In both the UK and the USA, as well as globally in general, obesity is a serious public health issue. Nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK are categorized as overweight, with more than a quarter being classed obese, according to the NHS Digital. In the USA, more than 70% of adults are overweight or obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that since 1975, the prevalence of obesity has almost tripled globally, with more than 1.9 billion persons worldwide being overweight in 2016: more than 650 million of them were obese. An increased risk of various prevalent diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers, is linked to being overweight or obese. According to research, being overweight also increased a person's risk of developing COVID-19 complications and was associated with a higher risk of developing serious disease and death from COVID-19.

The birth control pill, often just called "the pill," is a very popular way for people to prevent pregnancy. Since it was first used in the 1960s, the pill has made it much easier for women to control when they have children. The pill is popular because it works well, is easy to use, and has extra health benefits, like making periods more regular and less painful. What Is the Birth Control Pill? The birth control pill is a medicine you take by mouth every day to stop you from getting pregnant. It contains hormones that are similar to the ones your body makes naturally. These hormones help control your period and stop your ovaries from releasing eggs. There are two main types of birth control pills: Combined Pill: Has both estrogen and progestin. Progestin-Only Pill (Mini-Pill): Has only progestin, which is good for women who can’t take estrogen.

Choosing the right birth control method is an important decision for anyone who wants to manage their reproductive health. There are many options, and the best one for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and what you prefer. There are two main types of birth control: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal birth control changes your body’s hormones to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal methods use physical barriers or natural techniques and do not change your hormone levels. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you decide what works best for you.

Conception is when a sperm cell from a man joins with an egg cell from a woman. This starts the process of pregnancy. Even though it sounds simple, many things need to happen for conception to work. Sometimes, it can take a while, and each person’s experience is different. For conception to happen, you need: A healthy egg Healthy sperm Good timing The right conditions inside the body Even when everything seems right, it might still take time to get pregnant. Everyone’s body, health, and lifestyle can make a difference.

Hirsutism is the medical term for more hair than women would expect on the face and body. It can be one of the signs of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). For some, it can be embarrassing and unsightly, as it can be dark, thick, coarse and difficult to get rid of. It’s also more likely to be in areas associated with males, such as the cheeks, neck, chin and chest. PMOS is the new name for what many people know as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. The change reflects a better understanding of the condition as a hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect the whole body, not just the reproductive system.

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is very common – up to 1 in 10 women of child-bearing age have it. They may only find this out once they start trying for a baby. The combination of a hormonal imbalance and problems with metabolism can make this difficult – but not impossible. It’s one of the most common causes of infertility but also treatable. PMOS is the new name for what many people know as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. The change reflects a better understanding of the condition as a hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect the whole body, not just the reproductive system. Let’s talk you through the science of ovary function and what can be done about it in PMOS.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a hormonal disorder which is believed to affect around 1 in 10 women in the US although this may be an underestimate. Symptoms typically begin in the late teens or early 20s and it is a condition where at least two (and often all three) of the following occur: Multiple tiny cysts (follicles) in the ovaries. An altered balance of body hormones so your ovaries make more male hormone testosterone than normal. A lack of ovulation each month causing irregular or absent periods. There may also be other symptoms such as acne, unwanted body hair, weight gain, depression or low mood and thinning of the hair on the scalp. In later life it can be linked with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels in a collection of conditions comprising metabolic syndrome. The cause of PMOS is unknown but early diagnosis and treatment is needed to help manage the symptoms. PMOS is the new name for what many people know as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. The change reflects a better understanding of the condition as a hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect the whole body, not just the reproductive system.

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a hormonal condition that causes a range of symptoms in women of reproductive age. Acne is a related condition affecting up to 30% of PMOS sufferers, which on top of other PMOS-related symptoms, adds to a feeling of anguish and low self-confidence. PMOS is the new name for what many people know as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. The change reflects a better understanding of the condition as a hormonal and metabolic disorder that can affect the whole body, not just the reproductive system.

Testicular lumps are more common than you would think and can be caused by a variety of things. The majority of these are nothing serious, but they should always be checked out by your doctor. This is because a small number of cases may be cancerous. The good news is the survival rate for testicular cancer is high, especially when caught early and treated. Healthwords advises that anyone with testicles should remember to check them at least once a month. This is different from prostate cancer.

Back pain is a very common condition that is estimated to affect around a quarter of the population at any one time. Most of us will experience some type of back pain during our lives, and it is one of the most common reasons for having to take time off work. Our back is a complex structure that is made up of many parts, including small facet joints, intervertebral disks, ligaments, and muscles - any of which can be a source of back pain. Fortunately, most people with back pain don’t have a serious cause for it, and it usually gets better by itself within a week or so with a combination of rest, painkillers and self-help. However, there are occasions when back pain can be a sign that something is seriously wrong, and urgent medical attention is needed. In this article we look at when back pain may be an emergency and what to do if you think it is.

Every woman in the US is entitled to breast cancer screening. This starts from the age of 50, and continues up to your 74th birthday. You’ll be invited every two years, and they'll use your age and contact details from your doctor's records. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and every 1 in 8 women is diagnosed in their lifetime. The risk grows with age, hence the screening starting at 50. It can occur in men, as they have breast tissue too, but it’s much rarer, so they are not included in the screening program.

It’s easy to get confused between an intolerance to lactose, a component of cow’s milk, and an allergy to milk. Both are fairly common, but each has a different body response and therefore needs a different approach to treatment. We’ll take you through the key differences, so you know the signs to spot if you or someone you know shows symptoms and will give you advice on what to do.