After being prescribed meditation and relaxation on holiday by @balancedboss I’m back at the gym today.

“My cortisol was at an all time high. Stress levels max. So we took it back to basics while I was away.”

“I’ve come back feeling so much calmer and ready to start again.”

Making another hint of needing recovery time, she added: “Closely followed by my travel recovery ritual.”

Rochelle Vs Frankie

This comes after The Sun revealed a secret feud behind the scenes with her former bandmate Rochelle Humes.

All five members of The Saturdays insisted there was no bad blood when they parted ways in 2014.

However, The Sun previously revealed that Rochelle and Frankie’s 24-year friendship may have hit the rocks.

The duo were invited to watch the tennis at Wimbledon as As guests of sponsor Evian.

They mingled with other celebrities and guests just yards away from one another in a suite.

However, they failed to actually interact with each other as they enjoyed the delights of the hydrangea building nearCourtOne.

An insider told The Sun: “It was clear the women were keeping their distance. They sat on opposite sides of the suite and kept to themselves. 

“While Frankie posed for pictures with S Club’s Rachel Stevens, Rochelle took selfies with her husband Marvin and his I’m A Celebrity campmate Sam Thompson.

“Even though they were pleasant to each other when they did brush shoulders, they didn’t spend any extra time together than they had to, in between being amicable while passing each other en route to watch the tennis.”

How is Myleene involved?

We also told how Myleene was locked in a feud with both Frankie and her Saturdays’ bandmate Rochelle. 

Before all the drama, Myleene and Frankie – who both appeared on Loose Women – attended Rochelle’s hen do in 2012.

But the former Hear’Say star claimed she saw her fiance Graham Quinn, 51, and an unnamed celebrity “unzipping” each other at her birthday party.

Both of the stars were clients of her now ex-husband, who worked as a showbiz security manager.

Their continued friendship is said to have caused a rift as Myleene, 47, reportedly believes Rochelle took Graham’s side.

But they have not been seen on-screen together on the ITV show since an awkward episode last year.

At the time of the first report, representatives for Rochelle and Myleene did not reply to a request for comment.

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LEGGINGS are a clothing item that everyone needs in their wardrobe.

The best leggings will be comfortable, supportive and flattering on every body shape, and we’ve put some of the hero brands to the test.

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Flimsy, see-through leggings are a thing of the past, as there’s a whole world of high-quality options that don’t compromise on style.

From fitness activities to running errands, a pair of leggings have become the ultimate throw-on-and-go fashion item.

They pair with everything from chunky knitwear to fitted tops, and they’re my go-to for wearing at home when I still want to feel put together.

High-waisted leggings, flared styles and sculpting options are all popular, and scrunch-bum leggings are also trending for enhancing the silhouette.

We’ve put a selection of styles through the ringer to see if they’re worth the money, from Gymshark, Halara, Tala and more.

Best leggings at a glance:

How I tested

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There are a few important features to consider when searching for the perfect pair of leggings.

Firstly (and most importantly), a good pair of leggings need to be comfortable.

As a fashion item that will be worn to the gym or for lounging at home, they need to be stretchy enough to wear for long periods without digging into the skin.

One hurdle that leggings often fall at is having a see-through design, and I was closely keeping an eye on the quality of each pair.

I also considered any special features, including sculpting styles, sweat-wicking properties and how they feel on the skin.

I wore the leggings for visits to the gym, long walks, and for lounging at home, to determine whether they work as fashion all-rounders.

Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings

Gymshark Vital Seamless Leggings, £45

Pros: Comfortable, supportive waistband, sweat-wicking, flattering on the waist, wide range of colour options

Cons: Expensive when full price, slightly tight on the waist

Rating: 5/5

I’ve been wearing Gymshark leggings for years, and they’re yet to disappoint me.

The Vital Seamless Leggings are not only a brand bestseller, but they’re also my new favourite.

Featuring sweat-wicking technology and breathable mesh dots, they’re comfortable even after intense workouts, and I don’t ever need to worry about sweat patches.

The feature I love the most is the supportive ribbed waistband.

It sits high on the stomach, sucking me in without ever feeling suffocating.

For more cinching styles, read our roundup of the best high-waisted leggings.

Gymshark’s leggings have mastered the balance between comfort and style, smoothing out lumps and bumps around my waist and thighs, while still remaining comfortable enough to wear for long periods.

At full-price, the leggings are on the expensive side, but Gymshark often has big sales with price drops of up to 50%.

Leg length: Full; Size range: XXS-XXL; Colours available: 11 colours, Fabric: Nylon and elastane

BetterMe High Impact Mesh Leggings

BetterMe High Impact Mesh Leggings, £52

Pros: Stretchy, sweat-wicking, nice colour, smooths lumps and bumps, subtly shapes the figure

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 5/5

BetterMe is best-known for its health coaching app, but branched out into the activewear space in 2022.

I tried the brand’s High Impact Mesh Leggings, and I honestly can’t fault them.

Firstly, I’m obsessed with the dark green colourway, but the pair also comes in burgundy, black and ivory shades.

The leggings have a stretchy design that feels so soft on the skin, with a high-rise fit that flatters the figure.

The waistband and mesh detailing are why they’re so comfortable for wearing all day, and I’ve been reaching for them to exercise and for running errands.

Made from nylon and lycra, they give light tummy control, and I’ve noticed how much they smooth out my thighs.

Leg length: Full; Size range: XS-XXL; Colours available: Four colours, Fabric: Nylon and lycra spandex

Marks & Spencer Good Move Go Balance High Waisted Yoga Leggings

Marks & Spencer Good Move Go Balance High Waisted Yoga Leggings, £25

Pros: Flattering, comfortable, shaping/slimming, stretchy, soft, cool and breathable, V waist 

Cons: Limited colour range 

Rating: 5/5

These leggings are perfect for yoga and pretty much any other occasion, too.

They’re silky soft and cosy but still lightweight and breathable so that you won’t overheat during a workout.

I love the flattering V-shaped waistband; it’s unique and has a nice twist on a regular pair of black leggings.

But also, it makes your waist smaller and your bum look lifted.

The leggings will pair perfectly with running trainers, and we tested some of the best styles.

At the moment, it only comes in black, burgundy and a printed design, but hopefully, M&S will launch more colours soon.

Leg length: Full, Size range: 6-24; Colours available: 2, Fabric: Polyester and elastane

Halara UltraSculpt High Waisted Scrunch Bum Leggings

Halara UltraSculpt High Waisted Scrunch Butt Leggings, £30.95 (was £50.95)

Pros: Lifts the bum, sculpts the figure, compression to smooth out bumps, good selection of lengths and colours, currently on sale

Cons: Ruching is quite visible, feels tight

Rating: 4/5

Halara is the TikTok-famous brand that even Taylor Swift is fan of, and I tried UltraSculpt Scrunch Butt Leggings.

Featuring compression for shaping, a V-shaped waistband and an ultra-high waist, the stretchy leggings are just as comfortable as they are flattering.

The all-over compression held me in while smoothing out unwanted bumps, and the black colourway is ideal for both exercise and everyday wear.

The leggings feature padding and ruching that lifts the butt, and while the design is quite discreet, I would prefer if it was completely invisible.

Halara currently has a huge sale on, where shoppers can save up to 80% sitewide, and the sculpting leggings are reduced by £20.

Read our full Halara leggings review.

Leg length: Full; Size range: XS-XXL; Colours available: 20 colours, Fabric: Nylon and elastane

TALA SkinLuxe High Waisted Flared Legging

TALA SkinLuxe High Waisted Flared Legging, £59

Pros: Flattering flared leg, waistband doesn’t fall down, super soft, easy to put on, comfortable, back pocket with zip, lightweight, sustainable (made from recycled nylon) 

Cons: Only available in four colours 

Rating: 5/5

TALA’s SkinLuxe flared leggings have been one of our favourites for a while now.

Flared jeans are so in right now, and so are flared leggings. 

Not only are they trendy, but this shape is really flattering on the waist, thighs and bum.

They’re great for accentuating curves without being skin-tight.

I wear this pair all the time, as they’re ideal for WFH and then heading out for a walk with friends.

They’re also great for hardcore workouts, especially on days when you’re feeling a little bloated or feel like covering up a bit more, as the high waist will not roll down.

Leg length: Full; Size range: XS to XL; Colours available: 4 colours; Fabric: Recycled nylon and lycra

What to wear with leggings?

There are two reasons why leggings are a wardrobe staple.

Firstly, they’re comfortable for every occasion, and they can be worn with just about anything.

For lounging at home and running errands, leggings can be styled with T-shirts, knitwear and trainers, but they can also be teamed with various activewear for trips to the gym.

Leggings also make a great base for layering during the colder months, and they look effortlessly stylish paired with longline coats and a crossbody bag.

Building a capsule wardrobe means finding timeless clothing items that can be styled in multiple ways, and leggings are the item that does just that.

How to style flared leggings?

Flared leggings have made a comeback in recent years, and they’ve become a popular choice for everyday and loungewear.

Traditionally worn for yoga, the wide-leg style could be thrown on for any occasion, giving me of an elevated feel than traditional leggings.

The design is also flattering on every body type, and they look stylish paired with tank tops, cropped T-shirts, cardigans and leather jackets.

Tala, the clothing brand founded by influencer Grace Beverly, is known for its figure-flattering flared leggings.

It has a range of flared styles available on the site to pair with crop tops, sweatshirts and more.

Do Gymshark leggings run small?

Gymshark leggings are usually considered to be true to size, but the sizing is largely down to the individual styles.

I tested Gymshark’s Vital Seamless Leggings (the brand’s bestseller), and I found the design to be exactly true to size.

It’s always worth reading the product reviews before taking the plunge to determine how accurate the sizing will be.

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.

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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.

“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.

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

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EVERYONE’S talking about fat jabs – the ‘miracle’ injections trimming inches off waistlines, and helping turn the tide on the obesity epidemic.

But what if there was an even easier – and cheaper – way than Ozempic-like injections, Wegovy and Mounjaro?

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Science sits still for no slimmer and already, the next big thing is looming large on the horizon – and it could be as simple as popping a pill.

Slimming tablets have been around for decades, but now scientists want to harness the new momentum in obesity medicine – and use the billions being made from the jabs – to bring pills back with a bang.

Professor Jason Halford, of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, tells Sun Health: “I think pills will eventually replace injections.

“People don’t particularly like them and they’re a bit afraid of injecting themselves.

“You’ve got to have the device, the needle, the sharps bin, it’s got to be refrigerated, there are all sorts of challenges.

“If you can move it all to a tablet you can increase acceptance and hopefully it will be cheaper and become more widely available.”

Professor Richard Donnelly, editor of the medical journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, and clinical adviser at online weight loss clinic Juniper, agrees.

“Thirty years ago weight loss tablets had a terrible reputation and nobody really wanted to prescribe them,” he adds.

“They had rare but severe side effects and weren’t particularly effective.

“Now there is a whole flood of development and a lot to be optimistic about.

“There is a big hope that developing pills will improve accessibility and cost less.”

There are several pills in development – some stimulate the same hormones as jabs to make us feel full, while others mimic bariatric surgery.

The end goal is the same – to do what willpower alone fails to achieve and stop us eating so much.

While some are yet to even be trialled in humans, one has already been submitted for approval in the US, meaning they could be available before the end of the year.

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The most advanced pills being made are by the same companies behind the fat jabs.

Novo Nordisk, creator of Wegovy and Ozempic, has developed a tablet version of semaglutide, the active drug in those injections.

It applied for approval from the US Food and Drugs Administration last month.

Trials showed patients lost an average of 15 per cent of their bodyweight over 17 months on a 50mg daily dose, compared with eight per cent over 12 months on Wegovy.

Participants were three times more likely to achieve “meaningful” weight loss when they were taking the pill, compared to those not taking the tablet.

Rival company Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro (tirzepatide) announced the results of its pill orforglipron in April.

The two drugs both work by stimulating GLP-1 hormones that make you feel full.

Patients taking 36mg of orforglipron lost eight per cent of their bodyweight in 10 months, equating to 1st 2lbs from an average starting weight of 14st 3lbs – while participants taking a placebo lost just 3lbs.

It compares with 15 per cent weight loss in a year on Mounjaro.

Lilly said their pill “could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use around the world”.

But injections and pills have not been compared head-to-head yet.
Studies are ongoing and taking the science behind these game-changing jabs and applying it to tablets, does not guarantee success.

Pfizer abandoned the development of its drug lotiglipron in 2023 when a trial indicated potential liver damage as a side effect.

Drugs tend to be more easily absorbed by the body when they are injected directly into the bloodstream, compared to being digested through the gut.

And that’s another key consideration – what the potential side effects of these new pills could be.

Unpleasant side effects were the downfall of the old generation of slimming pills.

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The NHS has prescribed a pill called orlistat for years, dishing out £12million worth of it in England last year.

It works by preventing the gut from absorbing fat from food – but it means fat must be passed out in poo instead of digested.

This can lead to flatulence, more regular bowel movements and diarrhoea.

It can also cause bladder pains and breathing troubles – and weight loss doesn’t match up to the jabs.

About eight in 10 patients suffer at least one side effect when using injections, most commonly tummy upset, according to trials.

Early data suggests pills might have similar rates.

Around six per cent of people taking any of Lilly or Novo Nordisk’s pills or injections quit the medicines because of side effects.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, of the Independent Pharmacies Association, says: “The old generation drugs tended to be uncomfortable for a lot of people whereas these new ones are much more effective.

“All medicines will have side effects but the fact that the results are much better now means people are more willing to endure them.”
Prof Donnelly said he still does not expect new tablets to be as strong as jabs, adding: “I don’t think anybody believes these will cause the same level of weight loss that you might be reporting with Mounjaro.

“The flipside of that is that major weight loss might not all be good.

“Some of that might be muscle and if you lose 30 per cent of your body weight that is a fairly major transformation.

“Having an oral agent that reduces your weight by, say, 10 or 15 per cent, might actually be more sustainable, better tolerated and medically safer in some respects.”

While the GLP-1 tablets are likely to be first to market, inventors are also working on a daily pill that mimics the effects of gastric bypass surgery.

‘GASTRIC BYPASS’ PILL

US company Syntis Bio’s offering, named Synt-101 creates a 24-hour lining in the gut that means food cannot be absorbed in the top six inches of the small intestine.

Rather, digestion is redirected to the lower areas of the gut, where hormones that tell the brain we are full, are triggered faster.

Working in a similar vein to surgery, it means patients feel fuller faster – and the lining is passed when the patient goes to the loo the next day.

Synt-101 has passed its first human safety tests and is expected to enter a full-scale clinical trial next year.

Another pill in development, Sirona, is made by UK-based Oxford Medical Products, and contains a “dual polymer hydrogel” that expands in the stomach when it comes into contact with water.

It works like a gastric balloon, filling the patient’s tummy making them feel full for hours, but is passed in their stools “several days” later.

Early data from an NHS trial found patients lost 10 to 12 per cent in a year of treatment and there were no serious side effects.

Experts believe weight loss pills will serve a variety of purposes – as a follow-on treatment after stopping fat jabs, as an option for those who can’t or don’t want to use jabs and for people with less severe obesity, and less weight to lose.

There are hopes they will be less toxic than injections, which often cause side effects like stomach aches, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Weight regain after treatment is also an emerging issue with the jabs, which can currently only be prescribed for up to two years in the UK.

Rahul Dhanda, chief executive of Syntis Bio, said: “Patients don’t want to be stuck on a revolving door of injections and their side effects; they want to be on a manageable and sustainable weight loss path.

“Oral drugs that are simple, tolerable and safe will be the rational choice for maintenance therapy.”