The Wellness Scoop

This week, we’re diving into the stories shaping what we eat, how we shop and the way we live. We’re talking about the government’s new push to tackle obesity by cutting just 50 calories a day, whether weight-loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are already changing our shopping habits, and the latest on possible bans or tighter rules for alcohol advertising in the UK. We also get into which oils yo...

This week, we’re breaking down the new government data on the UK’s diet, from fibre and fruit and veg to vitamin D and iodine. It’s a clear snapshot of how we’re eating and why some of the most basic habits still aren’t sticking. We share what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what small shifts could help close the gap. We’re also diving into the surprising findings on insect protein. Once seen as a sus...

This week, we’re diving into the foods that could help you live longer — and the wellness habits that might be doing more harm than good. We start with the science behind the 14 foods linked to better brain, gut, and heart health. From oats and olive oil to beetroot, berries and black tea, this is one list that’s actually worth paying attention to — backed by major new research from Harvard and th...

Protein is everywhere right now — added to yoghurts, cereals, snack bars and even water. But why has it taken centre stage in the wellness world, and how much do we actually need? In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by Dr. Chris Cashin, a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist with over 25 years of experience, to help us make sense of the protein boom. From health claims to beau...

This week, we’re diving into the slightly shocking (and sometimes surprisingly wholesome) stories shaping our health and habits. We start with TikTok’s decision to ban the hashtag #SkinnyTok, following a viral exposé revealing the darker side of the “skinny girl” aesthetic and the influencer-led community profiting from it. Then there’s new research showing that smiling might be six times more eff...

We’re more connected than ever — but is our tech making us healthier, or quietly harming us? In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by physicist and cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes to unpack what the science really says about technology and our health — from EMFs and mobile phones to AirPods, microwaves, AI, and the platforms that shape our daily lives. Dr Grimes explores why vi...

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re unpacking the stories that are reshaping the way we think about food, health, and community. We start with a major new report exposing the rise of nutrition misinformation online — with up to 24 million people now at risk of following harmful diet advice from unqualified influencers. We dig into the shocking stats, the financial machine behind viral health co...

As summer approaches and body image pressures creep in, many of us start to feel more self-conscious — often without even realising it. In this episode of The Extra Scoop, we’re joined by registered dietitian and nutritionist Sarah Elder to unpack what it really means to have a healthy relationship with food. Sarah brings over a decade of experience and a refreshingly compassionate, realistic appr...

This week, we’re diving into the small (and slightly ridiculous) things that could be having a big impact on your health. We start with the science behind fibre — and how eating more of it may actually help flush out forever chemicals from the body. Then there’s the rising concern over plastics disrupting our sleep, thanks to their unexpected effect on the body’s circadian rhythm. We also explore...

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into four surprising headlines that touch on everything from daily habits to big lifestyle shifts. First up, new research reveals that just two weeks without mobile internet can reverse ten years of cognitive ageing and significantly boost mental health. We break down what happened in the study, and whether a digital detox could work in real life. Then, we expl...

In this week’s episode, we’re unpacking the return of restrictive headlines — starting with The Telegraph’s “11 foods to avoid if you want to slim down for summer.” We break down what these kinds of lists get wrong, why they’re still everywhere, and how food swaps can either empower or shame, depending on the lens. We also explore the news that WeightWatchers has filed for bankruptcy, what it says...

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have exploded in popularity, promising everything from weight loss to personalised health insights — but are they really delivering? To help us make sense of the science, we’re joined by Dr. Javier González, Professor of Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of Bath. Javier recently co-authored a study exploring how CGMs impact non-diabetic adults, and found...

In this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at the sneaky side of nutrition—starting with hidden sugar. From yoghurt and oat milk to savoury sauces and baby food, we reveal just how much sugar is lurking in everyday items—and why it's so hard to spot on the label. Weight loss jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are still dominating headlines, but behind the hype lies a deeper conversation about...

Supplements are everywhere — from collagen to magnesium, creatine and ashwagandha -  how much of it is science, and how much is just smart marketing? In this short conversation, we’re cutting through the confusion and breaking down what really matters when it comes to supplements and nutrition. To help us unpack it all, we’re joined by Dr. Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon and online educator known for bus...

In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the biggest shifts and studies shaping the future of health and wellness. We look at a powerful new study showing how switching to a traditional diet for just two weeks can reduce inflammation and boost immunity — without supplements or complex protocols. It’s part of a growing movement back to simpler, seasonal, plant-forward...

We’re living in a screen-saturated world—and many of us are starting to ask: what’s all this phone time actually doing to our brains? In this episode, we’re joined by TJ Power, neuroscientist, founder of The DOSE Lab, and author of The DOSE Effect. TJ’s work explores how our brain chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—shape our mental wellbeing, especially in a digital age where...

In this week’s episode of The Wellness Scoop, we’re diving into some of the most talked-about trends and headlines in health and wellness. We look at the new science around ageing reveals we don’t age steadily — but in three distinct bursts at 34, 60 and 78. What’s happening inside our bodies, and what can we do about it? Are cold plunges actually hurting your muscle growth? We break down the bold...

Is glowing skin all about luck, or can your diet really make a difference? In this 15-minute conversation, we’ll dive into the buzzwords, nutrients, and so-called "skin superfoods" that claim to transform your skin. We’ll also explore lifestyle factors like stress, hydration, and sleep, and ask whether supplements and trendy fixes really live up to the hype. Plus, we’ll reflect on the pressures an...

In this week’s episode, we explore the link between movement, health, and body image—asking whether it’s time to rethink what it means to be fit at any size. From inclusive workout spaces to powerful personal stories, we look at how fitness and longevity go beyond the scales. Green tea is making headlines for its potential brain health benefits in older adults, but what does the science actually s...

How much does lifestyle really impact fertility, and what’s just a myth? In this short conversation, we tackle common questions about age, sperm count, plastics, and nutrition, exploring what the science actually says. We’ll also share actionable advice on what you can do to support your fertility and cut through the noise of confusing headlines. We’re joined by Ro Huntriss, founder of Fertility D...

Sleep is something we all do every night, yet many of us struggle to get enough of it. With so much conflicting advice, it can be hard to know what really matters. To help us separate fact from fiction, we’re joined by Dr. Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, and sleep expert with a doctorate in insomnia from the University of Oxford. Dr. Browning breaks down the science of...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the viral return of crash diets—from Vogue’s 1970s wine-and-eggs plan to the wider culture of extreme restriction. Why are these outdated ideas resurfacing, and what do they say about the wellness world today? Raw milk is everywhere on TikTok, praised by influencers and wellness personalities. But is it really a nutritional powerhouse—or just a risky trend in d...

Burnout is a growing concern, dominating workplace discussions and social media. But what does it actually mean? Is it just a buzzword or a real issue we need to take seriously? In this episode, we explore what burnout is, why it’s such a big deal right now, and what you can do to protect yourself. To help us unpack all of this, we’re joined by Dr. Claire Ashley, neuroscientist and clinician, who...

Loneliness is now considered as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with studies linking social isolation to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and even early death. We explore why strong relationships are one of the most powerful predictors of long-term health—and how small, meaningful connections can make a difference. We also dive into the risks of ultra-processed foods, from...

The advice to eat 30 different plants a week is gaining huge momentum. You might have seen it on social media, heard it mentioned by health experts, or even spotted ‘Plant Points’ on food packaging, but what does it actually mean? And why is everyone talking about it? We’re joined by Dr. Federica Amati, a Registered Nutritionist and Nutrition Topic Lead at Imperial College London’s Faculty of Medi...