EXCLUSIVE At 35, I knew I was drinking too much. Then a miracle treatment finally helped me stop at 'just one or two' - and women are hailing it as a 'game-changer'
But not everyone who reaches that point is an alcoholic - far from it.
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Major autism breakthrough could revolutionise treatments and care
Researchers have taken a 'transformative step' towards understanding the biology underlying autism after discovering four subtypes of the genetic condition. Scientists at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation analysed data from 5,000 children in SPARK, an autism cohort study, to group individuals based on their combination of traits. Instead of searching for genetic links to certain traits, researchers considered a range of over 230 traits in each individual, from social interactions to repetitive behaviours to developmental milestones. From this analysis, they were able to identify four subtypes of autism with different patterns of genetic variation. 'What we're seeing is not just one biological story of autism, but multiple distinct narratives," said Natalie Sauerwald, associate research scientist at the Flatiron Institute and co-lead author. 'This helps explain why past genetic studies often fell short—it was like trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle without realizing we were actually looking at multiple different puzzles mixed together. We couldn't see the full picture, the genetic patterns, until we first separated individuals into subtypes.' The four subtypes were Social and Behavioral Challenges, Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay, Moderate Challenges, and Broadly Affected. The first type relates to children reaching developmental milestones at a similar pace to children without autism, but they often experience co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety or depression. The second type showed a delay in reaching developmental milestones but with no signs of co-occurring conditions. The third type, Moderate Challenges, shows core autism-related behaviours but less strongly than other groups, reaching milestones at a similar pace to children without autism and with no co-occurring conditions. The fourth type faces the most extreme and wide-ranging challenges. The first and third types were the most common, with 37 per cent and 34 per cent of participants found to be in each group, respectively, while the second and fourth types were the least common, with 19 per cent and 10 per cent of participants in each group. The findings highlight how genetic differences 'suggest distinct mechanisms behind superficially similar clinical presentations'. For example, children in both the Broadly Affected and Mixed ASD groups share some important traits, such as developmental delay and intellectual disability, but the former group showed the highest proportion of de novo mutations, which are not inherited from either parent, whereas the latter group was more likely to carry rare inherited genetic variants. The findings do not mean there are only four subtypes of autism; they establish the discovery of a data-driven framework showing there are at least four, and that they are meaningful both for clinical work and research at the genome level. For families navigating autism, knowing which subtype of autism their child has can offer new clarity, tailored care, support and community.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
The golden dose of Mounjaro that helps you shift the MOST weight – and why it's OK to still be hungry on the jab
EXPERTS have revealed the golden dose of Mounjaro that helps shift the most weight - and it's not the highest one. Weight loss jab users tend to start on lower doses and gradually increase them as their body adjusts, to a maximum of 15mg. 1 Many assume that anything under the maximum won't be "enough" to produce results. But analysis of patients taking the jab found that most - 86 per cent - lost significant amounts of weight at 10mg or lower. In fact, some of the best outcomes were seen at doses of 7.5mg, rather than the maximum 15mg. Patients on this dose - just 5mg above the starter amount of 2.5mg - had the highest average weight loss. Kiran Jones, clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: 'This study reinforces that healthy, sustainable weight loss is possible without excessive pressure or maximal dosing." The analysis is based on anonymised data from 100 patients who were prescribed Mounjaro with Oxford Online Pharmacy. The data was collected in April 2025 and patients who were at various points in their treatment rather than all starting at the same time, as would happen for a study in a clinical setting. Researchers collected information such as patients' current dose, their starting body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of body weight lost. All the patients included in the audit got started on the recommended starting dose of 2.5mg. "Starting low helps the body adjust gradually to the medication and minimises early side effects," the report authors explained. I went on fat jabs but the hair loss was unbelievable so I quit - I'd rather be chubby with hair than skinny and bald Just over half - 51- of the patients were taking 5mg of Mounjaro at the time. Meanwhile, eight people were on 7.5mg, 27 people were on 10mg, one on 12.5mg and 13 on 15mg. Patients in the analysis lost up to 39kg. "Our audit showed that healthy, sustainable weight loss occurred at all Mounjaro dose levels," the report authors said. "There was a general trend of greater weight loss at higher doses, mirroring what has been found in clinical trials. "However, in our audit, the upward dose-dependent trend was not perfectly linear." This means that people on the highest doses didn't necessarily lose the most weight. The 7.5mg group had the highest average weight loss, followed by 15mg. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. "At first glance, this might suggest that 7.5mg is more effective than the highest dose," researchers explained. "However, while some patients on 7.5mg achieved greater weight loss than those on higher doses, others lost far less. "This variability highlights the highly individual response to Mounjaro. Outcomes are shaped not just by dose, but by lifestyle, health status, adherence, and other personal factors." Researchers noted that that smaller group sizes for some dosage amounts - just eight patients on 7.5mg and 13 on 15mg - make the results sensitive to outliers. This means that if someone lost much more weight than others in the same group, this could be skewing the averages worked out by the report authors. "A larger dataset would help smooth these fluctuations and better reflect true trends," they said. "Still, the fact that peak average weight loss occurred at a lower dose is meaningful. "It reinforces that the maximum dose isn't required to see meaningful results." The BMI patients started at did seem to influence weight loss results. Those with a BMI over 40 when they started taking the jabs were more likely to shed over 20 per cent of their body weight. "Patients with higher BMIs who achieved greater weight loss were more likely to be on higher doses of 10mg or more, but this was not always the case," the researchers said. "Some patients achieved significant results at moderate doses like 5mg or 7.5mg, reinforcing that dose alone doesn't determine success and that response to Mounjaro is highly individual." The study authors noted that they couldn't draw conclusions about how quickly patients were able to shed pounds on Mounjaro, as they didn't collect data on overall treatment duration, starting date, or how quickly people upped their dose. They also advised caution in interpreting the results, especially for the higher dose groups that had fewer people in them. Is it normal to be hungry on the jabs? A common misconception among jab users is that they shouldn't feel any hunger at all while taking them. This can lead to unnecessary concerns about whether their current dose is working, especially when they're taking lower doses. One of the ways GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro work is by calming hunger signals in the brain, helping patients feel satisfied with smaller portions. But they do not and should not eliminate hunger altogether. "Hunger is the body's way of signalling it needs fuel, and even patients on higher doses like 12.5mg or 15mg should feel hunger at times," the report authors noted. Kiran added: 'People think these medicines switch off hunger completely, but that's not how they work. "Being able to eat is normal. Success looks different for everyone, and often, the biggest wins are quiet ones: more energy, less breathlessness, and better sleep. 'Becoming healthier without extreme diets or private clinics is a powerful example of what good, regulated care can achieve. Patients need safety, not pressure.' 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.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Children's social media activity ‘highlights stress of living with health issue'
Research led by the University of Plymouth used AI language models to analyse sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 paediatric patients and their caregivers on social media. In particular, they wanted to assess young people's opinions regarding their care and experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the impact that had on their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Using anonymous data sourced from the Care Opinion platform, they found that of the narratives analysed, almost 94% of the comments posted were classed as negative and less than 6% were positive. More than six out of 10 negative comments were classed as being associated with sadness, with feelings of fear – at almost one in every six comments – also being prevalent. Children with conditions such as cancer, asthma, chronic pain and mental health conditions showed particularly high emotional distress, highlighting the emotional burden of managing multiple long-term health issues. The Covid-19 pandemic was also shown to exacerbate the negative sentiments, particularly sadness and disgust, with patients expressing frustration with the healthcare system while isolation and disrupted care routines triggered intense emotional responses. While just 6% of the comments were classed as positive, the study found that most of them related to effective communication, compassionate care, and successful treatment outcomes. The researchers say the study highlights the importance of supporting vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions, and the need for integrated care approaches to both physical and emotional well-being. Professor of e-Health Shang-Ming Zhou led the research, and its data analysis was carried out by MSc data science and business analytics student Israel Oluwalade. Prof Zhou, a recognised expert in the use of AI to analyse health data, said: 'To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to analyse the sentiments and emotions of paediatric patients using social media data. 'Our findings bring to light the deeply emotional journey patients with multiple long-term health issues go through and fills a critical gap in knowledge for healthcare professionals and agencies. 'It also highlights the disproportionate emotional burden faced by paediatric patients with multiple health issues and their caregivers during the pandemic, showing the need for targeted interventions to address emotional responses during public health emergencies.' Mr Oluwalade added: 'As I worked through the dataset, I was particularly struck by how clearly children's emotional responses aligned with specific comorbidity patterns. 'For example, fear and sadness were especially dominant among those discussing multiple hospital visits or long-term medication. 'What also surprised me most was the unexpectedly high frequency of 'satisfaction' and 'amazement' in posts referencing kind staff or successful treatment episodes. 'It reminded me how digital expressions can reflect not only distress but also resilience and hope, even among young patients with complex conditions.' – The study, Comorbidities and emotions – unpacking the sentiments of paediatric patients with multiple long-term conditions through social media feedback: A large language model-driven study, is published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
