I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive liver cancer at just 46. Then, my marriage collapsed... and I had a stunning realisation: Royal commentator KATIE NICHOLL
Writing for the first time about being diagnosed with the illness last year, the King described it as a 'daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones'.
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The Independent
5 minutes ago
- The Independent
Amber heat warnings issued across England with temperatures set to soar
Amber heat health warnings have been issued across large swathes of England, as temperatures are expected to soar. Areas of the UK are expected to be hotter than Bali in the coming days, with thermometer readings forecast to hit the mid-30s on Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued heat health warnings for all of England, with the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and the South East having been upgraded to amber, from 9am on Tuesday to 6pm on Wednesday. The South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, North West and North East have yellow warnings in place over the same period. The agency has warned of significant impacts across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Forecasters have said that the consecutive days of high temperatures could mean the UK hitting its fourth heatwave of the summer. The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding a designated value, according to the Met Office. This is 25C for most of the UK, but rises to 28C in London and its surrounding area, where temperatures are typically higher. The hottest day of the year so far saw 34.7C recorded at St James's Park in central London on July 1. Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: 'Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30C across central and southern parts of the country over the next few days, and generally hot weather is expected across most regions of England. 'These kind of temperatures can result in serious health outcomes across the population – particularly in those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with serious health conditions – so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'If you have friends, family or neighbours who are vulnerable, it is important to ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice. 'Check in on them if you can to make sure they know that hot weather is on the way and how to keep themselves safe.'
The Sun
6 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've lost 3st since coming OFF Mounjaro – yes the food noise came back, but here's how I avoided piling on the pounds
A WOMAN has revealed how she managed to shed a further 3st after coming off Mounjaro. The TikToker only known as @ midnight_sky_x has been ''on a wellness journey'' since last summer, at some point also using fat jabs to help her lose weight. 3 3 Before kickstarting the weight loss process, the TikToker ''avoided mirrors and always hid in photos'', so she never really saw ''how big'' she'd become. ''Even though my health was considered 'good,' I knew I was fortunate,'' the woman bravely opened up in a video. ''It was only a matter of time before the strain on my body caught up with me. ''I tried not to let my size hold me back. I still did things. I still travelled. I still lived. ''But I was always self-conscious.'' The daily worries that most people don't think twice about were constantly on her mind - including whether the seat will be big enough and whether the seatbelt will fasten. Determined to get her weight back on track, she then decided to jump on Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs. Mounjaro is said to suppress the appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. Weight loss injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese - with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over. One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person's weight. Thanks to Mounjaro, the woman managed to shed a staggering 6st, she revealed in a clip online, before going cold turkey. It's now been eight months since she gave up the popular jab - and despite sceptics insisting she'll ''gain it all back'', the TikToker has lost a further 3st. Sharing her incredible success story on social media, @midnight_sky_x revealed how she continued to drop the excess weight even when hunger and food noise came back. Food cue reactivity, or food noise, refers to the "constant and persistent thoughts" about food, "to the point of feeling as if [subjects'] lives revolved around food," according to research published in the academic journal Nutrients. According to the researchers, it can lead to unhealthy eating patterns, including emotional eating. 'It could also contribute to overeating and therefore living with overweight and obesity and developing weight-related complications,' Dr Priya Jaisinghani, an obesity specialist from NYU Langone, US told Health. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. ''I prioritise protein, fibre, healthy fats to build volume with every meal,'' she said in the video. ''I don't cut carbs, they have their place on everything plate!'' While the food noise did return, the TikToker explained that it was now different ''compared to before''. ''Yes, I have food noise but it's so much easier to control. ''I don't crave most of the foods I did before. I've still not had a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar in over a year.'' Since coming off Mounjaro in December last year, she's shed an astronomical 3st. How, you may wonder? According to the beauty, it's thanks to sticking to her '' healthy habits '' that have ''been the key to keeping the momentum going''. While fat jabs ''can give you a boost to start making changes'', ''it's up to you to put in the work to maintain those results'', she went on. As well as getting her steps in to keep active, the TikToker also eats nutrient-dense meals, such as delicious-looking yoghurt bowls with berries, chicken tray bakes, as well as protein wraps with meat. Mounjaro users react The clip, posted less than 24 hours ago, has already taken the internet by storm, amassing close to 200k views and over 100 comments. One person said: ''This is the kind of information the mj community needs. Congratulations on your journey and thanks for sharing.'' Another chimed in, praising the woman: ''Most people think its a quick easy fix but fail to forget, they have to stop at some point and if them eating habits are not kept in check, that weight will go right back on! Well done.'' ''This is very helpful advice. I've been worrying about this,'' someone else shared. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Be aware of the dangers Although many were impressed with the epic weight loss, those debating whether to start using Mounjaro should know that it can have fatal consequences. And experts and NHS medics have shared a stern warning about the dangers of taking such medications without a prescription. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS advised people to 'never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you.' The NHS warned: "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.'
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Doctors completely overlooked key cancer symptoms and blamed my back pain on my new office job - but the truth was far more sinister
A keen gymgoer has said doctors put her back pain down to the chair at her new office job, completely overlooking several key cancer symptoms and delaying diagnosis and treatment by months. Lara Muller, from Guildford in Surrey, first began to experience a sore neck and back, while also suffering with a chest infection, in December 2024 - but she initially thought little of her symptoms and continued working out daily. When the 'fit and healthy' 22-year-old's infection developed into a cough and she started to feel exhausted all the time, despite drinking more coffee and taking vitamin D supplements, Lara went to the GP surgery to get herself checked out. After having her bloods taken, Lara was told by the GP that her exhaustion was the result of anaemia and her back pain was due to sitting down all day at her new office job. Her symptoms, however, worsened, leading Lara to return to the doctor for a second opinion but, according to the events management and marketing graduate, she was just given a higher dosage of iron tablets for her 'anaemia'. 'I knew there was something wrong with me and I was just getting worse but no one was hearing it,' the business development manager said. It was only when she coughed up blood after developing another chest infection in March of this year that an X-ray and CT scan revealed a mass in her chest. And, following key hole surgery at hospital in June 2025, Lara was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma - a type of blood cancer. She is now raising awareness of her signs and symptoms to ensure other people push for a second - or even third - opinion if they feel unwell. Lara said: 'Now I'm having treatment and I have solutions and answers, I feel 10 times better than I did when I was ill and not knowing what it was. But, no one prepares you to hear that you have cancer at 22.' The ordeal began back in December when she started to get neck and back pain and kept picking up chest infections. Lara, who didn't think much of it at the time, said: 'I felt so tired all the time so I went to the doctors and they did my bloods and they put it down to anaemia. 'I asked about the back and neck pain and they said as I'd started a new job and I sat down in a chair all day, it was probably to do with that. I went back two or three more times [to the GP] because my symptoms got worse. 'I've always been really fit and active and into sports and at my new job I'd sit down all day so surely I wouldn't be getting that tired.' The doctor kept insisting that her symtoms were the result of her anemia and increased the dose of her tablets, she said. Lara then started getting dizzy all the time and was unable to walk for 10 minutes without feeling worn out, prompting her to return to the doctor's for a third time. 'I went back to the doctors a third time as I started to get really dizzy and they told me it was down to the anaemia again,' she said. I would walk 10 minutes up the road and I'd be so exhausted from it and I thought this isn't right. 'I tried taking electrolytes every morning and was having more coffee and taking supplements to give myself energy and nothing was working. 'I booked an emergency doctor's appointment and they booked me in for a chest X-ray and they then wanted to book me in for an urgent CT scan as they found a big mass on my chest.' According to the NHS, Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. It mostly affects people aged between 20 and 40 and common symptoms include night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itching and a persistent cough. Alongside her cough, Lara said she also lost a lot of weight despite having to decrease her exercise routine due to her extreme exhaustion. She has now completed her second round of chemotherapy and only has one cycle left before she hopefully will enter remission. Lara said: 'I started going to the gym less as I was too exhausted to go. I'd normally go four or five times a week and then I went down to once a week. 'There was a period of two months when I didn't go at all and I was losing weight and I thought this isn't right. 'If I was going on the leg machine I would lift 110kg and this went down to 50kg.' Lara is now urging others to get themselves checked out if they feel something isn't right. Lara said: 'I would say keep pushing if you think something is wrong with you. I should have just trusted my gut instincts more as you know in your gut how you're feeling.'
