Latest news with #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- 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.
Sky News AU
14-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
Groundbreaking new study links 25 genes to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A new study has found 25 genes believed to cause Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. More than 50,000 people with the condition had their genetic data compared to those who did not. Professor of Psychiatric Genetics at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Eske Derks sat down with Sky News Australia to break down the new findings.
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 4 behaviour patterns that could be signs of OCD after RTE star Brendan Courtney bravely lifts lid on diagnosis
RTE star Brendan Courtney recently opened up on his OCD diagnosis for the first time on air. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly referred to as OCD, is a severe anxiety 3 Brendan Courtney has opened up on his OCD diagnosis 3 There are four patterns of behaviour that signify you have OCD Credit: Getty Images - Getty It can be so debilitating that the World Health Organisation ( On RTE His story highlights the hidden struggles many face and the importance of greater awareness, understanding, and support for those living with OCD. Here, GEORGIA WALSH looks at the main features of OCD and possible treatments. READ MORE IN HEALTH THERE is no single, proven cause of OCD. Research suggests it involves problems in communication between the front part of the brain and deeper structures. OCD has two main features: Obsessives and Compulsions. Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN The person does not want to have these ideas, finds them disturbing and intrusive, and usually recognises they don't make sense. People with OCD may worry excessively about dirt and germs and be obsessed with the idea they are contaminated or may contaminate others. They may have obsessive fears of having inadvertently harmed someone else (perhaps while pulling the car out of the driveway), even though they know this is not realistic. Obsessions are accompanied by uncomfortable feelings, such as fear, disgust, doubt, or a sensation that things have to be done in a way that is 'just so.' Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain 'rules.' People with an obsession about contamination may wash constantly to the point that their hands become raw and inflamed. A person may repeatedly check that she has turned off the stove or iron because of an obsessive fear of burning the house down. She may have to count certain objects over and over because of an obsession about losing them. Unlike compulsive drinking or gambling, OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure. Rather, the rituals are performed to obtain relief from the discomfort caused by the obsessions. Symptoms cause distress, take up a lot of time (more than an hour a day), or interfere with the person's Most individuals with OCD recognise at some point that their obsessions are coming from their own minds and are not just excessive worries about real problems, and that the compulsions they perform are excessive or unreasonable. When someone with OCD does not recognize that their beliefs and actions are unreasonable, this is called OCD with poor insight. Symptoms tend to wax and wane over time. Some may be little more than background noise; others may produce severe distress. OCD affects different people in different ways, but usually appears as a particular pattern of behaviours. These include four main steps: Obsession: Unwanted, intrusive thought or urge repeatedly enters a person's mind. Anxiety: Unwanted obsession then provokes a feeling of intense anxiety or distress. Compulsion: As a result of feeling anxious, a person will carry out repetitive behaviours or Temporary relief: the compulsion will offer temporarily relief to the OCD sufferer's anxiety - but the obsession soon returns, causing the cycle to begin again. While it is possible to just have obsessive thoughts or just have compulsions, most sufferers will contend with both. Keys To My Life star 'I've been through a big process. I'm delighted to have this conversation with you because I've never spoken about it really.' Speaking about his horrific symptoms, Brendan added: 'I didn't get intrusive thoughts until later in life and I could go and read about it because it's terrifying. 'I found OCD appears after very stressful times or during very stressful times. So you're logical, but your emotional ability to just discount the thought, you can't do that because you're stressed. 'So you attach to this thought and then you feel really stupid. You feel really out of control.' The He said: 'It can be quite harrowing. It's not just your hands are dirty. My fear in my 20s was sharp objects, knives. "I couldn't look at knives or have knives in the house because my internal thoughts would then attach themselves to some harm. And then I'm like, 'Why am I thinking that?', as I didn't feel like that.' Brendan learned how to 'cope' with distressing thoughts through 3 There is no known cause Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘It's terrifying and full of shame', says RTE's Brendan Courtney as he opens up on ‘harrowing' diagnosis for first time
RTE star Brendan Courtney has opened up on his OCD diagnosis of the first time on air. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly referred to as 2 Brendan Courtney was diagnosed with OCD in his 20s Credit: RTE 2 Brendan has said the mental health condition is 'harrowing' Credit: Instagram It can be so debilitating that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked OCD among the top ten when it comes to the most disabling illnesses of any kind - in terms of lost earnings and lessened quality of life. David Monaghan, who developed OCD at 11 but didn't get diagnosed until 23, wrote a play about the mental illness called I Wouldn't Mind Control. He spoke to Brendan about the anxiety disorder on "But then as I got a bit older it morphed into something more distressing, that's when I started to develop intrusive thoughts." read more on brendan courtney Brendan revealed that he also struggles with the condition. The Keys To My Life star said: "I feel very confident having this conversation with you because I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 25 and I started washing my hands when I was six and became obsessed. "I've been through a big process. I'm delighted to have this conversation with you because I've never spoken about it really." Speaking about his horrific symptoms, Brendan added: "I didn't get intrusive thoughts until later in life and I could go and read about it because it's terrifying. Most read in News TV "Whatever the bizarre thought is, the next thought is, 'Oh my god why did I just have that thought', and then you spiral." David replied: "And I think that's what causes the stress is that there's this disconnect between who you know you are and what your head is telling you. RTE's Brendan Courtney in A&E after 'punched to ground' & 'kicked in head' in Dublin street attack "People with OCD are as logical as rational as anyone else. But they're constantly being bombarded with these thoughts and there's almost like this nebulous illogic kind of guiding them." Brendan added: "I found OCD appears after very stressful times or during very stressful times. So you're logical, but your emotional ability to just discount the thought, you can't do that because you're stressed. "So you attach to this thought and then you feel really stupid. You feel really out of control." 'HARROWING' The Dublin native bravely spoke about his fear that he had as a young adult. He said: "It can be quite harrowing. It's not just your hands are dirty. My fear in my 20s was sharp objects, knives. "I couldn't look at knives or have knives in the house because my internal thoughts would then attach themselves to some harm. "And then I'm like, 'Why am I thinking that?', because I didn't feel like that." Brendan has learned how to "cope" with his distressing thoughts through counselling, therapy and books. What are the symptoms of OCD? OCD affects different people in different ways, but usually appears as a particular pattern of behaviours. These include four main steps: Obsession – where an unwanted, intrusive thought or urge repeatedly enters a person's mind. Anxiety – the unwanted obsession then provokes a feeling of intense anxiety or distress. Compulsion – as a result of feeling anxious, a person will carry out repetitive behaviours or mental acts that they feel driven to perform to better the situation. Temporary relief – the compulsion will offer temporarily relief to the OCD sufferer's anxiety - but the obsession soon returns, causing the cycle to begin again. While it is possible to just have obsessive thoughts or just have compulsions, most sufferers will contend with both. He explained: "It presents itself when I'm really stressed or when I've had a bereavement or something out of control. So I now have a good understanding. "But then you're afraid to say that even because it'll present somewhere else!" Brendan spoke about the floods of texts he received from listeners saying: "And I think you talking about this, we're getting lots of text from people who suffer from intrusive thoughts, it really opens up the conversation because it's so full of shame, isn't it?" David gave some advice for others as he added: "It is well, it's because the thoughts are stressful and if they're like me, then they would have spent a lot of time in the fog, not fully understanding what was happening. "But it's important to remember, you are not your thoughts. Thoughts are just thoughts and you are not alone."
Calgary Herald
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Calgary Expo: Helen Hunt talks Twister, As Good as it Gets, Paul Reiser and what her dream role would be
Article content 'I had to do a U.K. accent,' she said. 'Boy, when you hear it and it's bad and it's coming out of your own mouth. I have a good enough ear to know when it's bad but I didn't know enough to make it good. I worked on it for a year. It might take other actors less amount of time. For me it was a year until I could walk out there and not worry about it.' Article content Hunt rose to fame during her seven-season run as Jamie Buchman in Mad About You in the 1990s. There was a reboot in 2019. Hunt starred opposite Paul Reiser, who played her film-director husband. When asked who some of her favourite people were to work with, she again didn't hesitate. Article content 'Paul Reiser for sure,' she said, again to tremendous applause. 'I would probably pick him. Not only is he one of the best but we had eight years to be together. I hear stories about people who worked together in TV shows and they don't get along, I don't know what I would have done. I really don't. Because I just lucked out. He and I are still friends, we see each other all the time. Oh my God, we would see each other more than we would see our partners in real life for eight years. So if I didn't adore him and didn't love playing with him, it would have been a long day.' Article content Article content Hunt was still working on Mad About You when she was cast it one of her pivotal roles. In James L. Brooks As Good as It Gets she played the single mother of a chronically ill child who befriends a misanthropic author with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder played by Jack Nicolson. The film won both Hunt and Nicholson Academy Awards. Article content 'It's always the writing,' she said.'Ninety per cent of it all is the writing. I was working on that and doing Mad About You at the same time. I was a blonde Tuesday through Thursday and a brunette Friday to Monday.I was saying to someone in front of the writer and director Jim Brooks — who has made some of my favourite movies and your too, I bet — a friend of his asked me which of these parts was more like me and I said 'Well, Mad About You, probably.' Article content Article content Jim Brooks disagreed. Article content 'I thought about that and then after not seeing it for decades, I saw the last 25 minutes recently because I went to a screening of it and I thought 'He's right. I'm very sensitive to what people say, I care about my kid in a fierce way, although I didn't have a kid when i did that part. There is a lot of me in there even though she lives in a part of the world, has a different job and speaks a differently, there was a lot of me in her.' Article content As for Twister, a 1996 blockbuster in which Hunt played storm-chaser Jo Harding, Hunt says she is nothing like that character. Article content 'I would be driving the other way,' she said. Article content She looks back on it fondly, but admits it was a tough shoot. Article content 'We were in the mud, we were in the firehoses, we were in the wind,' she says. 'The most fun part …was hanging out with all these guys. It was like Wizard of Oz in that way — 'you were there and you were there' — and they were all around this Dorothy character that I got to play. We worked until six in the morning in 100 it's not like the most fun you've ever had. But we laughed so hard played cards all night. That's kind of what movie-making is sometimes. You're bored and you get so close.' Article content
