Latest news with #CraigCooper
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
My fiance lost six stone on fat jabs but secret sex side effect forced me to take drastic action in the bedroom
CRAIG Cooper's relentless advances are met with an exhausted sigh from his fiancee Kayla Goodearl as she nestles deeper into the sofa cushions. 'Not tonight, please,' the mum-of-six groans, dodging his eager attempts. 5 5 But social media manager Craig's newfound ' Mounjaro Mojo ' — a turbocharged libido sparked by his astonishing six-stone weight loss — is relentless. The bedroom has become a battleground of desire versus exhaustion, where a temporary sex ban — initiated by stay-at-home mum Kayla, 35 — was the only thing standing between them and chaos. 'It had to be done, it was driving me crazy,' says Kayla, from Rochester, Kent. 'The weight-loss jabs had got him pumped up and he now has a superman libido. 'It was like he was taking daily doses of Viagra, so I had to put him on a sex ban so I could catch up with him. 'His new mojo was initially fun. 'But having to be a full-time mum to six kids, while having a super-active sex life became exhausting.' Before Craig, 42, started taking the Mounjaro jabs, the couple's sex life had dipped dramatically due to having two babies under two. 'Our youngest child is 14 months, and we also have a two-year-old daughter, so we're constantly running around, plus they are co-sleeping with us,' says Kayla, who also has four children of her own. 'They want mine and Craig's attention at all times, so our sex life took a nose dive. Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons 'We would have high hopes at the beginning of the day, but as the hours passed sex became the last thing on my mind.' When the pair first met back in January 2022, they enjoyed regular sex — but that soon felt like a long distance memory. She says: 'Before our two kids, I would say we had a healthy sex life and did it around once a week, maybe twice. "But having such young kids kept us busy, while also taking up most of our energy. 'Of course at the time, I would wish for it to be better as we would go weeks — sometimes even two months — without doing the deed, and that thought would always be at the back of my mind. 'I didn't want things to fizzle out, but naturally the kids took all my time up.' But when Craig began taking Mounjaro in December last year things quickly changed. The decision to start the jabs came after he reached 20st and, at 5ft 2in, had a BMI of 51.4, making him morbidly obese and at risk of type two diabetes and heart disease. 'I soon realised I needed to be careful of what I wished for,' she says. 'Since he has taken on Mounjaro, Craig's libido has the activation button on at all times. 'I COULDN'T KEEP UP' 'He asks for it morning, noon and night. But I've got six kids. 'Where does he think I find the time? "'At first I didn't think much of it, I thought it was more that he had this new-found confidence. 'It was exhilarating and it really did reignite the spark between us — it was like we were teenagers all over again. 'It could be anywhere in the house. 'In the laundry room, the bathroom or even the kitchen, you name it, he wanted it there. 'Sometimes we have guests over, or the kids are in the house and he wants a quickie. 'Don't get me wrong, I love his new body — and the attraction is certainly there but I couldn't keep up. 'I would never get anything done if I hadn't put the sex ban in place. 'Four months down the line, in March, I had no other option but to ban Craig from the bedroom and make him sleep on the sofa. 'I also felt that soon enough we were going to get caught by one of the kids.' 'Initially he was gobsmacked. 'Then he groaned that I didn't understand. His increased libido combined with his body going completely 'off script' put me off sex even more Kayla Goodearl 'I stood my ground and, he realised: happy wife, happy life. And I needed space.' A new study from Lloyds Pharmacy reveals that over three-quarters of people say their body image affects their sex drive, rising to 82 per cent for women. Interestingly, 30 per cent of respondents discussed how weight loss improved their libido, with an equal amount commenting on their improved confidence and self-esteem, as well as increased energy levels, and improved relationship dynamics. Dr Tom Curtis, Clinical Head of Obesity at weight-loss programme Voy, says that it's not uncommon for patients taking weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro to report an increase in their sex drive. 'It's usually as a result of the weight loss itself rather than a direct effect of the medication,' he explains. 'Significant weight loss can have a powerful effect on confidence, self-image, and energy levels, all of which can reignite desire and intimacy. 'Biologically, there are also benefits. 'In men, weight loss can improve testosterone levels and blood flow. 'In women, it can help rebalance hormones such as oestrogen and insulin, which may improve mood and sexual responsiveness.' More typical side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach upset, heartburn and even hair loss. 'Craig had a tsunami of side effects, from Mounjaro moodiness, to constipation, farting, diarrhoea and bad breath,' Kayla explains. 'His increased libido combined with his body going completely 'off script' put me off sex even more. 5 Craig says: 'The jab has the same effect on me as taking Viagra - I used it once as a laugh and it was great. 'Imagine wanting sex constantly but everything is preventing it. 'At times I wanted to cry but I just had to laugh. 'I couldn't even get a snog from the missus. 'The jabs got me all pumped up and Kayla had had enough, so I understand it can get tiring for her. 'No one tells you about the secret Viagra-like effect of the jabs. 'I was hot to trot but Kayla was not.' A new study published in Andrologia, a research journal focusing on male infertility and sexual disorders, has confirmed that weight loss, particularly in obese or overweight individuals using weight-loss jabs, leads to improved erectile function. This is attributed to better cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, and increased testosterone levels. This finding comes despite some men reporting erectile dysfunction while using these jabs. Craig pays £160 a month for his private prescription, and noticed changes in his weight in the first week, he lost five inches around his belly. Now, six months in, he has lost more than a third of his body weight and tips the scales at 14st 8lb. As well as a change to their sex life, Kayla has also noticed the family's food bill halved to £100 a week and Craig seems more focused. She says: 'That is also another plus from the jabs. 'I used to send Craig to the shops for milk, eggs and nappies and he'd come back with chocolate, crisps and unhealthy snacks and forget the milk and nappies. 'Now his memory is amazing, and he only eats salads and healthy lean meats.' He says: 'I feel amazing having lost more than a third of my body weight. 'I have more energy, I am no longer vague, and feel sexier than I ever have.' Craig isn't sure how long his 'Mounjaro Mojo' side effect will last for, but the pair are now learning to live with it — and last month, the sex ban was lifted. Kayla felt energised enough to get back into the bedroom, and the bonking had begun again — up to six times a week. She says: 'I have gone from zero to a hero between the sheets.' 'I did miss sleeping with him,' Kayla says. 'I fancy my new-look Craig more than ever. 'It's tiring, but it's been a huge reboot to our sex life and who would want to let that go? 'If I am in the mood, five to six times a week is great. 'But half a dozen kids at home means we have to plan when to have sex. 'So, when the school run is over and the little ones are napping, we enjoy a quickie.' Craig adds: 'The best thing is I have my mojo back. 'Our sex life is better than ever. 'From no sex to sex six times a week. 'It's so great I may need a lie down.'
The Australian
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Australian
Cardiex launches $6.5m capital raise
Cardiex is raising up to $6.5m via a $2.4m institutional placement and a $4.1m entitlement offer Funds will support the commercial expansion of CONNEQT Health, covering devices and digital arterial health solutions C2 Ventures has committed $1.94m and will sub-underwrite up to $1.2m of the entitlement shortfall, subject to approvals Health technology company Cardiex (ASX:CDX) has announced a capital raise of up to $6.5 million through a $2.4 million share placement to institutional and sophisticated investors, and a $4.1 non-renounceable entitlement offer to eligible shareholders. The funds will support the continued commercial rollout of the company's CONNEQT Health business, which includes both medical devices and digital software solutions for arterial health monitoring and patient engagement. The CONNEQT Health platform includes the FDA-cleared CONNEQT Pulse device – a home-use monitor that measures arterial stiffness and central blood pressure – as well as a connected mobile app that recently added a cardiology reporting feature to help users and clinicians interpret data. The Pulse began shipping to the US in January and has been added to the national Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing. In May, Cardiex lodged a submission with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to register the device for sale in Australia. The offer price is $0.04 per share. C2 Ventures Pty Ltd, an investment vehicle jointly owned by Cardiex directors Craig Cooper and Niall Cairns, has committed to subscribe for $736,000 in the institutional placement, subject to shareholder approval. The company has also committed to take up its full $1.2 million entitlement under the entitlement offer. In addition, C2 Ventures will sub-underwrite up to $1.2 million of any shortfall in the entitlement offer, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements. 'This capital raise is a pivotal step in our journey to scale CONNEQT Health into a category leader in arterial health solutions,' said CEO Craig Cooper. 'With strong support from new and existing shareholders, including C2 Ventures, we're now well positioned to accelerate our commercial rollout, expand our supply chain and deliver on our vision to make arterial health monitoring accessible to millions.' The entitlement offer will open on June 6, 2025 and close on June 20, 2025, with allotment and final settlement expected later that month. A shareholder meeting to approve the C2 Ventures placement allocation is scheduled for July. Blackpeak Capital, Stralis Capital Partners, and Taylor Collison have been appointed as Joint Lead Managers to the raise, with Blackpeak Capital also acting as underwriter to the entitlement offer. Taylor Collison is managing both institutional and retail components. The company is proposing a webinar to update on activities with details to be announced shortly. This article was developed in collaboration with Cardiex, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Birmingham resident resorts to burning bins inside home as waste strike continues
Birmingham residents are being urged not to burn their household recycling as the city's bin strike continues, following an incident where a resident required oxygen after attempting to burn recycling inside their home. Rubbish has been piling up on Birmingham's streets since bin workers began an all-out strike on March 11th, in a dispute concerning pay and jobs. West Midlands Fire Service reported that the recycling fire, which was contained to a single room and extinguished before crews arrived, prompted them to issue a safety plea. Firefighters used ventilation equipment to clear the property of smoke and fumes. Although the resident was not injured, they were administered oxygen by paramedics and fire crews. Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, warned of the dangers of burning household recycling. "Burning household recycling like cardboard, paper or plastics can be very dangerous, especially indoors. 'Please don't burn your household waste or recycling. 'You could quickly be overcome by the smoke, or burned. 'Such fires can quickly get out of control and spread. 'If your recycling hasn't been collected, we urge you to store it safely until your next collection or, if you can, take it to a household recycling centre. 'Never try to burn it, you're risking lives and property.' Fresh talks between Birmingham City Council and Unite the union aimed at resolving the long-running strike are to be held on May Day and conciliation service Acas will be involved in the meeting for the first time. On Friday, it was announced that the city council's bin boss, the executive director of city operations Craig Cooper, will be leaving his role in June and a search for his replacement will begin 'immediately'. Richard Brooks, who the council says has worked closely with Mr Cooper during the bin strike in the city operations department, will take over the role on an interim basis. Council leader John Cotton said: 'Craig has been an exceptional leader and a dedicated public servant. 'His contributions to the council and the city have been invaluable. 'We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'
South Wales Guardian
25-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Fire plea after Birmingham resident burns recycling inside home amid bin strike
A person had to be given oxygen by fire crews and paramedics after attempting to burn their recycling inside their home, the fire service said, as it issued a plea for residents to recycle safely. Rubbish has been piling up in the city's streets since hundreds of bin workers went on an all-out strike on March 11 in a dispute over pay and jobs. The fire service said the recycling fire was contained to one room of the resident's property and was out when fire crews arrived. They used ventilation equipment to clear the property of smoke and fumes and the resident was not injured but was given oxygen. Emily Fernandez, head of prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, said: 'Burning household recycling like cardboard, paper or plastics can be very dangerous, especially indoors. 'Please don't burn your household waste or recycling. 'You could quickly be overcome by the smoke, or burned. 'Such fires can quickly get out of control and spread. 'If your recycling hasn't been collected, we urge you to store it safely until your next collection or, if you can, take it to a household recycling centre. 'Never try to burn it, you're risking lives and property.' Fresh talks between Birmingham City Council and Unite the union aimed at resolving the long-running strike are to be held on May Day and conciliation service Acas will be involved in the meeting for the first time. On Friday, it was announced that the city council's bin boss, the executive director of city operations Craig Cooper, will be leaving his role in June and a search for his replacement will begin 'immediately'. Richard Brooks, who the council says has worked closely with Mr Cooper during the bin strike in the city operations department, will take over the role on an interim basis. Council leader John Cotton said: 'Craig has been an exceptional leader and a dedicated public servant. 'His contributions to the council and the city have been invaluable. 'We are grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.'
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Birmingham council ‘on track' to clear bin backlog by weekend
Birmingham City Council says it is on track to clear a backlog of uncollected waste by the weekend. Craig Cooper, strategic director of city operations, said that despite the ongoing dispute with the Unite union, clearing the backlog would start tackling those 'affected the most' by the bin strike. In a standoff with the Labour -run council over plans to cut the role of waste recycling collection officer (WRCO), hundreds of bin workers began an all-out strike on 11 March, which has led to rubbish bags piling up on the streets. Reports have emerged of 'cat-sized rats ' wreaking havoc to bin bags, which have been labelled the 'Squeaky Blinders' by one Tory MP, with concerns growing that the overflowing waste will lead to a health emergency. Mr Cooper said the amount of uncollected waste had peaked at 22,000 tonnes, but he expected to be back to "one household collection every week" for all residents by the weekend. "We're already back to collecting normal household waste this week," Mr Cooper told the BBC. "We are back into a position of good control. "The priority now is street cleansing and making sure the fly-tipping is at a manageable level." There are currently 120 bin lorries completing the rounds every day, which is half of its total capacity, while garden waste and recycling will not be collected until the strike is over. His comments come a day after Unite members voted by 97 per cent against the council's offer of pay protection for a number of workers on 60 per cent turnout, with Unite saying the offer did not address potential pay cuts for 200 drivers and was 'totally inadequate'. Speaking outside the council offices on Tuesday, striking WRCO Wendy, who did not want to give her surname but has been in the role for five years, fears she could lose her house if her wages decrease. She said she is not asking for more money but wants to keep her wages at the current level rather than see them cut. She said: 'I'm a single parent and I brought up three children. I also rent my property from Birmingham City Council, so if I lose £600 potentially I could lose my home. 'So the impact on it, everything's going up, but our wages are just stopped there. They are raising everything, especially the council rents, but they want to lower your wages.' Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Cooper said that the role of WRCO was 'not fit for purpose' and urged striking workers to think again about the offer the local authority has put forward, which he says has included alternative job roles. Speaking at the council's offices in Victoria Square on Tuesday, Mr Cooper said: 'My message to Unite is that we have put a very, very fair offer on the table. 'We know that there are 170 WRCOs, we know that 130 of them have already accepted alternatives, whether that's progression to be drivers and training for that, whether that's voluntary redundancy, or whether that's moving to a role of an equal grade and another part of city operations. 'There are about 40 that haven't, and I urge those 40 to look again at whether or not they want progression, to look again at whether or not they want to stay on the same pay grade and remain within city operations, because that's a key part of the offer. 'Nobody needs to drop down, but the WRCO role is not a role that exists anymore. It's not fit for purpose.
