I was writing about how not to die — then cancer came
When she was writing a book called How Not to Die (Too Soon), the public health expert Professor Devi Sridhar received a shock phone call.
Abnormal cells had been found during a routine smear test and, just as she was describing how to increase your chances of living to 100, she faced the prospect of her own death.
'That would have been the greatest irony, to die before the book comes out,' she says, remembering the call which came through while she was commuting to work across the Scottish capital on a bus. Sridhar, 40, holds a chair in global public health at Edinburgh University.
Now the pages of her new guide to longevity — due to be published by Penguin on June 12
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The Sun
33 minutes ago
- The Sun
Mounjaro is the best decision I've ever made & not because of the 4st I've lost – it's down to a surprising side effect
CLARE Butler struggled with her weight for most of her adult life. As an emotional eater, food was her go-to whenever she felt sad, happy, stressed, or angry. But after turning to fat jabs, the 48-year-old mum has seen many aspects of her life transformed - not just her waist. 5 5 5 Weighing 18st, 3lbs at her heaviest, Clare spent years trying every diet under the sun but found no long-term success. The trigger for her weight gain? Years of fertility struggles and a fibromyalagia diagnosis. Clare, from Manchester, shared: "I went through years of heartbreaking fertility struggles, including 19 miscarriages, and food became my comfort. "About nine years ago, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. That's when my movement slowed, and the weight started creeping on more and more." Clare turned to various diets - including SlimFast shakes, Weight Watchers, even the Rosemary Colney diet - but the problem she found was consistency. She revealed: "I'd do well for a couple of weeks, but then something would trigger a binge. "I'm an emotional eater - sad, happy, stressed, angry - food was always my go-to. "Every time I slipped, the guilt, shame, and self-hate would pile on. I couldn't understand why I couldn't just stop overeating. This cycled continued through her 30s and 40s and deeply affected her mental health. "I battled depression and panic attacks, and I missed so many moments with my children," she said. I lost 5st on Mounjaro - weird side effects are worth it, it's life-changing "I'd stay home while they went out with my husband, and when they came back full of stories and pictures, it broke my heart. "I felt like a burden, convinced they'd be better off without me." But it was January last year when a friend told her about Mounjaro. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) became available in the UK in February 2024, primarily for private use. But access to the weight loss jab through the NHS has gradually been rolled out. By activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro slows down the emptying of the stomach, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing appetite. I spent months researching it, and in July 2024, I finally decided to take the plunge. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself Clare Butler This can lead to eating less food overall. Clare said: "A friend told me about Mounjaro and the amazing results they were having. "I spent months researching it, and in July 2024, I finally decided to take the plunge. "It's the best decision I've ever made for myself." "I had lots of questions and uncertainty at the start and I could never get hold of anyone at the pharmacy for advice and help. "That's when I started to research for a pharmacy that offered support and found Voy and I am so glad I did. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. "Unlike most pharmacies they don't just send you your medication and leave you to figure it out on your own. They offer full support alongside it. "They give you 1:1 health coaching, and my coach has been incredible in helping me with my mindset around my emotional eating, something I would have struggled to deal with alone." Clare was nervous before taking her first injection, but once she did it, she said she barely felt a thing. She continued: "Within hours, the constant food noise in my head quieted down. "I stopped obsessing over what to eat next, and for the first time, I felt in control. "I started learning about nutrition, trying healthier foods, cooking new recipes, and most importantly, learning that no food is off-limits - it's about moderation. I remember going out with friends or family and wondering how they could leave food on their plates because they were 'full'. I never understood that feeling before. Now, I do Clare Butler "For the first time in my life, I can stop when I'm satisfied. "I remember going out with friends or family and wondering how they could leave food on their plates because they were 'full'. "I never understood that feeling before. Now, I do." While weight loss jabs have been known to cause extreme side effects in some people, Clare says her side effects have been minimal - dry mouth, some headaches, a little acid reflux, and occasional loose stools, which she adds are all manageable. Since starting the jabs in July, Clare has lost 4st 4 lb. She still wants to lose another 2.5 to 3 stone, but already feels better than she has in years. 5 5 Clare said: "My confidence is back, I'm enjoying life, and now when my husband and kids go out, I go with them. "We recently went on holiday to Crete, and for the first time, I didn't need a seat belt extender on the plane - I cried happy tears. "I even shared that moment on TikTok, and hundreds of people reached out to say they related." And weight loss jabs have had a positive impact on her mental health too. She explained: "My depression affected every aspect of my life. I barely left the house for fear of panic attacks. "Mounjaro didn't only quieten the food noise, but it helped to quieten the over thinking anxious thoughts that had consumed my life for so long. "My life is so different now to how it was a year ago. Do I still suffer with anxiety and panic attacks? Yes, but it isn't as severe and my confidence is slowly returning. "My mind feels quieter around everything, not just the food noise. I have still had panic attacks and I still suffer with days of low mood but it isn't as severe as it was." Clare gets her Mounjaro from a pharmacy called Voy. But she didn't actually start her weight loss jabs journey with them. She said: 'I used a couple of other pharmacies but they just were not good enough for me. 'I had lots of questions and uncertainty at the start and I could never get hold of anyone at the pharmacy for advice and help. 'That's when I started to research for a pharmacy that offered support and found Voy and I am so glad I did. 'Unlike most pharmacies they don't just send you your medication and leave you to figure it out on your own. They offer full support alongside it. 'They give you 1:1 health coaching, and my coach has been incredible in helping me with my mindset around my emotional eating, something I would have struggled to deal with alone.' Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are crucial when taking weight loss jabs, especially for long-term weight management. Exercise is still tricky for Clare because of her fibromyalgia, but she's added gentle movement like walking on a walking pad at home. She said: 'As the weight comes off, my energy has gone up, and life feels good again – something I never thought I'd say. 'I'm still on Mounjaro and ball park figure I've spent so far is £1,500, but starting it has been the best decision I've ever made.' Latest guidance on fat jabs On June 5, 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new guidance warning women taking fat jabs to ensure they are also using effective contraception. While information is already contained in patient information leaflets, concerns have been raised over many women purchasing the drugs online, who may not be aware of the risks. Women taking Mounjaro should also use condoms if they're on oral contraception because the weight loss drug may reduce its effectiveness, said the MHRA. And glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) must not be taken during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding and anyone who gets pregnant should stop using them immediately. This is because there's currently not enough safety data to know whether taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby, the regulator added. In some cases, women are advised to continue using contraception for up to two months between stopping the medicine and trying to get pregnant. The MHRA has also reminded patients of the symptoms to look out for of acute pancreatitis - an uncommon but serious side effect of fat jabs. The main symptom is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and doesn't go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help. 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.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Experts warn that weight-loss jabs may need to be taken for life
Experts suggest that weight-loss jabs may require long-term use to achieve lasting benefits for both patients and the NHS. These drugs, marketed under names such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, function by curbing food cravings. Currently, obese patients can access these injections through NHS prescriptions, following referrals to specialist weight loss clinics typically based in hospitals. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of individuals are obtaining the medication privately through pharmacies. There have been warnings about buying potentially unsafe jabs online from unregulated retailers and potentially missing out on wraparound support. Experts said the jabs should not be seen as the first option in weight loss and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthily and increasing exercise. Professor Graham Easton, a GP who has been using weight loss jabs himself, said: 'I think it's a major issue about the proper funding and resourcing of not only the GPs in the surgeries but also the wraparound care we talked about. 'I think the other issue is that so far, to my knowledge, the NHS and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have talked about this being something you take for two years, and that's probably related to data from research studies. 'But as we discussed, this is likely to be a lifelong commitment if it is going to be worthwhile to the NHS. 'There's no point in most people taking it for a couple of years and then have the weight bouncing back. 'You can argue possibly you're about to prepare for surgery or something, but in most cases it doesn't make any sense. 'Then I think there's a big issue around access. Most obesity occurs in poorer populations as wealthier populations tend to not be so affected. 'There's a massive sort of socio-economic inequality and there is a worry about this driving that inequality even further. 'Unless the NHS makes sure that these are available across the board equally, I think that's a major risk.' Prof Easton said recent studies had shown people who stopped taking the drugs had put the weight they lost back on within around a year. 'That's often true of any diet, people would say, and that's certainly my experience of having wrestled with my weight in diets over the years,' he said. 'All I would say that I found interesting from that review was that they were suggesting perhaps that weight returns even quicker after having been on GLP-1 drugs. 'Then speculating, because there was no way of knowing from that review, that perhaps it's because people are not changing the behaviours we've been talking about like exercise and other lifestyle changes, just relying on the drugs. 'When you stop them, of course, you're going to put weight back on. The switch is turned back off, or whatever it was. 'I mean very similar to, for example, statins or anti-hypertensive blood pressure medications, if you want lifelong effects, you have to keep on them lifelong.' Prof Easton was speaking at an event at the Cheltenham Science Festival discussing the growing use of weight loss drugs with neurophysiologist Dr Simon Cork and consultant endocrinologist and obesity expert Dr Tony Goldstone. Dr Cork said the jabs have an important role to play in losing weight but are part of wider changes to diet and lifestyle. 'I think we have to understand that diet is always limited. People will tend to lose on average around 5% of their body weight on a diet,' he said. 'But you're hungry, you're miserable, you're tired, your wife hates you because you're so grumpy, you're not going to continue with that. 'But we should absolutely all be looking at our diet and all changing our diet, and doing something.' Dr Goldstone said weight loss drugs had been used in the treatment of diabetes for over a decade and had benefits of reducing the risk of developing other conditions. 'We're now in the third and fourth generation of these drugs, but the first generation of these drugs we've been using for 15 years for diabetes,' he said. 'There is nothing of concern that has emerged. In fact, all we're seeing are benefits. I'm not too worried about longer term side effects coming out. 'There is no real biological reason why there should be dangerous side-effects in the way that we know these drugs work. 'The benefits of the weight loss improvement in the diabetes are actually by themselves helping health and preventing other diseases, like cancer, heart attacks, renal failure, and potentially even reducing the risk of Alzheimer 's disease. 'All those benefits, even if there was something that we hadn't really thought of that emerged down the line, I suspect that the harm of that is outweighed by the potential benefits of weight loss improvement in diabetes control.' Dr Cork said no drug is without side-effects and previous weight loss medications had failed because of them. 'There are side-effects, there are some concerning side-effects that tend to be very rare, but then you can monitor for those side-effects,' he said. 'As long as you're getting the correct care, as long as your GP is aware that you're taking them, then those should be identified. 'If you do find those side-effects, you can stop taking the drug.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
At 26, I thought I was knackered from looking after a new puppy and working nights – but it was actually ‘silent' cancer
WITH a new puppy and a night-shift job, Hannah Coggles put her constant exhaustion down to her hectic routine. When her symptoms worsened, the then-26-year-old soon thought she might be pregnant, but repeated tests confirmed this wasn't the case so she brushed her concerns aside. 14 Even when some unexplained bruising appeared, Hannah didn't think too much of it. She was otherwise healthy after all. It wasn't until she nearly collapsed at work that she thought something more serious might be at play. Hannah, from Swaffham, Norfolk, tells Sun Health: 'In October 2020, I was deeply fatigued almost all the time. 'My husband George and I had recently got a fox red Labrador called Noodle, just before we got married, and it was exhausting. 'I almost passed out a couple of times - once at home, once at work. 'At one point I did think that maybe I was pregnant, but the tests were showing negative. 'I then got bruises on my arms and legs. They weren't necessarily big ones, but they were taking an incredibly long time to heal, and my other symptoms weren't improving.' That finally prompted her to book a GP appointment. Due to Covid restrictions at the time, this was over the phone - but thankfully, the doctor listened. Believing she might be anaemic, Hannah was referred for a blood test and the very next day she got a call from a nurse on the Macmillan Ward. Charities have raised concerns over the population's 'non-existent' awareness of leukaemia symptoms 'She told me to bring an overnight bag. I knew something wasn't right,' she recalls. In January 2021, Hannah was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) - a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. There are around 760 new cases diagnosed every year in the UK. 'I couldn't process anything the consultant was saying,' Hannah says. 'It was too much for my brain to process in the moment. 'I just remember calling my loved ones. There were so many tears, a lot of crying between me and my husband.' But there was no time to pause. She was admitted to the ward immediately, with treatment set to begin within days. The pandemic meant she faced much of it alone in hospital, but FaceTime, phone calls, and quizzes with family and friends helped keep her grounded. Hannah was moved from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, where she was able to see friends and family through a window, to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where she was in a top floor ward, with no visitors permitted. The gravity of the situation hit me hard and fast. I remember having a little breakdown the day I was due to go in to start my stem cell transplant treatment Hannah Coggles 'My support system was incredible,' Hannah, a housewife and karate instructor, says. 'My parents made long journeys just to drop off food and essentials, my husband brought clean clothes, and the nurses were amazing too. It was the little things that kept me going.' Hannah underwent IV and oral chemotherapy, countless blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and intrathecal procedures. When targeted therapy failed, she had her ovary removed in the hope of preserving fertility. Then came high-dose chemo and radiotherapy to prepare her for a stem cell transplant from her sister Olivia in November 2021. 14 14 Physically, treatment left her weak and drained. 'I lost weight and couldn't tolerate the taste of onion or garlic, things I used to love,' she says. 'As a result, I lost a lot of weight and was very unwell.' Mentally, she held it together, until just before the transplant. 'The gravity of the situation hit me hard and fast,' Hannah says. 'I remember having a little breakdown the day I was due to go in to start my stem cell transplant treatment. 'But luckily I managed to stay as positive as I possibly could and faced every challenge head on.' Warning signs of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ACUTE lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes and usually develops quickly over days or weeks. Around 790 people are diagnosed with ALL every year in the UK. But cases of leukaemia generally are rising. Since the early 1990s, incidence rates have increased by around 15 per cent in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. There is a similar trend in the United States, particularly in teenagers. A report by the American Cancer Society estimated there will be 66,890 new leukaemia cases and 23,540 deaths in 2025. Dr Keith Pratz, MD, director of the Leukemia Program at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, told Blood Cancers Today: "Incidence rates of leukaemia are rising in adults based on SEER data going back as far as 1975. "Many believe these are changes due to children and young adults living longer over that period, with death from other causes going down. "There is a small but meaningful increase in younger adults with leukaemia, and we need improved reporting of risks found in these young adults to improve our understanding of this issue." The most common symptoms of leukaemia include: Feeling weak or tired Shortness of breath Pale skin A high temperature or fever Picking up or not being able to shake off infections easily Bruising and bleeding easily Swelling of your lymph nodes Pain in your bones or joints Feeling full or pain in your tummy Weight loss Most people with these symptoms don't have leukaemia, but it's important to get them checked by your GP. Some people also experience no symptoms at all, or very minor ones which are easily brushed aside. Source: Cancer Research UK Even small victories mattered. 'I did laps around my bed and practiced karate. I had to keep moving,' she adds. Her time in hospital meant she didn't get to see much of little Noodle, but she was always 'so excited' to see her when she did. 'Watching her grow via pictures was sad as I missed out on a lot of the puppy stage,' Hannah adds. Thankfully, the treatment worked and Hannah, 31, is now in remission and back home. But her journey continues. She has routine check-ups, will continue to take daily antibiotics for the rest of her life to protect her spleen, and is on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), usually taken during the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, as treatment has left her infertile. Despite continued difficulties, her perspective on life has shifted completely. 'Remission doesn't mean the ordeal is magically over' 'I've made a lot of progress physically,' Hannah, who now also has a goldador dog called Queso, says. 'My muscles and joints aren't what they used to be, and the fatigue is still there. But I'm alive, and I'm grateful. 'I say 'yes' more. I don't let people take me for granted. 'The little problems don't matter so much now and I've found peace in my own company.' She stays strong in mind and body through regular gym workouts, karate practice, and dog walks - as well as staying close to her family and friends. 14 14 14 14 For anyone newly diagnosed, Hannah's advice is simple and powerful. 'Stay positive,' she says. 'Don't be too hard on yourself, even though it may feel like the world is crashing down. 'Some people may not be there for you that you thought would, and that's OK. Not everyone knows the right words to say - just know that it's nothing you have done. 'Get up and move, even if you're tired. And drink water - lots of water - I can't stress that enough!' And she has a message she wants the world to hear. 'Remission isn't the end,' Hannah says. 'It doesn't magically mean the ordeal is over. 'A lot of us still live with the effects of what we have experienced. 'Be patient with us. And please, learn the signs.' 'A powerful reminder' Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. There are many different types, but collectively it affects around 10,300 people every year in the UK. Common symptoms include: Feeling weak or tired A high temperature or fever Bruising and bleeding easily Picking up or not being able to shake off infections easily Weight loss Pale skin Shortness of breath Swelling of your lymph nodes Feeling full in your tummy Colin Dyer, CEO at Leukaemia Care, says: 'Hannah's story is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to spot the signs of leukaemia early. 'Fatigue, bruising, and persistent illness are often dismissed but they can be symptoms of something far more serious. 'Every day in the UK, 28 people are diagnosed with leukaemia, and early diagnosis can make all the difference. 'Through the #SpotLeukaemia campaign, with support from JCDecaux Community Channel, we want to ensure that everyone knows what symptoms to look out for and what to do if they are worried about a possible leukaemia diagnosis. 'The sooner someone is diagnosed, the better their treatment outcome. Early diagnosis saves lives.' 14 14 14 14 Fiona Hazell, CEO of Leukaemia UK, adds: 'Unlike solid tumours, leukaemia can usually be diagnosed by a simple full blood count test. 'Unfortunately, many people aren't aware of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia until they or someone they know is diagnosed, which can lead to dangerous delays. 'Early diagnosis saves lives, so we want to make sure more people are aware of the signs and symptoms and know to contact their GP to ask for a blood test if they're experiencing them, just like Hannah did. 'Together, we can stop leukaemia from devastating so many lives.'
