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The Irish Sun
3 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
We're left scrapping for benefits in UK's ‘PIP city' while jobless kids claims £100s thanks to TikTok ‘sickfluencers'
During The Sun's visit, fed-up residents say what was meant to be a safety net for those too ill or disabled to work has become a cushion for the lazy PIPPED TO IT We're left scrapping for benefits in UK's 'PIP city' while jobless kids claims £100s thanks to TikTok 'sickfluencers' BATTLING heart issues and a crumbling spine that has left her reliant on a mobility scooter, Beryl Davis faces a daily fight to survive on her meagre disability benefits. But, she says, life in the town dubbed 'PIP city' comes with an extra gut-punch - as hard-up pensioners like her watch young, jobless chancers game the UK's broken welfare system, inspired by so-called TikTok 'sickfluencers'. 8 Beryl Davis faces a daily fight to survive on her meagre disability benefits Credit: Ben Lack 8 Hartlepool now has one of the highest rates of disability benefit claimants in the entire country Credit: Ben Lack The troubling scenes in Hartlepool - where in some areas nearly one in four adults claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - have created a bitter divide between hard-grifting older folk with genuine illnesses and what they see as work-shy younger generations shamelessly exploiting legal loopholes. It is a schism that shines a light on a wider debate gripping Britain, where - despite there being many young people legitimately claiming benefits - vulnerable pensioners living on minimal support fear they are being left in the lurch in favour of unscrupulous claimants. Beryl, 71, reveals: 'One person I know claimed it for acne, another for OCD. It's far too easy to get hold of these days. 'I have a genuine disability. I don't understand how some people are getting it so easily when people like me have to fight for it. 'I know someone in his twenties, diabetic, and yes, he has some health issues, but he's just been awarded the full whack and he's pulling in about £1,600 a month. "He could work. He chooses not to." Famous for its shipyards and steelmaking that were once at the centre of Britain's industrial revolution, Hartlepool has a proud history built off the back of its tireless work force. But during The Sun's visit, fed-up residents say what was meant to be a safety net for those too ill or disabled to work has become a cushion for the lazy, especially among the under-40s. The northern town, in Co Durham, now has one of the highest rates of disability benefit claimants in the entire country, with 22.3 per cent of working age adults receiving PIP across six of its central wards. A Sun analysis of official data reveals 6,737 of 30,154 working-age adults here are now receiving the benefit, with more than 2,000 people aged between 16 and 64 claiming PIP for anxiety and depression. Stop handing out new cars for FOOD INTOLERANCE says Kemi Badenoch as she demands Labour cut ballooning benefits bill Among them is a 24-year-old who told us, on condition of anonymity, how he used TikTok guides to secure a successful mental health claim. It comes after we revealed how brazen "sickfluencers" are gaining thousands of followers on social media by explaining how to game PIP application forms and ramp up the scoring criteria. Shocking recent figures revealed how claims across the UK are at a record high, with 16 to 19-year-olds now making up 16.5 per cent of all PIP cases - up from 14.6 per cent in 2019. The unemployed lad told us how he used tips posted by one influencer to explain how his ability to carry out tasks was affected by social anxiety - despite not having a formal medical diagnosis. Stop handouts for minor conditions, says Badenoch By Ryan Sabey and Noa Hoffman FACE-TO-FACE welfare claim assessments are needed to stop taxpayers' money being used to fund cars for people with minor conditions like food intolerances, Kemi Badenoch says. The Tory leader called for a crackdown — with the health and disability benefits outlay set to spiral to £100billion by the end of the decade. She wants to stop flagrant abuse of the taxpayer-subsidised Motability scheme, which was designed to provide cars for the disabled — and also to target online 'sickinfluencers' who tell claimants what to say in interviews to play the system. Ms Badenoch said in a speech the number of in-person checks has slipped because of the pandemic, being replaced with cheaper phone interviews. She said: 'Approval rates have soared, and we now have online 'sickfluencers' selling people scripts to maximise their scores on an assessment. "We need to build in proper medical evidence to the system. And go back to face-to-face assessments which never recovered after Covid. "Food intolerances are a medical fact, but they're not something we should be handing out new cars for. "That is not a joke. This actually happens.' Stats show around £600million went on Motability last year from the Department for Work and Pensions, and 589,000 claimants had cars as of April. Ms Badenoch said it needed to go as it was a 'perfect example' of a welfare system out of control. She said: 'People are qualifying with conditions like drug misuse, ADHD and obesity. 'The assessment system surely can't have been designed with that intention. And we can't allow it to continue for a moment longer.' He said: "The TikTok videos basically told me which questions to answer and what to say to have the best chance of being approved. "I had a phone call from an assessor which basically lasted for 30 minutes and they agreed that I couldn't work. "I'm now getting £74 a week." Asked if he was genuinely anxious to the point of being unable to work, the youngster said: "I used to work in a supermarket but I found it too much to interact with people. Maybe if there was a job I could do from home, it would be okay." He denied gaming the system, despite shopping among crowds in the town centre, "because there's no jobs around here, anyway". PIP hotspot Across six central wards in Hartlepool, a staggering one in five working-age adults is now on PIP. For many, the ire is pointed at drug users and street drinkers we saw congregating by a community centre. One, seen leaving a corner shop, with a carrier bag filled with beer, said he had "mental health" and "was stressed". 8 Paula Spence, 70, was forced to retire aged 55 and has been reliant on PIP since Credit: Ben Lack 8 Across six central wards in Hartlepool, a staggering one in five working-age adults is now on PIP Credit: Ben Lack At a sandwich shop in the town centre, Claire Jarvis, 43, revealed how her husband had not been able to secure PIP despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing gruelling radiation therapy. She said: 'I understand that some people genuinely need benefits - I'm not against that. But I think the wrong people are getting the help while people who really need it are being left with nothing. 'My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. "He went through radiotherapy, he still suffers now - he's got burns all over his back, his bowels are damaged, and he's had to go to work because he's scared he'll lose his job. "And yet when we applied for PIP, he scored zero on the assessment. 8 Claire Jarvis, 43, revealed how her husband had not been able to secure PIP despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer Credit: Ben Lack 8 A Taxpayers Alliance analysis suggested there were 187 PIP claimants for every 1,000 Hartlepool residents Credit: Ben Lack "Meanwhile, there are people who are playing the system, claiming for mental health or back pain without any proper diagnosis, and they're getting everything. "People say there are no jobs but that's nonsense. If you wanted a job, you could go out and get a job. "It's galling to work hard while other people are in the beer garden spending their benefits." Mrs Jarvis' co-worker Charlie Williamson, 26, missed out on support for her five-year-old daughter who has epilepsy. She told how she comes to work despite suffering from anxiety and the stresses of caring for her young child. The wrong people are getting the help while people who really need it are being left with nothing. Claire Jarvis, 43 Ms Williamson said: "I was just in this dark place where I just had no motivation to do anything. I was just getting myself in a dark place. "I was scared to work because of the anxiety, but then at the same time, I wanted to work. "I'm glad that I do work. I absolutely see the importance of it and I look forward to it now." A Taxpayers Alliance analysis suggested there were 187 PIP claimants for every 1,000 Hartlepool residents, the second highest rate in England behind the Merseyside constituency of Knowsley. They are among 12 local authorities in England and Wales where the proportion on PIP exceeds one in six. Anyone with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their day-to-day life can get PIP, including adults in full-time employment. 8 Mrs Jarvis' co-worker Charlie Williamson, 26, missed out on support for her five-year-old daughter who has epilepsy Credit: Ben Lack PIP is split into two parts and claimants can be eligible for both. The daily living part goes to adults needing help with everyday tasks, whereas the mobility part is doled out to those who require assistance getting around. Applicants are assessed on a points-based system, scoring between zero and 12 depending on how much difficulty they have with basic day-to-day activities - such as preparing and eating food. At present, anyone who scores between eight and 11 points qualifies for the standard rate of the daily living component, currently worth £73.90 a week. Those awarded 12 points or more receive the enhanced rate, paying £110.40 a week. Under existing rules, applicants must reach at least eight points - across any combination of tasks - to receive the lowest level of support. 'Genuinely needy overlooked' Paula Spence, 70, was forced to retire aged 55 and has been reliant on PIP since. She said: 'I've worked since I was 16 - I was a hairdresser, then later a lollipop lady, which I loved. "But the cold weather and standing for hours ruined my joints. I was laid off at 55 on medical advice, and I've never worked since. I'm on PIP now because I genuinely need it. 'I'll be honest - there are some people around here who just don't want to work. Some are lazy. They're on the dole, they claim PIP for things that don't stop them working, and it's wrong. I'm not saying that's everyone, but it does happen. "Meanwhile, there are genuine cases where people are really struggling, and they're the ones being made to jump through hoops.' 8 Hartlepool is among 12 local authorities in England and Wales where the proportion on PIP exceeds one in six Credit: Ben Lack Figures show nearly a third of working-age adults in some parts of England are now claiming PIP, with more than 3.6 million people receiving it as of January - up from just over two million three years ago. Critics say the spiralling £143billion welfare bill should serve as a wake-up call to ministers after the Government was forced into a U-turn on proposed welfare reforms following pressure from over 120 MPs. The original plans, designed to save five billion by tightening eligibility for PIP, were shelved. A spokesperson for the Taxpayers Alliance said: "Many PIP assessments are now done remotely, with as little as two to four per cent of disability assessments happening in person. "Fewer in-person checks, less scrutiny, and rising appeal success rates suggest a system that's being outpaced and, in some cases, outmaneuvered.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish 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
Before kickstarting the weight loss journey, the TikToker 'avoided mirrors and always hid in photos' WEIGHT TO GO! 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 The TikToker came off Mounjaro eight months ago - and has managed to drop even more weight Credit: TIKTOK/@midnight_sky_x 3 As well as getting her steps in to keep active, the TikToker also eats nutrient-dense meals Credit: TIKTOK/@midnight_sky_x 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty 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. Amy Tapper's weight loss journey 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.' Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I look better at 42 than I did at 24 thanks to my 6st Mounjaro transformation – people say it's ‘unbelievable'
Plus, what to do if you lose too much weight on Mounjaro WEIGHT A GO I look better at 42 than I did at 24 thanks to my 6st Mounjaro transformation – people say it's 'unbelievable' FOR many, the idea of looking and feeling better in their forties than in their twenties sounds like a fantasy. But for Marianne it's a stunning reality. Advertisement 2 Marianne at a restaurant before weight loss, feeling tired and hidden Credit: tiktok./@mariannewellness Thanks to a six-stone weight loss transformation, she is now inspiring thousands with her story. The 42-year-old who has documented her incredible journey on TikTok page 'mariannewellness'. In a video shared on May 18, which has since gained over 90.2k views, Marianne explained her transformation was about much more than just the numbers on the scale. The physical change is undeniable, but it was a shift in mindset that truly changed her life. Advertisement READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS WEIGH TO GO I lost 6st after discovering the secret to weight loss - and it's NOT fat jabs At 24, she was stuck in a cycle of 'crash diets, low-fat nonsense' and doing 'damage control' with exercise. She has now adopted a new approach, explaining that she eats to 'nourish, not punish' herself and moves because she can, not because she has to. A key part of her journey has been prioritising her mental and emotional well-being. At 24, she was a 'chronic people pleaser' who regularly burnt out. Advertisement She now lives by the rule that if it's not a "hell yes" it's a no, setting clear boundaries. Marianne also treats her eight hours of sleep 'like it's the crown jewels,' protecting them with a wind-down routine of journaling and meditation. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care She reveals that Mounjaro (a GLP-1 medication) and hypnosis helped her get to the root of her emotional eating, freeing her from 'food noise' and changing the way she thinks about cravings. Marianne gained 78 comments on her video, as many rushed to share their thoughts. Advertisement One complimented her by writing: 'Incredible. You look amazing.' A second added: 'Oh wow. You look amazing.' 2 Marianne 88 lbs lighter, feeling healthier, happier, and more confident Credit: tiktok/@mariannewellness While a third said: 'You look healthy and happy. Advertisement 'Congratulations.' A fourth then commented: 'Wow! What a transformation.' While a fifth wrote: 'I just love seeing people happy! Congratulations on doing this for you.' In another one of her videos, she explained: 'The truth: confidence is not about the decade you are in. Advertisement 'It is about the choices you make every day. And your 40s can be your best chapter yet.'
