The 44-year-old shared a new video on Wednesday, which you can watch below, that highlighted her body transformation as she worked up a sweat in her home gym.
Returning to her fondness for pole dancing to help keep her in shape, Serena displayed her impressive strength as she lifted herself on the pole before using just her arms and core muscles to keep her elevated.
Wearing a pair of micro white shorts and a matching crop top, Serena’s sculpted muscles on her legs and abs were clearly visible.
WATCH: Serena Williams displays 34lbs weight loss during pole dancing workout
Serena has been open about her weight loss transformation and how GLP-1 medication assisted her in losing the baby weight she gained during her second pregnancy with daughter Adira in 2023.
Serena’s struggle to lose weight despite her high fitness level and healthy diet spurred her to make the decision.
Serena showed off her sculpted physique while pole dancing
“I am a very good use case of how you can do everything – eat healthy, work out to the point of even playing a professional sport and getting to the finals of Wimbledon and U.S. Opens – and still not be able to lose weight,” she told Women’s Health.
“[GLP-1 medication is] not a shortcut. It’s not a copout. This is just another tool to support my health journey.
“I would never take a shortcut to living a healthy life. It’s really about using the tools available to you to support your health. That’s why it’s so important to be transparent with my story.”
During her Super Bowl commercial for Ro, Serena opened up about her personal weight loss journey and revealed she had lost 34 pounds over the past year.
In the sleekly produced ad, Serena is shown injecting the medication using a pen device, scrolling through the Ro mobile app, and unveiling a new pill version of the treatment.
Alongside the weight loss, she shares that she experienced reduced knee joint stress, steadier blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol – positioning the transformation as both physical and health-focused.
Serena used the GLP-1 company Ro to help her lose weight
Serena previously admitted she felt blindsided by how difficult it was to lose weight postpartum.
“I never was able to get to the weight I needed to be no matter what I did, no matter how much I trained,” she told People. “It was crazy because I’d never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy, and could never get down to where I needed to be at.
Serena said she struggled to lose weight after the birth of her second daughter
“I had never taken shortcuts in my career and always worked really hard. I know what it takes to be the best,” she said. “So it was very frustrating to do all the same things and never be able to change that number on the scale or the way my body looked.”
After starting the GLP-1 medication in 2024, Serena says the results were transformative. “I lost over 31 pounds using my GLP-1, and I was really excited about that weight loss. I feel great. I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally.”
Sleep is one of the most important factors for our well-being, and many of us worry that we’re not getting enough, but is there such a thing as too much sleep? According to experts, the answer is yes.
Regularly sleeping more than nine hours a night can not only increase your risk of various mood disorders or metabolic issues, but it can also mess up your circadian rhythm. The occasional lie-in or early night isn’t going to cause any issues, but what does it mean when you frequently feel that the recommended average of eight hours of sleep isn’t enough to help you feel rested and restored?
To get all the answers to our sleep-related questions, we caught up with Dr Jeffrey H. Chester, a physician and Medical Director at The Ohana Luxury Addiction Treatment Center, and it might make you rethink those lazy weekend lie-ins…
Adults are recommended to sleep for seven to nine hours a night
Firstly, it’s good to understand how much sleep you actually need each night to best support your well-being. Dr. Chester explains: “For most adults, there is an optimal range. And that range is between seven and nine hours a night.
“This amount of sleep is associated in clinical studies with optimal cognitive function, physical health, and emotional regulation. It’s okay to be a little outside of that range.”
Can you sleep too much, and what happens when you do?
According to the doctor, it is possible to oversleep, and it will do more than simply make you feel a little groggy. “It is possible to sleep too much. Oversleeping, which is consistently sleeping more than nine or ten hours a night, has been associated with mood disorders, fatigue, and brain fog. There is also a higher risk of conditions like metabolic issues and heart disease,” he says.
“Many people think that excessive sleep would be deeply restorative. However, it actually interferes with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This can impact energy levels and cause fatigue.”
If you’re still feeling tired after a long sleep or need to sleep more, it may be worth seeing your doctor
So, what is the difference between catching up on sleep every now and then, or a cause for concern? “If a person is consistently sleeping nine or ten hours a night or more, then it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or healthcare provider,” Dr. Chester shares.
He adds that sleeping a little longer is normal if you’re recovering from illness, but you should seek expert advice if you’re regularly oversleeping or feel like you are much more tired than usual. “Occasionally sleeping longer, such as after being ill, is fine. But if a person is consistently sleeping more than nine hours a night, it’s time to talk to a doctor.”
Support for a healthy sleep routine
As a health and wellness coach, I’ve learned that establishing a sleep routine can be incredibly beneficial for your well-being and even improve the quality of your sleep, meaning you will likely feel less need to lie in or oversleep to catch up on rest. Simply set a regular time that you go to bed and wake up each day, even on weekends, and your circadian rhythm will start to naturally wind down and prepare for sleep ahead of this time on an evening, and help you wake more easily in the mornings.
You may also be surprised to learn that seeing more daylight can also impact your quality of sleep. Exposure to bright natural light – particularly in the early morning and late afternoon – can help to influence the release of the sleep hormone melatonin, and prepare your body for restful, quality sleep.
Your evening routine is incredibly important, too. Introducing some relaxing rituals can go a long way to supporting your sleep, taking you out of fight-or-flight mode when you’re feeling stressed, and activating your parasympathetic nervous system so you fall asleep more easily. This is a topic I’ve covered in detail in my book, Good Evening Rituals, with examples including meditation, journaling and simply being more mindful while doing your nightly skincare routine or brushing your teeth.
Often blamed for bar brawls, lewd behaviour and the darker traits of toxic masculinity, testosterone has long had a branding problem. Historically, it’s been framed as the preserve of those who possess Y-chromosomes; a blunt-force hormone best left to men.
But what if a carefully calibrated dose of the “him” hormone could help women in their midlife not only feel more like themselves again, but navigate the emotional, physical and psychological curveballs of this stage with greater confidence?
“Testosterone is one of the most under-discussed hormones in women’s health, and one of the most powerful,” says Vanessa Coppola, a doctor of nursing practice, board-certified menopause practitioner and founder of the women’s wellness practice Bare Soul.
“It’s thought of exclusively as a ‘male hormone’ but it influences everything from our energy and metabolism to our mood, libido, mental clarity, and that subtle but undeniable sense of inner vitality that so many women feel slipping away in their forties and fifties.”
Yet testosterone is often left out of the menopause conversation and women pay the price for that silence. “It’s about feeling alive again,” Vanessa explains. “It restores the feeling of being anchored in your own body – strong, sharp, connected and fully present. For many midlife women, testosterone is the missing piece of the hormonal puzzle that nobody bothered to hand them. And as women, we deserve every part of our biology back.”
Testosterone levels and midlife
“Women are made up predominantly of oestrogen and progesterone, with some testosterone, while men are mainly testosterone with a little bit of oestrogen and progesterone,” explains Dr. Amalia Annaradnam, founder of the Hormone Wellness Clinic. “Testosterone can start to decline even before we hit menopause and our periods stop.”
By the time menopause arrives, total testosterone production may fall by as much as 50%, Vanessa adds, a decline that is often compounded by age-related reductions in adrenal output.
“I sit across from women every day who think they’re ‘just getting older’, ‘just stressed’, or ‘just tired’. What they’re actually experiencing is the impact of a hormone that has never been explained to them,” she says.
So why isn’t testosterone a routine part of HRT? “There is no testosterone replacement therapy licensed for women in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t prescribed,” says Amalia.
“Many private doctors prescribe it and some specialist NHS clinics do too. Because it’s unlicensed, some GPs feel understandably cautious, as it’s not their area of expertise but many of my patients do receive it on the NHS if I oversee their care.” Androfemme is a commonly prescribed female formulation but it is expensive, so some doctors opt for male versions such as Testogel or Testim using smaller doses. “The British Menopause Society has good guidance for clinicians on testosterone prescribing,” Amalia adds.
How do you know if you need testosterone?
“Symptoms of low testosterone can include fatigue, loss of muscle mass, low libido, brain fog, increased body fat, loss of drive and confidence and bone loss, to name a few,” says Amalia. But both experts note that symptoms can be wide-ranging and nuanced from emotional flatness to lack of motivation.
Low energy and anxiety can sometimes indicate low testosterone
“When women tell me, ‘I don’t feel like myself anymore’ or ‘my sex drive has gone’, testosterone is often part of the conversation,” says Vanessa, who notes that symptoms can be non-specific and may overlap with oestrogen deficiency, thyroid disorders, mood conditions or general ageing.
“However, when several of these concerns appear concurrently, testosterone decline should be part of the clinical evaluation.”
Blood testing remains key. “I always take a baseline blood test before starting any hormone therapy,” says Amalia. “I look at a full hormone profile and prescribe testosterone as part of HRT if women have symptoms and a low total testosterone level.”
Vanessa adds that many women experience symptoms before their blood results fall clearly outside the reference range; another reason why specialist care matters.
Hair today, gone tomorrow?
Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest concerns among my friends was hair; thinning on the head and growth everywhere else. “Common side effects [of taking testosterone] can be acne, hair thinning or irritability if the dose is too high,” says Amalia. “That’s why it’s so important to see a hormone specialist. Women who are testosterone-sensitive or have a history of polycystic ovary syndrome often need much smaller starting doses.”
Anabel Kingsley, a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, agrees that the relationship between testosterone and hair is complex. “For some women, testosterone can exacerbate female-pattern hair loss if follicles are sensitive to it. However, clinically low levels of testosterone can also contribute to hair loss, so restoring levels may actually improve hair in certain women.”
Hair loss affects around 50% of women at some point in their lives
Hair loss, Anabel stresses, is highly individual. “The benefits of testosterone can be significant and I wouldn’t let fear of hair loss put you off trying it. Have an open conversation with your doctor about risks and benefits. Scalp treatments can help protect follicles and encourage growth.”
HELLO!’s Second Act is a newsletter for women in midlife and beyond. It’s completely free to sign up and is a one-stop-shop for advice and inspiration on the issues our Second Act community have told us matter most: health, relationships, travel, menopause, divorce, careers, finance and more.
In 2018, Team USA made history when the men’s curling team won the gold medal at the PyeongChang Olympics. But, in women’s and mixed doubles – which premiered at the 2018 Olympics – Team USA has yet to clinch a medal spot.
So, who is competing for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics in curling? Here’s everything we know about the athletes and their unique sport.
Mixed Doubles curling was introduced at the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018. The United States has yet to medal in the sport. Competing in the category at the 2026 Olympics in Milan are Korey Dropkin and CoryThiesse.
Korey, 30, started curling when he was just five years old. He was inspired by his family’s involvement in the sport. Korey grew up in Wayland, Massachusetts before moving to Duluth, Minnesota to hone his curling skills. And his older brother, StephenDropkin, also competed for Team USA at the World University Games in 2015.
Korey’s teammate, also named Corey, 31, is a lifelong curler. She was born and raised in the unofficial curling capital of America – Duluth, Minnesota. In 2018, Corey competed in Pyeongchang for the women’s team and placed eighth. Outside of curling, she is married to SamThiesse and works as a lab technician.
Men’s Team Casper – Danny Casper, Luc Violette, Ben Richardson, Aidan Oldenburg, and Rich Ruohonen
The men’s team is USA’s best hope at medalling in curling. They last medaled in PyeongChang when they won the gold medal after defeating Sweden.
This year’s team is led by 24-year-old DannyCasper. He started curling when he was 11 after his dad got him into the sport. During the 2024-2025 season, Danny was diagnosed with autoimmune disease, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which sometimes causes him to struggle at times to walk and use his hands. In Milan, his teammates will help him clean his rock on the ice if he has trouble with his hands.
Also on the men’s team is LucViolette, 26, who is the son of the two-time national champion, TomViolette. Off the ice, Luc is an engineer. He uses engineering in curling when he calculates the right shot.
BenRichardson, 27, is the team’s second. He was born in the tropical city of Miami, but was encouraged by his grandmother from Canada to get into curling. Outside of curling, Ben is a musician who plays the cello.
Joining Danny, Luc, and Ben is AidanOldenburg, 24. He started curling at 10 and was the captain of the Valorant esports team when he was a student at Minnesota State. Aidan also dreams of becoming an environmental scientist.
Women’s Team Peterson – Tabitha Peterson Lovick, Cory Thiesse, Tara Peterson, Taylor Anderson-Heide, and Aileen Geving
The best finish for Team USA’s women came in 2006 when they placed fourth at the Winter Games in Turin. Maybe Italy is their good luck charm!
This year’s team is led by Tabitha Peterson Lovick, 36. Like many other Olympic curlers, she started in the sport when she was young. Her career quickly took off. Tabitha won back-to-back junior national championships and a bronze medal in 2010 at the junior world championships. Milan will be Tabitha’s third Olympics – she competed in Beijing and PyeongChang.
Her younger sister, TaraPeterson, 34, is also competing in Milan. Tara made her Olympic debut in 2022 at the Beijing Games. Outside of curling, she is a dentist in Minnesota, is married to her husband Jon, and is mom to her son Edawrd.
Making her Olympic debut is TaylorAnderson-Heidi, 30. She began curling alongside her identical twin, SarahAnderson. She is a successful curler, finishing in the top three at two different U.S.Olympic Trials. In 2024, she tied the knot with her husband, RyanHeide.
Corey Thiesse is competing on the women’s team as well as the mixed doubles. And the team’s alternate is AileenGeving, 38, who also competed in Beijing and PyeongChang.
Curling, which first launched at the Olympics in 1924, is played on a sheet of ice between two teams of four players each. During the game, teams take turns throwing eight stones. After all the stones are thrown, the team with the stone closest to the center of the target scores points.
It’s called curling because the stones curl to the right or left as they glide down the ice. Curlers have brooms and sweep the ice to allow the stone to travel further.
While the U.S. dominates most Olympics, they have only won gold in curling once. The country who is typically most dominant in curling is Canada. They have won 12 Olympic medals. Another powerhouse is Sweden, who won gold in 2022.
Brandy’s younger brother, Ray J, just shared a heartbreaking update about his health. The 45-year-old singer and songwriter updated his fans in a video shared to social media on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Appearing visibly weakened, he delivered a frightening prognosis: “2027 is definitely a wrap for me. That’s what the doctor said.”
The “Sexy Can I” was hospitalized earlier this month in Las Vegas for severe pneumonia which severely damaged his heart.
“My heart’s only beating 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right,” he said in a January 25 Instagram video. “My health is not OK, so I thank everybody for supporting and praying for me through everything I’ve been in the hospital.” During the separate, more alarming stream on January 27, he went further, claiming doctors told him he had as little as three weeks left to live.
Brandy and Ray J during a Disneyland Concert in Anaheim, California
The support and prayers are surely coming from his big sister. While the 46-year-old Moesha actress hasn’t released a formal statement, Ray J revealed that Brandy has been a constant source of strength behind the scenes. In his recent videos, he expressed deep gratitude for his sister, revealing that Brandy has even paid his bills for the rest of the year so he can focus entirely on his medical checkups and recovery.
Ray J’s recent pneumonia diagnosis wasn’t his first. In 2021, the singer was treated for the lung infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he told TMZ: “I thought it was over. I started praying and knew God is good, so I just kept praying.” This time, however, the singer admitted that past lifestyle choices, including “partying too hard,” likely contributed to his current heart condition.
The singers were born to Willie Norwood and Sonja Bates-Norwood in McComb, Mississippi. Ray J, who was born William Ray Norwood Jr., was creative from a young age, starring in commercials and television shows before he was even 10.
In 1983, the family relocated to Los Angeles where both Ray J and Brandy’s careers blossomed. The two both started making music, with Ray J’s debut album, Everything You Want, gaining traction on the charts.
In 2001, the siblings collaborated on a cover of Phil Collins‘ “Another Day in Paradise.” They’ve also performed together on tour and for the Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business reality show soundtrack.
But recently, Ray J opened up about his strained bond with his big sister. “I love my sister, but I’m an embarrassment to them,” he said during an appearance on the Drop the Lo podcast.
Despite these feelings of distance, the current health crisis seems to have pulled the family back together, with Ray J noting his parents were accompanying him to critical medical appointments this week.
Ray J’s family
In 2016, Ray J married Princess Love after meeting through the boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. The couple shared their relationship on VH1’s Love & Hop Hop: Hollywood. Two years after marrying, they welcomed their daughter MelodyLove. In 2020, Princess gave birth to their son, EpikRay.
Ray J and Princess are not currently living together, although they are technically still married. In February 2024, she filed for divorce from the singer for the fourth time. In his recent health updates, Ray J emphasized that his primary focus now is ensuring his family is taken care of. “My baby mama gon’ be straight, my kids gon’ be straight… I did my part here,” he told viewers during his January 27 stream.
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that the increasingly popular weight loss drug Mounjaro has helped him to lose three stone, but also shared some more surprising side-effects of the jab that are much less mentioned.
In an interview with The Sun, he gave his fans an insight into the other impacts that the medication has had on him, which included not being quite so “quick-witted” and being “grumpier” and a diminished libido, though he confessed that he did not face some of the more common side effects such as constipation.
Jeremy Clarkson presents the Amazon series Clarkson’s Farm
He told the publication: “I find myself doing Hot Seat [Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?], thinking: ‘Oh [expletive], I should have said that, but too late now’. But who’s to say I wouldn’t have thought that when I wasn’t on [Mounjaro]?
“Constipation? No, I don’t have that. Diminished libido? I’m 65, it’s hard to know what’s causing that. I’ll ask [my wife] Lisa when I get back home.”
Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Jeremy Clarkson shows off beautiful unseen corners of Diddly Squat Farm
He also explained that he had lost weight over the course of six months thanks to the medication, though it has slowed down at the moment.
The Clarkson’s Farm star added: “I’m nearer to [David] Gandy now than I was a year ago, in the same way that tectonic activity means that South America is moving closer to Australia – not by much. But I can go much further, I can take the dogs out for longer now, so it keeps her happy. I’m much healthier.”
On another lesser-known side-effect, the 65-year-old shared that his feet have shrunk: “The shoes I was wearing last year are falling off me as I’m walking around. I think I might be the first person in the world to lose weight on my feet.”
What is Mounjaro and what are the side effects?
The once-a-week weight loss jab has been mentioned everywhere in the last year, drawing attention thanks to its promise of appetite suppression and weight reduction. However, as with any medication, it is crucial to understand the full picture.
Mounjaro is the brand name for tizepatide, a drug that mimics two naturally occurring hormones in the body. Dr Angela Kwong, a GP with a special interest in obesity management, spoke to HELLO!, explaining to us that: “Mounjaro is approved in Australia for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, weight management in adults with obesity, or those with weight-related health conditions, and most recently, obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity.”
Weight loss medications are being used more and more
Leading pharmacist Jason Murphy told us: “The active ingredient, tirzepatide, targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. That dual mechanism makes Mounjaro different from many other weight loss injections and helps deliver stronger appetite control and more effective weight loss results when used alongside diet and exercise.”
As for the side effects, Dr Kwong explained to us that: “The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, diarrhoea, and a reduced appetite. These tend to be mild and improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication.” The adjustment period for side effects varies between individuals, but subsides once your body gets used to the medication.
Christopher Schwarzenegger showed off the major weight loss progress he’s made. Katherine Schwarzenegger shared a video of the family’s Christmas festivities in which Christopher, 27, was seen at the holiday dinner table wearing a fitted black sweater, dark grey pants and black leather sneakers.
In the hilarious video, Christina Schwarzenegger was seen hugging her brother-in-law Chris Pratt for the online “hug your brother-in-law challenge.” Check out the video below.
Recommended videoYou may also likeChristopher Schwarzenegger shows off his new buff body after weight loss transformation
Christopher previously opened up about his weight loss journey in May 2025, and he revealed during the Inaugural Beacher Vitality Happy & Healthy Summit, that it took him over five years to get to his goals, and that “it was a big process.” Overall, he has impressively shed over 100 pounds.
The Director of Development at Indus Valley Media recalled that he became initially motivated to shed the weight after he went overseas and realized that his weight prevented him from crossing off his bucket list.
The University of Michigan graduate shared: “I started in 2019, when I was living in Australia. I was on this big trip. I made it a big [deal] like, ‘Oh, I’m going to go out and do all this stuff, be in Australia,’ and I just saw how much my weight was prohibiting me from doing the everyday activities. I was like, ‘I want to go skydiving.’ And my friends were like, ‘Yeah, no shot.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I can’t skydive.’”
That moment inspired him to turn his life around by firstly giving up bread during lent, which is a Christian religious observance that lasts 40 days. He shared: “I lost 30 lbs. just through that.” He further explained that his weight loss success was “not an overnight thing.” Christopher continued to regularly incorporate strength training, hiking, and walking into his fitness routine.
Christopher became dedicated to his fitness routine
Despite Christopher’s success, he’s not done yet. He expressed: “It took a lot of trial and error, and even still to this day … when you’re saying, ‘oh, before and after photos’… I don’t feel like I’m an ‘after’ yet. I don’t feel like I’m at the point.”
His father Arnold Schwarzenegger applauded Christopher’s continued dedication and discipline when it comes to his health.
Arnold expressed: “I could never go and say to him, ‘you’re overweight.’ We just kept introducing healthy foods. We introduced him always to the gym and all of that kind of stuff. And then, out of nowhere, he decided that he wanted to be lean. And now he is. So that is of course fantastic, the self-discipline and the self-motivation. I always felt one day it will have to come from him—and it did,” per The Sunday Times.
Christopher has put the work in and we look forward to cheering him on as he keeps getting closer to his personal weight loss goal.
At 56, Jennifer Aniston has the body many of us can only dream of – regardless of age. The Friends star always looked toned and muscular, with washboard abs and svelte arms.
Given she never looks anything short of sculpted, we’ve often found ourselves asking how she maintains her physique – and she has finally revealed her secret, explaining: “Muscle is the ultimate anti-ageing tool. I am building strength that fuels my energy, confidence and longevity.”
Curious as to how muscle can serve as an anti-ageing tool, we spoke to personal trainer Shakira Akabusi, who explained how our muscles can keep us feeling youthful – but also shared the sobering fact that our muscles decline rapidly as we age.
“Many of us know that we lose bone as we age, but fewer of us realise that our muscles also lose strength and mass as we get older, a normal process known as sarcopenia,” Shakira begins. “This age-related loss of muscle is a major cause of frailty, increasing the risk of falling and fractures in older people.”
Shakira Akabusi shares how muscles can keep us feeling youthful
At 56, Jennifer Aniston certainly doesn’t look frail – and this is likely due to her commitment to honing her muscles through exercise. Here, Shakira shares her advice for supporting our muscles in midlife and beyond.
HELLO!’s Second Act is a newsletter for women in midlife and beyond. It’s completely free to sign up and is a one-stop-shop for advice and inspiration on the issues our Second Act community have told us matter most: health, relationships, travel, menopause, divorce, careers, finance and more.
Supporting muscles in midlife
“There are two types of training that are ideal to help combat muscle loss, helping us to build strength and lay down new bone tissue,” she says. “Weight-bearing movements, where we’re up on our feet, place our skeletal frame under gentle pressure, stimulating our bones to lay down more bone tissue.
“In addition, resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or pushing and pulling against something, help to strengthen our muscles. Strength training causes small, microscopic tears to a muscle and as the fibres rebuild, they are reinforced, making our muscles stronger.”
Kate Rowe-Ham explains the moves that can help support muscle growth
On how often we need to train our muscles, fellow personal trainer Kate Rowe-Ham adds: “The longevity benefits of strength training are enormous. Two or three sessions a week improve balance, reduce falls and make daily life easier, whether that’s carrying shopping or playing with grandchildren. Strength training also boosts metabolism, supports heart health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.”
Keen to try it for yourself? Watch our video below for easy-to-follow moves to support your muscles. Jen Aniston arms, here we come!
To many’s dismay, over the past few years tennis courts across the US, and the world, have been rapidly taken over by the pickleball court, a sport that you probably hadn’t heard of until a few years ago. Despite its invention in 1965, it wasn’t until the late 2010s when its popularity skyrocketed; and was subsequently named the fastest growing sport by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association from 2021 to 2024.
The sport is much easier to learn than tennis and relatively inexpensive, making it the perfect hobby for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to compete against each other in a fun yet competitive way. Pickleball has also grabbed the attention of many former tennis players who have aided in bringing the professional side of pickleball into the public eye, see some of them below.
This list has to begin with Andre, an 8-time Grand Slam winner, who completed the coveted achievement where a player must win all four majors, something only 13 other tennis players have done. He also won the Olympic gold medal in 1996. Andre participated in the first live airing of pickleball on ESPN in 2023 and in April 2025 he made his professional debut at the US Open Pickleball Championships, where he won alongside Anna Leigh Waters.
Eugenie Bouchard plays in a doubles match with John Isner
Eugenie saw much success as a junior tennis player, winning her first professional title when she was 16, and she also achieved a career-high ranking of world no. 5 in 2014. In 2023, she was reportedly offered $1.5 million from the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) to join the professional pickleball circuit, where she is currently considered one of the biggest pickleball stars.
John McEnroe at Pickleball Slam 2 at Hard Rock Live
John is another former world no. 1 tennis player and seven-time Grand Slam winner to make the shift to pickleball in recent years. John debuted in 1978 and officially retired from tennis in 1992. He pursued many passions after his retirement, having had a brief music career, working as a sports commentator, before joining Andre’s in ESPN’s first live airing of pickleball in 2023.
James, a former world no. 4 tennis player, was an early investor in professional pickleball. He invested in Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2021 and co-owns the MLP team the Milwaukee Mashers, making him one of the first tennis stars to make the move.
Aryna Sabalenka at the Hilton Rooftop Pickleball Event
Currently world no. 1 in singles, Aryna hasn’t missed out on the fun of pickleball. In January 2025, Aryna played a casual game in the Hilton Rooftop Pickleball event in Melbourne, Australia, cementing pickleball’s relevance in the world of professional tennis.
Pickleball has proven itself to be an ideal sport for retired tennis players; so, who will be next? It probably won’t be Andy Murray, who retired in 2024, and who previously stated that he’s “not a fan.” Despite Andy not approving, it doesn’t look like pickleball’s growth will slow down anytime soon, and the sport that combines the best parts of tennis, ping pong and badminton will likely be around for many more decades to come.
British Presenter Davina McCall has revealed she has had breast cancer and underwent surgery three weeks ago. In a video posted to her Instagram account on Saturday morning, she said she was “very angry” when she found out but feels in a “much more positive place” following a lumpectomy. Sharing the news on Instagram, she said: “have had breast cancer. I found a lump a few weeks ago. It came and went but then I was working on The Masked Singer and Lorraine, the TV show, and Lorraine Kelly had put signs on the backs of all the doors saying ‘check your breasts’ and every time I went for a wee I did that. “It was still there, and then one morning I saw myself in the mirror and thought ‘I’m going to get that looked at.’”
“I had a biopsy. I found out it was indeed breast cancer and I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago.” She added: “It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early which is incredibly lucky. But I am so relieved to have had it removed and to know that it hasn’t spread. My lymph nodes were clear, I didn’t have any removed, and all I’m going to do now is have five days of radiotherapy in January as kind of an insurance policy.”
In her Instagram post, Davina McCall thanked medical staff who treated her and urged women to get their breasts checked. She said: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everybody at the Royal Marsden (Hospital) … all the nurses, doctors who have helped me, thank you for your support. “Thanks to my family, to my brilliant kids, and an extra special thanks to Michael (Douglas). It’s been a lot. I was very angry when I found out, but I let go of that and I feel in a much more positive place now. I think my message is: get checked if you’re worried. Check yourself regularly. If you are due a mammogram, then get it done. I have dense breasts and I had a mammogram in August, and I was postponing the ultrasound; I just couldn’t find time to do it. Don’t do that. Get the ultrasound.”
The news of her breast cancer surgery comes 11 months after the TV star underwent surgery for a benign brain tumour last year, something which she described as the “hardest thing” she’s ever been through. “It’s been, quite possibly, the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” Davina said. “This whole experience—weirdly—kind of weighing up all the risks and all the positive things about having this tumour removed made me think deeply about what life is all about and what really, really matters when things get tough.” She added: “I needed the brilliance and the skills of lots of experts to make me okay. And oh my goodness, I’ve needed the love and support of friends and my family, and, in particular, my Michael, to get me through.”
Davina’s brain tumour, known as a colloid cyst, was found after she was offered a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work. “I put my head in the sand for a while, I saw quite a few neurosurgeons, I got lots of opinions, and I realised that I have to get it taken out. It’s big for the space, it fills the space. It’s 14mm wide, and it needs to come out because if it grows it will be bad,” she said at the time.
Sugar is everywhere, and many of us are eating far too much each day. According to the NHS, adults should have no more than 30g of free sugars a day (around six teaspoons), while children should have no more than 24g of free sugars a day, with less for toddlers and youngsters under the age of seven. But what impact is sugar having on our health and well-being? And how can we ever get our intake under control? I’m a health and nutrition coach, and this topic is what helped me develop my passion for nutrition over 15 years ago. After becoming unwell towards the end of my studies at university, I found that by cutting out sugar and making lots of changes to my diet and lifestyle, I felt better within weeks, and understood how important the diet choices we make each day are for everything from our mood to our weight and digestive health.
That’s not to say I don’t have sugar now, nor do I think you need to cut it out completely to be healthy. However, when you discover the impact that consuming too much sugar can have on your health, you may just be tempted to try.
Adults are recommended to have no more than 30g of free sugars a day
Why we crave sugar
There are many reasons we may have sugar cravings, but they can become stronger at times of stress, when you are tired, not eating enough, or even if you’re dehydrated. At many of these times, our body craves sugar as a quick source of energy, but this can wear off quickly, and unless the underlying cause is resolved (i.e. drinking a glass of water if you’re actually dehydrated), you will likely just want more sugar again.
Another issue is that sugar is in so many of the packaged foods we eat, including ‘savoury’ foods like pasta sauces, soup and salad dressings. This means our taste buds may adapt to prefer a sweeter taste and contribute to sugar cravings.
The effects of excess sugar on your body
Sugar can have a lot of harmful effects on your body, impacting everything from your brain function and behaviour to digestion and your immune system. It is well known that consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, and frequent high sugar intake can also lead to the body becoming less responsive to insulin, causing insulin resistance. This is considered a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity and inflammation.
Too much sugar can also impact gut health. A high-sugar, high-fat Western diet has been found to damage immune cells in the gut, increasing the risk of an imbalance of gut bacteria. It can also cause an overgrowth of candida, a yeast in the body, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome and cause food sensitivities to previously-tolerated foods, along with conditions such as thrush, skin rashes and fatigue.
The gut and brain are closely linked, which is why excess sugar consumption can also cause changes in brain function. Studies have shown that a high sugar diet can alter the production of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, which can lead to a higher risk for anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Meanwhile, eating too much sugar may even make you more prone to illness. Research has found that within 30 minutes of eating simple sugars, your white blood cells’ ability to fight invading bacteria and viruses decreases by 50 per cent, and lasts for at least five hours. So if you’re constantly run down, it may be worth cutting down on your sugar intake.
How sugar impacts your energy and skin
By now, you may have realised the systemic effects that sugar can have throughout your body, and the same can be said for your skin. Consuming too much sugar can create inflammation in the body, which is linked to conditions like rosacea, acne and eczema. It has also been linked to premature ageing and wrinkles.
Eating too much sugar can cause premature ageing and breakouts
Meanwhile, if you eat a lot of sugar, you may be familiar with the blood sugar highs and crashes that it can cause. One minute you may feel energetic, and the next you may feel tired, ‘hangry’ and light-headed, and craving your next sugar fix to increase your energy again. Each time we eat sugar, the pancreas releases insulin to get our blood sugar back to normal, but this cycle can lead to a rollercoaster of sugar highs and lows that can become hard to break.
Simple ways to reset your sugar intake
Keep a food diary:
If you feel that you’re having too much sugar, it may help to start by looking at the nutrition labels of any packaged foods and drinks you’re consuming and keeping a note of their sugar levels in a food diary for a few days. That way, you can get a clearer idea of how much sugar you are having and what is contributing most to this. From there, you may have a better idea of which foods you can try to swap for healthier alternatives.
Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast:
If your typical breakfast is something like cereal or sugary granola, coffee, or even skipped altogether, swapping for a protein-rich meal can be a really effective way of breaking your sugar habits. Starting your day with something like scrambled eggs, avocado, and smoked salmon or full-fat Greek yoghurt with berries can help to provide a slower, steadier energy release that will keep you full for longer and avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster all day long.
Eating a protein-rich breakfast can help curb sugar cravings
Cut down on added sugars:
It is also a good idea to try and cut down on any extra refined sugars you are adding to your diet. For example, if you are a coffee lover who has three cups a day, all with a teaspoon of sugar, that adds up to an extra 15 grams of sugar a day – or half of your recommended daily intake. To start with, try cutting this down to half a teaspoon and allow your taste buds to adjust before eventually cutting it out altogether.
Avoid liquid sugars:
It’s estimated that around half of our added sugar intake comes from sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks, milkshakes and blended coffee drinks. Meanwhile, even fruit juices, which you may believe are healthy, can still have a significant impact on blood sugar levels as they are missing the fibre from the fruit that slows down its digestion. If you regularly drink juices and fizzy drinks, this could be a good place to start in significantly lowering your daily sugar intake.
Don’t go cold turkey:
If you try to go cold turkey on your sugar intake, it can worsen cravings. So rather than banning sugar completely, focus on adding more nutritious foods into your diet instead of what you need to cut out. Eating low-sugar fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries can satiate your sweet tooth without impacting your blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, blending dates with oats, seed or nut butter, and cocoa powder can create a delicious, fibre-rich snack alternative to your chocolate fix. You may find that by taking this approach, you naturally consume less sugar without having cravings or feeling like you’re missing anything.
Eating berries with yoghurt can make a satiating snack
Meanwhile, when you do eat anything sweet, pair it with a source of protein and healthy fats to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. This may look like eating some nuts alongside some chocolate, or adding full-fat Greek yoghurt to your fruit for a more balanced and satiating snack.
Try healthy sugar alternatives:
It is not recommended to use sweeteners or sugar substitutes instead of sugar, as these can be incredibly addictive and make your sweet tooth even stronger. Instead, use real sugar sources in moderation. Honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar work well for home baking and don’t have as much of an impact on blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, mashed fruits, including bananas, dates, and grated apples, can also work well to sweeten homemade cakes and cookies, without the need for refined sugar.
Expert tips for maintaining balance
It may seem daunting to cut down on sugar when you realise how many foods and drinks it is in, but mindset is everything. Rather than thinking about what you’re missing out on by not eating or drinking these things any longer, focus on the benefits that it may offer – whether that’s improving your focus at work, clearing up your skin, or helping you to overcome uncomfortable or persistent digestive issues that you may have had no idea were sugar-related.
Also, don’t be too hard on yourself if and when you do consume anything sweet. Sugar is incredibly hard to cut out completely, and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. In just one month of living your new lower-sugar lifestyle, you should find that your taste buds will change and you won’t always have the same cravings that you may have now. Put simply, the less sugar you eat, the less you’ll want!
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 13 per cent of women globally, with many more thought to be undiagnosed. It can impact ovulation and is a leading cause of fertility, but lifestyle changes, including following a PCOS-friendly diet, can help to manage symptoms. We caught up with Phoebe Liebling, a Nutritional Therapist who works with Bare Biology, to find out the optimum diet for PCOS, including the foods to eat and avoid for the best results.
Is there an optimum diet for PCOS?
The key thing to understand is that PCOS isn’t one defined condition, so there can be variance in terms of what diet is most suited based on that woman’s path to PCOS. The most widely used basis for diagnosis is the Rotterdam criteria, and a woman is given a diagnosis of PCOS when 2 out of 3 of the following are present, once causes such as thyroid issues have been ruled out:
Oligo or anovulation (irregular or absent ovulation)
Hyperandrogenism (elevated testosterone, androstenedione, or DHEAS)
Polycystic ovaries (20 or more follicles per ovary or ovarian volume >10mL).
PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects up to 13 per cent of women
Within PCOS, there are also 5 subtypes. Insulin-resistant PCOS is the most common, but we also have post-pill PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, adrenal PCOS and thyroid-related/secondary PCOS. As a foundation, however, all women with PCOS will benefit from a diet that focuses on blood sugar regulation and reducing inflammation. Many will suggest a low-carb regime; however, there is significant nuance here. When someone is presenting with high insulin levels, their system is geared towards energy storage rather than energy use, and we have two main macronutrients for energy: carbohydrates and fats.
Carbohydrates are our quicker-burning fuel source, and fats are slower-burning, but fats are also more energy-dense (contain more calories per gram). So the issue many will find on a low-carb diet is that they then crave fats as their body assumes that they are switching to the latter as their primary fuel source. However, this doesn’t match what their body is looking to use, so they store more, and thus, the classic weight management issue many PCOS women face is worsened.
What we want is to look for a protein-rich diet, paired with low GI, high fibre carbs, and moderate fats. This provides steady energy, preserves lean muscle, and if combined with muscle-activating movement (resistance training), will work progressively to resolve the insulin-related issues with fatigue, weight gain and cravings.
What foods help with symptoms of PCOS and why?
Oats, quinoa, buckwheat, wild rice, sweet potatoes, berries, apples – These low-glycaemic carbs regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity; fibre supports gut health and lowers cholesterol.
Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, spinach, rocket, chard – Cruciferous and green veg aid oestrogen metabolism, provide magnesium and folate, reduce inflammation.
Avocado, olive oil, walnuts, chiaseeds, flaxseed, oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) – Healthy fats contain omega-3s which reduce inflammation, support hormone production, improve satiety and blood sugar balance.
Eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, Greek yoghurt (if tolerated), tofu/tempeh – Lean proteins stabilise blood sugar, support muscle mass (improves insulin sensitivity) and provide building blocks for hormones.
A healthy wholefood diet can support symptoms of PCOS
Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, Brazil nuts – Seeds and nuts contain lignans, which modulate oestrogen, and are also rich in zinc, which supports ovulation and skin, and selenium, which supports thyroid and ovarian health.
Cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, green tea – These anti-inflammatory herbs and spices improve insulin sensitivity, lower CRP, reduce androgens and support weight management.
Berries, pomegranate, herbs, leafy greens – Polyphenol-rich foods reduce oxidative stress, support ovulation and improve vascular health.
Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yoghurt, miso – Fermented foods nourish the gut microbiome, improve insulin resistance, support hormone clearance and digestion.
Are there any foods you recommend women with PCOS avoid?
White bread, pastries, cakes, sugary cereals – High-glycaemic carbs will spike blood sugar and insulin, worsening insulin resistance.
Sugary drinks (soda, energy drinks, fruit juice) – These cause a rapid glucose surge which drives insulin spikes and inflammation.
Processed foods and sugary snacks are not advised for women with PCOS
Processed snacks (crisps, biscuits, crackers) – Refined carbs and unhealthy fats increase inflammation and cravings due to low satiety.
Fried foods, fast food, processed meats – These are high in trans fats and additives which promote inflammation and oxidative stress.
Excess red meat, especially processed (sausages, bacon) – These are linked with higher inflammation and androgen excess; can disrupt gut balance.
Dairy with added hormones (non-organic milk, cheese, ice cream) – These may increase insulin and IGF-1, worsening acne and hormone imbalance in sensitive women.
Alcohol, especially beer and sweet cocktails – Affects liver detoxification of hormones, raises blood sugar and inflammation.
Artificial sweeteners (diet sodas, sugar-free gums, processed ‘low-calorie’ snacks) – May disrupt gut microbiome and insulin response despite being “sugar-free”.
Which supplements can support women with PCOS?
This would depend on the form of PCOS a woman has. There are some commonalities, but I would always advise seeking the advice of someone trained in therapeutic supplementation if possible, as quality, dosage and timing are key.
Unfortunately, Carrie Ann Inaba will not be present in the ballroom tonight for the season 34 premiere of Dancing with the Stars. The longtime judge was set to join Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli for the season’s debut on September 16, hosted once again by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. However, a few hours before going on the air, the performer took to her social media page to share that she won’t be able to make the premiere after all, missing in action due to an illness.
“I wanted to share that I will not be at the show tonight as I am feeling quite under the weather. I’m resting up and can’t wait to be back next week in good health,” she wrote, confirming that she does intend to be back in the ballroom for week two. “In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home. Have a great show everyone!”
Carrie Ann Inaba shared a statement revealing she will unfortunately miss the premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” season 34
The statement was shared on the DWTS Instagram page as well, with Derek responding with heart emojis. Her followers responded with messages of encouragement like: “Feel better, see you next week!” and: “Feel better soon! You will be missed tonight!” as well as: “We’ll miss you! Feel better and see ya next week,” plus Jenna Johnson commenting: “Feel better Carrie Ann!!!”
This season features 14 new celebrity contestants vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy: Jen Affleck, Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Robert Irwin, Lauren Jauregui, Whitney Leavitt and Andy Richter.
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Recently, in June, Carrie Ann, 57, commemorated 20 years of the show, judging with Len and Bruno. “My life was forever changed. It’s been an incredible journey of self discovery and a wonderful experience witnessing the unique intersection of dance and human nature, competition and shared experience, artistry and vulnerability. There has been nothing like it in my life,” she penned on Instagram.
“In the meantime, I wish all the contestants the very best of luck. I’ll be cheering you on from home. Have a great show everyone!”
“I greatly appreciate having a ‘seat at the table’ (as they say) to share my thoughts, my truths, and my own personal experience to help shape the experience of others towards dance,” Carrie Ann continued. “When I went to UCLA I had a professor who once told us, ‘One day you will have a platform, and YOU BETTER KNOW what YOU want to CONTRIBUTE to this world.’”
“His words always stayed with me and I have always stayed true to what I decided when I sat there that first day. I swore to speak to the truth – my own personal truth from my life’s journey and unique performing and creative experience. And most importantly, to speak that truth even when it was difficult.”
Carrie Ann has been on the show’s judging panel from the very beginning
“And I promised to help others find the true gift of movement, to feel their own authentic self within the movements of the dance.” She concluded with: “Thank you @dancingwiththestars and to all the contestants who have taken the great leap of courage and danced on the show. I have so much love and respect in ways you wouldn’t believe.”
BayCare announced it is donating $300,000 for community hurricane relief to Feeding Tampa Bay, Metropolitan Ministries and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.
All three entities are existing partners in BayCare’s Community Benefit efforts to impact public health. The hurricane contributions are in addition to Community Benefit investments.
“At BayCare, we are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare’s president and CEO. “After the recent hurricanes, many in our communities are facing significant challenges. This donation is about helping our communities rebuild and find hope during a difficult time.”
BayCare has strong relationships with Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries, consistently supporting their efforts to combat food insecurity. Its donation to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic is in response and recognition of the vital role safety net clinics play in the aftermath of a disaster as well as addressing year-round community needs.
The donations come after weeks of BayCare partnering post-hurricanes with organizations to host emergency food and water distributions on its properties for the public; hosting state fuel depots to help health care workers obtain the gas they need to ensure patients have caregivers at the bedside; finding car seats for young families who lost equipment during the hurricane and more.
BayCare has also committed up to $10 million to a BayCare Relief Fund to assist any of its 32,000 team members caring for the community during this crisis, who have also had their homes or lives upended by the hurricanes.
Additionally, BayCare helped connect community members to critical resources through platforms like FindHelpFL, which provides information on available local services.
“At BayCare, we know that our strength as a community is defined by how we come together in times of need,” said Conners. “We are proud to help provide critical resources and support to those affected. Together, we are helping to rebuild lives and foster resilience in our community.”
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and Central Florida regions.
Beyoncé‘s father Matthew Knowles took a trip to Canada this week to appear on The Social, where he opened up about everything from forming Destiny’s Child to his breast cancer battle in 2019.
The businessman has been an incredible advocate for raising awareness of male breast cancer, and told the hosts about his “tough year” back in 2019.
“It was a tough year back in 2019, my wife Gena’s had just died, literally months before with breast cancer, and I was diagnosed…”
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Matthew had spent 20 years selling medical imaging equipment, including mammography machines, and so when he saw discharge, he knew something wasn’t right. He went to get a mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Luckily, Matthew caught the cancer early at stage 1, and is now in a good place.
Beyoncé’s dad Matthew Knowles appeared on The Social to talk about breast cancer awareness
He raised the importance of getting genetic testing and early detection during the interview, telling the hosts that he had a genetic test, which revealed he had the BRCA2 gene mutation, which means there is higher risk for developing pancreatic, melanoma and prostate cancers.
This has resulted in Matthew’s lifestyle change over the past few years. “I had lifestyle change, lost weight, exercise, had two knee replacements…” he said.
Matthew Knowles with daughter Beyoncé and ex Tina Knowles
When asked how his health was now, he replied: “My health is really good, not just physically as there’s an emotional part that comes with any disease.” He then gave a shout out to his wife Gena, who was sitting in the audience.
Matthew shared a photo backstage on The Social after the interview, and shared it on his Instagram page.He wrote: “A great day with Canadian media – I stopped by The Social (Canada’s version of The View) as well as CTV eTalk.
Matthew reflected on his health in a recent Instagram post
“We spoke about many topics, including my work in male breast cancer. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a reminder to us all to prioritize our health and wellness.
“Canada, thank you for having me. I have enjoyed meeting such a diverse group of wonderful people.”
Matthew often shares posts about breast cancer awareness and attends fundraising events to help raise funds to further fund research for finding early prevention and to help with treatment.
Matthew with Destiny’s Child, including daughter Beyoncé
Back in July, he reflected on his health in a poignant Instagram post which read: “Today, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude, a word that has become a frequent part of my vocabulary. Here in Houston, we managed to endure Hurricane Beryl just like numerous others.
“Yesterday was particularly meaningful for me. Being a survivor of male breast cancer, I underwent my 5-year mammogram which returned negative results, and for this, I am incredibly thankful. I urge all of you to prioritize your health and well-being. It is crucial to recognize the significance of genetic testing and early detection.”
Alexis Ohanian, husband of tennis legend Serena Williams and co-founder of Reddit, recently revealed his surprising diagnosis of Lyme disease. The tech entrepreneur, 41, shared his health news in a series of heartfelt posts on X/Twitter, expressing his shock and determination to tackle the condition head-on.
“Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc., and found out I have Lyme disease,” Alexis announced. Despite the diagnosis, he reassured his followers that he has not experienced any symptoms. “Wild. No symptoms, thankfully, but gonna treat.”
Delving into the details, Alexis explained, “Good cholesterol is too low. Bad cholesterol is just OK. Gotta work on that. On the plus side: 822 ng/dL total + 162 ng/dL free testosterone.” While these figures offer a mixed health picture, the unexpected diagnosis of Lyme disease remains the focal point.
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Alexis noted that while he has a family history linked to Lyme disease, he was taken aback by his diagnosis since he doesn’t frequent areas typically associated with the condition. “I’ve got a loved one who had it a few years back, showed tons of symptoms, etc., and just couldn’t figure it out until they tested him for it and then found it (treated it successfully, too). I spend so little time in the wilderness/northeast this was quite a surprise.”
Determined to combat the disease, Alexis shared his plan to start treatment. “Gonna grab some antibiotics,” he said, adding a humorous touch with, “Can’t keep me down, tick!” alongside a picture of The Tick cartoon character. However, he emphasized that he is not offering medical advice. “Please talk to a doctor! Do not listen to me for any health advice!”
The Mayo Clinic describes Lyme disease as an illness caused by Borrelia bacteria, typically transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. While ticks carrying Borrelia bacteria are found throughout most of the United States, the disease is most prevalent in the upper Midwest, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic states. It’s also common in parts of Europe and Canada.
Preventing Lyme disease largely involves avoiding tick bites when in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
According to the CDC, approximately 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually in the U.S., though this figure includes many who are treated based on clinical suspicion rather than confirmed diagnosis. Most cases, when caught early, can be effectively treated with a 10-14 day course of antibiotics, leading to a rapid and complete recovery.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian at the Oscars afterparty in 2022
Lyme disease has been a contentious topic, with the American Medical Association noting in a January 2023 report that the lack of evidence-based guidance for persistent symptoms and growing misinformation complicate treatment. Some patients, without clear evidence of having had Lyme disease, attribute their ongoing symptoms to it, leading to debates over the term “chronic Lyme disease.”
Alexis joins a list of prominent figures who have publicly discussed their struggles with Lyme disease, including Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Yolanda Hadid and her daughter, model Bella Hadid. Both have been vocal about their battles with the disease, with Yolanda describing her experience in a 2021 interview with British Vogue. “I can’t begin to describe the darkness, the pain, and the hell I lived through every day,” she said. “This disease brought me to my knees.”
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The My Heart Will Go On singer, 56, announced her diagnosis to the world in 2022, but in a new interview with VOGUE Paris, the star admitted she has been dealing with side effects from the rare neurological disorder for the best part of two decades.
WATCH: Emotional first trailer for I Am: Celine Dion
Imploring her fans to not ignore any adverse medical symptoms of their own, she said: “It might seem weird to say this, but I was happy when I was told what it was. I was finally going to be able to live with this illness and no longer suffer from it.
“I hope this won’t scare people off [from getting a diagnosis] and will alert them instead. It took me 17 years to understand what was going on. I beg of you, don’t wait that long!”
Celine Dion has revealed her Stiff Person Syndrome symptoms began as early as 2008
Celine’s secret health battle
First noticing something was awry in 2008 during her Taking Chancesworld tour, the Canadian superstar said her voice would tremble when she hit the high notes.
“I was struggling to control it. I was able to go very high, but then my voice was wracked with kind of spasms. I did what one is meant to do in these days: I went to see a doctor,” she recalled.
After being told her vocal chords looked fine, Celine returned home to Las Vegas and embarked upon another five tours after that. She then began to experience muscular stiffness.
“I was struggling to move. I had to lean on something to be able to walk,” the star said.
‘It took me 17 years to understand what was going on. I beg of you, don’t wait that long!,’ she said
The neurological disease, which affects one in a million people, causes severe muscle spasms and impacts motor functions, making public performances a serious challenge.
Seeking the help she needed
It was only when the Covid-19 pandemic hit that Celine was able to put her health first and prioritise really getting to the bottom of her strange symptoms.
Holed up in her $1.2 million Las Vegas home with her children René-Charles, 23, and her twins Eddy and Nelson, 13, whom she shares with late husband René Angélil, Celine set about finding the cause.
“I told myself the universe had sent me a sign with Covid: I needed to make the most of this time of rest to discover what was going on,” she told VOGUE.
“For years and years, I shut my eyes to it. I hid it from my friends, my family, my children… I held out for as long as possible. I needed to stop being so brave. I needed to take care of it.”
It was only when the Covid-19 pandemic hit that Celine was able to put her health first
Now, the star is focused on sharing her news with the world in her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, set to drop on Amazon Prime Video on June 25.
Reflecting on what the documentary taught her, Celine mused: “What is my purpose in life? To be a singer? A spokesperson for stiff person syndrome? A mother? Or all this at the same time?
“Today marks the beginning of the rest of my life. I’ve never sung this song before. But it’s going to be the most important song of my life.”
Celine’s Stiff Person journey
What is stiff person syndrome?
Stiff person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder.
Symptoms of stiff person syndrome include muscle rigidity in the trunk and arms, often triggered by noise, touch and emotional distress. Celine’s condition is characterised by muscle spasms.
People with stiff person syndrome suffer from frequent falls, because they lack defensive reflexes to save themselves. Sufferers are often unable to walk or move, and it’s twice as common in women than in men.
It’s not known what causes the disorder, and it’s often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, psychosomatic illness, or anxiety and phobia.
The disorder doesn’t have a cure, though anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, and anti-convulsants. Pain relief can also improve symptoms.
In October 2021, Celine concerned fans worldwide she would be delaying her Las Vegas shows due to “severe and persistent muscle spasms”.
The I’m Alive singer shared her diagnosis with the world in 2022
This was followed by the cancellation of the North American leg of her Courage world tour in January 2022, and later the axing of her European dates.
In December 2022, Celine bravely announced her diagnosis to the world, telling fans via a moving video that she was suffering from Stiff Person Syndrome.
The star’s career took a backseat, refraining from public appearances as she focused on her health,
Since December 2024, Celine has slowly been making a return to the limelight. She “sang a few notes” when she made her first public appearance in over three years last winter.
Celine and her three sons at a The Rolling Stones concert, pictured backstage with Mick Jagger
Celine made a grand return to the stage during the Grammys in February, receiving a standing ovation from the audience when she made a surprise appearance to present Taylor Swift with the Album of the Year award.
She has also been pictured with her teenage sons on a number of occasions, including at The Rolling Stones concert in Vegas.
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Britney Spears has been pictured walking outside the famed Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles in tears and with no shoes, after emergency services were called over a “disturbance”.
The pictures, posted by Daily Mail, reveal the pop star using a pillow to cover her topless chest, as she walked out of the hotel with security, including former boyfriend Paul Soliz.
It was reported that police were called to the hotel late on May 1 after a “disturbance” was reported with a woman matching the singer’s description reportedly ‘harassing and threatening hotel employees and guests”.
TMZ reported that Britney and Paul were then “partying and drinking” in their room but reportedly became entangled in a “huge physical altercation” in which Britney “may have hurt her leg”. Guests allegedly heard “screaming” in the hallway, with many believing there may be a mental breakdown taking place, and so the paramedics were called.
“At 1am an ambulance arrived on the premises. I can confirm no-one was transported. Services left the scene at 1.17am. The police department was not called,” LAFD spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
Britney left the scene with security but not with Paul.
Britney Spears performs during Now! 99.7 Triple Ho Show 7.0 at SAP Center on December 3, 2016
The upsetting scenes come hours after it was confirmed that the ‘Toxic’ singer’s divorce from Sam Asghari has been officially finalized. The former couple first tied the knot in 2022, shortly after Britney hitmaker was released from her years-long conservatorship at the hands of her father Jamie Spears, from whom she is estranged.
They however split only 14 months later, announcing they were going their separate ways last August.
“As of today, the conservatorship of the person and estate of Britney Jean Spears is hereby terminated,” Judge Brenda Penny said in her ruling.
Britney tweeted about the decision: “Good God I love my fans so much it’s crazy!!! I think I’m gonna cry the rest of the day!!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen???”
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Back in 2007, I bought a dirt-cheap, dumb scale and drew my own graphs in order to chart my weight’s downward progress after a rough year at university. I think that while 2007-me wouldn’t be pleased with my own fitness journey, he would love the fact that the process is entirely automated, affordable and pretty smart. Smart scales have become nearly ubiquitous in recent years and they’ve been a huge help to me in my own health-and-wellness routine. They make the process of keeping track of weight fluctuations and other health metrics much easier, and I tested a bunch of them for this guide. Below are my top picks, plus everything you need to know about picking the right smart scale for you.
Safety
There are valid reasons to weigh yourself, but your self-worth shouldn’t be defined by the number that shows up between your feet. If you’re looking to alter your body shape, that figure could go up as your waistline goes down, since muscle weighs more than fat. Dr. Anne Swift, Director of public health teaching at the University of Cambridge, said that “weighing yourself too often can result in [you] becoming fixated on small fluctuations day-to-day, rather than the overall trend over time.” Swift added that “it’s sometimes better to focus on how clothes fit, or how you feel, rather than your weight.”
(A meta-analysis from 2016 found there may be some negative psychological impact from self weighing. A 2018 study, however, said that there may be a positive correlation between regular weigh-ins and accelerated weight loss. It can be a minefield, and I’d urge you to take real care of yourself and remember that success won’t happen overnight.)
What to look for in a smart scale
Weight
A weighing scale that weighs you is probably the top requirement, right? One thing to bear in mind is that, with all these measurements, weight readings won’t be as accurate as a calibrated, clinical scale. Consequently, it’s better to focus on the overall full body weight trend up or down over time, rather than the figures in isolation.
Connectivity
Most scales will either connect to your phone over Bluetooth, or to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and you should work out your regular weighing routine ahead of time. A lot of lower-end, Bluetooth-only scales will only record your weight when your phone is present and don’t keep local records. That means if you routinely leave your phone outside the bathroom at home, you could lose that day’s stats. Wi-Fi connectivity, on the other hand, allows a scale to post your stats to a server, letting you access them from any compatible device. But you need to be mindful that there’s a small risk to your privacy should that information from your Wi-Fi scale be compromised.
Bone density
The stronger your bones, the less you’re at risk from breaks and osteoporosis, which you should keep in mind as you get older. Clinical bone density tests use low-power x-rays but higher-end scales can offer an approximation from your own bathroom. These bone mass tests pass a small electrical current through your feet, measuring the resistance as it completes its journey. The resistance offered by bones, fat and muscle are all different, and your scale can identify the difference.
Body fat percentage and muscle mass
Fat and muscle are necessary parts of our makeup, but an excessive amount of either can be problematic. Much like bone density, a smart scale measures both your body fat and muscle mass percentages using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). This measurement tests how well your body resists the electrical signal passing through your body. (It’s a rough rule of thumb that you should have a 30/70 percent split between fat and muscle, but please consult a medical professional for figures specific to your own body and medical needs.)
BMI
A lot of scales offer a BMI calculation, and it’s easy to do since you just plot height and weight on a set graph line. Body Mass Index is, however, a problematic measurement that its critics say is both overly simplistic and often greatly misleading. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common clinical body metrics and medical professionals will use it to make judgements about your care.
Pulse Wave Velocity
French health-tech company Withings has offered Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) on its flagship scale for some time, although regulatory concerns meant it was withdrawn for a period of time. It’s a measurement of arterial stiffness, which acts as a marker both of cardiovascular risk and also other health conditions. I’ve had anecdotal reports that PWV scales have sent people to the doctor, where they’ve found they were close to a cardiac event. It’s worth saying, as with all of these technologies, that there is limited, albeit positive, research into how accurate these systems are.
Display
Less a specification and more a note that smart scales have displays ranging from pre-printed LCDs or digital dot matrix layouts through to color screens. On the high end, your scale display can show you trending charts for your weight and other vital statistics, and can even tell you the day’s weather. If you are short-sighted, and plan on weighing yourself first thing in the morning, before you’ve found your glasses / contacts, opt for a big, clear, high-contrast display.
App and subscriptions
You’ll spend most of your time looking at your health data through its companion app, and it’s vital you get a good one. This includes a clear, clean layout with powerful tools to visualize your progress and analyze your data to look for places you can improve. Given that you often don’t need to buy anything before trying the app, it’s worth testing one or two to see if you vibe with it.
Several companies also offer premium subscriptions, unlocking other features – including insights and coaching – to go along with your hardware. Fitbit and Withings both offer these services, which you may feel is worth the extra investment each month.
Data portability
Using the same scale or app platform for years at a time means you’ll build up a massive trove of personal data. And it is, or should be, your right to take that data to another provider when you choose to move platforms in the future. Data portability is, however, a minefield, with different platforms offering wildly different options, making it easy (or hard) to go elsewhere.
All of the devices in this round-up will allow you to export your data to a .CSV file, which you can then do with as you wish. Importing this information is trickier, with Withings and Garmin allowing it, and Omron, Xiaomi, Eufy and Fitbit not making it that easy. (Apps that engage with Apple Health, meanwhile, can output all of your health data in a .XML file.)
Power
It’s not a huge issue but one worth bearing in mind that each scale will either run disposable batteries (most commonly 4xAAA) or with its own, built-in battery pack. Sadly, all of our crop of smart scales use batteries, adding an environmental and financial cost to your scale life. That’s just about forgivable for scales that cost under $100, but this stretches even to the highest-end models. When you’re spending more than that on a device, the lack of a rechargeable cell feels very, very cheap indeed.
How we tested and which smart scales we tested
For this guide, I tested six scales from major manufacturers:
Mi (Xiaomi) Body Composition Scale 2 ($29.99)
Our cheapest model, Xiaomi / Mi’s Body Composition Scale 2 is as bare-bones as you can get, and it shows. It often takes a long while to lock on to get your body weight, and when it does you’ll have to delve into the Zepp Life-branded app in order to look at your extra data. But you can’t fault it for the basics, offering limited weight and body composition for less than the price of a McDonald’s for four.
Fitbit, now part of Google, is the household name for fitness trackers and smartwatches in the US, right? If not, then it must be at least halfway synonymous with it. The Aria Air is the company’s stripped-to-the-bare bones scale, offering your weight and a few other health metrics, but you can trust that Fitbit got the basics right. Not to mention that most of the reason for buying a Fitbit product is to leverage its fitness app anyway.
Eufy’s Smart Scale P2 Pro has plenty of things to commend it – the price, the overall look and feel (it’s a snazzy piece of kit) and what it offers. It offers a whole host of in-depth measurements, including Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Water Weight, Body Fat Mass and Bone Mass, as well as calculating things like your Heart Rate and Basal Metabolic Rate (the amount of calories you need to eat a day to not change weight at all) all from inside its app. In fact, buried beneath the friendly graphic, the scale offers a big pile of stats and data that should, I think, give you more than a little coaching on how to improve your lifestyle.
Shortly before publication, Anker – Eufy’s parent company – was identified as having misled users, and the media, about the security of its products. Its Eufy-branded security cameras, which the company says does not broadcast video outside of your local network, was found to be allowing third parties to access streams online. Consequently, while we have praised the Eufy Smart Scale for its own features, we cannot recommend it without a big caveat.
Given its role in making actual medical devices, you know what you’re getting with an Omron product. A solid, reliable, sturdy, strong (checks the dictionary for more synonyms) dependable piece of kit. There’s no romance or excitement on show, but you can trust that however joyless it may be, it’ll do the job in question and will be user-friendly. The hardware is limited, the app is limited, but it certainly (checks synonyms again) is steady.
Joking aside, Omron’s Connect app is as bare-bones as you can get, since it acts as an interface for so many of its products. Scroll over to the Weight page, and you’ll get your weight and BMI reading, and if you’ve set a fitness goal, you can see how far you’ve got to go to reach it. You can also switch to seeing a trend graph which, again, offers the most basic visualization on offer.
Garmin’s got a pretty massive fitness ecosystem of its own, so if you’re already part of that world, its smart bathroom scale is a no-brainer. On one hand, the scale is one of the easiest to use, and most luxurious of the bunch, with its color screen and sleek design. I’m also a big fan of the wealth of data and different metrics the scale throws at you – you can see a full color graph charting your weight progress, and the various metrics it tracks in good detail. If there’s a downside, it’s that Garmin’s setup won’t hold your hand, since it’s for serious fitness people, not newbies.
At the highest end, Withings’ flagship Body Comp is luxurious, and luxuriously priced, a figure I’d consider to be “too much” to spend on a bathroom scale. For your money, however, you’ll get a fairly comprehensive rundown of body composition metrics including your weight, body fat percentage, vascular age, pulse wave velocity and electrodermal activity. Its monochrome dot matrix display may not be as swish as the Garmin’s, but it refreshes pretty quickly and feels very in-keeping with the hardware’s overall sleek look. If there’s a downside, it’s that they ditched the rechargeable battery found in the Withings Body Cardio (its former flagship, and an excellent scale I’d recommend if it were within the parameters of this guide) in favor of AAA batteries. Which, when you’re spending this much on a scale, makes me feel very nickel-and-dimed.
It’s very competitive at the low end for the best budget smart scale, and Xiaomi and Fitbit offer dramatically contrasting products for a very low price. Fitbit’s scale has far fewer features, but has better build quality, is faster and more reliable than its cheaper rival. Crucially, it also leverages the Fitbit app, which is refined and easy-to-use, offering clean, easy-to understand visualizations.
Xiaomi, meanwhile, offers weight and some basic body composition measurements, although this extra data is only visualized inside the app. From a data perspective, the Xiaomi has the edge, but its companion app – formerly Mi Fit, now branded as Zepp Life – is terrible. The lag time for each weigh-in, too, leaves a lot to be desired with the Xiaomi, although I had no qualms about its accuracy.
When I was a kid, and complained about something, my nan would say “look, you can either have a first class walk or a third class ride.” And Fitbit’s scale here is the very definition of a first class ride – polished, snappy and with a world-class app by its side. The Xiaomi, meanwhile, offers more for your money, and charges less, but both hardware and software lack any sort of polish. It’s therefore up to you if you’d rather the first class walk or the third class ride.
Display type: LCD | Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | App connectivity: Yes, syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, or Fitbit
Well, this is awkward. Not long before this guide was published, it was revealed that Eufy is in the midst of a massive security issue. Researchers found that its security cameras, which were promised to be secure, allowed internet users to access the stream using VLC player. Consequently the high praise for Eufy’s P2 Pro I have as a scale will need to be moderated by the fact that we don’t yet know how deep the company’s promises around privacy and security really run.
It’s unfortunate, as the scale does leap head-and-shoulders above the competition at this level, and it surpassed my expectations by quite a bit. The ease of use was one thing, but the depth of metric data made available in the app, and the way it presents that information, is fantastic. While I don’t think the Eufy Life app is better than, say, Withings’ class-leading Health Mate, it offers exactly what a would-be weight-watcher would need.
The fact you can get plenty of your vital statistics graphed by hitting two buttons helps you visualize your progress, but the stat dashboard laying out everything, including your BMR, is so useful. If you’re going all Quantified Self, you could theoretically calculate your daily calorie intake to the finest of fine margins looking at this thing every morning.
I’m very partial to Garmin’s Index S2, but I also think it’s the sort of scale that needs to be used by people who know what they’re doing. Almost everything about the hardware is spot-on, and the only fly in its ointment is the low refresh rate on its color screen. I can’t say how upsetting it was to see the display refresh in such a laggy, unpolished manner, especially when you’re spending this much money. But that’s my only complaint, and the rest of the hardware (and software) is otherwise pitch-perfect. If you’re looking to set goals to alter your body shape, this probably isn’t the scale for you – it’s the scale you buy once you already calculate your BMR on a daily basis.
Display type: LCD | Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | App connectivity: Yes, syncs with Apple Health and Google Fit
Naturally, if you’re looking for a machine that’ll cater to your every whim and hypochondriac urge, then Withings’ Body Comp is the way forward. It’s a luxury scale in every sense of the word, and you should appreciate the level of polish and technology on show here. Apart from the batteries, which I’ve already said is a cheap and nasty way to save money given that you’re dropping this much money on a product.
The group of people who think it’s reasonable to spend $200 on a scale is, especially with food and energy prices spiking, a fairly small one. But if you’re the sort who already spends hand over fist to keep your body in check, this is probably justifiable as an “investment.” Knowing all of the extras about your nerve health and arteries is a bonus, but let’s be clear and say this isn’t the top pick for everybody. Hell, you might have second thoughts even if you do have a subscription to Good Yachting Magazine.
Pros
Good build quality
Excellent software support with Withings app
In-depth health tracking, including data on nerve and artery heatlh
© Serena Williams in pale blue satin swimsuit
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