Latest news with #LornaRoach
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The diet traps and 6 other common ‘triggers' that make my ADHD worse – plus the expert tips that help me cope
ASKING Google 'what is ADHD?' will yield over 131million results. I know because I did exactly that when I was diagnosed in March this year. Born in the 70s, I was somewhat dismissive and naive about a lot of neurodivergence. But when a newly diagnosed friend assured me I had it, she joined a long list of people in the last decade who have suggested the same. 9 Clare O'Reilly was diagnosed with ADHD aged 46 Credit: Lorna Roach While I initially laughed off her advice, I did some research and realised I have pretty much all the traits. I'm
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I've slept with 400 men to show them how to make love… parents have brought their sons to my £250-an-hour sessions
SEX EDUCATION I've slept with 400 men to show them how to make love… parents have brought their sons to my £250-an-hour sessions Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LYING in the arms of the man I'd just had fantastic sex with, I smiled with satisfaction. Somewhere out there was the next woman he'd sleep with, and she'd never know that, thanks to me, he'd been transformed from a clueless virgin into a skilled lover. 2 Intimacy expert Kaly Miller has been a sex surrogate for 15 years Credit: Lorna Roach 2 Kaly's role is similar to that of Joy's on Channel 4 show, Virgin Island But I wasn't in a relationship with this man – I was his sex therapist and surrogate. Over three months, we'd progressed from him starting to get comfortable with physical intimacy, such as hand-holding, hugging and stroking, to more sexual touching. And finally, we'd had sexual intercourse. I've been a sex surrogate for 15 years, and during my career I've supported women with a fear of intimacy, helped a Hollywood actor overcome his sex addiction, and guided couples on how to safely have an open relationship. I don't keep count of the number of clients I've slept with, but it's between 300 and 400. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, if you'd told me that one day I'd be teaching people how to enjoy sex, I would never have believed it. As a young woman, I was comfortable with my sexuality, but never questioned what I wanted or needed sexually. I moved to London for university at 21, then married a few years later and had four children. Running a successful events company with my husband, I enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. But working 18-hour days soon burned me out, and I just wasn't happy. When I was 35, I ended my marriage, leaving my husband and the company, while I moved into a one-bedroom council flat with our children. I'm a sex coach, women always ask what to do if their man won't talk about sex and it's NEVER a good sign I went on to qualify as a masseuse, working with athletes and actors. I enjoyed my job, but wasn't earning enough to give my children the life I wanted for them. So, in 2013, I invested £3,000 in a surrogate partner therapy course, after seeing an ad in a local paper. I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to further my massage skills, but on the first day, I was shocked to learn I'd be expected to have sex with clients. I thought about quitting, but decided – with trepidation – to continue with the course because I'd paid so much money for it. I'd studied tantric sex in my spare time, so I was more comfortable with my sexuality than ever, but I didn't know if I'd actually be able to go through with sleeping with someone. Three months later, I met my first client, a single man in his 60s who was a virgin. My initial thought was: 'I can't do this, he's the same age as my dad!' But when I asked him why he'd come to the session, his response changed everything. He explained that his brother had passed away recently, and he realised he didn't want to die without knowing what love felt like. Men came to see me to overcome issues including being unable to get an erection, premature ejaculation, fear of intimacy and body dysmorphia Kaly Miller It helped me understand that there was a genuine need for sex surrogates and there was nothing sleazy about it. I spent a month focusing on helping this man feel comfortable with his body, and teaching him how to touch a woman, before we had sex. It felt so natural, as we'd established a trusting, loving bond and it made me realise how much impact a surrogate can have. He went on to have a relationship with someone for the first time, and was so grateful. How is masturbation beneficial for health? Masturbation is nothing to be embarrassed about - after all, it's physically and mentally good for you! Just like sex, masturbation - and likely an ending of orgasm - is healthy. Masturbation releases endorphins which boost mood and can alleviate depressive symptoms and cortisol, the stress hormone. It can help you relax, reduce stress and help you sleep better - which has a number of health benefits in itself. In one study, published in the Frontiers in Public Health, almost half of men and women who masturbated before bed said they either got better sleep quality, or fell asleep quicker. Spring Cooper is a social researcher with academic qualifications in public health, health promotion, and sexuality, said: "For women, masturbation can help prevent cervical infections and urinary tract infections through the process of 'tenting', or the opening of the cervix that occurs as part of the arousal process. "Tenting stretches the cervix, and thus the cervical mucous. "This enables fluid circulation, allowing cervical fluids full of bacteria to be flushed out. "Masturbation can lower risk of type-2 diabetes (though this association may also be explained by greater overall health), reduce insomnia through hormonal and tension release, and increase pelvic floor strength through the contractions that happen during orgasm." For men, there is evidence that climaxing may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer - "probably by giving the prostate a chance to flush out potential cancer-causing agents," says Spring. Though the benefits of masturbation are not the most scientifically studied, there's certainly no harm in doing it. For the next five years, I worked under supervision – there was always a qualified sex surrogate present at all my client meetings, including during sex, and they would give me feedback and advise me if I was unsure. Men came to see me to overcome issues including being unable to get an erection, premature ejaculation, fear of intimacy and body dysmorphia. Women came to overcome trauma after giving birth, learn how to orgasm and to conquer their fear of penetration. I also treated people who had difficulties after physical and sexual abuse. THE NAKED ROOM Eventually, I set up my own clinic, The Naked Room. My four adult children and parents know and fully support what I do. They all came to cheer me on when I won Somatic Sexologist of the Year at the Sexual Freedom Awards in 2022. And though some friends were initially sceptical, they soon came round. Before accepting clients, I meet them on Zoom so I can find out why they want to see me and also observe their body language, in order to spot unsuitable people who think they can just turn up and have sex with me. One time, a man was naked. I turned off my camera and told him that's not what I'm here for. Then, once they've completed a consent form and paperwork, my prices start from £250 for a one-hour in-person session, to £1,250 for a day session of five hours. If a client is a virgin, the ultimate aim is for us to have sex. If they're female, I can pass them on to a trusted male sex surrogate when they're ready. Every client has to provide a recent STI test and I always use condoms. I also work with couples, although I don't touch them – I coach them on how to touch each other. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon – I feel privileged to help people overcome their issues Kaly Miller I insist on at least three sessions, because this isn't a quick process, and a maximum of 10 to make sure they don't form a romantic attachment with me. Before meeting a client, I prepare by going to the gym or doing yoga, and I meditate on my commute. Since I turned 50, I'm conscious I need look my best, so I see a dermatologist, and of course I regularly do kegel exercises to keep my pelvic floor muscles tight. There have been many memorable moments over the years. When one client saw my vagina – the first he'd ever seen – he was blown away. 'It's marvellous!' he said. 'I love the colour and the texture.' I was thinking: 'I've had sex for 30 years and not once has a partner admired me the way this guy has.' Then there was the man with autism, who I helped have sex for the first time. His parents used to bring him to the sessions with me, and were so grateful. His dad said to me: 'Thank you for making him experience life as a man outside of his challenges.' Those sorts of moments are humbling and make me realise how much I'm helping people. The 10 most-searched sex positions in the UK The Eagle is searched for, on average, 150,730 times in the UK every month. Eagle 69 Missionary Cowgirl Reverse Cowgirl Standing Lotus Spooning Doggy Style Pretzel My job has also helped me realise that sex can be incredibly powerful, rather than shallow or mediocre. I'm currently single, but I've had relationships since I became a sex surrogate. I've learned to separate my professional and personal life to avoid falling into 'work mode' and educating partners on being the ideal lover. I'm always transparent with a partner about my work and, so far, they've all been open-minded and unfazed by the fact I'll be sleeping with other men, and that I often get aroused while doing so. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon – I feel privileged to help people overcome their issues. Everyone who wants to enjoy great sex should be able to, and I'm happy to play a part in helping them achieve that. Visit
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I've slept with 400 men to show them how to make love… parents have brought their sons to my £250-an-hour sessions
LYING in the arms of the man I'd just had fantastic sex with, I smiled with satisfaction. Somewhere out there was the next woman he'd sleep with, and she'd never know that, thanks to me, he'd been transformed from a clueless virgin into a skilled lover. Advertisement 2 Intimacy expert Kaly Miller has been a sex surrogate for 15 years Credit: Lorna Roach 2 Kaly's role is similar to that of Joy's on Channel 4 show, Virgin Island But I wasn't in a relationship with this man – I was his sex therapist and surrogate. Over three months, we'd progressed from him starting to get comfortable with physical intimacy, such as hand-holding, hugging and stroking, to more sexual touching. And finally, we'd had sexual intercourse. Advertisement I've been a sex surrogate for 15 years, and during my career I've supported women with a fear of intimacy, helped a Hollywood actor overcome his sex addiction, and guided couples on how to safely have an open relationship. I don't keep count of the number of clients I've slept with, but it's between 300 and 400. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, if you'd told me that one day I'd be teaching people how to enjoy sex, I would never have believed it. As a young woman, I was comfortable with my sexuality, but never questioned what I wanted or needed sexually. I moved to London for university at 21, then married a few years later and had four children. Advertisement Running a successful events company with my husband, I enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. But working 18-hour days soon burned me out, and I just wasn't happy. When I was 35, I ended my marriage, leaving my husband and the company, while I moved into a one-bedroom council flat with our children. I'm a sex coach, women always ask what to do if their man won't talk about sex and it's NEVER a good sign I went on to qualify as a masseuse, working with athletes and actors. I enjoyed my job, but wasn't earning enough to give my children the life I wanted for them. Advertisement So, in 2013, I invested £3,000 in a surrogate partner therapy course, after seeing an ad in a local paper. I thought it sounded like a great opportunity to further my massage skills, but on the first day, I was shocked to learn I'd be expected to have sex with clients. I thought about quitting, but decided – with trepidation – to continue with the course because I'd paid so much money for it. I'd studied tantric sex in my spare time, so I was more comfortable with my sexuality than ever, but I didn't know if I'd actually be able to go through with sleeping with someone. Three months later, I met my first client, a single man in his 60s who was a virgin. Advertisement My initial thought was: 'I can't do this, he's the same age as my dad!' But when I asked him why he'd come to the session, his response changed everything. He explained that his brother had passed away recently, and he realised he didn't want to die without knowing what love felt like. Men came to see me to overcome issues including being unable to get an erection, premature ejaculation, fear of intimacy and body dysmorphia Kaly Miller It helped me understand that there was a genuine need for sex surrogates and there was nothing sleazy about it. I spent a month focusing on helping this man feel comfortable with his body, and teaching him how to touch a woman, before we had sex. Advertisement It felt so natural, as we'd established a trusting, loving bond and it made me realise how much impact a surrogate can have. He went on to have a relationship with someone for the first time, and was so grateful. How is masturbation beneficial for health? Masturbation is nothing to be embarrassed about - after all, it's physically and mentally good for you! Just like sex, masturbation - and likely an ending of orgasm - is healthy. Masturbation releases endorphins which boost mood and can alleviate depressive symptoms and cortisol, the stress hormone. It can help you relax, reduce stress and help you sleep better - which has a number of health benefits in itself. In one study, published in the Frontiers in Public Health, almost half of men and women who masturbated before bed said they either got better sleep quality, or fell asleep quicker. Spring Cooper is a social researcher with academic qualifications in public health, health promotion, and sexuality, "Tenting stretches the cervix, and thus the cervical mucous. "This enables fluid circulation, allowing cervical fluids full of bacteria to be flushed out. "Masturbation can lower risk of type-2 diabetes (though this association may also be explained by greater overall health), reduce insomnia through hormonal and tension release, and increase pelvic floor strength through the contractions that happen during orgasm." For men, there is evidence that climaxing may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer - "probably by giving the prostate a chance to flush out potential cancer-causing agents," says Spring. Though the benefits of masturbation are not the most scientifically studied, there's certainly no harm in doing it. For the next five years, I worked under supervision – there was always a qualified sex surrogate present at all my client meetings, including during sex, and they would give me feedback and advise me if I was unsure. Men came to see me to overcome issues including being unable to get an erection, premature ejaculation, fear of intimacy and Women came to overcome trauma after giving birth, learn how to orgasm and to conquer their fear of penetration. Advertisement I also treated people who had difficulties after physical and sexual abuse. THE NAKED ROOM Eventually, I set up my own clinic, The Naked Room. My four adult children and parents know and fully support what I do. They all came to cheer me on when I won Somatic Sexologist of the Year at the Sexual Freedom Awards in 2022. And though some friends were initially sceptical, they soon came round. Advertisement Before accepting clients, I meet them on Zoom so I can find out why they want to see me and also observe their body language, in order to spot unsuitable people who think they can just turn up and have sex with me. One time, a man was naked. I turned off my camera and told him that's not what I'm here for. Then, once they've completed a consent form and paperwork, my prices start from £250 for a one-hour in-person session, to £1,250 for a day session of five hours. If a client is a virgin, the ultimate aim is for us to have sex. If they're female, I can pass them on to a trusted male sex surrogate when they're ready. Advertisement Every client has to provide a recent STI test and I always use condoms. I also work with couples, although I don't touch them – I coach them on how to touch each other. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon – I feel privileged to help people overcome their issues Kaly Miller I insist on at least three sessions, because this isn't a quick process, and a maximum of 10 to make sure they don't form a romantic attachment with me. Before meeting a client, I prepare by going to the gym or doing yoga, and I meditate on my commute. Since I turned 50, I'm conscious I need look my best, so I see a dermatologist, and of course I regularly do kegel exercises to keep my pelvic floor muscles tight. Advertisement There have been many memorable moments over the years. When one client saw my vagina – the first he'd ever seen – he was blown away. 'It's marvellous!' he said. 'I love the colour and the texture.' I was thinking: 'I've had sex for 30 years and not once has a partner admired me the way this guy has.' Then there was the man with autism, who I helped have sex for the first time. His parents used to bring him to the sessions with me, and were so grateful. His dad said to me: 'Thank you for making him experience life as a man outside of his challenges.' Advertisement Those sorts of moments are humbling and make me realise how much I'm helping people. The 10 most-searched sex positions in the UK The Eagle is searched for, on average, 150,730 times in the UK every month. Eagle 69 Missionary Cowgirl Reverse Cowgirl Standing Lotus Spooning Doggy Style Pretzel My job has also helped me realise that sex can be incredibly powerful, rather than shallow or mediocre. I'm currently single, but I've had relationships since I became a sex surrogate. I've learned to separate my professional and personal life to avoid falling into 'work mode' and educating partners on being the ideal lover. I'm always transparent with a partner about my work and, so far, they've all been open-minded and unfazed by the fact I'll be sleeping with other men, and that I often get aroused while doing so. I have no intention of stopping anytime soon – I feel privileged to help people overcome their issues. Advertisement Everyone who wants to enjoy great sex should be able to, and I'm happy to play a part in helping them achieve that. Visit
The Irish Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I ate chips and pasta every day as part of new weight loss hack and shifted 7lbs in a month without fat jabs
CHIPS, chicken fried rice and piles of pasta are usually the first things on the banned list when I start yet another surely a new eating plan which lets you eat carbs, carbs and more carbs must be too good to be true? But with my weight nudging 14st and my gut hanging over my jeans, I'm willing to give anything a go - and four weeks later, boy am I glad I did. Advertisement 5 Mum-of-one Lynn Carratt tried the cold carbs diet, above pictured after a month Credit: Lorna Roach 5 Lynn, above before the diet, was keen to give it a go as she struggled to slim down Credit: Stewart Williams 5 The busy mum lost more than half a stone in the last month, now weighing 13st 6lbs Credit: Lorna Roach According to new research, carbs – traditionally the enemy of dieters – can be healthier if you cook, then cool them, 24 hours before eating. This simple process changes the structure, turning regular starch into resistant starch, which is harder to digest and results in a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Advertisement The result is fewer You also burn more As a busy mum struggling to slim down, I was keen to give it the cold carbs diet a go. My weight has yo-yoed over the years, going between a size 8 and 20. But while I was able to fuel my gym sessions with carbs in my twenties to lose weight, it was a different story after having my daughter Mia, now three. Advertisement Pregnancy aged 40 took a toll on my waistline and I hit 14st. At only 5ft 1ins, I was classed as morbidly obese, but couldn't shake off more than a couple of pounds here and there, no matter how hard I tried with calorie counting and exercise. It also led to implications for my health, causing cholesterolosis of the gallbladder, where This Morning chef reveals incredible three stone weight loss as she shares simple transformation trick Worryingly, this means I have the metabolic age of a 58-year-old. If I could shift even a stone, it would mean living longer for my daughter. Advertisement And if eating cold chips could help, then I'd be more than happy to try it. But could the cold carbs diet really work? I gave myself a month, eating either lunch or dinner with a cold carb component, to see if I could shift the scales down from my current 14st… DAY ONE LIFE with a full-time job and a three-year-old is busy. By the time I finish bath and bedtime, it's 8.30pm before I sit down for dinner. Since my daughter loves pasta, I spent the night before batch cooking spaghetti Bolognese with turkey mince for lower fat and more protein. Advertisement I put a portion in a plastic container and popped it in the fridge, ready to eat 24 hours later. Sitting down to cold spag bol, I'm surprised at how tasty it was. I've never really minded cold food, either – morning-after pizza is a favourite. Technically you can reheat the carbs once they've had a day to cool and change structure, but scientists think that is not quite as effective. 5 Lynn says she has also cut back on snacking, presumably because she is fuller Credit: Lorna Roach How does the cold carb diet work? Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrient groups that make up a healthy diet, with protein and fat. Our main source is starchy foods, like potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals, which the NHS say should make up just over a third of what you eat, ideally in wholegrain or unrefined form to give you more fibre. But you can boost the health benefits of carbs by cooking and cooling them for 24 hours before eating. This simple process changes the structure, making the molecules more tightly packed and turning regular simple starch into resistant starch, a type of fibre found in many plant foods. This makes it harder to digest, passing through the small intestine into the large one instead and ensuring a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. The result is less blood sugar crashes, that might see you reaching for snacks, and feeling fuller for longer. You also burn more calories digesting it and these starches are better for your gut health. DAY SEVEN I HAVE survived the first week, helped by the fact I'm only doing one cold carb meal per day. Advertisement Having to pre-prep breakfast, lunch AND dinner would be a challenge. In my job as a publicist, my schedule isn't a typical 9-to-5, so sticking to strict meal times is tricky. But today I'm working in the office and have brought in lunch – a cold white fusilli pasta salad cooked the previous day with lettuce, cucumber and tomato, but no sauce or dressing, just a little seasoning. It was surprisingly satisfying. Normally I'd be snacking on Hula Hoops and roasted peanuts after having a Tesco meal deal. Advertisement The scales haven't moved yet, but I'm sticking with it. DAY 14 HALFWAY through and I'm pleased to say it hasn't been too tough so far. I'm enjoying eating the cold carbs, but need to add some variety as I'm tired of pasta. Rice, potatoes and even pulses like chickpeas count, so there are lots of choices. But while I do enjoy cold new potatoes, I'm not sure I'm desperate to reach for cold chips just yet. My favourite takeaway, Chinese, has been off the menu since I've been trying to lose my post-baby weight, but I decide that chicken fried rice could fit the cold carb bill. Advertisement I order some and save it to eat cold 24 hours later. It was the perfect treat to mark hitting the halfway point. I've lost 3lbs so far, which is spurring me on to be more active, so I hit the gym for an hour-long cardio session. DAY 21 My reliance on cold carbs to base a meal on is starting to wear thin. I'm finding it challenging to come up with interesting dishes using them and eating is becoming dull as a result. Advertisement I'm at a catered event with work today, a time I would normally indulge. I'll admit I go for triple carbs – a bit of macaroni cheese with a few new potatoes and white rice, plus green beans on the side. But I pack up a portion of leftovers to put in the fridge for tomorrow's dinner. I weigh myself and I've lost another 1lb this week, motivation to keep going. DAY 28 My final week is difficult. I'm on a family holiday to Ibiza, booked before I knew about the challenge . Advertisement It's tempting to give in and enjoy everything on offer, but I try to stay on track, having fruit and veg-packed smoothies for breakfast and ordering nutritious dinners like grilled chicken with a carb. However, instead of eating that carb, I just have the vegetables and ask the staff to box the carb up, storing it in my bedroom fridge for next day's lunch. Yes, that does include chips – and I'm not sorry about it. And it seems to be working, with another 2lbs shed. THE VERDICT I was sceptical about whether this tweak to my carb intake would make a difference. Advertisement But I've lost more than half a stone in the last month, taking me down to 13st 6lbs. My size 20 clothes also feel less tight – I think I can fit into an 18 now. I've also noticed myself cut back on snacking, presumably because I feel fuller or am more aware of it. While I need a break from cold carbs for the time being, this experiment has helped kickstart my weight loss. More importantly, it's shown me that making small changes to my daily routine is easier than I thought – and I don't even mind eating cold chips to do it. Advertisement 5 Lynn's size 20 clothes now feel less tight - above before the diet Credit: Stewart Williams The 5 best exercises to lose weight By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you? As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything. I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates. Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas! The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit. My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are: Walking Running Pilates High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Strength training
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Fat jabs gave me Ozempic face with sagging cheeks and thin lips – but I've found solution WITHOUT fillers
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOOKING at my reflection in the mirror, I felt delighted to see my petite size 8 figure once again. But as I glanced up to my face, the gaunt woman staring back at me came as a shock. 10 Rebecca Tidy shed 6st with the help of weight loss injections - but ended up with 'Ozempic face' Credit: Lorna Roach 10 Rebecca went from 7st to 13st in four years Credit: Supplied After having skin cancer treatment in 2019 and becoming a single mum in lockdown, I'd gone from 7st to 13st in four years. So I recently turned to weight loss jabs to regain my former shape. I didn't regret it, but the side effect – 'Ozempic face' – as seen on celebrities like Sharon Osborne, wasn't something I'd bargained on. I was 38 years old, but my sunken cheeks, gaunt eyes and thin lips had aged me overnight. One relative had helpfully pointed out my new 'jowls' at a family gathering, while strangers on X told me I looked like a drug addict or permanently unwell. I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt. When I first gained weight, it didn't bother me at first. Yes, none of my clothes fitted me my 5ft 4ins frame any more, but I was simply grateful to be alive for my daughter Mabel, now seven. My mind was taken up with getting through my separation from her dad and surviving the pandemic. Baking banana bread was more of a priority than working out. But as the trauma of my illness and break-up eased, I realised I wanted to feel like my old self again and ditch the stretchy leggings I had become so attached to. In December 2023, I headed back to the gym four times a week and tried to eat less – but the weight was slow to drop off. Some weeks I didn't lose anything, despite trying so hard. Nutritionist reveals which stars could be suffering from 'Ozempic face' & why some like Kelly Clarkson get away without It didn't help that medication I was taking for OCD [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder] was an appetite stimulant. But stopping that wasn't an option. After speaking to an online pharmacist I decided to try the jabs, which cost £179 a month. 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. I had a false start with Saxenda, which gave me stomach pains, before settling into using Mounjaro in June 2024. Over a 12-month period, I dropped back down to a size 8, without any of the anticipated stretch marks or loose skin. It felt great to wear my old clothes again. But while I didn't love how my body looked at 13st, I preferred the appearance of my face compared to when I was skinny. DRAMATIC CHANGE It had fullness and shape, my skin glowed and there were barely any wrinkles. I was dismayed by the dramatic change that came with slimming down and knew that no amount of 'miracle' skincare potions would ease the deep lines either side of my mouth, loss of volume in my cheeks, or the dark circles under my eyes. For the first time ever, my skin felt crepey and dull, plus everything below my cheeks had dropped that little bit further south. I considered more jabs to help and spent hours researching cheek fillers, nasolabial fold treatments and those skin rejuvenators that can bring back volume. Some of the before-and-after photos online looked amazing. 10 An example of 'bad' make-up on Rebecca contour, which will only make you look more gaunt Credit: Lorna Roach But realistically, I knew I'd be lucky to walk out of a decent clinic with any change from £1,000. And even then, it would not be a permanent solution. I don't regret the jabs one bit. Now I'm back to a healthy weight, I have more energy and confidence. At the same time, it's not shallow to want to feel good when I look in the mirror. If makeup can help me restore my pride when I see my reflection and make the best of what I've got, it will be a much cheaper fix – and easier for a busy single mum to recreate at home. Follow the six simple steps TOP makeup artist Aimee Adams reveals the tricks she used to transform Rebecca's look – and how others can use them to counter the signs of 'Ozempic face' 10 Top make-up artist Aimee Adams reveals the tricks she used to counter signs of 'Ozempic face' Credit: Lorna Roach START WITH THE SKIN Opt for products that contain collagen and hyaluronic acid, to restore brightness and improve the tone. Make-up isn't Botox, but working from as healthy a base as possible will make the best of what you have. Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Jelly Eye Patches are perfect for an instant boost (£19.95 for 20 pairs, Boots). 10 Nip+Fab Hyaluronic Fix Extreme4 Jelly Eye Patches, £19.95 for 20 pairs, Boots Credit: Supplied TIME TO SHINE Your base needs to reflect the light away from those grey hollows, so avoid heavy matt foundations and concealers. I like Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum (£20, Boots) and Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Brightening Face Primer (£44, Amazon) to get a dewy feel. 10 Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum, £20, Boots Credit: Supplied KEEP AWAY FROM THE KARDASHIANS It might work for Kim and co, but contouring will only make you look more gaunt. Opt for a classic pink or peach cream blusher that isn't too oily on the apples of your cheeks instead, to add fullness and a flush of youth. Water-based Delilah In Bloom Radiant Liquid Blush in Tiger Lilly (£23, Next) is perfect, set in place with a blush powder. 10 Delilah In Bloom Radiant Liquid Blush in Tiger Lilly, £23, Next Credit: Supplied GO FOR GOLD A smokey eye won't make your eyes pop if they are looking sunken. Choose a golden eyeshadow to counteract it and add brightness, with a soft and smudgable brown eyeliner. Finish with a couple of little lash extensions on the outsides to open things up, curl them and add a coat of Avon Exxtravert Extreme Volume Mascara (£9.50, Avon). Fill out those brows too, with Merit Beauty 1990 Ultra Fine Eyebrow Gel Pencil (£21, Sephora). 10 Merit Beauty 1990 Ultra Fine Eyebrow Gel Pencil, £21, Sephora Credit: Supplied BE NATURAL A bold liner and lipstick is overkill and will seem fake. Choose a shade similar to your real lip colour if you really want to add volume, like e.l.f Love Triangle Lip Filler Liner in Soft Pink (£4, plus a dewy or glossy finish. If you want more extreme results, try PS Plumping Lip Serum (£3, Primark) – it can sting, but the difference is noticeable. 10 PS Plumping Lip Serum, £3, Primark Credit: Supplied SET AND MATCH Makeup can gather in the lines of your skin unless you set it properly after applying. Sprays are popular, but a powder is longer-lasting and works well with creamier makeup, if used sparingly. You don't want it to become cakey. I'm a fan of English Mineral Makeup Fairy Godmother (£59, 10 English Mineral Makeup Fairy Godmother, £59, Credit: Supplied REBECCA'S VERDICT I LOVED the way Aimee transformed my face, making me look younger, healthier and less tired. The under eyes were my favourite part – I couldn't believe how she got rid of those dark circles. I've learned that the best approach is not to go heavy, especially with contour, which is a surprise given how obsessed makeup influencers are with this technique. I'm definitely going to ditch it for a peach blusher and also swap my usual matte lipstick for a gloss. This will be so much more affordable than aesthetic treatments – and fun to do.
