Latest news with #BodyMass
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
915 Nashik city constables pass BMI test to qualify for monthly fitness allowance of Rs 250
Nashik: A total of 915 constables with the Nashik city police passed the body mass index (BMI) test this year, qualifying for a monthly fitness allowance of Rs 250, slightly down from 953 personnel who cleared the test in 2024. This test is conducted during March, April and May every above the age of 35 are eligible for the fitness allowance of Rs 250, provided they pass the BMI test every year. Senior officers said there were 3,000 constables with the Nashik city police, of whom 2,800 were eligible for the test. "But, only 1,100 of the total eligible constables appeared for the BMI test. Of these, 915 cleared it, meaning that the BMI of the remaining constables was above 25," the officer said.A constable, who did not wish to be named, said police personnel became health-conscious, learning the importance of daily exercise and a balanced diet after the Covid-19 pandemic. "Of late, several police personnel have started trekking and jogging to stay healthy. After the pandemic, awareness about health has definitely increased in the police force. Still, many do not appear for the BMI test, which is voluntary, as the allowance of Rs 250 is too little," the constable police commissioners, past and present, of the Nashik police commissionerate have always stressed the importance of the health of personnel as it directly affects their work. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo "We have been constantly motivating police personnel to stay in the best shape, as it has a good effect on their work and family life too," DCP (HQ) Chandrakant Khandvi said. Body Mass Index (BMI) is determined through a calculation that involves dividing an individual's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. According to the World Health Organization's BMI classification system, individuals are categorised into distinct groups: those with a BMI below 18.5 are classified as underweight, whilst those between 18.5 and 24.9 fall within the normal weight range. Additionally, people with BMI values from 25 to 29.9 are classified as overweight, and those with values exceeding 30 are placed in the obese category.
Pembrokeshire Herald
07-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Merlins Bridge Juniors secure U14s treble with cup final win
Hywel Dda team scoops two national awards for digital innovation in patient care A GROUNDBREAKING digital prehabilitation programme run by Hywel Dda University Health Board has won two national awards for its innovative approach to preparing patients mentally and physically for elective surgery. The health board's Virtual Orthopaedic Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team won the Maximising Digitalisation category at the Welsh Government's 3Ps Healthcare Awards, held recently in Cardiff. Judges praised the team's use of online health, fitness, and wellbeing sessions to deliver personalised care to patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery. The programme's potential for wider use across Wales also earned it the coveted Overall Winner award. One person who has benefited from the programme is 80-year-old former teacher and journalist, Stella Nicholls, from Milford Haven (Pictured). Stella, who had endured years of hip pain, was unable to enjoy everyday activities like gardening, socialising, or attending the theatre. But after taking part in the award-winning programme, she underwent a successful hip replacement at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli in January 2025—and is now pain-free and enjoying life once more. Stella was referred to the Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team after joining the waiting list for surgery. Eight months ahead of her operation, the team helped her make lifestyle changes—such as lowering her Body Mass Index (BMI) and increasing physical activity—to reduce the risk of delay and improve her recovery. 'I was invited to take part in an online course run by the Prehabilitation and Optimisation Team,' said Stella. 'It was a 12-week programme of video sessions with a small group of patients like me, all waiting for orthopaedic surgery. 'We were guided by team members through home-based physiotherapy sessions and weekly talks covering diet, mood, pain management, fatigue, and what to expect before, during and after surgery.' Stella said the course was not only informative but emotionally supportive: 'We became like a little family. I looked forward to the sessions and noticed improvements in my mobility and pain levels within weeks. The dietary changes also helped me lose a considerable amount of weight.' She added: 'Being on this course gave me hope. When you're in severe pain and on a long waiting list, you can feel forgotten. This programme made me feel seen and supported. I'm certain I went into surgery in a far better state than I would have otherwise.' Jeremy Miles presents the awards to the Virtual Orthopaedic Prehabilitation and Optimisation team (Image: HDUHB) Rebecca Bowen, Clinical Lead Dietitian for the team, said: 'The 12-week programme supports the Welsh Government's 3Ps policy—Promote healthy behaviours, Prevent worsening health, and Prepare patients for treatment and recovery. We want patients to wait well and avoid last-minute cancellations. Stella's story is a brilliant example of what can be achieved.' For more information on preparing for surgery, contact the Waiting List Support Service on 0300 303 8322, option 3.
Daily Mirror
05-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I lost eight stone on weight loss jab but stopping it created awful side effect'
A woman, who used the weight loss drug Mounjaro for nine months, has revealed some of the side effects she's experience while coming off the jab, admitting she's put on 7lb in just five days A British woman living in Dubai has shared her dramatic weight-loss journey using the weight loss drug Mounjaro - revealing she lost an incredible eight stone in just nine months. But after briefly stopping the injections, she says she experienced rapid weight gain and unsettling side effects, leaving her feeling "angry" and "scared." Alexandra, a content creator with more than 42,600 followers on social media, went from 17st 9lbs to 9st 7.8lbs thanks to the weight-loss injections. However, just two and a half weeks after stopping the medication, she says she gained half a stone - around 7lbs - in only five days. 'I knew I would have some gain, but this is very scary over such a short space of time,' Alexandra said in a video shared on TikTok. She added that the weight she gained in five days took her two months to lose originally, and the final half a stone she lost had been especially difficult. Her weight slowly crept back up to 10 stone 0.8 lbs, and she admitted she was left feeling 'furious' and 'so, so angry.' 'It's put me in such a bad mood,' she said. 'I don't really understand how it's possible to gain weight that fast.' Alexandra also said she's noticed painful heartburn after stopping the jab, something that she claims she's never experienced before. She also confessed she hadn't been eating particularly healthily following quitting, noting meals like Five Guys and a Sunday dinner, but insisted she hadn't 'eaten crazy,' making the sudden gain all the more confusing. Despite feeling 'disappointed' and 'embarrassed,' Alexandra said she plans to continue using Mounjaro for now. 'I probably need to work on my fitness a little more as well before I come off,' she added. The video quickly went viral, racking up over 1.2 million views, nearly 12,000 likes, and thousands of comments and shares. Many users related to Alexandra's experience, with one writing, 'Exactly the same thing happened to me. I'm back on it.' Another noted, 'This is the trouble when coming off it unfortunately.' Others thanked Alexandra for being honest, while some expressed concern over the long-term implications of weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. Mounjaro, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, works by suppressing appetite and increasing the feeling of fullness. It's licensed in the UK for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or over and is typically administered once a week. However, rising demand has raised concerns, especially as more people obtain the medication from online pharmacies without sufficient medical oversight. According to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, weight-loss injections have been linked to 82 deaths to date. One family in Staffordshire is currently calling for a formal investigation after a relative reportedly died following Mounjaro use. With around half a million people in the UK now using weight-loss injections - a figure expected to double in the next year - experts are hoping to find out more about the long-term side effects of using the jab.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Danielle Mason says Mounjaro made her ‘depressed' & feel like she was DYING – as she's baffled by claims it's ‘amazing'
A PRESENTER has candidly opened up on her 'absolutely horrendous' experience while using Mounjaro. Danielle Mason, an ex-Loaded model and TV star, explained that the fat jab made her feel the 'most depressed ' she has 'ever been' in her 'whole life'. 6 6 Not only this, but after suffering with 'bad anxiety ' and 'back to back' panic attacks while using the injections for weight loss purposes, the broadcaster and correspondent claimed that she is 'baffled' by people describing Mounjaro as 'amazing'. Posting on social media, the content creator - who is EastEnders star Jessie Wallace 's sister - said: 'I just want to talk about the Mounjaro jab. 'All I'm seeing is people on TikTok saying how amazing it is, but I had such a rubbish time on it. 'Bearing in mind I took all my vitamins on the side - but I had no personality. 'The most depressed I think I've ever been in my whole life and everything felt boring to me.' Experts and NHS medics have warned about the dangers of taking such medications without a prescription. Mounjaro, regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, could soon be rolled out on the NHS. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed it can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity '. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The 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 someone's weight. The drugs can be lawfully supplied when prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, people have been buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks. Only recently, figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. And the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill". 6 Eager to know if anyone else had a similar experience to her whilst using Mounjaro, the mother, who didn't disclose how long she used fat jabs for, or how much weight she lost, asked: 'Can anyone actually relate with this? Am I the only one that actually finds the weight loss pens not good?' The 41-year-old, who thinks she's found the one in landscape gardener Lee Dopson, 44, then added: 'As a woman, anything weight loss you get excited about, even though my boyfriend prefers me curvy and things like that, but you know, you get a bit of a buzz off losing weight, it's just a girl thing that we like to do. 'I just can't get my head round how many people are raving about this pen that literally made me feel the worst I've ever felt in my life.' 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. Candidly opening up on her 'horrendous' experience, the ex-star of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and former Page 3 girl, shared that she 'hated' Mounjaro, as she recalled: 'The days that I would actually do the jab, I would end up with the worst anxiety, to the point I would wanna call an ambulance out because I felt like I was gonna die. 'I've never had such bad anxiety, panic attacks back to back.' I just can't get my head round how many people are raving about this pen that literally made me feel the worst I've ever felt in my life Danielle Mason The busy mum, who now has cleaning and travelling companies, also highlighted: 'I'm baffled because taking it myself [was like] being a guinea pig. 'I wanted to have a go, because that's what I'm like. It was horrendous, absolutely horrendous. 'My head was in overdrive and then I went and stupidly jabbed again and I was so poorly with it.' Social media users react Danielle's TikTok clip, which she posted on her official @ daniellemasonuk account, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 269,200 views, 994 likes and 356 saves. 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. Countless social media users rushed to the comments, expressing similar experiences as a result of using Mounjaro. One person said: 'I've had neurological issues ever since trying it.' First 10 weeks I was either in bed or asleep on the sofa. Never felt so disgusting in my life TikTok user Another added: 'The first two months I was depressed, tired and crying. I pushed through and lost the weight. But I warn everyone that this stuff is not for the faint-hearted…' A third commented: 'I hated it. Made me sick, tired, bloated, unwell and depressed.' Not only this, but someone else chimed in and claimed: 'Been on it since August, first 10 weeks I was either in bed or asleep on the sofa. Never felt so disgusting in my life.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 6
Mint
21-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
Being fit is not an excuse to skip a health checkup. Here's why
Nine years ago, when I met him in his office for a column in this very publication, Darshan Mehta, then 55 and managing director of Reliance Brands, effortlessly jumped on to his desk and posed cross-legged for a picture. India Inc was well aware of his love of running and would regularly cite his example whenever they had to name someone who had built a successful career but also always made time for exercise, health and wellbeing. Very recently, the sexagenarian suffered a fatal heart attack while running on the treadmill. Jog the memory back four years and the dramatic heart attack that Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered on-field while playing a UEFA Euro Cup game comes to mind. Just 29 at the time, Eriksen was revived by doctors on the field, and was then moved to a hospital, as billions watched the whole thing unfold live on television. Eriksen, among one of the fittest men in the world, and Mehta aren't the first healthy people to suffer heart attacks. It's just that thanks to social media, the internet and instant messaging, the word spreads faster today. While those who don't want to exercise may use this as a valid warning to avoid anything 'strenuous", thereby, putting themselves at a greater risk of developing health problems, fit and active people need to pay heed to these incidents and make health screenings a regular part of their lives. Even people who appear extremely fit and active may have underlying health issues that are silent in the early stages, explains Dr Sandeep Doshi, consultant for internal medicine and executive health checkup, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. 'Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases, liver issues, or even certain cancers may show no symptoms initially but can still progress quietly," says Doshi. In medical terms, a 'fit" person is someone who meets a set of baseline physical and clinical health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20-24, has normal results on electrocardiogram (ECG) and Stress Test (an indicator of heart function), shows normal range on basic laboratory tests, including parameters like blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney and liver function. Additionally, they should be able to walk at least 5km in an hour, which is the minimum threshold of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness, say doctors and fitness experts. 'However, being fit does not always equate to being free of underlying health risks, which is why a deeper understanding of individual health status is important," warns Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant for internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, New Delhi. Regular medical check-ups help detect underlying and dormant health issues when they are still treatable or manageable. 'Specifically, these check-ups should include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing (fasting and post-meal), kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea), liver function tests, cholesterol and lipid profile, ECG and/or Stress Test (Treadmill Test), ultrasound abdomen (to detect organ changes), screening for breast and cervical cancer for women, and screening for colon cancer as per age guidelines for both men and women. These tests form the foundation of preventive health and are key to identifying silent conditions early," says Doshi. While Doshi says routine health check-ups should start at 40 years of age, Singla recommends starting earlier, between 20 and 30 years, and continuing for the rest of your life. Dr Udgeath Dhir, director and head of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, suggests people should start even earlier. 'Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers. These illnesses start at a young age, so school and college students should also get their blood pressure checked regularly," says Dhir. However, all three unanimously agree that if someone has a family history of disease or heart condition these check-ups need to begin at a much earlier age. 'Individuals with a family history of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, or cancer should be more vigilant. For them, starting check-ups earlier and more frequently (every three or six months) may be necessary to detect early warning signs and manage risks proactively," advises Singla. Doshi adds that people who smoke and who work in high-stress professions should also start check-ups earlier and more frequently. 'The frequency of the check-ups depends on the risk profile and previous findings, but annual evaluations are a common and effective benchmark for middle-aged and high-risk individuals," suggests Doshi. As an elite footballer playing for a top tier European football club, Eriksen underwent extensive 'medicals" and testing regularly. Mehta had access to the best healthcare and testing facilities in India. While regular medical check-ups are comprehensive and can help detect most illnesses and risk factors early, some health issues, especially certain cardiovascular conditions, may not be evident even in routine tests. This is why we sometimes see professional athletes (like Eriksen) and fit individuals, who undergo extensive evaluations and have access to top-tier healthcare, still suffer sudden and severe health events like heart attacks, explains Singla. 'Contributing factors could include genetic predisposition, undiagnosed structural heart anomalies, stress, or even random and unpredictable biological events. This underscores the fact that health screenings reduce risk but cannot eliminate it entirely," adds Singla. Doshi flags another dilemma that doctors face: there is always a clinical challenge in determining how far to investigate someone with no symptoms or complaints. 'A coronary angiography is an excellent test to detect blockages in the heart arteries. But would you conduct this invasive test on a person who feels completely fine and has no symptoms? While testing is powerful, routine use of high-end diagnostic tools in healthy individuals is not always justified, unless specific risk factors are present. Moreover, some events cannot be predicted, even with the best tests and technology," argues Doshi. For those who want to use untimely deaths of a few as a reason to not exercise, there is no greater disservice you can do to yourselves. Exercise is the cornerstone of long-term health and disease prevention. Without regular physical activity all major body systems deteriorate over time, muscles weaken, blood vessels stiffen, metabolism slows, and immune responses decline, says Doshi. Exercise prepares the body for emergencies be it fighting infections, managing stress, or recovering from illness. It helps maintain proper levels of electrolytes, hormones, prostaglandins, interferons, and other important biochemical compounds that keep the body running smoothly. It also preserves the tone and strength of skeletal and cardiac muscles, and ensures healthy blood circulation through the effective functioning of venous valves. Simply put, an active lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves quality of life, and increases longevity. At the same time, those who are already active and can finish a gruelling marathon with a smile, should avoid assuming invincibility and undergo medical check-ups as advised by their doctors. 'No matter how active one may be, it's important to be realistic about your body's changing capabilities with age. Just because someone could complete a marathon at 35, it doesn't mean they can or should attempt the same at 55 without proper reassessment and conditioning," notes Doshi. Shrenik Avlani is a writer and editor and the co-author of The Shivfit Way, a book on functional fitness.
