Latest news with #NHS-approved
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on ‘trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes
Nicotine and tobacco pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers 'DEVASTATED' Scots mum issues urgent warning after son, 13, became hooked on 'trendy drug' that's as addictive as cigarettes Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS mum has issued an urgent warning after her 13-year-old son has become hooked on a trendy drug, saying: "It's like living with an addict". The distraught healthcare worker, from Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, said her boy, who has autism, got on 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teens. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The 13-year-old boy has become addicted to snus Credit: Getty She said youngsters, some of whom she claims carry knives, "coerced" and "manipulated" her boy into buying vapes for other teens, the Daily Record reports. Her son has also now been caught stealing money to buy vapes and tobacco pouches. The small rectangular bag, also known as 'snus', is usually filled with powdered tobacco. It's placed between the upper lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. The 41-year-old said: "It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive. "His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus. "I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better. "It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done." A survey by Action on Smoking and Health found that 43 per cent of 11-17 year olds knew of the pouches - a rise from 38 per cent in 2024. And nearly four per cent of children in the age group tried the pouches - which is around 210,00 youngsters. Sam Wardrop calls out footballers who use 'snus' Unlike cigarettes, these pouches deliver a massive nicotine hit straight into the bloodstream, keeping users hooked. Some contain up to 150mg of nicotine - which equals an entire pack of smokes in one go. Nicotine pouch use is rising fast, especially among young people and TikTokkers. Footballers are also big users - one in five pros reportedly rely on them, according to 2024 research. The former England footballer Jamie Vardy admitted to using them in his autobiography and said they helped him to 'chill out'. 'A lot more footballers use them than people realise and some lads even play with them during matches,' he wrote. Despite being billed as a smoking alternative, nicotine pouches are not NHS-approved like e-cigarettes are.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gemma Collins reveals she has pneumonia and shares concerning side effects
Gemma Collins has revealed she's been battling pneumonia for three weeks. The TOWIE star, 44, whose mother Joan had pneumonia in 2020, announced the news while sharing a selfie in bed on Instagram on Wednesday. 'Hey guys sorry been quiet I have pneumonia. I'm not as fast or on it as I usually am on the daily. I am still honoring my work commitments which is taking every bit of energy i have but will be back entertaining you all soon,' she wrote. The I'm A Celebrity! star explained that she felt 'tired' and 'out-of-breath' and had been visited by a doctor at home and put on a drip. Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection and symptoms typically include a combination of a dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Most people recover in two to four weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital. Collins shared a photo of her arm attached to a drip on her Story and wrote: 'I'm having to take it easy which is not like me very slow and get so out of breath and tired so quick.' Alongside a snap of a doctor prescribing her medication, she added: 'Thank you to everyone helping me I've had pneumonia for the last three weeks and honestly can't thank everyone all the docs helping me.' The ITV star also posted a photo of her dog Gucci 'giving her lots of cuddles'. Collins' mother Joan was also struck down with pneumonia back in March 2020, with the TV personality thanking the NHS for helping her despite being 'overstretched' by the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Thank you to all the nurses who helped my mum [she has] pneumonia and on the mend. NHS thank you thank you thank you so over stretched right now,' she penned at the time. The Dancing On Ice alum explained that Joan was also suffering from rheumatoid arthritis – a long term autoimmune disorder that affects the joints – and was therefore classed as being at high risk of serious illness from Covid-19. Collins' health battles comes after she lost three stone, going from a size 26 to a size 20, in three months thanks to weight loss jabs. In April, the TV star revealed she was using the NHS-approved Mounjaro injections since January. While thrilled with her slimmed down frame, Collins admitted she was concerned that the medication could be responsible for her 'looking older' as she highlighted her 'next level' crow's feet. 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't, It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments,' she said. 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got 'Ozempic face' yet, but it would be the dream right now. 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do like expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. But this just isn't right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' 'Ozempic-face' is a term used to describe a gaunt appearance usually caused by rapid weight loss.
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning about ‘super common' Ozempic side effect that happens ‘overnight'
NAUSEA, constipation, breathing problems, racing heart... the list of Ozempic side effects appears to be growing by the day. And now experts have revealed a new "incredibly common" issue that "nearly everyone" using weight loss injections will experience. Celebrities including Gemma Collins and Rebel Wilson have proudly confessed to using skinny jabs to shed the pounds Credit: instagram But now there's a 'super common' side effect of the weight loss medication Credit: Getty TOWIE's Gemma Collins used fat jabs to shed two stone and has admitted to noticing this unwanted, near-instant effect, which some professionals say makes you look "20 years older". The term 'Ozempic lines' refers to the deep facial wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly after using jabs, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. Reality TV icon Gemma, 44, exclusively told The Sun she's been using the NHS-approved drug Mounjaro since November in a bid to lose weight. But while the pounds have been dropping rapidly, Gemma is convinced her face is ageing at an increased rate, with deep lines appearing out of nowhere. Last week, she wrote on social media: 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't. It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments. 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got 'Ozempic face' yet, but it would be the dream right now. 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do have expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. 'But this just isn't right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' Dr Ed Robinson, one of the UK's leading aesthetic doctors, told Fabulous that 'Ozempic lines' are an issue many of his patients are experiencing. He said: "With such rapid weight loss, we're increasingly seeing aesthetic side effects. Inside Hollywood's worrying obsession with fat jabs - and what newly slimline Christina Aguilera really thinks of Ozempic claims ''Ozempic lines' are the fine lines and deeper wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly - often after using weight-loss medications like Ozempic. 'It's super common because when the face loses volume, particularly fat, that once provided natural plumpness, the skin can start to sag, wrinkle, and look more hollow. 'We also see a reduction in proteins collagen and elastin which can lead to crepiness of the skin, most noticeably around the eyes and mouth. 'Without the natural support from underlying fat, both the face and neck can appear aged, saggy, and out of balance.' 'Ozempic face' is a term used to describe a change in facial appearance that some people notice after losing weight quickly, often while using Ozempic or similar medications (like Wegovy or Mounjaro). It isn't specific to Ozempic - it's more about rapid weight loss, especially in the face, which can lead to: loss of fat volume in cheeks and under the eyes, sagging or loose skin and more pronounced wrinkles. Because the face has less fat, the skin might not bounce back as quickly, leading some people to feel they look older or more tired. 'Ozempic face' is not medically dangerous, but it can be distressing for some people, especially if the change is sudden or dramatic. It is a cosmetic side effect, not a health risk. To treat 'Ozempic face', dermal fillers or skin-tightening treatments can be used. Hydration, skincare and nutrition also play a key role in keeping skin healthy. Ozempic has quickly become as famous as the stars using it. The medication, originally intended for diabetes sufferers, has now hit headlines around the world for how quickly it allows people to shed stubborn pounds. It's become the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections that can help people drop up to a fifth of their body weight but other brands such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound have also gained traction. Gemma Collins, pictured here before using Ozempic, has lost two stone on fat jabs Credit: Instagram Gemma, pictured here after her weight loss, noticed an "overnight" change on her face Credit: Instagram The drugs, which have been called a "miracle" by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full. While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Sharon Osbourne, 72, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, there's now a huge list of potentially negative side effects that we're learning more about. These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma's Gerard Lambe 'Ozempic neck' and 'Ozempic feet' are other conditions that aesthetic doctors have commented on. But it's 'Ozempic lines' that are the current plight of jab users. Gerard Lambe, one of the UK's leading consultant cosmetic surgeons, who heads up the Reflect Clinic, told Fabulous Gemma's "skin changes are incredibly common". He said: ''Ozempic lines' are basically the accelerated ageing and dehydration of the facial skin that appear within weeks of starting the jabs and it's unfortunately one of the prices anyone using these peptides has to pay. 'Nearly everyone who is on Ozempic and has had significant weight loss has seen a negative change in their skin. 'These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma's.' Gerard, who regularly carries out tummy tucks and breast lifts on people who have experienced major weight loss, claims Ozempic users have noticed an increase in facial lines after short term use. He said: 'Many women come to me panicking that they have aged overnight, or certainly in weeks, just like Gemma, following weight loss jab use. 'With Ozempic and Mounjaro, various changes are happening that create serious issues with skin elasticity and texture. 'Often, those using these injections lose their appetite so swiftly they simply don't eat enough or they eat very little and it is often low on nutrients. 'The skin, especially facial skin, needs loads of protein and healthy fats to stay plump and smooth. 'Another major risk with these peptides is dehydration. It is silently and rapidly ageing the skin. 'As appetite drops so does the natural impulse to keep drinking fluids. I see this so often and it is very worrying.' Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. Practitioners have noticed a rise in 'Ozempic lines'. Dr Robinson told us: "I am seeing these complaints much more frequently," while Dr. Omar Tillo added: 'I'm seeing this more and more in the clinic lately, and it's something most people notice after a big weight drop. It's not unusual.' But can this worrying side effect be combated? Gerard explains: 'Investing in a good moisturiser and avoiding the sun is going to help but will not reverse deep wrinkles and lines.' Additionally, he suggests: 'Also make sure you commit to carrying a two litre water bottle everywhere and making a commitment to keeping her skin and body super-hydrated.' But Gemma isn't the only celebrity to have noticed a drastic change in her face after using weight loss jabs. Sharon Osbourne, who admitted to injecting herself with the drug in order to shed 42 pounds, has also discussed the implications the jabs have had on her face. Speaking to Daily Mail, the 72-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star said: 'I don't care what people say about the way I look. I'm too gaunt and I can't put any weight on Sharon Osbourne 'I know I look gaunt and I know everything that goes along with it. And I did it. 'I'm too gaunt and I can't put any weight on. I want to, because I feel I'm too skinny. I'm under 100lb and I don't want to be. Be careful what you wish for.' Reflecting further on her experience on Good Morning Britain in November 2023, Sharon claimed she "could do with putting on a few pounds" as she issued a stark warning about the injections. Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway, Sharon warned: "I fear for teenagers, I'm scared for those aged 16 to 20 as it's so easy to take it and think, 'I can eat what I want'. "It needs to be in the hands of only people who totally understand it." Sharon Osbourne, pictured here in 2017, prior to her weight loss Credit: Getty Now, she has described herself as looking "gaunt" Credit: Rex Meanwhile, fans have been left concerned that 41-year-old reality TV star Scott Disick, who shares three children with his ex Kourtney Kardashian, is looking incredibly gaunt after his Ozempic use recently made a cameo on The Kardashians. On an episode of the Hulu reality series, Khloe Kardashian, 40, was sitting with Kendall Jenner, 29, when they called Scott to share a bit of news. During a FaceTime call with the father-of-three, Khloe asked: 'Did you see from the show? Did you see what's in your fridge?' Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: 'Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.' Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that's been available on the NHS since 2020. While Mounjaro is hailed as the "King Kong" fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed "Godzilla" looks set to displace it. Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year. By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent. Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, 'turbocharging' calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs. Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism. The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it's not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS. To this, a confused-looking Scott replied: 'No?', however it doesn't take long for him to clock on to what Khloe was subtly trying to say. 'No! It shows the Mounjaro? You're lying', he added. And now, an insider revealed all to Daily Mail about Scott's new gaunt appearance. Scott Disick, snapped here in 2022, has admitted to using Mounjaro Credit: Getty Fans previously expressed concern over his 'sunken eyes and cheeks' Credit: Instagram/letthelordbewithyou The source shared: 'Scott recognised that he needed to stop taking Ozempic after seeing the photos of himself and the public outcry over his weight loss. 'He thought he looked good because he was thinner again – not realising that this was not healthy. 'He is now working with a nutritionist to get back on track and not balloon up to the size he was. 'Scott has been incredibly attractive and fit his entire life and is not having the best time accepting that age is catching up with him.' Whoopi Goldberg has also used Mounjaro for weight loss Credit: Getty Rebel Wilson is another celeb to have used fat jabs to slim down Credit: Getty
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gemma Collins shows off incredible weight loss transformation as she hits the beach - after revealing Mounjaro helped her lose two stone
Gemma Collins showed off her incredible weight loss transformation in a stunning Instagram snap on Thursday. The TOWIE icon, 43, enjoyed the British heatwave as she hit the beach with her pal Lucas Marmitage. Gemma displayed her very sunburnt chest as she sipped on a refreshing drink and relaxed in the sun. The reality star - who has lost two stone on weight loss jab Mounjaro - displayed her new look in a thin-strapped ensemble. Gemma revealed in January that she'd been taking the NHS approved Mounjaro injections and has left fans stunned with her sensational transformation. Earlier this week, Gemma posed up a storm in a white bandeau swimsuit as she posed with a hand on her hip for the stunning snap. She soaked up the sunshine and joked that she was on 'do not disturb' and 'unavailable' as she enjoyed her holiday. Gemma posed against a gorgeous holiday backdrop of the sea and palm trees at what looks like a beach club. However, it comes just after Gemma was left horrified after discovering one unlikely side effect of the weight loss jabs. Gemma has been left concerned that her weight loss has left her 'looking older' as she shared a candid Instagram post this week pointing out her 'next level' crow's feet. She said: 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't, It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments.' 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got "Ozempic face" yet, but it would be the dream right now,' 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do like expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. But this just isn't right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' 'Ozempic face' is a used to describe noticeable facial changes, such as sagging skin and a gaunt appearance, that can occur after rapid weight loss, often associated with the use of medications like Ozempic. Gemma has been left concerned that her weight loss has left her 'looking older' as she shared a candid Instagram post this week pointing out her 'next level' crow's feet The reality legend says her life has been transformed since taking the NHS-approved jab Meanwhile a source told The Mirror that while Gemma was poking fun at the situation she was in reality very concerned. 'She's eating really healthily and has broken some of the bad habits with food, It was a bit of a shock to her to really see the effect the weight loss has had on her face'. 'She doesn't want to suddenly look older than she is, which is why she's sorting it and being honest about it. Gemma's always been really open and honest about her relationship with her body and she's been through some really horrible times with it, but that's all in her past now.' Before adding: 'The wrinkle tweakments are all part of her wanting to feel and look good. She knows there's no point losing all the weight and just being unhappy, so she'll happily make little changes to keep herself feeling her best'. MailOnline have contacted Gemma's reps for comment. Last month Gemma revealed her dramatic two stone weight loss in a figure-hugging black gym wear set in an Instagram video. After dropping two dress sizes, Gemma proudly admitted she 'feels like a million dollars' as she confidently showed off her figure. She told fans: 'I just love wearing my compression garments, they make you feel super snatched. 'And they're just super comfy, breathable. I feel a million dollars in them, you can dress them up or dress them down.' Gemma has long struggled with her weight and previously admitted she thought she would die after a gastric bypass surgery that left her in deep pain. The reality legend says her life has been transformed since taking the NHS-approved jab. Speaking to The Sun last month, she said: 'I can't believe I've finally found something that works. I've lost nearly two stone already and it's been completely effortless - I don't even want to eat anymore!' 'I got on the scales and lost something like 6kg in my first week. I bet my house by May, I'll have six stone off. And it's been effortless.' Gemma, who at her heaviest weighed 23st and was a size 26, said her goal is to get down to a size 16 by summer. She is currently a size 20. The reality star has long wanted to start a family with her fiancé Rami Hawash and believes she will 'give birth to twins' next year after losing more weight. But Gemma's weight loss journey was a difficult one before she found Mounjaro, admitting she would even taken appetite suppressant Reductil as a teenager, which has since been taken off the market. Gemma admitted she would feel 'suicidal' when she was on diets and has been weighing for food portions and eating boiled eggs everyday for years. The star previously had a secret operation to have a gastric balloon fitted but was left feeling so ill after she thought she might die. She said: 'It was scary. I should never have done it... I thought I was going to die. I could not get out of bed. The pain in my stomach... because it was like a foreign body in my belly.'
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Gemma Collins soaks up the sun on the beach in strapless dress after revealing weight loss jabs had transformed her life
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GEMMA Collins basked in the sun after heading to the seaside to make the most of the British heatwave. The 44-year-old wore a strapless dress to lie out on the pebble beach in Whitstable alongside her celebrity stylist pal Lucas Armitage. 7 Gemma Collins relaxed on the beach with her friend Lucas Armitage Credit: Eroteme 7 Gemma Collins, who has lost three stone in recent months, wore a strapless dress in the sun Credit: Eroteme 7 The 44-year-old caught the sun on a day out by the seaside Credit: Eroteme 7 The iconic reality star lazed out on the beach Credit: Eroteme The pair puffed on cigarettes during their boozy day out as temperatures reached 22C in the Kent coast. Gemma wore an off the shoulder dress in a bid to even out her tan, although appeared sunburned on her chest and back. Just back from a holiday in Marbella, she threw on the colourful patterned outfit after baring all in a strapless swimsuit earlier in the week. Gemma looked relaxed and happy as she chatted with her friend and spent time on her phone while sunbathing. As TV's most famous poster girl for shapely women, Gemma recently opened up about resorting to Mounjaro weight loss jabs after years of fad diets. The former Towie star had famously told her ex James 'Arg' Argent, who she briefly dated in 2012 and again from 2017 to 2020: "You ain't never gonna get this candy" while rocking her curves. She now hopes to be a size 16 by the summer in a final desperate attempt to have a baby, telling The Sun: "I think I'll give birth to twins next year!" Gemma has praised the weight loss jabs for transforming her life - having weighed over 23st at her heaviest, fitting into a size 26. As well as her weight struggles, Gemma believes there's other health benefits to Mounjaro, which could help improve Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The condition, which Gemma suffers from, can cause weight gain and fertility issues. Sun Club's exclusive interview with Gemma Collins about her weight loss journey She's been using the NHS-approved drug since November and revealed she's lost three stone. However, she worries about whether she's ageing at an increased rate, telling fans: 'I really don't know what's happened to me, I really don't. It's just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I've had any little tweakments. 'I don't know if it's since I've been losing weight. I sure haven't got 'Ozempic face' yet, but it would be the dream right now. 'I've always had a fuller face, as you know. I do like expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still. But this just isn't right. "What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it'd get to.' 7 Gemma looked like she had caught the sun on her shoulders Credit: Eroteme 7 Gemma lay on her front as she caught up with her pal Credit: Eroteme
