Latest news with #DrPunamKrishan
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
I'm a celebrity doctor & never judge mums for using Mounjaro – trying to diet & exercise on zero sleep is overwhelming
A CELEBRITY doctor has defended sleep-deprived mums who are turning to fat jabs to lose weight. Dr Punam Krishan, who starred on Strictly Come Dancing with Gorka Marquez, took to social media to give her opinion on the flab-busting medication. 4 4 About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Of those, Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of fat jabs. Dr Punam, 42, said: "There is a lot of noise right now about weight loss jabs. It's everywhere on social media, in magazines, in WhatsApp groups and I understand and I get the curiosity. "But behind every decision to start one of these medications is usually a much bigger story which your GP gets to hear and these are stories that deserve understanding and compassion, not judgement, criticism or to become the subject of gossip." The telly doc, a resident on BBC Morning Live and Radio Scotland added: "I see women all the time, especially mums in their 30s, 40s and 50s who have spent years trying everything to manage their weight. "They've dieted, exercised, cut out carbs, counted calories, tried intuitive eating and still felt stuck. "Then you add in the poor sleep, the high stress, the hormonal chaos of perimenopause, the mental load of family life, a demanding job like oh my gosh. It's no wonder so many people feel completely overwhelmed by it all. "Now for some, the decision to try something like Mounjaro is about their weight affecting their health. So things like blood pressure, diabetes risk, heart disease, sleep apnea or joint pain. "For others it's about confidence, it's wanting to feel more like themselves again. but whatever the reason, it is personal and it deserves support, not shame." Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care 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 prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, many have been buying them through online pharmacies without sufficient checks or information about side effects including headaches and even pancreatitis. Dr Punam told her 119,000 Instagram followers: "Sadly we are seeing a lot of misuse and there is loads and loads of misinformation out there. That really worries me as a doctor. "These are serious medications and I believe that people deserve proper information before jumping in to take them." 4 4 And the practicing GP — who has son Aanish and daughter Ellora to Tory MSP hubby Dr Sandesh Gulhane — insisted that weight loss jabs are "not a magic fix". She added: "Long-term weight management still depends on the basics. "So nourishing food, movement that protects your muscle, your sleep, your stress levels, cutting back on alcohol and just looking at underlying health issues that may be contributing like thyroid function or perimenopause. "If the root cause isn't addressed, the weight will often just come back when you stop the medication. "And one more thing that I really really want to say clearly is if you are on one of these jabs then please tell your GP. "I know some people feel embarrassed or a bit worried. They think that we might judge them but that's just not the case. We're not here to tell you off. We're here to keep you safe. "Don't ever ignore new or persisting symptoms. It's always better to get things checked out. "The one tip that I always give my patients is to have a quick look at your pee. The colour of your urine is important. "If it is clear or light straw coloured, great, but if it is looking dark yellow and concentrated, you probably need to drink more. "I'm also seeing a bit of muscle loss in some people and that is not something that we want. So if you're not eating enough or you're not moving much, then your body starts to break down muscle alongside the fat. "You don't need to go daft at the gym, but even just doing some body weight strength training exercises two to three times a week can really help to protect your muscle and keeps your metabolism ticking over." 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 Mounjaro and 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.
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top NHS GP reveals why spending too long on the toilet 'doom scrolling' can be disastrous for your health
Smartphone-loving Britons are so attached to the devices that 60 per cent of us admit to using them while sitting on the toilet. But scrolling on the loo for minutes on end could trigger a host of health problems, one top NHS GP has warned. According to Dr Punam Krishan, who appears on BBC Morning Live, these include haemorrhoids, also known as piles, a weakened pelvic floor—triggering continence issues—and, in extreme cases, lead to a painful condition called rectal prolapse. Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the back passage that can cause itching, discomfort, bleeding, and a persistent feeling of needing to pass stool. Though often dismissed as minor or embarrassing, haemorrhoids are extremely common—affecting an estimated one in three adults in the UK at some point. And the increase in prolonged toilet sitting, often coupled with mobile phone use, is quietly contributing to a rise in cases, Dr Krishnan said. In an Instagram video posted to her 100,000 plus followers the resident doctor on BBC Morning Live said sitting on the loo for too long 'puts constant pressure on veins' and tissues of the lower rectum. Over time, this can lead to the swelling and inflammation that characterise haemorrhoids. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Punam Krishan (@drpunamkrishan) In some cases, the pressure may also contribute to the weakening of muscles that support the rectum and anus, setting the stage for more serious complications. One of these is rectal prolapse, a condition in which the rectum becomes stretched and begins to protrude from the anus, she said. While less common, rectal prolapse is far more serious and often requires surgical intervention. She added: 'Long sitting spells actually slows down the flood flow to the leg. Over time that can increase your risk of developing varicose vein.' It is also 'really bad' for your pelvic floor as 'straining on the toilet put pressure on your deep muscles that support your bladder and your bowel,' she said. 'In loads of countries people still squat to poo and there is a really good reason for doing that. 'Squatting naturally lines everything up. It changes the angle between your bowel and your bum so it is easier to go without having to strain. 'And actually in places where squatting is still the norm, people tend to have fewer problems with piles and constipation.' She added: 'When you go to the toilet, do your business, wash your hands and get out. Aim to keep it under ten minutes.' Although there is no universally agreed 'safe' length of time to spend on the toilet, most gastroenterologists agree that if a bowel movement doesn't happen within five to ten minutes, it's best to get up, move around and try again later. Going for a short walk or gently moving the body can help stimulate bowel motility more naturally, without the need to strain. Dietary habits also play a role. Low-fibre diets, dehydration and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to constipation and harder stools, which increase the likelihood of straining. Doctors recommend eating more fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains, as well as drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Physical activity, even just light daily movement, can also improve digestion and reduce the chances of constipation.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
TV doctor shares the questions every man over 60 must ask their GP
Growing older comes with its challenges, and for many, seeking medical help for age-related issues often takes a backseat. Research from men's healthcare company Numan reveals that nearly two-fifths of men avoid going to the doctor due to appointment difficulties, while 31 per cent hesitate to seek help to avoid causing a fuss. The NHS offers a Health Check every five years for those aged 40 to 74 without pre-existing conditions. Regardless of age, it's crucial to consult a GP promptly for issues like poor sleep, unexplained weight loss, loneliness, persistent pain, high stress, low energy, and a diminished interest in usual activities. But there are many questions older men may have including about asking about aches, conditions that their father had that they could be diagnosed with, or struggling to get an erection. Dr. Punam Krishan, a regular on BBC Morning Live, advises regular check-ins, especially after 40 or 50, noting men's tendency to ignore or push through changes. "Men are a bit more likely to just ignore things or try to push through changes, and that's why we do encourage – especially after the age of 40, 50 – to have a regular check-in," says Dr Punam Krishan, who makes regular appearances on BBC Morning Live and competed on last year's Strictly Come Dancing. According to Dr. Punam Krishan, there are also questions you should specifically ask your GP when you are in your 60s: 'Is this just natural ageing? Or is something else going on?' 'Once we reach our 60s, the most important thing to do is not dismiss the changes in our bodies as just getting older,' says Krishan, a health expert for Stannah. ' One of the biggest things I encourage people to talk to their GP about is mobility. Are you finding stairs harder? Are you walking more slowly? Are you in pain? Are you needing to steady yourself on furniture around the house? 'Maybe you're avoiding carrying laundry. Are you being a bit more careful when the weather is bad? These might seem like small, insignificant things, but actually, often they're early signs your body's having to work harder.' There may even be a simple fix that could save you a lot of stress. 'Prevention is better than cure. There's a lot we can do to improve strength, balance and your confidence, especially if we can catch things earlier,' says Krishan. 'It might be that we need to refer you to physio, or think about supportive aids or occupational therapy. Sometimes it might be adapting things around the house.' 'I keep forgetting things – is it dementia?' We all misplace our keys sometimes, or forget why we walked into a room, but if you are concerned that you're becoming increasingly forgetful, or if loved ones have mentioned it, speak to your GP. 'Memory issues are always worth bringing up,' says Krishan. Family history can help flag your risk of diabetes and some cancers. 'If you saw your parents struggle with certain things in their 60s or 70s, it's worth being proactive and talking to your doctor about how to stay ahead of those changes,' encourages Krishan. 'I'm peeing more in the night/struggling to pee – should I be worried?' ' One of the most common issues I see in men is urinary symptoms, so getting up during the night, a slower stream, or needing to go more often. 'These can be a sign of prostate enlargement, which is a very normal manifestation for men as they get older,' says Krishan. 'Once we've diagnosed them, they're actually very easy to treat.' These symptoms can also be related to prostate cancer, so should always be checked out. 'I can't seem to get or keep an erection – what's going on?' 'Men really feel embarrassed about coming forward and speaking about erectile dysfunction, but it can have a huge impact on your relationships, your self-confidence, the way you show up in the world, and can actually be a trigger for anxiety and depression as well,' says Krishan. There are treatment options for ED, from medication to devices that may help. She adds: 'As men get older, problems down below are very common.' ' Heart health is an important area for men, so asking to have your blood pressure checked as a one-off would be great. You can ask your pharmacist,' says Krishan. 'All those kind of 'well man' things, like getting your height, weight and blood pressure measured, to look at your BMI and see, 'Is it high?' can be done at the pharmacist.' She says we often forget how important our eyes are too. 'Make sure you get your sight tested annually, because vision can be affected [by certain conditions],' explains Krishan. 'Cataracts are something that happens to us as we get older, but your optician's brilliant. People tend to think opticians are just for a vision check, but that's not the case. They can look for things like if there's any blood pressure-related changes. 'High blood pressure is a silent killer, and it can show up with changes at the back of the eye, which often opticians will pick up and say, 'Oh, I think you need to go to your doctor and get that looked at.' And it could be the early signs of cardiovascular disease, or even early signs of diabetes. Opticians are brilliant at picking those up.' Trying to secure a GP appointment during the 8am scrum can feel impossible sometimes, and other times you may put off calling because you're worried about putting your GP under unnecessary pressure – but don't. 'You are absolutely not a burden,' says Krishan, noting that systemic pressures on the NHS shouldn't 'impact the individual care that you need and deserve'. She says: 'The pressure on doctors is real, but if you are worried about a health problem, we want to see you. We want to be able to get to you, because actually, getting to you earlier means there's fewer complications later down the line, which is beneficial for both the patient and your healthcare workers.' And don't be embarrassed 'There's nothing ever to be embarrassed about,' says Krishan. 'Older generations especially worry about fear, embarrassment, shame, burdening the doctor and I would say, that is not an issue for us at all. There's nothing we've never seen or heard before. Our job is there to help you feel better. So don't put off that call if something's niggling you.' While it's not exactly a forum for general health questions, A&E is always open and there for acute things, be it sudden onset chest pain, then that's straight to the hospital. 'If you feel like you've got any problems with facial drooping, weakness in any part of your body, if you've got speech problems, anything like that, then it's urgent, go to A&E,' says Krishan. 'If you think, 'This cannot wait and I am feeling very unwell,' take that as a serious sign and call NHS 111 or 999.'
