Latest news with #Ozempic-style
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Belly fat ‘may cause burning and painful skin condition' suffered by Kim Kardashian – how to shift the pounds
The study led to experts suggesting that fat jabs could be helpful as treatment TUM TROUBLE Belly fat 'may cause burning and painful skin condition' suffered by Kim Kardashian – how to shift the pounds Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BELLY fat increases your risk of the skin condition psoriasis, a study warns. Psoriasis, which affects one in 50 people - including reality TV star Kim Kardashian - causes scaly patches of skin usually around the scalp, knees and elbows. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Kim Kardashian has the condition psoriasis. It affects two per cent of Brits Credit: Getty 5 A study showed that belly fat was linked with the skin condition, thought to be caused by a faulty immune response Credit: Alamy The 44-year-old has previously opened up about her struggle with the condition she described as 'painful'. Model Cara Delevingne and singer Cyndi Lauper are also sufferers. Researchers at King's College London analysed data from over 330,000 Brits, including more than 9,000 people with psoriasis. They found that abdominal fat was strongly linked to someone's likelihood of having the condition, particularly for women. Read more on belly fat FIGHT THE FLAB Lose your belly fat by eating MORE with our 'Nozempic' diet Study author Dr Ravi Ramessur said: 'Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk. 'Central fat, especially around the waist, seems to play a key role. 'This has important implications for how we identify individuals who may be more likely to develop psoriasis or experience more severe disease, and how we approach prevention and treatment strategies.' Psoriasis typically begins in someone's 20s or 50s. It's not known what causes the incurable, and therefore chronic, condition. 5 Kim discussed her psoriasis journey on her skkn Instagram account in 2019 Credit: skkn/Instagram 5 Kim has previously described living with psoriasis flare-ups as 'painful' Credit: Instagram/Kim Kardashian 5 Kim on an early season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians showing psoriasis on her legs Credit: E! It is thought that a problem with the immune system causes the skin cells to replace faster than they should. It is therefore sometimes referred to as an autoimmune disorder. Dr Ramessur says: "The observed links between central body fat and psoriasis suggest that there may be underlying biological mechanisms contributing to the disease that are not yet fully understood and which warrant further investigation." Khloe Kardashian leaks 'creepy' video of sister Kim's legs on Snapchat as fans say 'this is so strange!' In light of the new findings, experts said Ozempic-style fat jabs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may help people with psoriasis. Dr Joel Gelfand, Department of Dermatology and Center for Clinical Sciences in Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, wrote in an accompanying editorial: 'The strong relationship between psoriasis and obesity, and the emerging promise of GLP-1 RAs, is a call to action for clinical trials.' Dr Catherine Smith, senior author, said: 'As rates of obesity continue to rise globally, understanding how different patterns of body fat influence chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis is important." How to get rid of belly fat Most of us have tried to shift belly fat at some point - it can be stubborn and takes some hard work. Personal trainer Lucy Gornall previously shared with The Sun her non-negotiables if your goal is to lose the extra chub around your middle. These include: 1. Fill your plate with as many coloured fruits and vegetables as you can. "These are the fruits and vegetables which pack in nutrients and fibre, but contain very few calories," Lucy says. Fibre fills you up and therefore prevents overeating. 2. Don't overdo the cardio. "Going hard on runs, cycles and other types of cardio, is NOT the best way to burn belly fat," says Lucy. "It will leave you tired (you'll be turning to high sugar snacks for energy), it will leave you sore, and it will leave you very hungry." 3. Instead, lift weights. "More muscle means more calories burnt at rest, meaning you burn off the food you eat easier than if you had less muscle," says Lucy. "Aim to include three 30 to 45 minute resistance-based training sessions each week, ensuring that the weight is challenging and your form is correct." 4. Eat protein Protein is the most filling food you can eat (over carbohydrates and fats) and helps with muscle recovery from all that weight training you'll be doing. "Look to include a source of protein in every meal and you won't go too far wrong," says Lucy, noting chicken breast and lean turkey mince are good sources. 5. Move more generally. Increase your NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) by doing things like taking the stairs over the lift and walking home from an earlier train or tube station.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Ozempic-like fat jabs to be available on NHS at high street pharmacies WITHOUT having to see a GP
BRITS will be able to get Ozempic-style fat jabs from high street pharmacies, according to reports. Drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy could be available over the counter after a short consultation at the cost of an NHS prescription, they claim. 1 Right now, only a few can get their hands on the powerful jabs – and only after speaking to a doctor and trying other weight-loss methods first. Ministers are planning to massively widen access to the jabs through "creative" routes – including high street chemists, health centres and apps, according to the Daily Mail. The shake-up could slash wait times, making it far easier for eligible Brits to get the drug, with some currently stuck in a two-year queue. Once the deal is signed, Brits could walk into a pharmacy, have a quick check-up, and walk out with a month's supply - all for just £9.90, the same as an NHS prescription. This is substantially less than the £150-a-month cost of getting these injections privately. But the reports have been described as "speculative", with health experts warning obesity drugs must only be used under medical supervision by those who are eligible. A government spokesperson told Sky News: "As the government shifts the NHS from sickness to prevention, we will be looking across the board at how these drugs can be made available to more people who can benefit from them. "The NHS is already tackling obesity in innovative ways, including through community care models and digital technologies, to help deliver these drugs as part of a rounded package of care." Previous estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have suggested that 3.4 million people in England could benefit from weight loss injections. But last December, NICE said these jabs would only be available to 220,000 patients on the NHS in the first three years - meaning millions of others could end up waiting up to 12 years for treatment. In clinical trials, people lost 15 per cent to 20 per cent of their body weight, depending on the drug. They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) prepares to officially endorse weight-loss drugs to tackle obesity in adults for the first time. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are a hot media topic at the moment, with hundreds of success stories from people who shed the pounds. In March 2023, the NHS announced it would make Wegovy, a drug made by Danish firm Novo Nordisk, available on prescription to thousands of obese Brits. It contains the drug semaglutide, which is said to have helped reality star Kim Kardashian and Twitter boss Elon Musk lose weight. Wegovy, which helped a third of people reduce their weight by 20 per cent in trials, is now available from pharmacies like Boots. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less and therefore lose weight. To do this, semaglutide mimics the role of a natural hormone, called GLP-1. GLP-1 is part of the signalling pathway that tells your body you have eaten, and prepares it to use the energy that comes from your food. London GP and founder of Dr Zoe Watson, said: 'Your body naturally produces an appetite regulating hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. 'These jabs work by regulating your appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight.' Aren't they diabetes drugs? Semaglutide, the active drug in Wegovy, was originally sold under the name Ozempic specifically for diabetes patients. But people started noticing it helped suppress their appetites, stopping them eating as much and helping them shed the pounds. Novo Nordisk then developed Wegovy, which contains the same chemical but at higher doses specifically to aid weight loss. Wegovy is not prescribed for diabetes patients. Can I get them? Wegovy is offered on prescription to obese adults given specialist weight loss treatment. The NHS currently also offers a similar drug called Saxenda, or liraglutide. Both are only available throught specialist weight management services, which means you have to be referred to clinics led by experts. GPs can't prescribe them on their own, Dr Watson said. The jabs have to be taken as part of an overall programme to help with lifestyle changes and psychological support to get the best effect from the medication prescribed. Are there any risks? Like all medicines, the jabs do not come without side effects. 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. What other options are there? Mounjaro (brand name for tirzepatide) also came onto the market in early 2024. Like Wegovy, tirzepatide stems from a drug originally designed to treat diabetes. The weekly injection helped overweight people drop more than two stone in 18 months. It is available with to order with a prescription online from pharmacies including Superdrug and LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. It works in a similar way to Wegovy and Saxenda, but is more effective. Dr Mitra Dutt from LloydsPharmacy says: 'Based on clinical trials, 96 per cent of people were able to lose more than five per cent of their body fat using Mounjaro. In similar trials, 84 per cent of people lost more than five per cent of their body weight on Wegovy, and 60 per cent on Saxenda. 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity, and work to decrease food intake."
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent caution over new ‘Ozempic' side effect as scientists fear ‘tragic wave of people dying to lose weight'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BLOCKBUSTER 'Ozempic-style' fat jabs could increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, experts have warned. The injections' have allegedly helped celebrities including Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson, Sharon Osbourne and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to shed some pounds. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Scientists think fat jabs upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts Credit: Getty Since then, the medicine's popularity has sky skyrocketed, with private prescriptions for jabs like such as Mounjaro set to hit one million this year. But a new international study suggests the medicines could mess with mood-regulating hormone called dopamine. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'" study author, Dr Kenneth Blum, from Ariel University in California, US said. More than 2,000 patients on the drugs have already joined a Facebook group seeking help for panic attacks and severe anxiety. The page says: 'Our group is fast growing now, as more people start taking these meds and experiencing these scary side effects.' The findings come as the European Medicines Agency launches a review into GLP-1 drugs after reports of serious psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. The drugs mimic the action of GLP-1 by making us feel full and helping people eat less. They are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their dual benefits in blood sugar control and weight management. For weight loss, GLP-1s target appetite regulation centres in the brain, increasing the sensation of fullness and reducing hunger. There are many treatments available on the NHS to help with low mood and depression They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But experts have warned about serious side effects too, including stomach paralysis, pancreas inflammation, and even vision loss. In February, The Sun revealed that 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The details of why they died were not shared. Earlier this year, an eight-year study of 160,000 obese patients found those on the drugs were nearly three times more likely to suffer depression and suicidal behaviour. The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found people on the drugs were twice as likely to have anxiety, compared to those not taking them. The latest analysis, by scientists in the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, found long-term use of these drugs could disrupt signals sent by dopamine in the brain, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. Dopamine, often called the 'feel-good' chemical, helps control pleasure and reward in the brain. A review last year by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) did not find a link between the jabs and suicide risks. In a new study, published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology, scientists looked at people with low dopamine activity - a condition linked to mood problems. 2 Using computer models, they found that GLP-1 drugs may affect how certain dopamine-related genes work, like DRD3, BDNF and CREB1. This could upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers are now urging clinicians not to over-prescribe the drugs, and consider genetic tests to better protect those who are already at a high risk of developing depression. Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University, said: "While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm. "This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription." Professor Panayotis K. Thanos of Buffalo University added: "Before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists, it would be prudent to use genetic testing tools to assess a patient's dopamine function and addiction risk profile." Wegovy and Mounjaro both warnings about possible mood changes, including depression on the medicine box.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent caution over new ‘Ozempic' side effect as scientists fear ‘tragic wave of people dying to lose weight'
BLOCKBUSTER 'Ozempic-style' fat jabs could increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, experts have warned. The injections' have allegedly helped celebrities including Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson, Sharon Osbourne and ex-Prime Minister to shed some pounds. Since then, the medicine's popularity has sky skyrocketed, with private prescriptions for jabs like such as Mounjaro set to hit one million this year. But a new international study suggests the medicines could mess with mood-regulating hormone called dopamine. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'" study author, Dr Kenneth Blum, from Ariel University in California, US said. More than 2,000 patients on the drugs have already joined a Facebook group seeking help for panic attacks and severe anxiety. The page says: 'Our group is fast growing now, as more people start taking these meds and experiencing these scary side effects.' The findings come as the European Medicines Agency launches a review into GLP-1 drugs after reports of serious psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. The drugs mimic the action of GLP-1 by making us feel full and helping people eat less. They are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their dual benefits in blood sugar control and weight management. For weight loss, GLP-1s target appetite regulation centres in the brain, increasing the sensation of fullness and reducing hunger. There are many treatments available on the NHS to help with low mood and depression They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But experts have warned about serious side effects too, including stomach paralysis, pancreas inflammation, and even vision loss. In February, The Sun revealed that 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The details of why they died were not shared. Earlier this year, an eight-year study of 160,000 obese patients found those on the drugs were nearly three times more likely to suffer depression and suicidal behaviour. The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found people on the drugs were twice as likely to have anxiety, compared to those not taking them. The latest analysis, by scientists in the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, found long-term use of these drugs could disrupt signals sent by dopamine in the brain, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. Dopamine, often called the 'feel-good' chemical, helps control pleasure and reward in the brain. A review last year by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) did not find a link between the jabs and suicide risks. In a new study, published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology, scientists looked at people with low dopamine activity - a condition linked to mood problems. 2 Using computer models, they found that GLP-1 drugs may affect how certain dopamine-related genes work, like DRD3, BDNF and CREB1. This could upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers are now urging clinicians not to over-prescribe the drugs, and consider genetic tests to better protect those who are already at a high risk of developing depression. Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University, said: "While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm. "This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription." Professor Panayotis K. Thanos of Buffalo University added: "Before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists, it would be prudent to use genetic testing tools to assess a patient's dopamine function and addiction risk profile." Wegovy and Mounjaro both warnings about possible mood changes, including depression on the medicine box. 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.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent caution over new ‘Ozempic' side effect as scientists fear ‘tragic wave of people dying to lose weight'
BLOCKBUSTER 'Ozempic-style' fat jabs could increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, experts have warned. have allegedly helped celebrities including Sun columnist Jeremy Clarkson , Sharon Osbourne and ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to shed some pounds. 2 Scientists think fat jabs upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts Credit: Getty Since then, the medicine's popularity has sky skyrocketed, with private prescriptions for jabs like such as But a new international study suggests the medicines could mess with mood-regulating hormone called dopamine. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'" study author, Dr Kenneth Blum, from Ariel University in California, US said. More than 2,000 patients on the drugs have already Read more on fat jabs The page says: 'Our group is fast growing now, as more people start taking these meds and experiencing these scary side effects.' The findings come as the European Medicines Agency launches a review into GLP-1 drugs after reports of serious psychiatric side effects, including GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and The drugs mimic the action of GLP-1 by making us feel full and helping people eat less. Most read in Health They are used in the treatment of For weight loss, GLP-1s target There are many treatments available on the NHS to help with low mood and depression They've also been shown to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But experts have warned about serious side effects too, including stomach paralysis, pancreas inflammation, and even vision loss. In February, The Sun revealed that 82 Brits have died after using weight-loss and diabetes jabs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. The details of why they died were not shared. Earlier this year, an eight-year study of 160,000 obese patients found those on the drugs were nearly three times more likely to suffer depression and suicidal behaviour. The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found people on the drugs were twice as likely to have The latest analysis, by scientists in the US, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, found long-term use of these drugs could disrupt signals sent by dopamine in the brain, potentially leading to depressive symptoms. Dopamine, often called the 'feel-good' chemical, helps control pleasure and reward in the brain. A review last year by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) did not find a link between the jabs and suicide risks. In a new study, published in the journal 2 Using computer models, they found that GLP-1 drugs may affect how certain dopamine-related genes work, like DRD3, BDNF and CREB1. T his could upset dopamine levels in the brain and raise the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers are now urging clinicians not to over-prescribe the drugs, and consider genetic tests to better protect those who are already at a high risk of developing depression. Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University, said: "While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm. "This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription." Professor Panayotis K. Thanos of Buffalo University added: "Before prescribing GLP1 receptor agonists, it would be prudent to use genetic testing tools to assess a patient's dopamine function and addiction risk profile." Wegovy and Mounjaro both warnings about possible mood changes, including depression on the medicine box. 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.
