Latest news with #CrystalWyllie
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro, ask a fifth of users
While many have found GLP-1 treatments to help shed pounds quickly, others have reported struggling, with around a fifth not losing the weight they'd expected. Weight loss plateaus are common, but in many cases, the reasons are identifiable and fixable, say doctors. The new weight management medication 'Tirzepatide' (brand name Mounjaro®) is shortly being made available to NHS patients to support weight loss. Access is prioritised for those with the greatest clinical need. You can find out more at: — NHS Cheshire and Merseyside (@NHSCandM) June 24, 2025 'While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point," says Dr. Crystal Wyllie from online health service Zava. "To enhance your results, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and aim to reach the appropriate maintenance dose, as higher doses are generally associated with greater benefits. However, if you're experiencing side effects, it's perfectly acceptable to step up more slowly. "Your GP may recommend staying on a lower dose for longer until your body adjusts, comfort and tolerability should always guide the pace of titration. "Beyond medication, factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, managing stress, and getting enough sleep play a vital role in supporting your weight loss journey. If progress stalls despite these efforts, consulting your healthcare provider is essential to evaluate your plan and make necessary adjustments. "For individuals who find Mounjaro less effective or unsuitable, there are several other weight loss medications to consider. Injectable options like Wegovy and Nevolat work similarly by curbing appetite, while oral medications such as Orlistat, Xenical, and the over-the-counter Alli provide different mechanisms to support weight loss. Each treatment has unique advantages and considerations, so working closely with your doctor ensures you receive the safest and most personalised approach to achieve your goals.' Review your ICB's local policy about treating patients with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in a primary care setting and visit: — We are Primary Care (@PrimaryCareNHS) June 27, 2025 Zava say there are the most common reasons the weight loss injection Mounjaro may not be working as expected, and what you can do to get back on track. Incorrect medication use or dosage Mounjaro's effectiveness often increases as you move up the dosage ladder. The medication is typically titrated slowly to reduce side effects, eventually reaching maintenance doses of up to 15mg per week. If you're still on a lower dose or haven't advanced as recommended, your weight loss may be limited. Consistency is crucial. Skipping doses, delaying titration, or not following your provider's schedule can reduce the medication's impact. Many people don't feel the full effect until 8–12 weeks in, so patience and adherence are key. You should give Mounjaro at least three months before judging its effectiveness. If you're experiencing side effects, it's absolutely fine to remain at a lower dose for longer. ZAVA healthcare providers advise stepping up more slowly if you're not tolerating side effects well, there's no need to push through discomfort. You can always increase the dose later once your body has adjusted. Comfort and tolerability are just as important as consistency for long-term success. Poor diet and lack of exercise While Mounjaro helps reduce appetite, it doesn't override the fundamental rule of weight loss: you must burn more calories than you consume. Even with a smaller appetite, eating more than your body needs will still cause progress to stall. To maintain an effective calorie deficit for weight loss, men are generally advised to consume around 1,900 calories per day (down from the typical 2,500), while women should aim for about 1,400 calories per day (down from around 2,000). Healthy diet tips: Be strict with calorie tracking until portion control becomes second nature Aim for a 600-calorie daily deficit to lose weight steadily Prioritise whole foods over high-sugar, high-fat processed options Follow a diet plan tailored to your needs, and explore healthy recipe ideas to stay on track Also, remember that initial weight loss may come from water, especially if you've reduced salt or started exercising. As your body adjusts, weight loss may temporarily plateau or appear to reverse. Finally, stay hydrated and limit alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with your metabolism and reduce the effectiveness of Mounjaro. 🧵Weight loss jab roll out 'positive for patients' but with implications for general practice that must be considered. Our Chair Kamila Hawthorne has featured widely in the national press and broadcast media responding to the phased roll-out of Mounjaro prescriptions by NHS… — Royal College of General Practitioners (@rcgp) June 23, 2025 Stress and sleep issues Chronic stress and poor sleep are major weight loss blockers. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone linked to fat retention, especially around the abdomen. Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (fullness hormone), making you more likely to overeat and less likely to move. You're also more impulsive and less motivated when sleep-deprived, making it harder to stick to your diet and exercise routine. As a solution, prioritise stress management techniques (like mindfulness or journaling), and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Health conditions and medications Medical issues such as PCOS, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can all interfere with weight loss. Similarly, certain medications (like antidepressants or steroids) may cause weight gain or inhibit fat loss. If weight loss stalls despite doing everything right, consult your GP to rule out or address any underlying conditions. If you have a known medical condition, it's important to stay up to date with your routine reviews and inform your GP or specialist about any weight loss treatments you're using. Regular follow-up helps ensure your treatment plan remains safe and effective. More Mounjaro news... Unrealistic expectations It's natural to hope for rapid results, especially with a promising medication like Mounjaro. But weight loss is a long-term process. Initial drops (often water weight) can be misleading. Progress will slow, and that's okay. Avoid comparing yourself to others or obsessively checking the scale. Focus on consistency, not speed. Your journey is unique, and sustainable weight loss takes time. Lack of support Motivation by itself often isn't enough. Without support from those who understand your goals, the journey can feel lonely and overwhelming. Lean on friends and family who encourage you Join online communities or local support groups, including NHS-recommended programs Consider working with a dietitian or coach for personalised guidance and accountability Before beginning any weight loss treatment, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. These treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Weight loss jabs won't help you shift the pounds if you're still doing these things
With Mounjaro being rolled out at GPs down south, experts have listed the reasons why people getting the jabs may still not lose weight As the NHS down south begins rolling out weight-loss injections through GPs, demand is expected to rise sharply. However, with only around 220,000 patients eligible over the next three years, access may not be as easy as many expect. One particular injectable drawing significant notice and media coverage is Mounjaro, or Tirzepatide, to give it its medical name, initially developed for the management of type 2 diabetes. The medication has been licensed in the UK for obesity treatment since November 2024, earning acclaim for its effectiveness in facilitating substantial weight loss. Other injectable treatments include Wegovy and Nevolat. "While Mounjaro is an effective medication for weight loss, it's normal to encounter a plateau at some point," Dr. Crystal Wyllie at ZAVA explained. "With the NHS rollout still limited, many people won't qualify straight away, so understanding your full range of options is crucial.... working closely with your doctor is key to finding the safest and most personalised approach." As Mounjaro becomes more widely available, experts at ZAVA want to remind users what to expect, why it might not always work as expected, and how to avoid common setbacks. Incorrect medication use or dosage Mounjaro's effectiveness often increases as you move up the dosage ladder, ZAVA healthcare providers advise. The medication is typically titrated slowly to reduce side effects, eventually reaching maintenance doses of up to 15mg per week. If you're still on a lower dose or haven't advanced as recommended, your weight loss may be limited. Consistency is crucial. Skipping doses, delaying titration, or not following your provider's schedule can reduce the medication's impact. Many people don't feel the full effect until 8–12 weeks in, so patience and adherence are key. You should give Mounjaro at least three months before judging its effectiveness. If you're experiencing side effects, it's absolutely fine to remain at a lower dose for longer. Step up more slowly if you're not tolerating side effects well, there's no need to push through discomfort. You can always increase the dose later once your body has adjusted. Comfort and tolerability are just as important as consistency for long-term success. Poor diet and lack of exercise Weight loss jabs don't override the fundamental rule of weight loss - you must burn more calories than you consume. Even with a smaller appetite, eating more than your body needs will still cause progress to stall. Healthy diet tips: Be strict with calorie tracking until portion control becomes second nature Aim for a calorie daily deficit to lose weight steadily Prioritise whole foods over high-sugar, high-fat processed options Follow a diet tailored to your needs, and explore healthy recipe ideas to stay on track Stay hydrated and limit alcohol Stress and sleep issues Chronic stress and poor sleep are major weight loss blockers. Stress increases cortisol, a hormone linked to fat retention, especially around the abdomen. Sleep deprivation increases ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreases leptin (fullness hormone), making you more likely to overeat and less likely to move. You're also more impulsive and less motivated when sleep-deprived, making it harder to stick to your diet and exercise routine. Prioritise stress management techniques (like mindfulness or journaling), and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Health conditions and medications Medical issues such as PCOS, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or insulin resistance can all interfere with weight loss. Similarly, certain medications (like antidepressants or steroids) may cause weight gain or inhibit fat loss. If weight loss stalls despite doing everything right, consult your GP to rule out or address any underlying conditions. If you have a known medical condition, keep on top of your routine reviews and inform your GP or specialist about any weight loss treatments you're using. Follow-up helps ensure your treatment plan remains safe and effective. Unrealistic expectations Weight loss is a long-term process. Initial drops (often water weight) can be misleading. Progress will slow, and that's okay. Avoid comparing yourself to others or obsessively checking the scale. Focus on consistency, not speed. Your journey is unique, and sustainable weight loss takes time. Lack of support Motivation by itself often isn't enough. Without support from those who understand your goals, the journey can feel lonely and overwhelming. Lean on friends and family who encourage you. Join online communities or local support groups, including NHS-recommended programs. Consider working with a dietitian or coach for personalised guidance and accountability Before beginning any weight loss treatment, please consult your GP or healthcare professional. These treatments may not be suitable for everyone. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Metro
15-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Metro
Map reveals the UK cities who have the longest-lasting sex sessions
Sexual stamina is often seen as a flex in the bedroom, but there's one UK city that's putting the rest of us to shame. The residents of Glasgow are truly going the distance, having penetrative sex for an average of 29 minutes and 41 seconds — and that's before you even factor in foreplay. It's particularly impressive given that men typically ejaculate less than six minutes into sex, according to Dr Crystal Wyllie. But the Asda Online Doctor survey of more than 2,000 Brits revealed that Scots aren't the only ones who like to take their time in the bedroom. Finishing (pun intended) a close second was Belfast, with an average sex session of 28 minutes and 22 seconds, closely followed by Sheffield, whose residents pride themselves on having sex for an average of 27 minutes and 28 seconds. Coming (pun also intended) in at fourth was Liverpool, where locals spend 26 minutes and 16 seconds doing the deed on average. You'll want to be careful here though, because the city also has 21,000 cases of chlamydia – the highest of anywhere in the country. Rounding out the top five was Norwich with an average duration is 25 minutes and 55 seconds. This is interesting given it's also the city where the most people are seeking divorce – but then, there's nothing like a post-breakup rendezvous. Next on the list was Nottingham at 25 minutes and 53 seconds, while Plymouth and Leeds followed with 24 minutes and 55 seconds, and 24 minutes and 33 seconds. Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom? Sign up to The Hook-Up and we'll slide into your inbox every week with all the latest sex and dating stories from Metro. We can't wait for you to join us! Londoners only managed to claim the number 10 spot, a whole 50 seconds behind Southamptoners whose romps last 23 minutes and 57 seconds. If you're feeling like you're not quite living up to these lofty heights, don't lose sleep over it. The preferred national average for sex is actually 23 minutes and 45 seconds, but it differs between men and women. Men prefer things to last for more than two minutes longer than women, and just 15% of guys think good sex lasts between five to 10 minutes compared to 18% of women. Either way, gay and lesbian couples blow straight couples out the water, citing 41 minutes as their ideal length of time to have sex. Two thirds of Brits admit their mind has wandered during sex, but if it's not love on the brain, what is it? For women, work stress is the most common distraction with more than 22% thinking about their career. More than one in five also think about household chores or errands, while financial worries are on 19% of women's minds. Men were slightly different, with their most common thought (21%) being an ex-partner. More Trending A further 18% have been distracted by thinking about a friend, followed by celebrities (16%), a work colleague (13%) and their partner's best friend (9%) or partner's sibling (7%). Work stress and financial worries were also prevalent thoughts for 17% and 11% of men respectively. If they're trying to keep going for well over 20 minutes though, maybe a little mental tangent is to be expected. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Liam Gallagher brands decision to deny Sheffield's Leadmill eviction appeal 'scandalous' MORE: Ryanair beware, a new UK airline is about to take off MORE: Plastic surgeons share the common cosmetic procedure they'd never get
Epoch Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Rethinking BMI: Scientists Propose Body Fat Percentage as a Replacement
Scientists have pinpointed the critical thresholds at which body fat becomes hazardous—30 percent for men and 42 percent for women—providing a more precise and reliable measure than body mass index (BMI) for evaluating obesity-related health risks. A recent Health risks for men start at 30 percent body fat, while women show no signs of metabolic syndrome at this level. Men who are considered 'overweight' by BMI standards generally have a body fat percentage of 25 percent. Overweight men make up about 5 percent of men with metabolic syndrome. None of the men with less than 18 percent body fat had metabolic syndrome. Women who are overweight by BMI standards have around 36 percent body fat, and those who are obese by BMI standards have 42 percent body fat. BMI Has Significant Limitations These findings challenge decades of reliance on BMI, which cannot account for muscle mass, bone density, body composition, and fat distribution. Related Stories 1/24/2025 7/3/2023 BMI simply looks at the overall weight relative to height, which means people with very different bodies can end up with similar BMI scores, said Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a UK-registered doctor and part of the clinical team at Asda Online Doctor by ZAVA, in an interview with The Epoch Times. A bodybuilder may have a high BMI but low body fat, while an older adult could have high body fat and still fall within a normal BMI range, she added. The research highlights significant discrepancies between BMI and body fat measurements. While BMI categorizes people as overweight at over 25 and obese at over 30, these thresholds don't fully capture health risks. Some people with 'BMI doesn't provide any information about the distribution of fat, which is important as high levels of abdominal fat are associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease,' Wyllie said, adding that it also fails to reflect differences in metabolism or fitness. 'Two people with the same BMI may have different levels of fitness and overall health. It's essential to consider other factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar control, and lifestyle to gain a clearer picture.' By shifting to body fat percentage measurements, health care providers could gain a more accurate insight into health risks linked to body fat. Body Fat Percentage Allows More Targeted Interventions According to Emily Feivor, a registered dietitian at Northwell Health in New York, body fat percentage can be measured in a few ways. These methods include using skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, which utilizes a small electrical current, and underwater weighing—also called hydrostatic weighing—which measures body density to estimate body fat. The researchers argue that adopting body fat percentage as a standard measurement could lead to better-targeted health interventions, allowing for more personalized care plans. As dietitians, body fat percentage gives us a chance to better educate patients on how their eating habits influence body composition, Feivor said. 'The more we know about their body composition, the more accurately dietitians can better calculate energy and nutrient needs.' The researchers concluded that 'obesity-related diseases may be more effectively managed by moving away from anthropometric estimations of adiposity to direct measurement of the fat component.' Direct measurement provides a more accurate picture of adiposity and fat distribution, which are key factors in predicting disease risk and guiding treatment.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Woman ‘contracts incurable disease' at karaoke bar after ‘holding microphone too close to her face'
A KARAOKE session turned into a night to forget for a reveller who claims to have contracted herpes while singing. The woman from Zhejiang, China, believes to have caught the virus after getting too close to the mic. 2 There is no cure for herpes - it remains in the body for life Credit: Getty She said she noticed blisters forming around her lips after the night out. Although they were 'extremely swollen, painful, and itchy', she didn't think too much of them as they subsided after taking medication. However, the blisters resurfaced again which is how she eventually found out she had herpes. She's certain to have contracted the virus from the microphone at the karaoke bar and decided to share her experience to warn others. Read more on herpes In a post on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, the unnamed woman said: '[I have to] carry this virus for life. There is no medication available to treat it. There is only medication to relieve the pain but the symptoms are recurring.' She added the blisters have resurfaced repeatedly around her mouth and nose since the infamous night out in 2017 - and started appearing on her cheek this year. The woman didn't reveal what type of herpes she caught but there are two main types. HSV-1 is the kind that causes cold sores while HSV-2 typically causes Most read in Health There is no cure for either virus as once caught, they remain in the body for life. Dr Crystal Wyllie at Double dipping really CAN give you nasty bugs - including norovirus and herpes She explained: "For someone to catch oral herpes from a microphone, someone with an active cold sore would have to speak or sing very closely to the microphone – leaving saliva or virus on the surface – and someone would then have to press the same contaminated area of the mic firmly against their lips. "This also assumes the virus has survived outside of the body (on the microphone which is extremely uncommon for HSV – the virus responsible for cold sores)." While the risk of catching herpes from a microphone is extremely unlikely, Dr Wyllie said if there is concern that someone with an active cold sore has used the microphone previously, you could avoid using it or wipe the microphone before use. She added: "The most common way to catch oral herpes is direct skin-to-skin contact with someone with an active cold sore (or during their shedding phase which usually comes one to two days before before blisters show)." According to recent figures, it's estimated around 70 per cent of the UK population carries the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes, or cold sores, while HSV-2 usually causes However, both types can infect either the mouth or genitals. The most common symptom of HSV-1 is a cold sore, a painful blister that appears on the lips, around the mouth, or inside the mouth. Other symptoms can include tingling, itching, or burning sensations before the blisters appear, as well as fever, HSV-2 can manifest with a range of symptoms, from no noticeable symptoms to recurring outbreaks of painful blisters and sores. Initial outbreaks often involve flu-like symptoms while recurring outbreaks tend to be less severe and shorter. The best way to avoid HSV-1 is to avoid close contact with people who have active outbreaks, especially kissing or oral sex, and to practice good hygiene. This includes avoiding sharing items like utensils, cups, and towels, and washing hands frequently, especially after touching a cold sore. The most effective way to avoid HSV-2 is to practice safer sex, including consistently using condoms during all sexual activity, and avoiding sexual contact when symptoms like sores or outbreaks are present. Reducing the number of sexual partners and getting tested for STIs also helps. 2 The woman claims to have caught herpes from the microphone at a karaoke bar Credit: Getty Can herpes be treated? WHILE there is no cure for herpes, treatment can help manage symptoms. Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, can help reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks. Other treatments may include pain relief medications and topical creams to soothe the sores. The NHS also recommends things you can do at home to manage cold sores and genital herpes. Cold sores avoid anything that triggers your cold sores, such as sunbeds use sunblock lip balm (SPF 15 or above) if you're outside in the sun take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and swelling (liquid paracetamol is available for children) – do not give aspirin to children under 16 drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration Genital herpes keep the area clean using plain or salt water to prevent blisters becoming infected apply an ice pack wrapped in a flannel to soothe pain apply petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) or painkilling cream (such as 5 per cent lidocaine) to reduce pain when you pee wash your hands before and after applying cream or jelly pee while pouring water over your genitals to ease the pain
