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The Health Review - Are We Entering a New Era of Prevention and Wellness?
Another week in health and wellness, and it feels like the pace of change is only accelerating. From breakthroughs in fertility science to new conversations about obesity treatment, we’re constantly being asked to rethink what prevention, care, and optimisation really mean. Technology promises earlier detection and smarter coaching, but it also raises questions about access, trust, and what “wellness” should look like in everyday life.
🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it comes with a sobering reminder. A new UK survey found that only 36% of women perform monthly breast self-checks, while 13% never check at all. Even more concerning, 61% don’t follow up with a doctor if they notice something unusual. (Source: Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Campaign)
The reasons vary — from forgetting, to not knowing how, to lacking confidence — but the message is clear: early prevention saves lives. Having seen someone close to me struggle with this disease this year, I can’t help but feel we need to talk about it more openly, and remind each other to check in.
This week’s edition covers:
🌡️ Health News: A potential breakthrough in fertility, the UK Health Secretary’s push for wider access to weight-loss jabs on the NHS, and AI forecasting some diseases 20 years ahead.
💉 Feature: Dr. Reem Al-Shaikh on whether weight-loss injections should be a first-line treatment for obesity.
🏃♀️ Trends: Is AI coaching the future of exercise?
Thanks so much for reading — and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Emily x
Top Health News
Here’s what’s been trending in the health world:
🧬 Skin cells to eggs in fertility breakthrough
In a remarkable early-stage study, scientists have managed to create human eggs from skin cells. While still in the lab phase, this breakthrough could one day offer new fertility options for people who currently have few.
The process involves reprogramming skin cells into a stem cell-like state, then guiding them to develop into egg cells. It’s a complex and delicate technique, and researchers caution that it’s far from ready for clinical use. Still, it’s a significant step forward in reproductive science.
It’s part of a broader trend in regenerative medicine—where scientists are exploring how to grow or repair tissues using a person’s own cells. If future studies prove safe and effective, this approach could transform fertility treatment and expand the definition of biological parenthood.
💉 UK Health Secretary calls for Weight-loss jabs to be available to millions more on NHS
At the Labour Party conference, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting made waves by calling for wider NHS access to weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. He argued that access to these transformative drugs shouldn’t depend on personal wealth.
Currently, about 1.5 million people in the UK use weight-loss jabs, but only a tiny fraction receive them via the NHS due to restrictive eligibility criteria. 3.4 million more could qualify if policy changes go ahead. Meanwhile, many people turn to private routes, paying hundreds of pounds per month - or experience major side effects by taking the medication unsupervised.
🧠 AI predicts diseases decades ahead
Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model that can forecast the onset of certain diseases up to 20 years in advance, according to a new study published in Nature.
The AI was trained on anonymised electronic health records and used patterns in the data—such as blood test results, prescriptions and diagnoses—to predict future health outcomes. The researchers say it performed particularly well in anticipating conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which often develop gradually over time.
While the findings are promising, the study's authors caution that this is still early-stage research. The model needs further validation and testing in real-world clinical settings before it could be used in routine care.
💻 GP appointments go digital
From now on, all GP practices in England are required to offer online appointment booking, according to a new policy backed by government ministers. The move is part of a wider push to modernise the NHS and improve access to care through digital tools.
For patients, it could mean shorter waits and easier access to routine care—especially for those comfortable with tech.
Despite some resistance from medical unions, who have raised concerns about workload and digital exclusion, the Department of Health and Social Care says the change is necessary to streamline services and reduce pressure on phone lines. Many practices already use online systems, but this mandate makes it universal.
🚴 Peloton Leaps Into AI Coaching & Cross-Training
Peloton isn’t just riding bikes anymore — it’s reimagining fitness with a full AI-powered cross-training overhaul. The company just launched its new Cross Training Series, which includes multi-purpose gear like bikes, treadmills, rowers — all equipped with swivel screens to easily switch between cardio, strength, yoga, and more. The premium “plus” models go a step further, adding built-in movement tracking cameras, voice control, cooling fans, and smart audio.
Central to this upgrade is Peloton IQ, an AI engine that personalises coaching. It analyses your workout history, combines data from third-party wearables, offers feedback on form and rep count, and suggests weights. Peloton is positioning this as a shift from a fitness brand to a broader wellness platform.
The Ozempic Revolution: Should Weight Loss Injections Be a First-Line Treatment for Obesity?
In light of the Health Secretary’s recent statements about wider NHS access to weight-loss injections like Mounjaro, we spoke to Dr. Reem Al-Shaikh, GP & Co-founder of The Women’s Wellness Clinic, to discuss whether this is a good idea.
Should Weight Loss Injections Be a First-Line Treatment for Obesity?
Obesity is a public health crisis in the UK, driving up rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The old advice—'eat less, move more'—has failed many, leaving people stuck in a cycle of weight loss and regain. But now, a new class of medications—GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide)—is offering hope. Could these weekly weight loss injections be the breakthrough we need?
Why Are We Gaining Weight?
Take a walk through any supermarket or petrol station, and you’ll see the problem. Ultra-processed foods, packed with hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives, are everywhere. Many of us eat out of habit, boredom, or stress, not true hunger. Add in a sedentary lifestyle—where we sit more and move less—and it’s no surprise obesity rates are soaring.
But it’s not just about personal choices—the modern food environment is designed to keep us overeating. Factor in genetics, rising inequality, and an NHS struggling to provide obesity care, and the crisis seems inevitable.
Why Is Losing Weight So Hard?
For many, weight loss isn’t just about willpower—it’s about biology fighting back.
· Hunger hormones go haywire:
· When we lose weight, our bodies increase ghrelin (the hunger hormone), making us crave food even more.
· Metabolism slows down:
· After dieting, our bodies burn fewer calories, making it easier to regain weight.
· Obesity rates are highest in deprived areas:
· Healthy food is expensive, junk food is everywhere, and exercise isn’t always accessible.
This is where incretins come in.
Weight Loss Injections: What Are They and Do They Work?
Incretins like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are once-weekly injections that mimic natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to:
· Suppress appetite – Making you feel full for longer.
· Slow digestion – Reducing cravings and calorie intake.
· Regulate blood sugar – Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs also support metabolic health.
Do They Actually Work?
Yes—and the results are game-changing.
· Ozempic & Wegovy: Clinical trials show weight loss of up to 15% of total body weight.
· Mounjaro: Targets two appetite-regulating hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), leading to weight loss of up to 22.5%—more than any other weight loss drug so far.
But here’s the catch—they’re not magic. While you can lose weight without changing your diet or exercise, the best and most sustainable results come when the injections are combined with healthy eating and movement.
Who Can Get Weight Loss Injections on the NHS?
Currently, GPs can’t prescribe these injections directly—you’ll need a referral to an NHS weight management service. To qualify, you must meet strict criteria:
· BMI of 35 or higher (or 32.5 for certain ethnic groups where health risks occur at lower BMIs).
· At least one weight-related health condition, such as:
· High blood sugar (non-diabetic hyperglycaemia)
· High blood pressure (hypertension)
· High cholesterol
· Heart disease or stroke risk
For many, getting NHS access means long waiting lists, which is why private online clinics are booming. But with costs ranging from £150 to £299 per month, these injections are out of reach for many.
Are They Safe?
Like all medications, there are side effects. The most common include:
· Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation (especially in the early weeks).
· Fatigue and mild dizziness.
· Rare but serious risks – Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.
The long-term safety beyond five years is still being studied, but current data suggests these drugs are generally well-tolerated.
Are Weight Loss Injections the Future of Obesity Treatment?
For those who struggle with their weight, don’t qualify for or don’t want surgery, or feel trapped in an endless diet cycle, these injections could be life-changing.
But they’re not the whole solution.
· Yes, they help you lose weight—but they also reduce muscle mass, which can make long-term weight maintenance harder.
· Diet and exercise still matter—not just for weight loss, but for overall health.
· Obesity is complex—these injections help, but they won’t fix food environments, mental health, or economic inequality.
The best results come not just from the jab, but from the full package—nutrition, movement, and long-term support.
So, if you’re considering weight loss injections, ask yourself: how will you support your body through the process? Because the goal isn’t just to lose weight—it’s to keep it off, feel stronger, and improve your health for good.
The Health Review Podcast
Have You Checked Out The Podcast Recently?
🎧 This Week on The Health Review:
Dr. Nikita Kanani MBE on Fixing Women’s Health & the Future of Healthcare
This week I’m joined by Dr. Nikita Kanani MBE, who served as Chief of Primary Care for NHS England during one of the most frightening chapters in modern healthcare: the Covid-19 pandemic. From leading the rollout of vaccines to holding the NHS together under pressure, she’s seen the system at its breaking point — and knows what it takes to rebuild.
In our conversation, Nikita opens up about the emotional struggles of that period, what it meant to lead under relentless stress, and how those lessons have shaped her views on the future of health. We also dive into women’s health — where the gaps still lie, why women so often feel dismissed, and what meaningful change could look like.
If you love the episodes, please do subscribe and give the show a rating! 😊