“Diet and exercise” has been the weight-loss mantra for decades but a drug designed for diabetes patients could now offer hope to people who are obese, at a time when researchers are warning that half of the world’s population are expected to be overweight or obese by 2035. One of the first to have injections of Semaglutide in the UK was Jan, who has battled with her weight since childhood. Once the medication took effect she lost four stone and said her hunger disappeared.  Professor Stephen O’Rahilly from the University of Cambridge, explains how the drug mimics our body’s natural appetite signalling but its effects disappear once you stop the weekly injections. Family doctor Margaret McCartney says it might help some who are obese but warns that it has also gained a reputation as a “Hollywood skinny drug", reflecting some of society’s ideas about beauty and celebrity culture.  Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath (Photo: A jogger running around Clifton Downs, Bristol. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA)

Obesity drug: New hope for weight loss?

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This week, we’re looking at examples of innovative thinking in medicine. A new, non-invasive device could help people with paralysis to regain movement. And as Namibia passes a critical milestone, we look back on one of the biggest developments in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Also on the programme, an update on the Korean doctors’ strike, and a summit looks to tackle the often-overlooked problem of indoor air pollution. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer:  Margaret Sessa-Hawkins
Editor: Holly Squire

Medical Innovations

We look at the reasons behind a recent surge in Whooping cough cases in Europe and Asia. Also on the program: why are women more susceptible to heat-related mortality, the small patches that could revolutionise vaccines, and the recent Northern Lights sightings have us looking at the psychology of awe. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Panellist: Smitha Mundasad
Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

Whooping cough on the rise

A research center in Sudan had brought hope for neglected disease mycetoma, we hear from a mycetoma expert how the conflict has affected research. Also on the show, have researchers discovered a genetic form of Alzheimer’s, and for the first time an orangutan is seen making a medicine to treat its own wound – what can this tell us about the history of human medication?  Presenter: Claudia Hammond 
Producer: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

Conflict's impact on a neglected disease

There's been a lot of coverage in the media around the world about the mental health difficulties facing boys, but looking at figures for mental health problems in children and teens, there's clearly something going on with girls too. For some years, research has shown more girls are experiencing problems than boys, with a troubling spike in difficulties showing up in the late teens. On today's programme, Claudia Hammond explores the issue with a variety of guests. She visits King's College London's (KCL) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience to speak to Gemma Knowles, a lecturer in epidemiology and youth mental health; Craig Morgan, professor of social epidemiology and co-director of ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health; and Valeria Mondelli, a clinical professor of psychoneuroimmunology - about their work with young people, trying to uncover the deeper causes and to find new solutions. She also hears from some of the young people involved in a major study into mental health, conducted by the team at KCL and spanning nearly a decade. Claudia is joined by Dr Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist, who uses her own professional experiences to discuss the trends and challenges of youth mental health. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Dan Welsh

What’s happening with girls’ mental health?

After a number of incidents around the world so far this year that have left dozens of flyers needing hospital treatment, we look at how a rise in air turbulence because of global warming is leading to more and more injuries to passengers. Professor Paul Williams from the University of Reading in the UK tells us why turbulence is so hard to plan for, how new technology might be able to help solve the problem, and how despite an increase in incidents it’s still incredibly rare to experience extreme turbulence./ Claudia Hammond is also joined by Monica Lakhanpaul, Professor of Integrated Community Child Health at University College London, to look at how a shortage of HPV vaccines is leading to millions of girls across Africa missing out on receiving the shots. Monica also tells us about her new research on the barriers children with epilepsy are facing being able to exercise. We also explore what it’s like for people that don’t have an inner monologue and can’t imagine sounds – a phenomenon known as anauralia. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Dan Welsh

Obesity drug: New hope for weight loss?

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