Latest news with #DrAmirKhan
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Doctor recommends breakfast staple that's a 'natural Ozempic': 'I tell my patients to eat more of it'
A TV doctor has revealed the foods he recommends to his patients who need to lose weight—as they have 'natural Ozempic' qualities. Top of the list is eggs, which stimulate the same hunger-supressing hormone that the blockbuster weight loss jabs trigger, according to Dr Amir Khan, GP and resident doctor on ITV 's Good Morning Britain. In an video posted to his Instagram page where he has nearly 650,000 followers, Dr Khan said nuts like almonds, pistachios and walnuts, olive oil, and high fibre foods like oats, barley and whole wheat have the same effect. 'These are the kind of foods I recommend my patients living with type two diabetes increase their intake of,' he wrote in the caption. 'But we could all do with eating more of them.' Explaining how the fullness hormone, called GLP-1, works, he said: 'GLP-1 slows the rate at which the stomach empties, which keeps us fuller for longer and controls our appetite and food intake. 'It stimulates our pancreas to make insulin which lowers our blood sugar. 'It also stops the production of another hormone called glucagon that can raise our blood sugar.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Amir Khan GP (@doctoramirkhan) In particular, the protein-rich egg white and fibre in nuts and oats are known to stimulate the release of GLP-1 in the gut, he explained. As for olive oil: 'Studies show that monounsaturated fats like olive oil are better at stimulating GLP-1 release than saturated fats like those found in butter,' he said. He also recommended three vegetables to increase your intake of, due to their hunger-supressing effects. This included brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots which cause bacteria in our gut to 'break fibre down into short chain fatty acids'. 'These can signal special cells in our gut to release GLP-1 into the bloodstream.' This isn't the first time a staple food has been flagged as having 'natural Ozempic' effects. Last spring, a series of viral videos emerged on social media featuring young women hailing a DIY oat-based drink for its surprising weight loss effects. So-called ' Oat-Zempic ' trend involved drinking a blend of oats, water, cinnamon and lime daily. TikTokers said they shed almost a stone in less than a month by drinking the shake daily. Speaking of the trend, experts were sceptical, concluding that an oat drink is unlikely to have as significant impact as the weight loss jabs. However, Dr Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford, acknowledged that oats 'contain soluble fibre that will keep you fuller for longer'. 'A half a cup of oatmeal, that's a lot of fibre and some water to help them feel full, which may lead to a caloric deficit which is why people are seeing weight loss,' he said. Ozempic and Wegovy, brand names for the medication semglutide, mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Mounjaro, another weight loss jab making the headlines, works in a similar way to Ozempic and Wegovy, but is 'super-charged' by a compound that triggers another appetite-supressing hormone. NHS data suggests that at least 1.45million semaglutide prescriptions were dolled out in 2023/24, and recent studies suggest more than one in 10 women are now taking slimming jabs. Research suggests Ozempic results in an average weight loss of around a stone in roughly nine months—but it will be the same for everyone. Nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight, with an extra 260,000 people entering the category last year, data shows. Less than a third of over-18s eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and a third fail to get any exercise. Experts have called for the government to tackle the 'our broken food system' with bans on junk food advertising and promotions.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts warn against anxiety drug prescribed to millions due to little-known risk of 'toxic overdose'
Experts have issued a safety warning over a popular anxiety medication that can cause 'toxic' effects including seizures, depression and even cardiac arrest in high doses. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, have traditionally been prescribed for heart problems, but are increasingly offered by doctors to treat episodes of anxiety—as they slow the heart rate, supposedly reducing the physical symptoms of panic. Recent British research showed the number of prescriptions for propananol to treat anxiety doubled between 2003 and 2018. Roughly 7million prescriptions for the drug—which is also given for high blood pressure—are dispensed in the UK every year, according to official data. But now, experts say not only is there 'no evidence' to prove the drugs work for anxiety, too few patients, who are typically given large numbers of pills, are warned of the risk of overdose. In a recent letter to The Guardian, pharmacist Christopher Sullivan warned that the drug 'is associated with significant adverse outcomes' and urged GPs to exercise 'extreme caution when prescribing these medicines for anxiety'. 'Prescribing these medicines for anxiety is not recommended in national evidence-based guidelines,' he added. It followed comments from GP Dr Amir Khan, who told the newspaper that propananol had been linked to 'higher rates of depression' and warned GPs not to prescribe it to anxious patients who also suffer low mood. 'If you are taking them long term, you can't suddenly stop them,' he added. 'You need to be weaned off them.' The risks are not thought to pertain to those taking the medicine for heart problems and other physical issues like migraine—but experts say patients with mental health troubles are vulnerable to either accidentally or purposefully taking an overdose. The pharmacist's warning comes amid two high profile deaths related to the drug including accidental overdoses. In 2019, an inquest heard a mother-of-two, who was an NHS manager, accidentally overdosed on propranolol which she was initially prescribed for anxiety in 2018. Philippa Hulme, 46, died less than two hours after taking the lethal dose, with tests showing toxic levels in her system. A statement from Mrs Hulme's GP surgery said: 'Pippa had a history anxiety and depression and was well known to the practice. 'In July 2018 she was prescribed anxiety medication— propranolol and was given 60 tablets to take—one a day a maximum of two in 24 hours.' The coroner concluded that her death was most likely explained by an 'exacerbation' of anxiety that led her to 'consider it would be beneficial if she took more tablets to help her with the anxiety. 'I do not consider that she knew how toxic propranolol can be.' Another heartbreaking case is that of a mother-of-five who is thought to have accidentally killed herself with propranolol. A 2015 inquest heard how Janine Southwell, 37, a former beauty therapist was prescribed the drug, which she was 'reckless' about taking. She was found dead in bed, in August in 2015, with almost five times the potentially fatal level of the medication in her blood after a meal and glass of wine with her cousin. Her mother Janet Southwell said: 'She didn't take tablets when she was supposed to so she could have had a stockpile.' The coroner, Alan Walsh, concluded Ms Southwell did not intend to end her life. The fresh warnings follow guidance published by the General Pharmaceutical Council in October last year that warned about the 'wide variation' in individuals' response to toxic levels of propanolol. 'Peak plasma concentrations of propranolol occur 1-2 hours after ingestion, so symptoms of overdose will not be seen immediately,' the warning read. 'Rapid deterioration can occur following a propranolol overdose, this can include confusion and loss of consciousness as well as cardiovascular complications including cardiac arrest. 'As propranolol can cross the blood brain barrier, the risk of convulsions is higher than with other beta blockers. 'Delay in treatment increases the risk of fatality, therefore it is important to seek emergency help as soon as possible following overdose.' The danger of toxic propranolol overdose was a subject of the healthcare safety investigation report in 2020. This report revealed that vulnerable patients with existing migraines, anxiety and depression were at risk of using propranolol for self-harm. In 2022 to 2023, the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) received 358 enquiries involving intentional propranolol overdose.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Loose Men star Craig Doyle has a testicle examination live on air from co-star Dr Amir Khan leaving viewers stunned
Loose Men viewers were left stunned after lead panellist Craig Doyle received a testicular cancer examination from his co-star live on air. The anchor for the all male panel special was checked over by Dr Amir Khan as they set out to show viewers how painless and quick the exam is. Craig, 54, who remained fully clothed during the check, was examined by Dr Amir over his trousers while his back to the audience. The segment was filmed from the side so that the audience at home could watch as the testicular examination take place. Dr Amir used his thumb and forefinger to carry out the examination, while encouraging viewers at home to check themselves regularly. Craig's co-stars Sam Thompson and Charles Spencer watched as the check took place during Thursday's pre-recorded show. The anchor for the all male panel special was checked over by Dr Amir Khan as they set out to show viewers how painless and quick the exam is After Dr Amir finished, Craig said: 'How are they doing? They good, the lads, yeah?' Dr Amir replied: 'They're good! They feel good!' As the audience clapped, Craig said: 'This is a high point, the audience are clapping my testicles.' Following this, Dr Amir revealed he would be showing viewers a prostate exam, explaining prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. Craig joked: 'Woah, there is only so much I will do for television!'. Dr Amir then carried out the procedure on a 'trainer rectum', which Craig produced from under the desk. The medic revealed that he wanted to remove the stigma from the examination because a lot of men are often too worried to attend one. During the check, Dr Amir put on a pair of blue surgical gloves put lubricant jelly on his finger tips before proceeding to show it would be done Dr Amir said: 'There's no need to fear that prostate exam at all.'
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Loose Men viewers left stunned as Dr Amir Khan carries out a testicular cancer check on Craig Doyle on show
LOOSE Men viewers were left stunned after Craig Doyle was given a testicular cancer check on air. The show's anchor got up from his seat on the panel and let Dr Amir Khan check him over during the show. 6 6 6 Craig, 54, kept his trousers on for the segment but Dr Amir could be seen carrying out the examination with his right hand. While the check was being performed, Craig turned his back to the studio audience. He was still filmed from the side, however. Dr Amir used his thumb and forefinger to carry out the examination as Craig looked nervously at his Loose Men co-stars, Sam Thompson and Charles Spencer. The audience, meanwhile, laughed as he glanced at them. Once Dr Amir had finished, the Irish telly star asked him: "How are they doing? They good, the lads, yeah?" As the audience broke into applause, Craig said: "This is a high point, the audience are clapping my testicles." The check on Craig's testicles was done as part of a segment titled Loose Men Health Clinic on Thursday's pre-recorded show. Dr Amir said they would be moving on to a prostate examination next, explaining that prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer detected in men. Watch the moment Sian Welby and Craig Doyle reel in horror as naked men sit on the This Morning sofa But holding his hand up in the air, Craig exclaimed: "Woah, there is only so much I will do for television!" Craig then produced a fake 'trainer rectum' from under the Loose Men desk for Dr Amir to use instead. Dr Amir said he wanted to "take out the stigma of a prostate examination" and proceeded to perform one on it. He donned a pair of blue surgical gloves and used lubricant jelly to show viewers and the audience how a doctor would carry out the check at a GP practice. "There's no need to fear that prostrate exam at all," Dr Amir said. Viewers at home were surprised to tune in to the scenes playing out on ITV during their Thursday lunchtime. Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one Loose Men fan simply mused: "Wholesome content!" The hour-long spin-off replaces Loose Women with a male panel every few months on ITV. The first episode of Loose Men aired in November 2020. 6 6 6
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top GP reveals five unusual symptoms of deadly women's cancer - including a specific type of bloating
Bloating, thrush and lower back pain are all symptoms that most women will put down to hormonal changes at different stages of their menstrual cycle. But, when persistent, they can also by symptoms of one of the five types of gynecological cancers: ovarian, cervical, endometrial (womb), vaginal and vulval—diseases that kill 21 women every day on average, or 8,000 women a year. A top GP is now concerned that the red flag warning signs are being overlooked until it's too late—when the cancers are harder to treat. In an Instagram video that has so far garnered 388,000 views, Dr Amir Khan listed five unusual symptoms of gynecological cancer that women should look out for. Dyspareunia—pain during sex—and unusual vaginal discharge can also be a red flag for something more serious. 'When it comes to gynecological cancers, most of us know to watch out for things like post-menopausal bleeding or unusual pelvic pain', Dr Kahn explained, 'but there are other less obvious symptoms that could also be warning signs.' Bloating—feeling fuller than usual, stomach pain and needing to wee more often—is the number one symptom that is often overlooked. The GP, who has over 630,000 followers and regularly appears on ITV's This Morning, explained: 'We all get it from time to time, but if you feel bloated most days, especially if you're a woman over 35 and it's been going on for three weeks or more, don't ignore it.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Amir Khan GP (@doctoramirkhan) This common symptom, which is often put down to hormones or diet, could be a sign of ovarian cancer—which only 13 per cent of women survive once it has spread to other parts of the body. 'It could be a sign of ovarian cancer—especially if its comes on with feeling full quickly, tummy pain, or needing to wee more often', Dr Kahn explained. Other common symptoms of ovarian cancer include pelvic pain or discomfort, reduced appetite, feeling tired all the time and unexplained weight loss. 'Many women put this down to diet or hormones,' Dr Kahn said, 'but if it's unusual for you and it's persistent, see your GP.' Another tell-tale sign of a gynecological cancer is unexplained lower back pain, the NHS doctor said, which he described as a 'dull ache' in the lower back that won't go away. Whilst this could be musculoskeletal, it can also be a sign of a deadly cancer. Dr Kahn said: 'In some cases, cervical or ovarian cancer can cause referred pain to the lower back or pelvic region, especially if it comes on with changes in your menstrual cycle or unusual discharge.' 'Get it checked', he added, urging anyone experiencing unexplained, persistent lower back pain to contact their GP. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tumours growing in the pelvis can irritate tissue in the lower back and abdomen, causing cramp-like symptoms. Pain during sex—known as dyspareunia—is another unusual symptom of cervical, vaginal or even vulval cancer, the GP warned. Whilst he acknowledged in the video that people can find it difficult to talk to their doctor about sex, he said painful sex could be a red flag for cancer. 'I know it is not the easiest thing to talk about but painful sex, especially if its new, or getting worse can be a red flag,' he said. He continued: 'It could be due to things like vaginal dryness or an infection, but it can also be linked to cervical, vaginal, or even vulval cancer. 'So, if sex suddenly becomes painful, deep or shallow, it's worth talking to your doctor' Dr Kahn advised. He also said that an itching or burning sensation in the vulva—the outside area of the female genital tract—can be a sign of vulval cancer. Vulval cancer is cancer that is found anywhere in the vulva, including the inner and outer labia and the clitoris. Whilst it is rare, and mostly affects women over 65-years-old, persistent burning in women of any age could be a sign of cancer. 'We tend to associate itching down in the vulval area with thrush or irritation,' Dr Kahn said, 'but persistent vulval itching or burning especially if it's one sided or not getting better with treatment, can be a sign of vulval cancer. Dr Kahn also advised looking out for a change in skin colour or texture, or any lumps or sores in the vulval area. Other symptoms of vulval cancer include bleeding from the vulva, a mole that changes shape or colour and changes to the skin such as red, white or dark patches. According to the NHS, most vulval cancers are caused by an infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)—which can be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, sex, or sharing sex toys. Some skin conditions that affect the vulva can also lead to this type of cancer. Finally, Dr Kahn said unusual vaginal discharge—in terms of both volume and colour—could be symptoms of the deadly disease. 'If your discharge is foul smelling, watery or blood-tinged and especially if you're post-menopausal, any unusual post-menopausal vaginal discharge needs attention,' he said. 'Even if your smear tests have been normal, don't ignore this symptom. It could be a sign of cancer of the womb or endometrium or cervical cancer', the GP warned. 'I am not here to scare you but empower you', Dr Kahn said. 'You know your body best and if something feels off persistently, it's worth getting it checked. Most of the time it won't be cancer, but catching gynecological cancers early saves lives.' Gynecological cancers are cancers that start in a woman's reproductive system and can affect women of any age. While any woman can get these cancers, certain factors can increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. Most gynecological cancers are more common in women over 50, especially those who have gone through the menopause. Cervical cancer, found anywhere in the cervix—the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus)—however is most common in women aged between 30 and 35. On average, two women in Britain die every day from cervical cancer, dubbed a silent killer because its symptoms can easily be overlooked for less serious conditions. But if the warning signs are caught early, the chance of surviving for at least five years is around 95 per cent . This drops to just 15 per cent if the cancer is detected at later staged, when it has spread to other areas of the body.
