Author: Andrew Rogers

People who stop using the weight-loss injection Mounjaro tend to regain weight and lose key health improvements, including lower “bad” cholesterol, improved blood pressure and better blood sugar control, according to new research. The findings come from the Surmount-4 clinical trial, in which participants with obesity or weight-related health conditions took tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) for 36 weeks, then either continued treatment or switched to a placebo for a further year. Among those who stopped the drug after initially losing at least 10% of their body weight, 82% regained at least a quarter of the lost weight within…

Virgil van Dijk has delivered a blunt assessment of Liverpool’s struggles, admitting the reigning champions are “in a mess” and questioning whether all players are taking responsibility for the team’s collapse in form. Speaking after Liverpool’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, the captain said the performance was “unacceptable” and that “panic kicked in” once Forest took the lead. The loss left Liverpool in the bottom half of the Premier League table, having suffered six defeats in their last seven league matches. Van Dijk acknowledged that the squad is letting down manager Arne Slot and insisted the team must take…

A Washington state resident has become the first known person to die after being infected with the rare H5N5 strain of bird flu, health officials confirmed, though they stressed that the overall risk to the public remains low. The individual, an older adult with underlying medical conditions, had been hospitalised since early November with symptoms including high fever, confusion and respiratory problems. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the person lived in Grays Harbor County and kept a backyard flock of domestic poultry that had been exposed to wild birds. Health authorities said no other people connected to…

Frank says Tottenham are still far from matching Arsenal’s £100m-level spending, despite recent structural changes at the club. Following Daniel Levy’s removal as chair in September and the Lewis family’s appointment of a new leadership team, Spurs have outlined plans to grow the business and strengthen their sporting prospects. But Frank believes they are not yet at the stage where they can emulate Arsenal, who signalled their ambition by paying £105m for Declan Rice in 2023. Tottenham’s record signing remains Richarlison at £60m. Asked about former manager Ange Postecoglou’s claim that Spurs would never spend £100m on a player, Frank…

Ian Wright has defended Jude Bellingham, arguing that some of the criticism directed at the England midfielder stems from people not being “ready for a black superstar.” Bellingham came under scrutiny after reacting to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some suggesting he was becoming a disruptive influence. Wright dismissed those claims, saying certain critics are “frightened” by Bellingham’s success. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said Bellingham’s confidence and ability make some people uncomfortable. He compared the different public reactions to quieter players like N’Golo Kanté and more expressive stars such as…

Manchester United’s proposal to sell personal seat licences (PSLs) as part of funding their £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has been thrown into doubt by the UK government’s new moves against ticket touting. What United planned:The club’s early PSL model – explored through a large fan consultation – included allowing licence holders to resell their seats or season tickets at a profit. PSLs would guarantee fans the right to buy the same seat every season for a set period, typically in premium areas, with resale adding potential investment value. What government is doing:New legislation, to be introduced in next year’s king’s…

Arsenal fear Gabriel Magalhães could miss at least a month after the defender suffered a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil, threatening to derail a crucial stretch of the Premier League leaders’ season. The 27-year-old limped off during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium and has since undergone further tests in London. While Arsenal have not confirmed a timeline, early indications suggest he will miss the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday, as well as the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich three days later. Depending on the severity, Gabriel could be sidelined for a…

Germany stormed into next year’s World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia, finishing top of their group and sending their opponents into the playoffs. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring before Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané (twice), Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouédraogo completed the rout. Slovakia, who had beaten Germany earlier in qualifying, were overwhelmed from start to finish. The Netherlands also booked their place at the finals with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Lithuania. Tijjani Reijnders scored before Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen added goals in a one-sided second half. Poland secured a playoff place after…

Denmark’s preparations for Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Scotland have been disrupted by a sickness bug affecting key players. Head coach Brian Riemer confirmed that Joachim Andersen and Rasmus Højlund both missed Saturday’s unexpected 0-0 draw with Belarus due to illness, along with a staff member. With Denmark needing only a draw at Hampden Park to qualify automatically, Riemer admitted concern but said team doctors are working to stop the illness spreading. He remains hopeful the full squad will be available: “We hope we have put a plug in it … and that on Tuesday we have 24 men…

Manchester City delivered a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad, strengthening their position at the top of the Women’s Super League and asserting themselves as serious title contenders. Goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp sealed a statement victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s team, who overwhelmed a fatigued United side still recovering from their historic Champions League win over PSG. The defeat marks United’s second straight league loss — the first time they’ve suffered back-to-back WSL defeats since May 2024 — leaving them seven points behind City. United manager Marc Skinner admitted his side contributed to…