THE HEALTH EXPERT REVEALS HOW TO LEAD YOUR BEST LIFE
SONIA JHAS walked away from a sky-rocketing corporate career at IBM and decided to focus on her own wellbeing. This decision to break an unhealthy cycle of yo-yo dieting, negative self-talk, and feelings of failure led to learning the fundamentals of fitness and developing a positive relationship with food.
The transformative one-year journey enabled her to uncover a passion to help others and she is now inspiring people globally with techniques to help them achieve their personal health and wellness goals.
The Canadian expert works closely with clients one-on-one or in small groups through her SJ Semester coaching programme and is regularly asked to be a keynote speaker at high-profile events. She also regularly appears on top television shows, lights up social media and has her first book releasing in Spring 2022.
Eastern Eye caught up with Sonia to discuss the secret of living your happiest life, along with getting top health and wellness tips.
Your signature SJ Semester coaching programme gives people access to your knowledge, insights, and trainings. What are key health and wellness tips you would give?
When setting out to improve our health and wellbeing, we often choose drastic actions like exercising every day, cutting out carbs, and avoiding anything with sugar. We do this despite knowing that an ‘all or nothing’ approach to fitness and nutrition is a recipe for failure. But what if it didn’t have to be so hard? What if we didn’t have to rely on extremes? What if, by taking some simple but meaningful steps, we could dramatically improve our overall wellbeing? We can! Here’s how: Prioritise good quality sleep, hydrate, move your body and focus on whole foods.
You say that getting high-quality sleep may be as important to health and well-being as nutrition and exercise. So, what can you do to facilitate regular, high-quality sleep?
Try to sleep and get up at the same time every day. Avoid sleeping in, even on weekends. Say no to late-night television. Limit caffeine and nicotine. Wind down and clear your head with relaxing music or meditation.
What about hydration?
Most people don’t drink enough pure water. And yet, water is critical to our health and wellbeing. It is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
What’s the point of eating nutrientdense food if your body can’t reap the benefits?
Dehydration also slows the metabolism and inhibits the calorie/ fat burning process. The metabolic process also creates toxins, and water plays a critical role in flushing them out of your body. Finally, most people often confuse thirst with hunger, taking in extra calories for no reason! Drink two to three litres of pure water a day and your body will thank you!
What about the importance of moving your body everyday?
Exercise is not important for weight loss alone. Moving our bodies daily is vital for mental health, strength, and healthy skin. By moving a little more each day, we help our bodies and minds function at their best. Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood, and improving self-esteem and cognitive function. By delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helping your cardiovascular system, exercise can improve your energy levels.
Tell us more?
Exercise also helps digestion and elimination. When we move regularly, we assist flow in the body and stimulate intestinal circulation. The more regular we are, the more our body is able to rid itself of toxins, which can often lead to clearer and fresher skin.
What about nutrition?
‘Whole foods’, usually refer to vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. At a time where everything is ultra-processed, it’s important to getback to eating minimally processed foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. That’s how you benefit from the vitamins, minerals, fibre, essential nutrients, and good fats that significantly improve your wellbeing.
What food tips can you give our readers?
Incorporate whole foods into your diet. Swap out cereal for a delicious fruit smoothie. Instead of snacking on chips or crackers, grab a handful of mixed nuts. Incorporate as much whole meal and wholegrain flour into breads and rotis as possible. Replace sugary drinks with whole fruit.
How important is it to look after your mental health?
Mental health is health. Prioritising mental wellbeing leads to better physical health, stronger work ethic and stability, healthier relationships, and better quality of life overall.
Is there a secret to being your happiest self?
I have found that it’s critical to layer positivity into your life. Most of us gravitate towards negativity without even realising it. When we make a conscious effort to get ahead of those thoughts and feelings, we experience a tangible shift. Prioritising self-care and positivity can be as simple as starting your day with physical activity to soak in some endorphins or doing a meditation or breathwork session to make you feel grounded and aligned.
What helps you?
Journalling in the morning helps me offload fearbased thoughts and negative self-talk. Keeping a list of “what’s going right” or “what I’m proud of” throughout the day also reroutes my brain towards positive thoughts. I practise gratitude throughout the day, giving myself little doses of positivity before my limiting beliefs take over. Affirmations and self-help audiobooks can help override negative narratives, reminding me of what’s important so I can discover happiness.
Are there any key mistakes that people make during their quest for happiness?
People race towards external milestones and achievements believing that these ‘wins’ will make them happy. But true happiness comes from within, from cultivating self-love, self-worth, and self-acceptance. It isn’t about validation or achievements but rather about tuningin to your authentic self to uncover who you really are and what you really desire.
How much have your own struggles informed your work?
My struggles inform every fibre of my work. They have taught me so much about cultivating authenticity, finding motivation, reinforcing commitment, and overcoming hardship. My experiences have helped me relate to my clients and audiences in a more empathetic, nurturing, and compassionate way.
How much does helping others help you?
Helping others is the most important part of what I do and it continuously reinforces my purpose and passion. Each person’s journey is unique, allowing me to continually grow, learn, and pivot my perspective. By helping others, I’m able to continue my own life-long healing, which is something I’m so grateful for.
Visit Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @soniajhas or www.soniajhas.com
NHS GPs in England can now prescribe Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss
The programme aims to support 220,000 people over three years
Eligible patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four obesity-related health issues
GP leaders raise concerns over increased workload
Pharmacists urge a broader weight management approach
NHS expands obesity treatment with Mounjaro
The NHS in England is set to begin prescribing Mounjaro, a weight loss injection, through GP surgeries starting Monday. The move marks the first time family doctors will be authorised to directly prescribe the anti-obesity drug tirzepatide as part of a wider national health initiative.
Health officials expect the rollout to benefit around 220,000 adults over the next three years. The drug will be made available to those with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 who also suffer from at least four other obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea.
GPs express concern over added burden
While the rollout has been welcomed as a major step in tackling severe obesity, some family doctors have expressed concern over the operational challenges it may bring. The British Medical Association and other GP leaders have highlighted the need for additional training, resources and time to manage the expected rise in patient demand.
They warn that without extra support, the move could add further pressure to already stretched primary care services.
Calls for a comprehensive approach
Pharmacy experts and health professionals have stressed that Mounjaro should not be viewed as a standalone solution. Instead, they argue that it must be integrated into a broader weight management strategy that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioural support.
There are also concerns about potential pressure on drug supplies as demand increases. Experts suggest that clear guidance on prescription protocols and supply management will be crucial to avoid shortages.
A targeted step in tackling obesity
The introduction of Mounjaro is part of the NHS’s wider effort to address rising obesity levels in the UK, which are closely linked to long-term health complications and increased strain on the health system. By targeting the most at-risk individuals, health officials hope the new measure will reduce future hospitalisations and improve overall health outcomes.
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Around 85% of the projected deaths are likely to involve people over the age of 65
Almost 600 premature deaths are expected to occur during the ongoing heatwave affecting England and Wales, according to a new rapid analysis by leading scientists. The majority of fatalities are projected among older adults, with London and the West Midlands likely to be the worst-affected areas.
Climate change driving deadly temperatures
Researchers say the extreme temperatures, which have reached 32°C in parts of south-east England, would have been nearly impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change. Pollution from burning fossil fuels has raised the likelihood of such heatwaves by around 100 times, experts say.
The scientists estimate that human activity has increased the temperatures experienced during this heatwave by 2°C to 4°C, pushing the mercury beyond safe levels for many, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis from Imperial College London, who helped conduct the analysis, said: “Heatwaves are silent killers – people who lose their lives in them typically have pre-existing health conditions and rarely have heat listed as a contributing cause of death. This real-time analysis reveals the hidden toll of heatwaves, and we want it to help raise the alarm.”
Deaths concentrated among older adults
The analysis, based on decades of UK temperature and mortality data across more than 34,000 locations in England and Wales, projects around 570 excess deaths between Thursday and Sunday. Of these, approximately 129 are expected in London. Scientists believe the figure may be underestimated, as early summer heatwaves often catch people unprepared.
Around 85% of the projected deaths are likely to involve people over the age of 65, who are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Other at-risk groups include infants, pregnant individuals, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Dr Malcolm Mistry from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), who contributed to the study, warned: “Exposure to temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s may not seem dangerous, but they can be fatal, particularly for people aged over 65, infants, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Health and emergency services under pressure
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert on Thursday, which is set to remain in effect until 9 am on Monday. The warning highlights a risk of increased deaths and severe impacts on health and social care systems.
Medical professionals have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses. Dr Lorna Powell, an urgent care doctor in East London, said: “We are seeing cases of heat exhaustion rising. It can quickly trigger more serious illnesses, as dehydration sets in and the cardiovascular system becomes overwhelmed.”
The UKHSA advises people to stay out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, drink plenty of fluids, keep indoor spaces cool, and check in on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Data from a recent study indicates that approximately 80% of UK homes overheat during summer, further exacerbating health risks for residents.
Urban areas face greater risk
City dwellers, especially those in poorly ventilated flats, face higher health risks during heatwaves. Heat becomes trapped in buildings, leading to prolonged exposure, especially at night when outdoor temperatures remain high.
Professor Antonio Gasparrini of LSHTM, another contributor to the analysis, said: “When temperatures push past the limits populations are acclimatised to, excess deaths can increase very rapidly. Every fraction of a degree of warming will cause more hospital admissions and heat deaths, putting more strain on the NHS.”
Poor preparedness criticised
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 10,000 people died in the UK due to heatwaves, according to UKHSA data. Yet in April 2025, the government’s climate advisers criticised the UK’s readiness to deal with extreme heat, calling preparations “inadequate, piecemeal and disjointed”.
Despite growing awareness of climate-related risks, systemic changes to improve resilience, such as retrofitting homes and bolstering healthcare capacity, have been limited.
Government removes barriers to home EV chargers
As part of broader environmental measures, the UK government recently eliminated the requirement for planning permission to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at homes and businesses. This change is estimated to save an average of £1,100 per installation, according to the Department for Transport, and may aid the shift to low-carbon transport. While unrelated to heatwave policy, the move reflects the government’s push for green infrastructure.
Air quality worsens amid heat
Alongside the heat, a spike in air pollution has raised additional concerns. London has been issued a high ozone pollution alert, with people suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma advised to avoid outdoor exercise.
Heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense
Global data shows that extreme heat causes more deaths than floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. According to insurer Swiss Re, heatwaves are responsible for about 500,000 deaths globally each year. “Extreme heat events are more dangerous than natural catastrophes in terms of human lives lost, yet the true cost is only starting to come to light,” said Nina Arquint, chief executive of corporate solutions at Swiss Re.
In 2024, the planet recorded its hottest year on record, driven by climate change and rising emissions. Carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuels continue to increase, pushing the world closer to dangerous temperature thresholds.
A recent report by the UK Climate Change Committee estimates that if global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, annual heat-related deaths in the UK could exceed 10,000 by 2050.
The scientists behind the current analysis hope that quantifying the hidden human cost of heatwaves will prompt more urgent action to reduce emissions and prepare the UK for a hotter future.
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In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity
AS Pride Month sweeps across the world in a blaze of colour, protest and celebration, one Indian voice continues to rise with unwavering authenticity. Ella D’Verma is reshaping narratives as a transgender model, fearless LGBTQ+ advocate and digital content creator with a powerful global following.
In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity, her visibility has become vital – the embodiment of pride in action. In this exclusive conversation with Eastern Eye, she speaks about her journey, the importance of visibility, self-expression, navigating the fashion industry as a trans model, representation, and her vision for the future.
Pride is about honouring those who came before us and ensuring our stories are not lostInstagram / elladverma
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Given the struggles and hardships the LGBTQ+ community has faced, it is only fair that we take this time to honour our stories. For me, the best part of Pride is the conversations and representation it brings. Even if
it is sometimes reduced to marketing or tokenism, the community is being acknowledged. That visibility helps those who may not have the courage to come out yet feel represented. Pride is about honouring those who came before us and ensuring our stories are not lost.
How did lockdown influence your decision to embrace your identity and share it publicly?
Those were difficult times for everyone, but I was fortunate to have my family around and healthy. Lockdown made me realise the fragility of life. It helped me understand that I no longer wanted to live a lie. Being at home kept me away from school, relatives and opinions – that gave me the space to start expressing myself on social media.
Lockdown made me realise the fragility of lifeInstagram / elladverma
Was there a pivotal moment when you realised the importance of being visible and authentic?
The arts were my escape. Whenever I got on stage, I told myself I was good at what I did, even if I was being bullied or felt uncomfortable at home. But one day, the discomfort with myself became overwhelming – I got on stage and forgot my lines. That had never happened to me before. In that moment, it hit me that hiding my identity was costing me too much. That was the moment I came out to my mum.
What challenges have you faced in the fashion industry as a trans model?
Honestly, a lot of garments are not designed for the average cisgender woman, let alone a transgender woman. With my body type, it is often difficult to find clothes that fit well or make me feel comfortable. It has been a journey of accepting that my body is different and not everyone caters to it. I have had to embrace that as part of my story.
How have you learnt to navigate that space?
It is about trusting yourself, knowing your body and what suits it. I have learnt to speak up when something is not working, whether it is makeup or styling. I know what enhances my features, and that confidence makes a shoot successful. Over time, I have stopped mincing words on set. Feeling confident in how I look is 90 per cent of the job.
How do you feel about being recognised as a model who is transgender versus being labelled a transgender model?
My identity is not something I hide or feel ashamed of – I take pride in it. But I am also aware that it is sacred. I do not feel the need to bring it up unless it is relevant. If a job or campaign centres on that identity, I am happy to speak about it. But when my gender is unnecessarily
highlighted, I draw the line. I am a model who happens to be transgender, not a “transgender model”. Orientation should never come before occupation.
You cannot make meaningful change without representation in mainstream mediaInstagram / elladverma
What can the fashion and content industries do to better support transgender individuals?
Ideally, we need new rules and inclusive product design. But realistically, the most important first step is representation. You cannot make meaningful change without representation in mainstream media. That is how you create space, shift narratives, and make inclusion more than a trend.
How do you take care of your mental well-being in the face of challenges like rejection?
It is an ongoing process – none of us is immune to the pain of rejection. But it is about reminding yourself that your worth does not lie in booking a show, securing a deal, or finding a partner. You are whole in yourself, not in your achievements.
How do you hope transgender representation evolves in the future?
Representation is improving, but often it is still tied to a sense of shock, as if having a trans character is automatically a plot point. What I would love to see is
trans stories being told as simply human stories, not with a “transgender” label attached. The long-term goal is for trans identities to be treated as standard, not sensationalised.
Instagram: @elladverma
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'The Lancet' and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025
A new weight-loss drug, amycretin, has delivered the most significant results yet for appetite-suppressing GLP-1 medications, according to two newly published studies in The Lancet and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Record weight loss from Amycretin injections
Researchers found that participants receiving high-dose weekly injections of amycretin lost 24.3 per cent of their body weight over 36 weeks. This outcome surpasses the results seen in longer trials involving other GLP-1 drugs such as tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro), which previously led the field with an average weight loss of 20 per cent over 72 weeks.
Amycretin, developed by Novo Nordisk, the same pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy and the Type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic, works by targeting both the GLP-1 and amylin receptors. These receptors help control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.
Strong results for oral version
In addition to the injectable form, a parallel study explored amycretin in tablet form. Conducted over 12 weeks and involving 144 adults, the trial showed those on the highest daily dose (100mg) lost 13.1 per cent of their body weight – a substantial result for an oral medication over such a short period.
Both studies also reported improvements in metabolic and glycaemic health. The authors wrote that amycretin “effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity”. They called for longer and larger trials to assess long-term safety and optimise the dosing regimen.
Pills could overtake jabs in the future
While the injectable version delivered record weight loss, the promising results from the pill suggest oral treatments could soon rival or even surpass jabs in convenience and effectiveness.
Health experts have described the development of an effective pill as a potential “game-changer” in tackling obesity. Professor Jason Halford, former president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: “They will be easier to produce, store and use, and this should mean they could become more widely available. That would produce a significant impact on the nation’s health.”
Limited NHS rollout as private demand surges
Obesity remains a major issue in the UK, with around two in three adults considered overweight or obese. The NHS is set to begin prescribing GLP-1 injections from late June 2025, although the initial rollout will be limited. Around 220,000 people are expected to be treated through the NHS within the next three years.
Eligibility criteria are strict, covering only the most obese patients with at least four chronic health conditions linked to excess weight. Meanwhile, private use of these medications has surged, with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK having already purchased jabs like Wegovy.
Wegovy also shows promise at higher doses
Separately, another study presented at the ADA meeting focused on Wegovy (semaglutide), examining the effects of a higher weekly dose of 7.2mg. This led to average weight loss of 20.7 per cent over 72 weeks, up from 13.7 per cent at the standard dose used in earlier trials.
As competition intensifies in the weight-loss drug market, amycretin’s early results, particularly in tablet form, suggest it could play a major role in the future of obesity treatment.
I recently joined the incredible team at the Asian Sports Foundation. It is an honour to work alongside passionate individuals such as Shazia Ali, Harleen Kaur and Angus Martin. Since it was founded by Jug Johal, the Asian Sports Foundation has worked to transform inactivity into active living, promoting better wellbeing and greater representation of Asian communities in sport and physical activity.
This is a cause close to my heart. The undeniable power of sport and movement to improve both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. It is a message I have consistently championed, alongside a commitment to equity and inclusion, which is why I am so excited to contribute to a charity that truly embodies this ethos.
In recent weeks, my conversations with Parkinson’s UK and various Asian community groups about boosting wellbeing through activity have shed light on a critical issue: Parkinson’s is on the rise, yet awareness and support remain limited, especially within South Asian communities. The stories I have heard have been deeply moving and point to a pressing need for change.
One person told me about their family’s experience. “We didn’t know much about Parkinson’s at the time,”
They said – a sentiment echoed by many. There is little information about the condition within the community, and it is often shrouded in stigma. In some circles, it is even viewed as a ‘curse’. The diagnosis came as a devastating blow. “We were shocked. All our dreams and plans to see the world came crashing down.” Their honesty reflects the profound emotional impact and isolation many families face.
For those unfamiliar, Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms – ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety – and no known cure, the challenges are immense. But staying active and connected can make a real difference.
Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain conditionInstagram/ itsmitamistry
This is where organisations like Parkinson’s UK are so vital. They support people at every stage of the Parkinson’s journey, and their efforts to raise awareness in marginalised and ethnic communities are commendable. Their work builds on a strong foundation, which includes local events, essential support services and a pioneering Race Equality in Research programme, aimed at improving understanding and treatment across all communities.
My aim – and a key focus for the Asian Sports Foundation – is to amplify these efforts through inclusive, impactful programmes. We want to act as a bridge, connecting communities with the support and information they need. If you or someone you know is
experiencing symptoms, please know that you are not alone. The journey can be overwhelming, but there are people who care and resources that can help.
I would genuinely love to hear from you. Share your experiences, tell me how we can help, and if you are part of a grassroots community group, let us work together to break the silence and build a more informed, supportive environment for all.