Latest news with #40DayHealthChallenge
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New ‘dream' daily weight loss pill ‘better than surgery OR fat jabs' and has ‘minimal to no side effects'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DAILY weight loss pill is a safer alternative to gastric bypass surgery, makers say. The tablet does the same job by making people feel full for longer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A daily weight loss pill, the Synt-101 pill, is a safer alternative to gastric bypass surgery, makers say Credit: Getty Its developers say the treatment is a better way to lose weight than surgery or fat jabs, which can trigger severe side-effects. A pilot human trial on nine patients indicated the pill was safe to use and reduced hunger signals. It contains a chemical called polydopamine that reacts with an enzyme in the gut to create a lining which moves digestion to an area where fullness hormones are triggered. The mucosal membrane is then naturally excreted by the body each day. Gastric bypass surgery disconnects the stomach from the small intestine and reattaches it lower down to achieve the same effect. It is effective but only a few thousand patients have the operation each year on the NHS. The Synt-101 pill was developed by US company Syntis Bio. Chief executive Rahul Dhanda told the European Congress on Obesity in Spain: 'The dream is to have this be the go-to drug for weight management. 'The obvious benefit over gastric bypass surgery is you could avoid an invasive procedure and take a daily pill instead. "Plus a gastric bypass is irreversible whereas you can stop this when you no longer want it. 'This integrates with the mucosal membrane which is naturally excreted by the body. You take the pill once a day in the morning and it should be cleared by the next day.' 40 Day Health Challenge pro reveals top tips to avoid snacking Mr Dhanda said the pill could also be taken by patients who have come off GLP-1 weight loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. He said: 'The problem with GLP-1s is they are not very tolerable. 'An oral pill is the rational choice because it's simple, tolerable and safe. 'I anticipate the side-effects to be minimal to none.' 'Golden age' for fat fight A GOLDEN age of obesity treatment is on the horizon with more than 150 new drugs in clinical trials, experts say. But they need to be rolled out quicker to the 16million fat people in Britain, they believe. The European Congress on Obesity heard pharma companies are spending billions targeting hunger hormones. Dr Louis Aronne, of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, said: 'I call this the golden age of obesity treatment.' It could take the NHS 12 years to supply all those who need them. Prof Jason Halford, of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: 'These drugs have the potential to help millions. 'If the Government and NHS are serious about prevention, they need to reconsider the speed of the rollout of these drugs.' 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 Sun
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The ultimate 4-week plan to lose weight before the summer holidays WITHOUT resorting to fat jabs
THE sun is shining and the evenings are getting lighter, but if you still feel your mind and body need some TLC, a few lifestyle changes over the next four weeks could make all the difference. The real secret to boosting your health lies in small tweaks which are easier to stick to long-term and don't require a huge life overhaul. By focusing on gradual adjustments, you're more likely to stay motivated as you see the benefits. So, from quitting coffee to a 20p-a-day supplement, these expert tips can help you transform yourself from head to toe in just one month. WEEK ONE Walk 10 more minutes a day WALKING is a great way to get started. 'It does wonders for your bone density and muscle health, and walking for half an hour is estimated to burn about 150 calories,' says Liam Grimley, personal trainer and co-founder of 432 Fitness. Just 10 minutes of brisk walking can boost mood, while a two to five-minute stroll after a meal can lower blood sugar, helping prevent energy crashes and snacking. Long-term, stabilising blood sugar levels help prevent type 2 diabetes and weight gain. To increase your steps, take the stairs, incorporate walking into your commute or the school run, or use a walking pad, like the HomeFitnessCode Walking Pad, £159.99, while watching TV. IF you rely on multiple espressos and lattes to get through the day, try replacing at least one cup with green tea. 40 Day Health Challenge couple reveal exercise routine 'It contains lower levels of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness,' says nutritional therapist Lucia Stansbie. 'This helps improve focus, while reducing anxiety, making it a gentler stimulant. 'Consider drinking green tea regularly and saving coffee for when you need a real boost.' 6 Some studies suggest green tea also boosts weight loss thanks to compounds including catechins, which may improve the body's ability to burn calories. WEEK TWO Do resistance training TO get stronger, boost metabolism and improve your self-esteem, try resistance training. 'Everyone can do it, no matter your experience,' says Liam. Aim for at least two sessions a week and you can progress by adding repetitions or sets. Not sure where to start? Try this beginners' workout – all you need is a resistance band. Bicycle crunch (for your abs): Lie on your back and raise your legs to a 90-degree angle. Put a small resistance band around your feet. Lift your head and shoulders so you are in a crunch. Twist your torso, bringing your elbow to the opposite knee while alternating leg extensions against the band's resistance. Banded hip thrust (for your lower body): Lie on your back with feet close to your bottom, slightly wider than hip-width. Place the resistance band on top of your hips and hold the ends down with straight arms. Lift hips up to form a straight line through the shoulders, hips, and knees, then lower slowly to the floor, and repeat. Standing or kneeling row (for your upper body): Stand on a long band horizontally on the floor, with feet hip-width apart. Take each end in your hands. Bend slightly forward, pull the band towards your waist, driving elbows back and squeezing shoulder blades, then slowly return to start. Power up on protein PROTEIN goes hand-in-hand with resistance training to support muscle growth. 'It slows the natural loss of muscle mass as we age and plays vital roles in liver detox, tissue repair, brain function – including mood and focus – muscle recovery and skin health,' says Lucia. Animal-based proteins, such as meat, dairy, fish and eggs, are usually complete proteins, which means they contain the nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein) that the body cannot produce on its own. Veggie or vegan? Tofu is a complete protein, while nuts, beans, lentils and Greek yoghurt are also rich in the stuff. WEEK THREE DUBBED "nature's Ozempic', fibre helps control appetite by making you feel full, and also supports gut health. The NHS recommends 30g daily but, according to the Food Standards Agency, the average Brit gets just 18g. 6 Fibre is known for aiding digestion and bowel health, but it also feeds good gut bacteria. 'A nourished and balanced gut microbiome – the collection of trillions of bacteria – is associated with lower levels of stress and a happier mood,' says Lucia. Include beans, nuts, lentils, grains, veg, potatoes (with their skins), and fruits in every meal. Sprinkle seeds on salads or add ground flaxseeds for extra hits of fibre. Talk to yourself YOUR inner dialogue shapes your mood, so negative self-talk such as: 'I can't do it,' or 'I'll never change,' reinforces self-doubt. 6 'Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can shift your perspective and help develop resilience,' says Nicci Roscoe, a holistic health and wellbeing practitioner and author of Micro Meditation. 'Repeat phrases like: 'I can handle this,' and: 'It's going to be OK.' "Over time, affirmations will reinforce a positive mindset and help you approach challenges with confidence.' WEEK FOUR Opt for magnesium THE magic of magnesium is that it helps boost energy while also calming the nervous system. 'It helps balance the body's stress response by regulating cortisol levels, easing symptoms of stress and fatigue,' says Lucia. It has long been linked to better sleep quality, too. Leafy greens like spinach, whole grains, nuts and soy-based foods such as tofu are good sources. A supplement can also help, too – Lucia recommends magnesium glycinate for sleep and anxiety, and magnesium citrate for digestion. Try R.Y.M. Nutrition Magnesium Bisglycinate (Glycinate), £24.99 for a two-month supply. Stretch every day WHEN you wake up, instead of checking your phone, stretch for five minutes to loosen up your body. 'Morning stretching will get you moving well for the day ahead and helps identify any tight spots to focus on,' says Liam. Try holding each of these stretches for 20 seconds each side. Banana asana (for your spine): Lie flat, arms overhead, and curve the body to one side, keeping both buttocks on the ground. Straddle stretch (for your hamstrings) Sit with legs straight and wide apart. Lean forward and hold. Figure-four glute stretch (for your hips): Lie on your back, knees bent. Place your left foot on your right knee at a 90-degree angle. Interlock hands behind your right thigh and pull towards your chest. Pectoral stretch (for your shoulders): Stand facing a doorway. Raise arms so your shoulders and elbows are at 90 degrees. Put your hands on the door frame and step forward into the doorway to feel a stretch in your shoulder and chest.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Five budget-friendly ways to aid recovery after you exercise
Mel Hunter Published: Invalid Date, WERE you one of the 92,000 brave souls running yesterday's London and Manchester marathons? Whether you crossed the finish line or are just getting active, recovery is key. Here, fitness guru Rosaria Barreto-Ellis, founder of and for budget-friendly recovery tips . . . REHYDRATION STATION: After intense exercise, your body loses not just water, but essential salts such as sodium and potassium. Instead of pricey sports drinks, make a DIY electrolyte drink by mixing water with a pinch of salt, a splash of orange juice and a teaspoon of honey. Coconut water is a great alternative when it's on offer. PROTEIN POWER: Protein helps repair muscles after running and exercise. Budget options I recommend include low-fat Greek yoghurt, eggs, chickpeas or tuna. For convenience, try a protein shake but look for the unflavoured or supermarket-own versions, which are usually cleaner and cheaper. MAGNESIUM BOOST: Magnesium is a great way to support muscle repair and reduce cramps post-exercise. Affordable sources include spinach, pumpkin seeds, wholegrains and even dark chocolate. Soaking in Epsom bath salts is also a way to absorb magnesium through the skin and there are options on offer at stores for under a fiver. STRETCH 'N' SAVE: A no-cost, easy way to ensure great recovery is by stretching. Prioritise dynamic stretching pre-run (where you keep moving through the stretches) and static stretching post-run (where you hold a stretch). 40 Day Health Challenge expert discusses nausea during exercise Use a tennis ball or water bottle for rolling tight areas. As an alternative to compression gear, elevate your legs for five to ten minutes after exercise, to reduce swelling and improve circulation. SLEEP ON IT: Sleep is an underrated recovery tool. Aim for seven to nine hours a night, and sneak a 20-minute nap the day after a long run. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day UPGRADE your picnic in the park with the Strandon folding table and stools set, on offer at Ikea. Previously £45, now £29. Cheap treat 7 REMEMBER these sweets? A pack of Jazzles, RRP £1, is 89p at Poundland now. What's new? EVER fancied a pie and a cheeseburger at the same time – I know I have. Well, you're in luck. The new Pukka cheeseburger pie lands in Morrisons stores today. It's £1.50 for now, RRP £2. Top swap GET ready for a summer of fun by stocking up on holiday essentials now. This Wilko bodyboard is £9.99, but get a similar style, for £6.99 at Home Bargains. Little helper GO to Prezzo today and order a drink to get a main pizza or pasta for 99p. Deal is for up to 12 people, but you MUST pre-book and get a redeem code, at Shop & save Superdrug. Hot right now STOCK up for upcoming birthday parties with cards and wrapping paper starting from 90p in the clearance sale at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
New ‘Diabetes type 5' discovered by scientists who say it's ‘vastly undiagnosed' – do you have the signs?
A NEW form of diabetes linked to malnutrition, not obesity, has been officially recognised. Named Type 5 diabetes, the disease is estimated to affect 25million people worldwide. It mainly strikes malnourished, lean teens and young adults in low and middle-income countries. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) voted to classify the condition previously known as Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) at its World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok on April 8th. 'It has historically been vastly underdiagnosed and poorly understood,' said Professor Meredith Hawkins of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said. 'The IDF's recognition of it as 'Type 5 diabetes' is an important step toward raising awareness of a health problem that is so devastating to so many people," she added. Globally, around 830 million adults are living with diabetes, mostly Type 1 and Type 2, according to a 2022 study. Both types affect the body's ability to control blood sugar levels. In Type 1 diabetes, the body can't produce insulin - a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells for energy. This causes high blood sugar, which can damage organs. In Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin but becomes resistant to it, so sugar stays in the blood instead of entering the cells. Over time, this also leads to high blood sugar levels. Type 5 diabetes is different. It's caused by malnutrition, which leads to low insulin production. The leaves the body unable to make enough insulin to manage blood sugar properly. It's not due to a total lack of insulin like Type 1, or insulin resistance like Type 2 - rather the body doesn't produce enough, often because of poor nutrition. 40 Day Health Challenge GP Dr Sumi Dunne on signs and symptoms of diabetes to watch out for Unlike Types 1 and 2, Type 5 is also usually inherited. If a parent carries the gene, their child has a 50 per cent chance of developing it, as the gene makes them more vulnerable to the condition. Type 5 diabetes typically appears in early teens or 20s, especially in young men in Asia and Africa with a body mass index (BMI) of 19. A healthy BMI is between 18 and 24.9, suggesting that those with Type 5 diabetes tend to be on the thinner side of healthy. Professor Nihal Thomas, of Christian Medical College in India, told The Indian Express: 'The disease causes pancreatic beta cells to function abnormally, which leads to insufficient production of insulin. "Due to the lack of formal recognition, this condition has been understudied and misdiagnosed.' Doctors often mistake it for Type 1 diabetes - but giving insulin can be dangerous, Prof Hawkins told Medscape Medical News. 'Malnutrition-related diabetes is more common than tuberculosis and nearly as common as HIV/AIDS,' Prof Hawkins said. 'But the lack of an official name has hindered efforts to diagnose patients or find effective therapies.' She first heard about the condition in 2005 when doctors from several countries described a strange form of diabetes. "The patients were young and thin, which suggested that they had Type 1 diabetes, which can be managed with insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. "But insulin didn't help these patients and in some cases caused dangerously low blood sugar," she said, according to Medical Express. The patients did not seem to have Type 2 diabetes either, as it is typically associated with obesity, which the doctor said "was very confusing." In 2010, Prof Hawkins founded Einstein's Global Diabetes Institute. More than a decade later in 2022, Prof Hawkins and her colleagues at the Christian Medical College demonstrated that this form of diabetes was fundamentally different from Type 1 and 2. She said people with Type 5 diabetes have a profound defect in the capacity to secrete insulin which wasn't recognised before. This means their bodies can't properly absorb and store nutrients, especially sugar and fat to put on any weight, or store muscle. As a result, they often stay very thin, even if they're eating enough. 'This finding has revolutionised how we think about this condition and how we should treat it," she said. But there's still no standard treatment, with many patients dying within a year of diagnosis. Prof Hawkins said diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates, along with targeted micronutrients, may help. But she warned: 'This needs to be carefully studied now that there is global will and an official mandate from [IDF] to do so.'
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New ‘Diabetes type 5' discovered by scientists who say it's ‘vastly undiagnosed' – do you have the signs?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW form of diabetes linked to malnutrition, not obesity, has been officially recognised. Named Type 5 diabetes, the disease is estimated to affect 25million people worldwide. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A new form of diabetes has been recognised Credit: Getty - Contributor It mainly strikes malnourished, lean teens and young adults in low and middle-income countries. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) voted to classify the condition previously known as Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) at its World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok on April 8th. 'It has historically been vastly underdiagnosed and poorly understood,' said Professor Meredith Hawkins of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said. 'The IDF's recognition of it as 'Type 5 diabetes' is an important step toward raising awareness of a health problem that is so devastating to so many people," she added. Globally, around 830 million adults are living with diabetes, mostly Type 1 and Type 2, according to a 2022 study. Both types affect the body's ability to control blood sugar levels. In Type 1 diabetes, the body can't produce insulin - a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells for energy. This causes high blood sugar, which can damage organs. In Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin but becomes resistant to it, so sugar stays in the blood instead of entering the cells. Over time, this also leads to high blood sugar levels. Type 5 diabetes is different. It's caused by malnutrition, which leads to low insulin production. The leaves the body unable to make enough insulin to manage blood sugar properly. It's not due to a total lack of insulin like Type 1, or insulin resistance like Type 2 - rather the body doesn't produce enough, often because of poor nutrition. 40 Day Health Challenge GP Dr Sumi Dunne on signs and symptoms of diabetes to watch out for Unlike Types 1 and 2, Type 5 is also usually inherited. If a parent carries the gene, their child has a 50 per cent chance of developing it, as the gene makes them more vulnerable to the condition. Type 5 diabetes typically appears in early teens or 20s, especially in young men in Asia and Africa with a body mass index (BMI) of 19. A healthy BMI is between 18 and 24.9, suggesting that those with Type 5 diabetes tend to be on the thinner side of healthy. Professor Nihal Thomas, of Christian Medical College in India, told The Indian Express: 'The disease causes pancreatic beta cells to function abnormally, which leads to insufficient production of insulin. "Due to the lack of formal recognition, this condition has been understudied and misdiagnosed.' Doctors often mistake it for Type 1 diabetes - but giving insulin can be dangerous, Prof Hawkins told Medscape Medical News. Type 5 Diabetes: Do you have the signs? Type 5 diabetes is a newly recognised form of diabetes linked to malnutrition, not obesity. It mostly affects young, undernourished people in low- and middle-income countries — and is often misdiagnosed. Common symptoms include: Very low body weight or trouble gaining weight Constant tiredness or weakness Excessive thirst Frequent urination Blurred vision Muscle loss Poor appetite or trouble digesting food No response — or bad reactions — to insulin treatment The condition is often inherited — if one parent carries the gene, their child has a 50 per cent chance of developing it. Source: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Christian Medical College India 'Malnutrition-related diabetes is more common than tuberculosis and nearly as common as HIV/AIDS,' Prof Hawkins said. 'But the lack of an official name has hindered efforts to diagnose patients or find effective therapies.' She first heard about the condition in 2005 when doctors from several countries described a strange form of diabetes. "The patients were young and thin, which suggested that they had Type 1 diabetes, which can be managed with insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels. "But insulin didn't help these patients and in some cases caused dangerously low blood sugar," she said, according to Medical Express. The patients did not seem to have Type 2 diabetes either, as it is typically associated with obesity, which the doctor said "was very confusing." In 2010, Prof Hawkins founded Einstein's Global Diabetes Institute. More than a decade later in 2022, Prof Hawkins and her colleagues at the Christian Medical College demonstrated that this form of diabetes was fundamentally different from Type 1 and 2. She said people with Type 5 diabetes have a profound defect in the capacity to secrete insulin which wasn't recognised before. This means their bodies can't properly absorb and store nutrients, especially sugar and fat to put on any weight, or store muscle. As a result, they often stay very thin, even if they're eating enough. 'This finding has revolutionised how we think about this condition and how we should treat it," she said. But there's still no standard treatment, with many patients dying within a year of diagnosis. Prof Hawkins said diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates, along with targeted micronutrients, may help. But she warned: 'This needs to be carefully studied now that there is global will and an official mandate from [IDF] to do so.'
