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I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine

I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine

The Irish Sun6 hours ago

SHEEMA Patel was just weeks into motherhood when agonising back pain left her screaming in the street.
Doctors told the now 42-year-old from Harlow, Essex it was
4
Sheema Patel, now 42, developed back pain while pregnant with her son Mason
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
4
Her symptoms left her in agony
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
By the time the disease was diagnosed as cancer, Sheema, who had just given birth to son Mason two months before, was told she was only three to four days away from being
She tells Sun Health: 'I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son.
'The message that was delivered made me feel I only had weeks to live.'
Sheema, who works in HR, had first felt something was wrong when her
It immediately started to hurt, but she put the pain down to her pregnancy.
As the pain worsened, she went to the hospital, where she was given a low dose of
She says: 'My whole body went into a kind of spasm.
'But they couldn't do much because I was pregnant, so I decided to leave the hospital.'
After giving birth on July 30, her symptoms worsened. Three weeks later, she started experiencing severe
At this point, her pain was dismissed as sciatica - an irritated nerve - and the discomfort of post-partum recovery.
What is myeloma?
Her GP prescribed
Then one day in late September, she was forced to cut short a walk near her house.
'I was three houses down and screaming in pain,' she recalls.
'My husband had to carry me, push the baby and walk the dog home. It was really bad.'
4
Scans revealed she had cancer that had left holes in her back
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
A few days later, in late September, Sheema saw a new GP at her practice.
The doctor suspected
After a series of scans and some back and forth, Sheema was told in October that she had lesions - holes in her spine, ribs and sternum - caused by myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow.
The disease affects around 33,000 people in the UK.
'Don't ignore pain'
She says: 'I was an odd case because I wasn't over 60, or a man, and I didn't fit the criteria for myeloma.
'But nobody should go through so much pain. It took months to be diagnosed, as it was just put down to sciatic pain.'
She adds: 'My advice would be, don't ignore pain and keep pushing. Nothing was showing up in my bloods.
"Back pain shouldn't go on for months, even if you're pregnant or have a new baby.
"Ask for some X-rays or an MRI. You don't think you're going to get cancer at 40, but cancer doesn't discriminate.'
Dr Sophie Castell, chief executive at
"One of the biggest barriers remains identifying and piecing together the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done.
"Myeloma symptoms, back pain, fatigue, infections, are often vague and can be mistaken for ageing or minor conditions."
This is partly because, unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't form lumps or tumours.
Instead, it attacks the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and long bones, causing lesions that weaken bones and can lead to fractures.
'I thought was going to die there and then'
Over a third of patients see their GP at least three times before diagnosis, and a quarter wait more than 10 months.
Sheema recalls her diagnosis: 'I was upset. It was like I was going to die there and then.
'They didn't explain anything. You just don't want to believe it. It didn't make sense.
'The only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take my son to Disneyland.'
4
Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable
Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK
She sought a second opinion privately, where she was told the damage was so severe that any pressure could leave her paralysed.
'He confirmed that I needed to remain bedbound as any pressure to my spine was going to result in me being paralysed,' she says.
'It took a few days to process," she adds. "My mum had to move in with us because I wasn't able to do anything for my baby.
The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma
Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow.
Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions.
While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases.
Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back.
Symptoms of myeloma:
Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs
Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue)
Frequent or hard-to-clear infections
Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures
Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination
Swollen legs or abdomen
Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising
Unexplained weight loss
Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs
Unexplained shortness of breath
Source:
'I couldn't even carry him. It was awful.'
In March 2024, following her fourth round of chemotherapy, one of Sheema's spinal discs collapsed.
Living with incurable cancer
She required urgent surgery to stabilise her back, and in May, she underwent a stem cell transplant.
She says: 'It was difficult.
'I feel like I missed out on the experience of being a new mum.
"My son became very close to my mum because I wasn't able to carry him or care for him as I wanted to.
'But we've become much closer now, and we share a strong bond. I do everything I can for him now, taking him to soft play, to the zoo, and more.'
Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable.
She adds: 'I know myeloma isn't curable and that it will likely return, but I'm a positive person.
'I'm focused on moving forward, going on holidays, taking my son to Disneyland when he's three or four, and building lasting memories. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family.
'Mason and my husband are what keep me going.'
If you're worried you might have myeloma, it can be hard to explain vague symptoms in a way that gets taken seriously.
To help with this, Myeloma UK has created a simple
To find out more about Myeloma UK, visit
Key myeloma facts
There are over 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK
There are over 2,300 people living with myeloma in Scotland
On average 17 people are diagnosed with myeloma every day in the UK
Eight people die from myeloma every day
Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with myeloma every year in the UK
Over 3,000 people die from myeloma every year in the UK
More than half of all people with myeloma will survive for 5 years or more
Around one in twp people with myeloma have to wait more than five months before they get the right diagnosis
One in four people have to wait more than 10 months before they get the right diagnosis
Around one in three people with myeloma are diagnosed through an emergency route
Over a third of people with myeloma attend at least three appointments at their GP practice before getting a diagnosis
Around four in five people diagnosed with myeloma every year are over the age of 60
Myeloma is two to three times more common in black people
Myeloma is the most common blood cancer affecting black people
Source:

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I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine
I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

I was days away from being paralysed after blaming back pain on being pregnant – a killer disease was eating my spine

SHEEMA Patel was just weeks into motherhood when agonising back pain left her screaming in the street. Doctors told the now 42-year-old from Harlow, Essex it was 4 Sheema Patel, now 42, developed back pain while pregnant with her son Mason Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK 4 Her symptoms left her in agony Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK By the time the disease was diagnosed as cancer, Sheema, who had just given birth to son Mason two months before, was told she was only three to four days away from being She tells Sun Health: 'I thought, I'm just too young. I've not had enough time with my son. 'The message that was delivered made me feel I only had weeks to live.' Sheema, who works in HR, had first felt something was wrong when her It immediately started to hurt, but she put the pain down to her pregnancy. As the pain worsened, she went to the hospital, where she was given a low dose of She says: 'My whole body went into a kind of spasm. 'But they couldn't do much because I was pregnant, so I decided to leave the hospital.' After giving birth on July 30, her symptoms worsened. Three weeks later, she started experiencing severe At this point, her pain was dismissed as sciatica - an irritated nerve - and the discomfort of post-partum recovery. What is myeloma? Her GP prescribed Then one day in late September, she was forced to cut short a walk near her house. 'I was three houses down and screaming in pain,' she recalls. 'My husband had to carry me, push the baby and walk the dog home. It was really bad.' 4 Scans revealed she had cancer that had left holes in her back Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK A few days later, in late September, Sheema saw a new GP at her practice. The doctor suspected After a series of scans and some back and forth, Sheema was told in October that she had lesions - holes in her spine, ribs and sternum - caused by myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. The disease affects around 33,000 people in the UK. 'Don't ignore pain' She says: 'I was an odd case because I wasn't over 60, or a man, and I didn't fit the criteria for myeloma. 'But nobody should go through so much pain. It took months to be diagnosed, as it was just put down to sciatic pain.' She adds: 'My advice would be, don't ignore pain and keep pushing. Nothing was showing up in my bloods. "Back pain shouldn't go on for months, even if you're pregnant or have a new baby. "Ask for some X-rays or an MRI. You don't think you're going to get cancer at 40, but cancer doesn't discriminate.' Dr Sophie Castell, chief executive at "One of the biggest barriers remains identifying and piecing together the symptoms quickly and before too much damage is done. "Myeloma symptoms, back pain, fatigue, infections, are often vague and can be mistaken for ageing or minor conditions." This is partly because, unlike many cancers, myeloma doesn't form lumps or tumours. Instead, it attacks the bone marrow, the spongy material inside bones such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and long bones, causing lesions that weaken bones and can lead to fractures. 'I thought was going to die there and then' Over a third of patients see their GP at least three times before diagnosis, and a quarter wait more than 10 months. Sheema recalls her diagnosis: 'I was upset. It was like I was going to die there and then. 'They didn't explain anything. You just don't want to believe it. It didn't make sense. 'The only thing I kept thinking about was that I wanted to take my son to Disneyland.' 4 Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable Credit: Family Handout / Myeloma UK She sought a second opinion privately, where she was told the damage was so severe that any pressure could leave her paralysed. 'He confirmed that I needed to remain bedbound as any pressure to my spine was going to result in me being paralysed,' she says. 'It took a few days to process," she adds. "My mum had to move in with us because I wasn't able to do anything for my baby. The 10 red flag symptoms of myeloma Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that occurs in the bone marrow. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, myeloma is difficult to detect as symptoms are often linked to general ageing or minor conditions. While it is incurable, myeloma is treatable in the majority of cases. Treatment can lead to periods of remission but the cancer will inevitably come back. Symptoms of myeloma: Persistent or unexplained pain for more than four to six weeks, particularly in the back or ribs Tiredness that doesn't improve with rest (fatigue) Frequent or hard-to-clear infections Easily broken bones or unexpected fractures Experiencing either frequent urination or minimal to no urination Swollen legs or abdomen Nosebleeds or unexplained bleeding or bruising Unexplained weight loss Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs Unexplained shortness of breath Source: 'I couldn't even carry him. It was awful.' In March 2024, following her fourth round of chemotherapy, one of Sheema's spinal discs collapsed. Living with incurable cancer She required urgent surgery to stabilise her back, and in May, she underwent a stem cell transplant. She says: 'It was difficult. 'I feel like I missed out on the experience of being a new mum. "My son became very close to my mum because I wasn't able to carry him or care for him as I wanted to. 'But we've become much closer now, and we share a strong bond. I do everything I can for him now, taking him to soft play, to the zoo, and more.' Sheema is now in remission, though she knows the cancer is incurable. She adds: 'I know myeloma isn't curable and that it will likely return, but I'm a positive person. 'I'm focused on moving forward, going on holidays, taking my son to Disneyland when he's three or four, and building lasting memories. I'm incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive family. 'Mason and my husband are what keep me going.' If you're worried you might have myeloma, it can be hard to explain vague symptoms in a way that gets taken seriously. To help with this, Myeloma UK has created a simple To find out more about Myeloma UK, visit Key myeloma facts There are over 33,000 people living with myeloma in the UK There are over 2,300 people living with myeloma in Scotland On average 17 people are diagnosed with myeloma every day in the UK Eight people die from myeloma every day Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with myeloma every year in the UK Over 3,000 people die from myeloma every year in the UK More than half of all people with myeloma will survive for 5 years or more Around one in twp people with myeloma have to wait more than five months before they get the right diagnosis One in four people have to wait more than 10 months before they get the right diagnosis Around one in three people with myeloma are diagnosed through an emergency route Over a third of people with myeloma attend at least three appointments at their GP practice before getting a diagnosis Around four in five people diagnosed with myeloma every year are over the age of 60 Myeloma is two to three times more common in black people Myeloma is the most common blood cancer affecting black people Source:

The 5 common drugs in your medicine cabinet ‘that increase your risk of killer cancer' in hot weather – are you at risk?
The 5 common drugs in your medicine cabinet ‘that increase your risk of killer cancer' in hot weather – are you at risk?

The Irish Sun

time10 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The 5 common drugs in your medicine cabinet ‘that increase your risk of killer cancer' in hot weather – are you at risk?

THE sun is blazing and you're doing everything right, slathering on suncream, grabbing your shades and hat, and staying out of the heat. But a hidden danger could be lurking much closer to home, inside your 3 Some medicines in your bathroom cabinet are making your skin far more vulnerable to the sun Credit: Getty 3 Worryingly, some of the worst offenders are probably already part of your daily routine Credit: Getty Experts warn that some everyday It comes as the Met Office revealed Brits will bask in a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures set to hit 30C within days. Earlier this year, a new study warned that 2.6 million women on HRT could be at risk in scorching temperatures, which could turn the vital drug into a serious health concern. The key ingredient in most HRT meds, oestrogen, significantly raises the risk of skin cancer, the Swedish scientists warned. The study, published in And they're not the only drugs; antibiotics, Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun Health. She explains: 'This is a reaction known as photosensitivity. 'It happens when a drug causes your skin to react more strongly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.' These drugs can damage the skin in two ways. Mum who nearly died after falling sick in Spain issues warning after anti-sickness pills left her 'acting possessed' She adds: 'Either they absorb UV light and become chemically reactive, damaging skin cells - a process called phototoxicity. 'Or UV light alters the drug, triggering the immune system to attack it as a threat, which causes inflammation and rashes. This is known as a photoallergic reaction.' Worryingly, some of the worst offenders are probably already part of your daily routine. The 5 common medicines that could increase your risk of skin cancer ... 1. IBUPROFEN But this common drug can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. 'Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can lead to phototoxic reactions, especially when taken in high doses or combined with sun exposure,' Thorrun says. This means you're more likely to experience redness, blistering, or inflammation even if you're careful with sun cream. 2. ANTIBIOTICS Certain antibiotics can absorb UV light and increase your risk of sunburn and skin rashes, Thorrun says. This is especially the case for doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, two commonly used medicines to fight sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), respectively. 'To minimise the risk of phototoxicity, it's important to avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking these medications,' she explains. How to keep your medicines safe in the heat By Dr Sameer Sanghvi You also need to be mindful of where you're storing your medications, especially in hot weather. Heat, air, light and moisture can all damage your medicine and stop them working as they should. Medications are likely to expire more quickly if not stored correctly too. A drawer or cabinet is an ideal place to store medicine. These tend to stay cool and dark, even in warm weather. That said, I'd avoid keeping your medicine in bathroom cabinets as these can become very damp thanks to steam from baths and showers. Unless advised otherwise, you should always keep medication in its original packaging. Things like the box and blister packet that tablets come in are designed to protect the medicine inside so it can do its job effectively. 3. ANTIDEPRESSANTS With more than 8 million people in the UK taking antidepressants, it's important to know that some can affect the skin. 'These medicines, especially sertraline, can cause your skin to become more reactive to sunlight through phototoxic or photoallergic mechanisms,' says Thorrun. This may lead to itching, redness, or rashes after even mild sun exposure. They're often the first treatment offered to help people struggling with 3 Skincare is vital in hot weather Credit: Alamy 4. STATINS Over 7 million Britons are prescribed statins to manage Statins work by lowering cholesterol levels, helping to protect against these serious heart problems. While increased sun sensitivity isn't a typical side effect, some people may still experience it. 'It's not very common but worth being aware of,' Thorrun advises. 'Always use sun protection regardless.' 5. HRT Oestrogen, on the whole, tends to be good for the skin, Thorrun says. 'It makes the skin thicker and stronger and therefore less likely to get burnt,' she explains. So the fact that the new study by researchers at Lund University suggests oestrogen, found in HRT, can increase the risk of burning and cancer is a bit counterintuitive, she says. However, this is not the first study to suggest a link. For example, a large Finnish study Similarly, a How to stay safe Last summer, a cancer charity begged Brits to do more to protect themselves from the sun as the number of melanoma skin-cancer cases in the UK reached an all-time high. Cancer Research UK predicted there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed in 2024, up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022. Its analysis shows rates between 2009 and 2019 - from 21 to 28 cases per 100,000 people. Can you spot the cancerous moles from the harmless ones? IF you've spotted a new mole or lingering mark on your skin, don't be too quick to dismiss it. It's important to know what your skin looks like normally, to helps you notice any unusual changes. The ABCDE rule can be followed to assess the health of a mole. If your mole falls into the following, it's worth getting checked: A symmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape B order – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border C olours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours D iameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter E nlargement or e levation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma Most melanomas don't give you symptoms like pain or itching. Meanwhile, some non-cancerous moles or abnormal patches of skin can be itchy. So having some of these changes on their own doesn't mean you definitely have melanoma, but you should still get it checked out. There are two main types of skin cancer - non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer includes: Basal cell skin cancer - this is also called basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell skin cancer - this is also called squamous cell carcinoma There are a few different types of melanoma too: Superficial spreading melanoma Nodular melanoma Lentigo maligna melanoma Find out more about distinguishing moles The rise in diagnoses is due partly to a growing aging population and an increase in awareness of the signs of skin cancer. Melanomas are a serious type of skin cancer, strongly linked to sun exposure. At first, they usually appear as If left unchecked, these moles can grow and transform, often becoming darker, and morph into something far more sinister. It can quickly spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs like the brain, making it even harder to treat and much more deadly. 'The best advice is to always wear sunscreen, especially when you're out in the sun – no matter the season. I recommend SPF 30 or higher,' Thorrun says. 'Use clothing and hats to cover your skin when you can.' 'And try to avoid the strongest sun between 11am and 3pm,' she adds. If you are worried always check patient information leaflets or speak to a pharmacist for guidance. 'Don't just stop taking prescribed medicines,' Thorrun says. 'Always speak to your healthcare professional if any concerns.'

The 8 things to do if you're on fat jabs to prevent horror side effect that has ‘frightening' impact on your bones
The 8 things to do if you're on fat jabs to prevent horror side effect that has ‘frightening' impact on your bones

The Irish Sun

timea day ago

  • The Irish Sun

The 8 things to do if you're on fat jabs to prevent horror side effect that has ‘frightening' impact on your bones

FROM nausea to constipation and life-threatening pancreatitis, fat jabs come with a long list of possible side effects. But, as we revealed in Sun Health last month, there is a new complication that's come to light - putting people at risk of 'old lady's bones' and losing inches of their height. Advertisement 6 We reveal what you can do to prevent damaging your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis Credit: Shutterstock 6 Fat jabs come with a long list of possible side effects Credit: AP More than 1.5million Brits are thought to be on weight loss jabs like Ozempic, including Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, the jabs work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that's released in the body when you are full. Known as GLP-1 RAs (receptor agonists), they work to reduce appetite and curb cravings, while also boosting insulin to help regulate Advertisement But, a study published in the journal 'Poor bone health can lead to conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, and it raises the risk of fractures later in life,' says Ruth Taylor, nutritionist at Currently, 3.5million Brits suffer from osteoporosis according to the Ruth states that the safest way to lose weight is gradually, aiming for around one to two pounds (0.45 to 0.9 kg) per week. Whether you're on weight loss jabs or losing weight naturally, there are things you can do to prevent damaging your bones and reduce your risk of developing Advertisement PRIORITISE CALCIUM 6 Make sure to eat enough calcium for strong bones Credit: Getty CALCIUM is an essential mineral for strong bones. 'Adults generally need 1,000mg per day, rising to 1,200mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70,' says But, with calorie restriction, a woman's intake of calcium usually drops, which may worsen bone loss. According to other research in the mg per day of calcium in supplement form during weight loss can help mitigate potential bone issues. Advertisement Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium-rich foods too. 'The best sources include dairy (milk, yoghurt and cheese), canned sardines or salmon with bones, leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli, calcium-fortified plant milks, tofu, beans, and nuts,' says Hamza. Warning as one of UK's most commonly prescribed drugs is linked to debilitating bone disease TUCK INTO SARDINES AND CELERY 6 Eat plenty of sardines as calcium content in 100g is equivalent to the amount found in around 400ml of milk AN odd combo, perhaps. However, 35-year-old Sophie Wright, who suffers from osteoporosis, says she fills up on these two foods as they're great for her bone health . Advertisement Research in the journal ' 'I'm always making sardine pasta, which is my take on tuna pasta. 'I also add lots of celery into my salads as they're great for bone health.' Celery has also been found to help prevent bone loss. Advertisement Research published in the the SUPPLEMENT SAVVY MOST people can get the majority of their essential nutrients through a healthy diet but supplements can help in certain cases, for example, during rapid weight loss. 'People living with obesity may already have lower levels of key vitamins and minerals, which can worsen during weight loss,' explains Ruth. 'In those cases, a multivitamin and mineral supplement may be useful. 'Women going through menopause are also at higher risk of bone loss due to falling oestrogen levels, so making sure they get enough calcium and vitamin D is especially important.' Advertisement Vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand. Research in the journal Plus, research in the journal Our bodies create vitamin D in response to sufficient sunlight. So the Government advises everyone to take a vitamin D supplement between October and April. Advertisement Vitamin D3 is best because it is more easily absorbed by the body. CUT BACK ON UPFs 6 Stock up on grains, fruits and vegetables, protein and healthy fats such as avocado and nuts and seeds LOSING weight but still eating processed foods? Your bones won't be happy. Hazma says: 'Diets high in processed foods, sugar, salt, saturated fat and phosphate additives (these are added to processed foods to improve texture, flavour shelf life or colour) are linked to poorer bone density and higher osteoporosis risk. 'High sugar and salt intake increase urinary calcium loss, phosphate additives disrupt calcium metabolism, and processed foods often lack essential bone-building nutrients. Advertisement 'Over time, these factors combine to weaken bones and elevate fracture risk.' Instead of processed foods such as cakes, sweets, processed meats and ready meals, enjoy a predominantly whole food diet. Stock up on grains such as brown rice, oats and brown pasta, fruits and vegetables, protein and healthy fats such as avocado and nuts and seeds. 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. LIFT WEIGHTS 6 Resistance exercise is one of the best things you can do to support your bones Credit: Shutterstock RESISTANCE exercise is one of the best things you can do to support your bones while on GLP-1, according to the study in the journal Advertisement In the study, participants attended two group exercise sessions a week, as well as exercising on their own. In the group sessions, participants did 30 minutes of interval-based cycling, and 15 minute circuits with both strength training and aerobic exercise. Individual exercise was moderate-to-vigorous, such as cycling , running, brisk walking or circuit training. Hamza explains: 'When muscles contract during resistance or weight-bearing exercise, they pull on tendons attached to bones, creating mechanical strain and stress on the bone tissue. 'This mechanical force is sensed by bone cells, especially osteocytes, which then signal osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to increase bone formation and remodelling to strengthen the bone. Advertisement 'Aim to do resistance or weight-bearing exercise two to three times per week, using progressive resistance (lifting heavier or more reps over time). 'Bodyweight exercises help, but adding external load - like bands, free weight or machines - creates greater mechanical stress, which is what prompts bones to adapt and densify.' For Sophie, lifting weights twice a week is non-negotiable, with exercises including leg press, dumbbell-weighted lunges and squats. She says: 'I do a lot of moves on a wobble board (a flat, hard top attached to a round bottom which creates instability) too. 'I also do three Pilates reformer classes a week on the heavier springs, and I walk 12 to 15 thousand steps each day.' Advertisement PACK IN PROTEIN IT'S not just muscles that need protein, bones need it too. In fact, protein actually makes up around 50 per cent of bone volume according to research in the 'Protein also helps us absorb calcium,' adds Dominika Blonska, PT and founder of 'Aim for around 1-1.5g of protein per 1lb of body weight.' For example, a 100lb person can aim for 100-150 g of protein per day. Advertisement Meat, fish, eggs, dairy and legumes (beans, lentils, peas) are great options. For vegans, Ruth suggests tofu, tempeh, edamame and fortified plant-based milks. CUT BACK ON BOOZE ALCOHOL and sugary drinks such as Coke won't do your waistline any favours. But they could also damage your bones. 'Alcohol slows down calcium absorption and increases the risk of fractures,' says Dom. Advertisement 'The phosphoric acid in sugary, fizzy drinks is linked to lower bone density.' Research in the Dom adds: 'Caffeine (in fizzy drinks and coffee) also affects calcium absorption - therefore, try to limit to one to two cups of caffeine per day.' MAGNESIUM MATTERS RESEARCH in the journal Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, bananas, dried apricots and soy products such as milk and tofu. Advertisement A supplement can help too. The top foods for healthy bones EATING a balanced diet will help to keep your bones healthy. This means plenty of fruit, vegetables, protein, healthy fats and sufficient calcium and vitamin D. Not getting enough of these things can cause conditions like rickets and osteoporosis, and increase your risk of breaking bones later in life. Adults need 700mg of calcium a day. It can be found in foods and drinks like: Milk, cheese and other dairy Green leafy vegetables (e.g. as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach) Soya beans Tofu Fortified plant-based drinks (e.g. soya drink) Nuts Bread and anything made with fortified flour Fish where you eat the bones (e.g. sardines and pilchards) The recommended daily intake for vitamin D for adults in the UK is 10 micrograms (or 400 International Units, or IU). As it's difficult to get all the vitamin D we need from our diet, and we get most of it from the sun, we should all take daily supplements from October to March. Vitamin D can also be found in: Oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines and mackerel) Egg yolks Fortified foods (e.g. some fat spreads and breakfast cereals)

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