Latest news with #KamilaHawthorne
The Age
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
Weight-loss jabs could help tackle depression
The class of medication includes semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for treatment of diabetes, and Wegovy for weight loss, as well as Mounjaro, which treats both. Experts have likened the medications to 'the fountain of youth' because of the impact they have had in turning back the clock on a host of diseases. Scientists believe the ability of the jabs to reduce inflammation and insulin resistance are key to this, with both linked to a number of illnesses as well as depression and cognitive decline. Previous research has shown diabetes can affect thinking ability, causing memory loss and brain fog. GLP-1 injections may help fix that by reducing inflammation in the brain, improving how insulin works in the body while boosting the brain's metabolism. Experts believe these mechanisms may even help the jabs to protect against diseases such as Alzheimer's. The latest review looked at studies that included obese patients, some of whom had type 2 diabetes. Patients were being treated with various types of injections, the best-known of which is semaglutide – Ozempic or Wegovy. In patients without mental illness, the drugs consistently outperformed insulin and other diabetes medications in boosting emotional wellbeing. The review also appeared to disprove early concerns that the drugs increased the risk of suicidal behaviour, new mental illness or psychiatric hospital admissions. Five trials reported improved mood and quality of life in patients with conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr Breit said: 'These results are particularly important for people with severe mental disorders who are three times more likely to be living with obesity than the general population. 'This research provides much-needed evidence in support of GLP-1 RAs to help safely address the burden of obesity in people with mental illness. 'However, more data from large-scale randomised trials, and longer treatment and follow-up periods, are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of GLP-1 RAs, as well as future studies exploring whether these medications might be useful for the direct treatment of mental health disorders.' Mental illnesses are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is also a common side effect of mood-altering drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, especially for individuals with severe mental illnesses who must take their medications indefinitely to reduce the risk of symptom relapse. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of Britain's Royal College of GPs, said: 'This research makes for interesting reading and, as more research is conducted and published, it's important that findings are considered, as clinical guidelines for use of liraglutide, semaglutide and other weight-loss medications are updated and developed. 'There is clearly a lot of potential for weight-loss drugs – which are still very new medications – to have wide-ranging benefits for patients, so it's good to see research being undertaken to explore these. 'As with any medication, they do not come without risk and can cause side effects, which range in seriousness. Loading 'It's vital that patients have access to the holistic support and care that addresses the underlying reasons for their health problems, rather than relying on medical interventions alone.' One randomised controlled trial involving 732 patients with type 2 diabetes but no pre-existing mental disorders showed those put on the jabs saw boosts in emotional health and positive feelings, and a reduction in psychological distress. The weight-loss drugs also appeared to improve symptoms in patients suffering with mental illnesses.
Sydney Morning Herald
17-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Weight-loss jabs could help tackle depression
The class of medication includes semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic for treatment of diabetes, and Wegovy for weight loss, as well as Mounjaro, which treats both. Experts have likened the medications to 'the fountain of youth' because of the impact they have had in turning back the clock on a host of diseases. Scientists believe the ability of the jabs to reduce inflammation and insulin resistance are key to this, with both linked to a number of illnesses as well as depression and cognitive decline. Previous research has shown diabetes can affect thinking ability, causing memory loss and brain fog. GLP-1 injections may help fix that by reducing inflammation in the brain, improving how insulin works in the body while boosting the brain's metabolism. Experts believe these mechanisms may even help the jabs to protect against diseases such as Alzheimer's. The latest review looked at studies that included obese patients, some of whom had type 2 diabetes. Patients were being treated with various types of injections, the best-known of which is semaglutide – Ozempic or Wegovy. In patients without mental illness, the drugs consistently outperformed insulin and other diabetes medications in boosting emotional wellbeing. The review also appeared to disprove early concerns that the drugs increased the risk of suicidal behaviour, new mental illness or psychiatric hospital admissions. Five trials reported improved mood and quality of life in patients with conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dr Breit said: 'These results are particularly important for people with severe mental disorders who are three times more likely to be living with obesity than the general population. 'This research provides much-needed evidence in support of GLP-1 RAs to help safely address the burden of obesity in people with mental illness. 'However, more data from large-scale randomised trials, and longer treatment and follow-up periods, are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of GLP-1 RAs, as well as future studies exploring whether these medications might be useful for the direct treatment of mental health disorders.' Mental illnesses are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is also a common side effect of mood-altering drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics, especially for individuals with severe mental illnesses who must take their medications indefinitely to reduce the risk of symptom relapse. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of Britain's Royal College of GPs, said: 'This research makes for interesting reading and, as more research is conducted and published, it's important that findings are considered, as clinical guidelines for use of liraglutide, semaglutide and other weight-loss medications are updated and developed. 'There is clearly a lot of potential for weight-loss drugs – which are still very new medications – to have wide-ranging benefits for patients, so it's good to see research being undertaken to explore these. 'As with any medication, they do not come without risk and can cause side effects, which range in seriousness. Loading 'It's vital that patients have access to the holistic support and care that addresses the underlying reasons for their health problems, rather than relying on medical interventions alone.' One randomised controlled trial involving 732 patients with type 2 diabetes but no pre-existing mental disorders showed those put on the jabs saw boosts in emotional health and positive feelings, and a reduction in psychological distress. The weight-loss drugs also appeared to improve symptoms in patients suffering with mental illnesses.
South Wales Guardian
14-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Doctors raise concerns over assisted dying Bill ahead of return to Parliament
In what will be seen by some as a blow for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) said it cannot support the proposals in their current form, while separate research has highlighted division on the issue amongst family doctors in England. The Bill, which relates to England and Wales, will come before MPs in the House of Commons on Friday for its report stage – where various further amendments will be debated and voted on. It is not yet clear whether time will allow on the day for a third reading vote. It will be the first time the Bill is back before the Commons since the historic yes vote in November. The Bill's continued passage through Westminster comes as the Scottish Parliament backed the general principles for assisted dying in a vote on Tuesday. Holyrood voted by 70 votes to 56 in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. On the Westminster Bill, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has said it cannot support the proposed legislation in its current form, highlighting 'serious concerns'. Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who is opposed to the Bill, said this was a 'very significant intervention from the Royal College of Psychiatrists'. The college said it has 'unanswered questions' about the safeguarding of people with mental illness and warned of a shortage of consultant psychiatrists to meet the demands of the Bill. Meanwhile, research by the BBC suggested varying views among GPs. Of 1,000 doctors who responded to questions on assisted dying, 500 were opposed to legalisation while about 400 were in favour, the broadcaster said. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told the BBC the results showed doctors had 'real concerns about the practical and legal implications of a change in the law on assisted dying', which she said 'must be acknowledged and addressed, so that any legislation is watertight'. The Bill was amended during committee stage earlier this year, including the High Court element being scrapped in favour of multidisciplinary panels featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. The RCPsych has said it is 'not clear what a psychiatrist's role on a multidisciplinary panel would be', and also demanded any new law 'must exclude the physical effects of mental disorder, such as anorexia or dementia, as the basis for eligibility'. Dr Lade Smith, president of the RCPsych, said: 'It's integral to a psychiatrist's role to consider how people's unmet needs affect their desire to live. The Bill, as proposed, does not honour this role, or require other clinicians involved in the process to consider whether someone's decision to die might change with better support. 'We are urging MPs to look again at our concerns for this once-in-a-generation Bill and prevent inadequate assisted dying/assisted suicide proposals from becoming law.' Dr Annabel Price, also from the RCPsych, said: 'The college has spent decades focused on preventing people from dying by suicide. 'A significant part of our engagement on this Bill to date has been to point out that people with terminal physical illnesses are more likely to have depression. 'Terminal illness is a risk factor for suicide, and unmet needs can make a person's life feel unbearable. But we know that if a person's situation is improved or their symptoms treated, then their wish to end their life sooner often changes. 'The Bill does not specify whether assisted dying/assisted suicide is a treatment option – an ambiguity that has major implications in law.' Labour MP Simon Opher, who is also a GP and is supportive of the Bill, said the legislation has been amended to be even safer than it was. He told the BBC Radio Four Today programme: 'I totally understand the criticisms around the Bill but I think that actually if you read the Bill it's incredibly safe now and it has a number of safeguards around capacity and coercion and indeed that's why we've involved psychiatrists for the very difficult cases around assessing mental capacity – which are very few but we need their expertise on that level.' Asked whether he felt concerns raised by royal colleges might put MPs off voting in favour of the Bill, he said: 'GPs are split on this and I totally acknowledge that and I know many people who I deeply respect who are against it and many who are for it. 'But I think that actually talking to MPs, many of them haven't changed their views on this. 'There's about three or four I know that may vote in favour of the Bill because of the extra safeguards we've built into it.' Meanwhile, Kim Leadbeater, the MP behind the Westminster Bill, praised the 'lengthy, constructive and compassionate debate' in the Scottish Parliament, saying they had 'listened to the voices of those with personal experience of those injustices and concluded that the status quo cannot be defended any longer'.
Medscape
07-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Over 1000 GP Surgeries to Receive Modernisation Funding
More than 1000 GP surgeries across England will receive government funding to upgrade outdated premises and boost patient access, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced. The £102 million investment for 2025-2026 will be delivered through the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund. The fund was announced during the 2024 Spending Review. The initiative aims to increase capacity, support the workforce, and enable over eight million additional appointments, the DHSC said. Many Premises "Unfit for Purpose" An independent report by Lord Ara Darzi last year found that outdated, inefficient buildings created barriers to delivering high-quality patient care and reduced staff productivity. The NHS Confederation reported that a fifth of GP estates pre-dated the NHS, while half were more than 30 years old. 'Our last survey of members found that two in five GPs considered their premises unfit for purpose,' said Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, in a statement. 'Nearly 90% of respondents said their practice did not have enough consulting rooms, and three-quarters did not have enough space to take on additional GP trainees,' she said. Simple Fixes, Greater Impact Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting described the changes as 'simple fixes', such as converting unused offices into consulting rooms and creating new clinical spaces. A BMJ Open study published last year found that over the course of 10 years – 2013 to 2023 – the number of NHS general practices fell by 20% from 8044 to 6419. In the same period, the average practice list size increased by 40% from 6967 to 9724 patients. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said many surgeries could see more patients if they had adequate space and facilities. 'Turning Point' Ruth Rankine, primary care director at the NHS Confederation, said the lack of investment in estates had blocked improvements in productivity and care delivery. 'If we are serious about shifting care from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital, then sustained investment in primary and community estates, equipment and technology is vital,' she said. In a statement, Darzi said the investment marked 'a crucial turning point' in addressing the long-standing issue of a primary care estate that is 'simply not fit for purpose'. Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services, emphasised the need to improve facilities to enhance patient experience and support workforce recruitment and retention. Projects are due to be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer, according to the DHSC.
Arab Times
22-03-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Lower back rain remedy: Key treatments endorsed by experts
LONDON, March 22: Millions of people experience lower back pain, whether short-term or chronic, with 60% of UK adults likely to suffer from it at some point in their lives. However, knowing how to effectively manage the pain can be challenging, especially with recent global reviews suggesting that most available treatments have limited effectiveness. Despite this, there are several treatments endorsed by medical bodies like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the NHS that can help alleviate symptoms. Exercise: Exercise is widely regarded as an essential first step in managing lower back pain. According to NICE, various forms of exercise—such as stretching, strengthening, aerobic workouts, and yoga—are beneficial for relieving back pain. NHS England concurs, recommending individuals to 'try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain.' A global review, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, also highlighted exercise as one of the five most effective methods for tackling chronic lower back pain. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists further supports this, noting that 'exercise has been shown to be the most helpful treatment for back pain.' Although hands-on treatments offer some benefit, they are most effective when combined with exercise as part of a broader treatment plan. NICE and the NHS recommend that individuals continue with their normal activities as much as possible. Medication: Medications can be effective, but it's essential to choose the right one. While paracetamol was once commonly recommended for back pain, current guidelines suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be used instead. NICE and NHS England advise taking anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen, noting that paracetamol alone is not recommended for back pain, though it can be combined with other painkillers. The global review of treatments found that NSAIDs were the most effective option for addressing acute lower back pain. NICE further states that weak opioids, such as codeine, should only be considered for acute back pain when NSAIDs are ineffective or unsuitable. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is another common recommendation for those suffering from lower back pain. Many patients are referred by family doctors to physiotherapists for assessment and exercises, according to Prof. Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners. For patients with more chronic pain, non-medical interventions from link workers may be suggested. The global review noted that many patients experience relief from both medical and non-medical treatments. However, NICE advises that treatments such as massage and manipulation by therapists should only be used alongside exercise, as there is insufficient evidence to support their standalone effectiveness. Psychological or talking therapy: For individuals whose pain persists despite other treatments, NICE recommends combining physical treatments with psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach is particularly beneficial for those with significant psychological and social barriers to recovery. Heat and cold: Heat and cold therapies can also help relieve back pain. NHS England suggests using an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling. Alternatively, a heat pack or hot-water bottle wrapped in a tea towel can help relieve joint stiffness and muscle spasms. Overall, while the global review highlighted limited effectiveness of many back pain treatments, exercise, medication, physiotherapy, psychological therapy, and heat and cold treatments are still considered valuable options for managing lower back pain effectively.
