In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by Karen Lee, nutritionist and former intensive care nurse, to discuss autoimmune conditions and the role of whole food plant-based nutrition.

Karen shares both professional insight and lived experience following her MS diagnosis.

Discussion includes:

•Understanding autoimmune conditions

•Gut health and inflammation

•Fibre, microbiome and immune balance

•Practical food changes and sustainability

•Enjoying food while supporting health

This episode is educational and not intended as medical advice.

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My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode, Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on how the body may respond during the early stages of taking GLP-1 medications.

Together, they discuss commonly reported reactions such as nausea, reduced appetite, digestive changes, fatigue, and brain fog, while emphasising that experiences can vary widely between individuals. Becky explains why structured eating, hydration, and sufficient protein intake remain important — even when hunger cues are reduced — and why strength training can play a key role in protecting muscle mass during weight loss.

The conversation also explores hormonal considerations, including potential menstrual changes, and the importance of distinguishing GLP-1 side effects from symptoms linked to perimenopause, menopause, or other health conditions. Throughout the discussion, both stress the importance of medical supervision, monitoring symptoms, and seeking professional advice if anything feels unusual or unmanageable.

This episode aims to inform and reassure, helping listeners better understand what may be normal, what to monitor, and how to approach a GLP-1 journey safely.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician.

• Common early body reactions to GLP-1 medications
• Nausea, appetite changes, and reduced food noise
• Digestive effects, hydration, and feeling full for longer
• Fatigue, brain fog, and energy fluctuations
• Muscle loss, strength training, and movement
• Hormonal factors and when to seek medical advice

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode, Catriona Williams is joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Jackie Radley to discuss menopause management both with and without HRT.

They explore why many women seek HRT, why some cannot take it for medical reasons, and why others prefer not to use hormones. The conversation looks at how menopause symptoms can overlap with long-term and chronic health conditions, sometimes making symptoms harder to identify.

Dr Radley also outlines non-hormonal options that may help with symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, and mood changes, alongside the role of lifestyle changes in supporting long-term health after menopause.

Key themes include:

• Menopause symptoms and decision-making around HRT
• When HRT may not be suitable or preferred
• Non-hormonal prescription options and their uses
• Lifestyle approaches to support symptoms and long-term health
• Understanding menopause alongside chronic conditions

This episode is for information and education only and does not provide medical advice.

Links

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Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode of My Health Focus, host Catriona Williams continues the GLP-1 series with personal trainer Becky Lever, focusing on the topic of food noise.

Building on the previous conversation with Sally, this episode explores what food noise means, how people experience it, and why it is such a significant part of the GLP-1 journey. Becky shares insights from working with clients who are using GLP-1 medications and reflects on both the positive and challenging effects of reduced food noise.

This episode covers:

• What food noise is and how people commonly describe it
• Why food noise can feel louder for some people than others
• How GLP-1 medications can reduce food noise
• The potential emotional and social impact of losing food-related enjoyment
• The pros and cons of reduced food noise during weight loss
• Concerns about food noise returning when stopping GLP-1s
• The importance of support, nutrition, and strength training
• Why individual experiences and professional guidance matter

This episode is for education and awareness only and does not provide medical advice.

Sign up to my newsletter here:

https://bit.ly/3NA40IQ

Website:

https://myhealthfocus.com

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon Mr Jamie Vatish about how women can meaningfully reduce their risk of breast cancer.

They discuss how lifestyle factors such as weight, alcohol and smoking influence breast cancer risk, and why prevention plays a larger role than many people realise. Mr Vatish explains how risk changes with age, particularly after the menopause, and clarifies the current evidence around hormone replacement therapy, including duration, formulation and individual risk factors.

The conversation also covers breast screening in the UK, why invitations are offered every three years, and how self-examination helps detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. Importantly, Mr Vatish explains why early diagnosis is associated with excellent outcomes and increasingly well-tolerated treatments.

This episode aims to provide reassurance, clarity and practical guidance for women at every stage of life.

This content is for information only.

• How lifestyle affects breast cancer risk

• Weight, menopause and oestrogen explained

• HRT: benefits, risks and duration

• Breast screening in the UK

• How and when to self-examine

• Why early detection matters

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Gallstones affect a large proportion of adults, yet many people are unclear about what the gallbladder does, why stones form, and when they need treatment.

In this episode, Catriona Williams speaks with Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgeon Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias about gallbladder health. He explains the role of the gallbladder in digestion, how gallstones develop, and why symptoms often appear after eating, particularly fatty meals.

They also discuss the increasing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro, and how both rapid weight loss and reduced gallbladder contraction may increase the risk of gallstones in some individuals.

The episode covers common symptoms, how gallstones are diagnosed, potential complications including infection and pancreatitis, and when gallbladder removal is advised. Mr Chatzizacharias also explains recovery after surgery and what life is like without a gallbladder.

This content is for information only.

• What the gallbladder does and why we need it

• How and why gallstones form

• Typical symptoms and warning signs

• GLP-1 medications and gallstone risk

• When gallstones become serious

• Treatment options and recovery after surgery

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode, Catriona Williams continues her GLP-1 series with an honest conversation about lived experience, informed choice, and long-term health.

Sally, who lives with type 1 diabetes, shares her experience of being prescribed a GLP-1 medication off-licence through her NHS diabetes team. She explains why it was offered, how it affected appetite and food noise, and the challenges of navigating side effects and limited clinical guidance.

Personal trainer Becky Lever joins the discussion to explore why resistance training is particularly important for people using GLP-1 medications, especially women in perimenopause. Together, they talk about muscle loss, confidence in the gym, and shifting the focus away from weight alone towards strength, function, and long-term wellbeing.

This episode is not about promoting medication, but about understanding real-world experiences and the importance of support when making health decisions.

This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a GP or prescribing clinician.

• Why GLP-1 prescribing is uncommon in type 1 diabetes
• Being prescribed a GLP-1 off-licence on the NHS
• Food noise, appetite changes and emotional impact
• Side effects linked to rapid weight loss
• Concerns about long-term or lifelong medication use
• Why resistance training matters alongside GLP-1s

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Vaginal health is one of the least talked-about — yet most common — aspects of menopause.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jacqueline Radley, GP and British Menopause Society–accredited menopause specialist and founder of The Birmingham Menopause Clinic, for an open and reassuring conversation about vaginal atrophy, also known as genitourinary syndrome of the menopause (GSM).

Dr Radley explains what vaginal atrophy is, why it happens, when symptoms can begin, and why so many women feel embarrassed or unsure about seeking help. We discuss common symptoms including dryness, soreness, pain during sex and urinary problems — and, importantly, the treatments that can be genuinely life-changing.

This episode aims to reduce stigma, provide clear medical information, and reassure listeners that vaginal atrophy is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t need to suffer in silence.

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE

This episode is sponsored by MEDMIN

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.