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Full House star's devastating cancer diagnosis

Dave Coulier has revealed his devastating cancer diagnosis The Full House star told the US Today show about his "roller coaster" health struggle on Wednesday. After finding out that he was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he said it felt like "I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you," according to Page Six. Coulier, whose first symptom was a lump in his groin, noted that he was “on pins and needles for a few days” while waiting to hear whether the disease had spread “to any major organs or [his] blood or bones or anything.” While waiting for his results, the 65-year-old actor told his wife, Melissa Coulier that he accepted his fate. “I’m OK with whatever the news [is] going to be no matter how devastating. … I’ve had an incredible life. I’ve had the most amazing people in my life. This has been an extraordinary journey, and I’m OK if this is the end of the journey”. Fortunately the cancer has not moved outside of his lymphatic system, and since then the actor has started chemotherapy, which he said was “intense” and “scared the daylights” out of him. “There [are] days where I feel unbelievable,” he said. “Then there’s other days where … I’m just going to lay down and let this be what it’s going to be”. Coulier is expected to finish treatment in February 2025 after undergoing six rounds of chemo every three weeks. While the diagnosis was initially shocking, the actor has assured his fans that the curability rate is promising. Image: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/ Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Shoppers outraged over Coles bin full of discarded groceries

A shocking photo of a bin filled with discarded groceries at the back of a Coles supermarket has gone viral, outraging many shoppers. The photo, taken behind the Drouin store in West Gippsland, Victoria, shows a skip bin measuring over a metre high overflowing with tens of thousands of dollars worth of food, including meat, ice cream, pasta, pizzas, dips, cheeses, juice and smoked salmon. According to 7News, the products were thrown out after the region was hit with a storm that caused a power outage, and as the store did not have a backup generator, the refrigerated food was spoiled and needed to be thrown out. Coles has explained that items had to be discarded to ensure customer safety, but many shoppers were left shocked and infuriated about the waste, arguing the store should have been ready for the storms with backup generators. “For the 2023/24 financial year, Coles Australia reported a net profit of $1.1 billion and can’t afford back up generators, go figure,” one wrote. Others insisted some of the food could have been saved or donated, as one person said, “Butter that stays on the bench for two weeks (is) fine!” while another insisted, “at least donate it”. A supermarket worker commiserated with the upset shoppers, as they wrote online, “As someone who works for one of the supermarket chains, I have had to partake in this due to a prolonged power outage earlier this year.” “I feel for these staff, there’s nothing worse than having to throw out so much refrigerated stock. Coming from a family who didn’t have much, I get the pain people feel from this incident.” However, one social media user noted that regarding donations, “legally they cannot, if they give someone food poisoning and kill them they are liable”. A Coles spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/photograph-of-coles-bin-full-of-discarded-items-stuns-shoppers/news-story/871cedeb7daf66422534e4aee55f1ee4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> that food safety is a top priority, saying in a statement, “Due to the extreme weather that hit much of Victoria early last week, there were widespread power outages, including in the Drouin and surrounding areas.” “Food safety is paramount at Coles and unfortunately as a result of products being un-refrigerated for an extended period of time, for safety and quality reasons, we needed to dispose of a number of products to ensure customer safety. “Where possible, Coles always donates product that is fit for use and safe for consumption to food rescue organisations.” Image credits: 7News

Money & Banking

Retirement tips for Australians without a full superannuation safety net

Most people who commenced paid work before the 1992 launch of compulsory employer contributions won’t have enjoyed money going into their retirement fund for the full duration of their working lives. Others have spent most or all of their adult lives as caregivers – stay-home parents, carers for elderly parents or relatives living with disability. Unquestionably valuable work, yet sadly unpaid – meaning no superannuation. Then there other factors impacting retirement savings – the gender pay gap, periods of unpaid leave, unemployment, working abroad, being a low income earner and more. So don’t think you are alone if you don’t have enough in superannuation for a comfortable retirement. Consider the following options to fall back on instead of, or as well as, your super: Age pension This is the most obvious alternative. What fewer realise, though, is that you may still be eligible for a part-pension, even if your assets exceed the eligibility threshold for the full amount. Claiming a part-pension will stretch what super you do have further. Plus, the related concession card entitles you to a range of discounts, reducing your living costs. Don’t overestimate the value of your assets under the pension means test – potentially denying yourself a legitimate source of income. Semi-retirement Consider transitioning to part-time work instead of retiring outright, allowing you to reduce your workload while still generating both income and employer contributions into your super. This could include self-employment – many retirees begin building a business out of their hobby or do paid consulting work within their industry (often a much higher hourly rate than as a permanent employee). Your home If you own your home, chances are you are sitting on a pile of equity. Yes, you would need to sell and move in order to unlock those funds. But it’s tax-free money. And it can be as much of a lifestyle opportunity as a financial one: downsize to a home with less maintenance needs; relocate nearer to grandkids; enjoy a seachange or treechange. Downsizer provisions also allow you to contribute a chunk of the proceeds into your superannuation over-and-above voluntary contribution caps. Investments Certain investments can deliver a lucrative passive income stream, which you can use in lieu of – or alongside – income from super. Think investment property rents, share dividends, even renting out your car/caravan/boat when you’re not using it. Or you could sell investments you own and use the proceeds to top up your super, which is typically more tax effective than holding as cash. Family business/trust If you have a family business or family trust, you may be able to draw down a regular income from it if structured correctly. Doing so over time from operating profits/investment returns, rather than as a lump sum, means a trust can continue as normal without being forced to sell assets or be wound up, while a business can continue trading under family ownership without the remaining directors having to find the cash to buy out your share (though this may be another option to explore with them). Living costs Your living costs are quite different in full-time retirement compared to full-time work. Goodbye to many commuting, clothing, personal grooming, professional development, registration/certification, lunches and coffees, and work-from-home expenses. Hello to greater energy bills (more time at home and no more remote working tax deductions), travel and lifestyle spending. Don’t overlook the power of updating your household spending and investments plan to reflect this new reality, cancel work-related outgoings and cut unnecessary spending. Timing Perhaps the most far-reaching, yet most commonly overlooked, aspect around retirement is timing. For instance: <ul> <li>the later in the financial year you retire, the more employment income you have accrued – potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket and ballooning your tax bill.</li> <li>the proceeds from investments differ depending on when in the market cycle you sell them.</li> <li>retiring early may reduce employment bonuses, leave payouts, share option entitlements etc.</li> <li>both spouses/partners retiring simultaneously may reduce overall employment earnings, while conversely unlocking greater opportunities to do things together (like travel, shared hobbies, visiting family).</li> </ul> A qualified financial adviser can help you work through your various options and alternatives, allowing you the peace of mind to enjoy your golden years comfortably – whether that is with or without superannuation. Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of On Your Own Two Feet: The Essential Guide to Financial Independence for all Women. Helen is among the 1% of financial planners who hold a master’s degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at <a href="http://www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au/">www.onyourowntwofeet.com.au</a> Disclaimer: The information in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial or product advice. Any opinions or views expressed are those of the authors and do not represent those of people, institutions or organisations the owner may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. Helen Baker is an authorised representative of BPW Partners Pty Ltd AFSL 548754. Image credits: Shutterstock

Retirement Income

Nine-year-old Aussie ballet prodigy scores full New York scholarship

A talented nine-year-old is heading to New York City, after scoring a full scholarship to a prestigious ballet school. Malcolm Doyle's dad Nick said he and his wife knew their son had a talent for dance from a young age, and could not be more proud of the international attention his dancing has garnered. "He's been doing really well here in Australia and since last year, there's been a bit of a focus from overseas," Nick told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/aussie-billy-elliot-nine-year-old-ballet-prodigy-scores-scholarship-to-prestigious-new-york-academy/4e3fdf08-3fb7-41a4-89df-eb6ee4b58095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a>. "He got brought in to do an audition for Chicago's A and A Ballet, who were doing a world broadcast for auditions and from there, we just started to get a bit of interest." "And then this year, we let him do the auditions for the Royal Ballet and he ended up in Hong Kong over Easter." From there, Nick said the American Ballet Theatre in New York got in contact and offered Malcolm a scholarship. Malcolm ultimately turned down the offer and signed with another NYC school, the Ellison Theatre, who offered the youngster a full ride. The family are currently saving up to buy flights over to the US to check out the school, with Nick saying they will do anything and everything to support their son's dream. "It's taking quite a bit of the funds out of my bank account, but the love he's got for dancing, you can't stop him and even if we wanted to, I mean we get home after he's had a full day of dance and he's still dancing around the house," Nick said. Malcolm's dad has a performing arts background and his mum is also a classically trained ballerina and teacher, so Nick said Malcolm was either going to inherit the genes or "end up having three left feet". "He went and saw a production by the Queensland Ballet on the weekend, which he had never seen before and he walked out with half the choreography memorised in his head and trying to reproduce it.," Nick said. After being dubbed "Australia's own Billy Elliot", the Today hosts asked Malcom what it is he loves so much about dancing. "It makes me feel really excited and it's so amazing for me, the feeling I get when I dance," Malcolm said. Image credits: Today

Music

Drugs like Ozempic won’t ‘cure’ obesity but they might make us more fat-phobic

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Many have <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/03/02/new-drugs-could-spell-an-end-to-the-worlds-obesity-epidemic">declared</a> drugs like Ozempic could “end obesity” by reducing the appetite and waistlines of millions of people around the world. When we look past the hype, this isn’t just untrue – it can also be harmful. The focus on weight, as opposed to health, is a feature of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277539521001217">diet culture</a>. This frames the pursuit of thinness as more important than other aspects of physical and cultural wellbeing. The Ozempic buzz isn’t just rooted in health and medicine but plays into ideas of <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/weight-bias-fatphobia-diet-culture/#:%7E:text=Weight%20bias%2C%20sometimes%20also%20called,or%20being%20around%20fat%20people.">fat stigma and fat phobia</a>. This can perpetuate fears of fatness and fat people, and the behaviours that <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/S12916-018-1116-5">harm people who live in larger bodies</a>. <h2>Not the first ‘miracle’ weight-loss drug</h2> This isn’t the first time we have heard that weight-loss drugs will change the world. Ozempic and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/">its family</a> of GLP-1-mimicking drugs are the <a href="https://theconversation.com/ozempic-is-in-the-spotlight-but-its-just-the-latest-in-a-long-and-strange-history-of-weight-loss-drugs-209324">latest in a long line of weight loss drugs</a>. Each looked promising at the time. But none have lived up to the hype in the long term. Some have even been withdrawn from sale due to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5126837/">severe side effects</a>. Science does improve <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30028-8/fulltext">incrementally</a>, but diet culture also keeps us on a cycle of hope for the next <a href="https://sahrc.org/2022/04/diet-culture-a-brief-history/">miracle cure</a>. So drugs like Ozempic might not deliver the results individuals expect, continuing the cycle of hope and shame. <h2>Ozempic doesn’t work the same for everyone</h2> When we talk about the results of studies using Ozempic, we often <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719041/">focus on the average</a> (also known as the mean) results or the maximum (or peak) results. So, studies might <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/">show</a> those using the drug lost an average of 10.9% of their body weight, but some lost more than 20% and others less than 5% What we don’t talk about as much is that responses are variable. Some people are “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877820301769">non-responders</a>”. This means not everyone loses as much weight as the average, and some don’t lose weight at all. For some people, the side-effects will outweigh the benefits. When people are on drugs like Ozempic, their blood sugar is better controlled by enhancing the release of insulin and reducing the levels of another hormone called glucagon. But there is greater variability in the amount of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877820301769#bib88">weight lost</a> than the variability in blood sugar control. It isn’t clear why, but is likely due to differences in genetics and lifestyles, and weight being more complex to regulate. <h2>Treatment needs to be ongoing. What will this mean?</h2> When weight-loss drugs do work, they are only effective while they’re being taken. This means that to keep the weight off people need to keep taking them long term. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9542252/">One study found</a> an average weight loss of more than 17% after a year on Ozempic became an average net weight loss of 5.6% more than two years after stopping treatment. Short-term side effects of drugs like Ozempic include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal upsets. But because these are new drugs, we simply don’t have data to tell us if side effects will increase as people take them for longer periods. Nor do we know if <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-weight-loss-drugs-stop-working-how-to-break-past-ozempic-plateau#:%7E:text=A%20lifetime%20commitment%20to%20Ozempic&text=By%20these%20standards%2C%20such%20drugs,long%2Dterm%20risk%20is%20unknown.">effectiveness will be reduced</a> in the long term. This is called <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/drug-tolerance#:%7E:text=A%20condition%20that%20occurs%20when,or%20different%20medicine%20is%20needed.">drug tolerance</a> and is documented for other long-term treatments such as antidepressants and chemotherapies. <h2>Biology is only part of the story</h2> For some people, using GLP-1-mimicking drugs like Ozempic will be validating and empowering. They will feel like their biology has been “normalised” in the same way that blood pressure or cholesterol medication can return people to the “normal” range of measures. But biologically, obesity <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7202176/#:%7E:text=Obesity%20behaves%20as%20complex%20polygenic,about%2080%25%20(3).">isn’t solely about GLP-1 activity</a> with <a href="https://www.worldobesity.org/what-we-do/our-policy-priorities/the-roots-of-obesity">many other</a> hormones, physical activity, and even our gut microbes involved. Overall, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278977/">obesity is complex and multifaceted</a>. Obesity isn’t just driven by personal biology and choice; it has social, cultural, political, environmental and economic determinants. <h2>A weight-centred approach misses the rest of the story</h2> The weight-centred approach <a href="https://butterfly.org.au/body-image/health-not-weight/#:%7E:text=Health%20and%20wellbeing%20are%20multi,on%20their%20size%20or%20appearance.">suggests that leading with thinness means health will follow</a>. But changing appetite is only part of the story when it comes to health. Obesity often <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368123000335#:%7E:text=Obesity%20related%20malnutrition%20can%20also,%5D%2C%20%5B7%5D%5D.">co-exists with malnutrition</a>. We try to separate the effects in research using statistics, but focusing on the benefits of weight-loss drugs without addressing the underlying malnutrition means we aren’t likely to see the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/ozempic-diet-exercise-healthy-43eee86c">improved health outcomes in everyone who loses weight</a>. <h2>Obesity isn’t an issue detached from people</h2> Even when it is well-intentioned, the rhetoric around the joy of “ending the obesity epidemic” can <a href="https://theconversation.com/ozempic-the-miracle-drug-and-the-harmful-idea-of-a-future-without-fat-211661">harm people</a>. Obesity doesn’t occur in isolation. It is people who are obese. And the celebration and hype of these weight-loss drugs can reinforce harmful fat stigma. The framing of these drugs as a “cure” exacerbates the binary view of thin versus fat, and healthy versus unhealthy. These are not binary outcomes that are good or bad. Weight and health exist on a spectrum. Ironically, while fat people are told they need to lose weight for their health, they are also <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ozempic-shame-why-users-are-embarrassed-to-admit-using-weight-loss-wonder-drug/news-story/ee52a819c69459afe6576d25988f9bd6">shamed for “cheating” or taking shortcuts</a> by using medication. <h2>Drugs are tools, not silver bullets</h2> The creation of these drugs is a start, but they remain expensive, and the hype has been followed by <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/about-ozempic-semaglutide-shortage-2022-and-2023#:%7E:text=Consumer%20Medicine%20Information%20.-,Why%20the%20Ozempic%20shortage%20happened,label%20prescribing%20for%20weight%20loss.">shortages</a>. Ultimately, complex challenges aren’t addressed with simple solutions. This is particularly true when people are involved, and even more so when there isn’t even an agreement on what the challenge is. Many organisations and individuals see obesity is a disease and believe this framing helps people to seek treatment. Others think it’s unnecessary to attach medical labels to body types and <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreykabat/2013/07/09/why-labeling-obesity-as-a-disease-is-a-big-mistake/?sh=5ca95cc2103b">argue</a> it confuses risk factors (things that are linked to increased risk of illness) with illness itself. Regardless, two things will always remain true. Drugs can only ever be tools, and those tools need to be applied in a context. To use these tools ethically, we need to remain mindful of who this application harms along the way. <hr /> Read the other articles in The Conversation’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/ozempic-series-154673">Ozempic series</a> here.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/219309/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Innovation - School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/drugs-like-ozempic-wont-cure-obesity-but-they-might-make-us-more-fat-phobic-219309">original article</a>.

Body

Full cast for I'm A Celeb revealed

The much-anticipated premiere of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! hit screens with a bang, revealing a star-studded lineup of personalities ready to face the challenges of the South African jungle. Channel 10 unveiled the roster on Sunday's premiere episode, promising viewers an exciting season ahead. Leading the charge was none other than Hollywood child star Frankie Muniz, known for his iconic role in Malcolm in the Middle. Muniz, who surprised both fans and fellow contestants with his presence, was joined by an array of intriguing personalities, each bringing their own flair to the jungle. Retired Australian iron-woman Candice Warner, wife of cricketer David Warner, made a notable entrance, expressing her surprise at Muniz's participation. Alongside Warner, the lineup boasted a diverse mix of talents, including retired Paralympian Ellie Cole, British comedian Stephen K. Amos, influencer Skye Wheatley, and former Studio 10 host Tristan MacManus. The premiere episode kicked off with Muniz leading the pack, setting the stage for a series of nerve-wracking challenges. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Julia Morris and Robert Irwin, the celebrities faced their first trial: Warner locked in a glass room teeming with cockroaches, while her campmates braved a mystery box challenge to secure her release. However, the drama didn't stop there. Wheatley's fear of snakes led to a tearful breakdown during her challenge, highlighting the intense nature of the jungle environment. Yet, despite the obstacles, the contestants displayed resilience and determination, setting the tone for an adrenaline-fuelled season. As the episode unfolded, additional celebrities were unveiled, including AFL legend Peter Daicos, radio host Brittany Hockley, fitness guru Michelle Bridges, Love Island star Callum Hole, and MasterChef contestant Khanh Ong. Among the standout contestants is Michelle Bridges, renowned for her role on The Biggest Loser and her thriving fitness empire. Similarly, Khanh Ong, known for his culinary prowess on MasterChef Australia, brings a unique skill set to the jungle environment. With such a diverse cast, the dynamics within the camp are sure to be electric. The premiere also offered glimpses into the personal lives of the contestants, from Cole's inspiring journey as a Paralympic swimmer to Warner's resilience showcased on SAS Australia. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more surprises, twists, and edge-of-your-seat moments. With an intruder poised to shake things up and a cast described as a "national treasure", the stage is set for an unforgettable season. Images: Network Ten

Can I actually target areas to lose fat, like my belly?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Spend some time scrolling social media and you’re all-but-guaranteed to see an ad promising to help you with targeted fat loss. These ads promote a concept known as “spot reduction”, claiming you can burn fat in a specific body area, usually the belly, with specially designed exercises or workouts. It’s also common to see ads touting special diets, pills and supplements that will blast fat in targeted areas. These ads – which often feature impressive before and after photos taken weeks apart – can seem believable. Unfortunately, spot reduction is another weight-loss myth. It’s simply not possible to target the location of fat loss. Here’s why. <h2>1. Our bodies are hardwired to access and burn all our fat stores for energy</h2> To understand why spot reduction is a myth, it’s important to understand how body fat is stored and used. The fat stored in our bodies takes the form of triglycerides, which are a type of lipid or fat molecule we can use for energy. Around 95% of the dietary fats <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/triglycerides">we consume are triglycerides</a>, and when we eat, our bodies also convert any unused energy consumed into triglycerides. Triglycerides are stored in special fat cells called adipocytes, and they’re released into our bloodstream and transported to adipose tissue – tissue we more commonly refer to as body fat. This body fat is found all over our bodies, but it’s primarily stored as subcutaneous fat under our skin and as visceral fat around our internal organs. These fat stores serve as a vital energy reserve, with our bodies mobilising to access stored triglycerides to provide energy during periods of prolonged exercise. We also draw on these reserves when we’re dieting and fasting. However, contrary to what many spot-reduction ads would have us think, our muscles can’t directly access and burn specific fat stores when we exercise. Instead, they use a process called lipolysis to convert triglycerides into free fatty acids and a compound called glycerol, which then travels to our muscles via our bloodstream. As a result, the fat stores we’re using for energy when we exercise come from everywhere in our bodies – not just the areas we’re targeting for fat loss. Research reinforces how our bodies burn fat when we exercise, confirming spot reduction is a weight-loss myth. This includes a randomised <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25766455/">12-week clinical trial</a> which found no greater improvement in reducing belly fat between people who undertook an abdominal resistance program in addition to changes in diet compared to those in the diet-only group. Further, <a href="https://www.termedia.pl/A-proposed-model-to-test-the-hypothesis-of-exerciseinduced-localized-fat-reduction-spot-reduction-including-a-systematic-review-with-meta-analysis,129,45538,0,1.html">a 2021 meta-analysis</a> of 13 studies involving more than 1,100 participants found that localised muscle training had no effect on localised fat deposits. That is, exercising a specific part of the body did not reduce fat in that part of the body. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/7/3845">Studies</a> purporting to show spot-reduction benefits have small numbers of participants with results that aren’t clinically meaningful. <h2>2. Our bodies decide where we store fat and where we lose it from first</h2> Factors outside of our control influence the areas and order in which our bodies store and lose fat, namely: <ul> <li> our genes. Just as DNA prescribes whether we’re short or tall, genetics plays a significant role in how our fat stores are managed. Research shows our genes can account for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24632736/">60% of where fat is distributed</a>. So, if your mum tends to store and lose weight from her face first, there’s a good chance you will, too </li> <li> our gender. Our bodies, by nature, have distinct fat storage characteristics <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11706283/">driven by our gender</a>, including females having more fat mass than males. This is primarily because the female body is designed to hold fat reserves to support pregnancy and nursing, with women tending to lose weight from their face, calves and arms first because they impact childbearing the least, while holding onto fat stored around the hips, thighs and buttocks </li> <li> our age. The ageing process triggers changes in muscle mass, metabolism, and hormone levels, which can impact where and how quickly fat is lost. Post-menopausal <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-menopause-making-me-put-on-weight-no-but-its-complicated-198308">women</a> and middle-aged <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/sex-differences-in-fat-storage-fat-metabolism-and-the-health-risks-from-obesity-possible-evolutionary-origins/00950AD6710FB3D0414B13EAA67D4327">men</a> tend to store visceral fat around the midsection and find it a stubborn place to shift fat from. </li> </ul> <h2>3. Over-the-counter pills and supplements cannot effectively target fat loss</h2> Most advertising for these pills and dietary supplements – including products claiming to be “the best way to lose belly fat” – will also proudly claim their product’s results are backed by “clinical trials” and “scientific evidence”. But the reality is a host of independent studies don’t support these claims. This includes two recent studies by the University of Sydney that examined data from more than 120 placebo-controlled trials of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31984610/">herbal</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33976376/">dietary</a> supplements. None of the supplements examined provided a clinically meaningful reduction in body weight among overweight or obese people. <h2>The bottom line</h2> Spot reduction is a myth – we can’t control where our bodies lose fat. But we can achieve the results we’re seeking in specific areas by targeting overall fat loss. While you may not lose the weight in a specific spot when exercising, all physical activity helps to burn body fat and preserve muscle mass. This will lead to a change in your body shape over time and it will also help you with long-term weight management. This is because your metabolic rate – how much energy you burn at rest – is determined by how much muscle and fat you carry. As muscle is more metabolically active than fat (meaning it burns more energy than fat), a person with a higher muscle mass will have a faster metabolic rate than someone of the same body weight with a higher fat mass. Successfully losing fat long term comes down to losing weight in small, manageable chunks you can sustain – periods of weight loss, followed by periods of weight maintenance, and so on, until you achieve your goal weight. It also requires gradual changes to your lifestyle (diet, exercise and sleep) to ensure you form habits that last a lifetime. At the Boden Group, Charles Perkins Centre, we are studying the science of obesity and running clinical trials for weight loss. You can <a href="https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=RKTXPPPHKY">register here</a> to express your interest.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205203/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-fuller-219993">Nick Fuller</a>, Charles Perkins Centre Research Program Leader, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-i-actually-target-areas-to-lose-fat-like-my-belly-205203">original article</a>.

Body

Censorship or sensible: is it bad to listen to Fat Bottomed Girls with your kids?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/liz-giuffre-105499">Liz Giuffre</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> International music press has reported this week that Queen’s song Fat Bottomed Girls <a href="https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/queen-fat-bottomed-girls-greatest-hits-1235396348/">has not been included</a> in a greatest hits compilation aimed at children. While there was no formal justification given, presumably lyrics “fat bottomed” and “big fat fatty” were the problem, and even the very singable hook, “Oh, won’t you take me home tonight”. Predictably, The Daily Mail and similar outlets used it as an excuse to bemoan cancel culture, political correctness and the like, with the headline “<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12424449/We-woke-Classic-Queen-song-Fat-Bottomed-Girls-mysteriously-dropped-groups-new-Greatest-Hits-collection.html">We Will Woke You</a>” quickly out of the gate. Joke headlines aside, should children be exposed to music with questionable themes or lyrics? The answer is not a hard yes or no. My colleague Shelley Brunt and I studied a range of factors and practices relating to <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Popular-Music-and-Parenting/Brunt-Giuffre/p/book/9780367367138">Popular Music and Parenting</a>, and we found that more important than individual songs or concerts is the support children are given when they’re listening or participating. A parent or caregiver should always be part of a conversation and some sort of relationship when engaging with music. This can involve practical things like making sure developing ears aren’t exposed to too harsh a volume or that they know how to find a trusted adult at a concert. But this also extends to the basics of media and cultural literacy, like what images and stories are being presented in popular music, and how we want to consider those in our own lives. In the same way you’d hope someone would talk to a child to remind them that superheroes can’t actually fly (and subsequently if you’re dressed as a superhero for book week don’t go leaping off tall buildings!), popular music of all types needs to be contextualised. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VMnjF1O4eH0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Should we censor, or change, the way popular music is presented for kids?</h2> There is certainly a long tradition of amending popular songs to make them child or family friendly. On television, this has happened as long as the medium has been around, with some lyrics and dance moves toned down to appease concerned parents and tastemakers about the potential evils of pop. Famously, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oim51kUg748">Elvis Presley serenaded a literal Hound Dog</a> rather than the metaphorical villain of his 1950s hit. In Australia, the local TV version of <a href="https://nostalgiacentral.com/music/music-on-film-and-tv/bandstand-australia/">Bandstand</a> from the 1970s featured local artists singing clean versions of international pop songs while <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guembJBOOyI">wearing modest hems and neck lines</a>. This continued with actual children also re-performing pop music, from the Mickey Mouse Club versions of songs from the US to our own wonderful star factory that was <a href="https://theconversation.com/all-my-loving-young-talent-time-still-glows-50-years-since-first-airing-on-australian-tv-159533">Young Talent Time</a>. The tradition continues today with family-friendly, popular music-based programming like The Voice and The Masked Singer. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oim51kUg748?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> In America, there is a huge industry for children’s versions of pop music via the Kidz Bop franchise. Its formula of child performers covering current hits has been wildly successful for over 20 years. Some perhaps obvious substitutions are made – the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkctByJbtNY">cover of Lizzo’s About Damn Time</a> is now “About That Time”, with the opening lyric changed to “Kidz Bop O’Clock” rather than “Bad Bitch O’Clock”. In some other Kidz Bop songs, though, <a href="https://pudding.cool/2020/04/kidz-bop/">references to violence and drugs have been left in</a>. Other longer-standing children’s franchises have also made amendments to pop lyrics, but arguably with a bit more creativity and fun. The Muppets’ cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, replacing the original murder with a rant from Animal, is divine. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tgbNymZ7vqY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Should music ever just be for kids?</h2> Context is key when deciding what is for children or for adults. And hopefully we’re always listening (in some way) together. Caregivers should be able to make an informed decision about whether a particular song is appropriate for their child, however they consider that in terms of context. By the same token, the resurgence of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/05/how-the-wiggles-took-over-the-world-and-got-the-cool-kids-on-side-too">millennial love</a> for The Wiggles has shown us no one should be considered “too old” for Hot Potato or Fruit Salad. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/quHus3DwN4Q?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> When considering potential harm for younger listeners, factors like <a href="https://kidsafeqld.com.au/risks-noise-exposure-baby/">volume and tone</a> can be more dangerous than whether or not there’s a questionable lyric. Let’s remember, too, lots of “nursery rhymes” aimed at children are also quite violent if you listen to their words closely. French writer Jacques José Attali <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Noise/OHe7AAAAIAAJ?hl=en">famously argued</a> the relationship between music, noise and harm is politics and power – even your most beloved song can become just noise if played too loudly or somewhere where you shouldn’t be hearing it. As an academic, parent and fat-bottomed girl myself, my advice is to keep having conversations with the children in your life about what you and they are listening to. Just like reminding your little superhero to only pretend to fly rather than to actually jump – when we sing along to Queen, we remember that using a word like “fat” and even “girl” isn’t how everyone likes to be treated these days.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212093/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/liz-giuffre-105499">Liz Giuffre</a>, Senior Lecturer in Communication, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936">University of Technology Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/censorship-or-sensible-is-it-bad-to-listen-to-fat-bottomed-girls-with-your-kids-212093">original article</a>.

Music

Weight loss: why you don’t just lose fat when you’re on a diet

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-collins-1179004">Adam Collins</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-surrey-1201">University of Surrey</a> When you go on a diet, you don’t just lose fat – you lose muscle too. This can have many repercussions – not only on your fitness and strength, but on your metabolism. To lose weight (body fat), you need to be in a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than your body uses, or exercising to burn more calories than you consume. During the first few days in a calorie deficit, the body uses up its small reservoir of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1615908/">glycogen stores</a> for energy. Glycogen is a string of glucose (sugar) that comes from the carbohydrates you eat. Since carbs are the body’s main energy source, this is why any glucose the body doesn’t immediately use is stored to use for energy later. But as carbohydrate molecules bind with water, this means that when the body stores glycogen, it also stores water in the muscles. As these glycogen stores are used up, the body also releases a significant amount of water. This is often called “water weight”, and explains why some may feel they lose considerable weight early in their diet. Given you only have days’ worth of glycogen stores, this is why the body uses fat to store extra calories for when you need it. Once the glycogen stores are used up, the body shifts to metabolising fat to get the energy it needs to function. But not all tissues can use fat for energy – such as the brain. This is why the body needs to metabolise your muscles when you’re in a calorie deficit. Protein (from the food you eat) is stored in your muscles. The body can convert this stored protein into glucose for energy. But this means you subsequently lose the muscle tissue itself when that happens. This has significant consequences – including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35103583/">slowing the metabolism</a>, which may ultimately drive weight regain after losing weight. <h2>Muscle loss</h2> Many factors can affect how much muscle you lose while in a calorie deficit. While it was once thought that the more fat you had, the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10673906/">less muscle you lost</a> in a calorie deficit, this has since been disproved – with both <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3066619/">lean</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17367567/">obese people</a> losing significant rates of muscle when dieting. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29957829/">Ethnicity</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32734691/">genetics</a> may, however, play a role – with studies showing black people tend to lose more muscle mass in a calorie deficit than white people do. Some research also suggests that genetic variants may make some people more susceptible to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32734691/">certain dietary changes</a>, which may determine how much muscle mass they end up losing. Muscle loss will also happen regardless of whether you lose weight <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30925026/">gradually or quickly</a>. A better determinant of how much muscle you’ll lose depends on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30925026/">how much weight you end up losing</a>. If a person loses 10% of their body weight, typically around 20% of this is fat-free mass (the proportion of body mass that isn’t fat – such as muscle). This can equate to several kilograms of muscle. Many people also think that what you eat while losing weight may determine how much muscle you lose, with it commonly believed that if you eat plenty of protein you’re less likely to lose muscle mass. This is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19246357/">debatable</a>, with research showing people lose as much muscle on high-protein weight loss diets as people who followed other types of diets. Low-carb diets have also been claimed to promote more fat loss. But studies comparing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22258266/">different types of diets</a> have found that low-fat high-carb diets seem to offer <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28193517/">the same, if not better, fat loss</a> than low-carb, high-fat diets – with no differences in muscle loss. <h2>Protein and exercise</h2> Given all that has been said, the only way to prevent muscle loss somewhat while losing weight is to combine exercise (particularly <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18356845/">resistance exercise</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28507015/">endurance exercise</a>) with a diet higher in protein. This is because exercise stimulates muscle growth – but this process can only happen if you have an adequate supply of protein. It’s suggested adults normally aim to consume <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34371981/">0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight</a> per day to maintain muscle mass. But given the extra demand exercise places on the muscles, a person will probably need to consume 1.2-1.5g of protein per kilogram of body weight to preserve muscle during weight loss. People who exercise a lot may need to increase that to more than <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642676/">2g per kilogram of body weight</a> when losing weight. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22221216/">Older people</a> may also need to consume more protein than average. Just be wary of consuming too much protein (more than 2.5g per kilogram of body weight) as eating more than your body uses could have an <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28507015/">adverse effect</a> on your metabolism by potentially making the body less able to draw upon glucose for energy. It may also put greater pressure on the kidneys and liver – which could lead to serious <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7460905/#:%7E:text=High%20dietary%20protein%20intake%20can,a%20role%20in%20kidney%20health.">health issues</a>, such as liver and kidney damage. Even if you prevent muscle loss when losing weight, other metabolic changes still happen that promote weight regain – such as changes in your metabolic rate (the minimum amount of calories your body needs to survive) and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21677272/">increases in appetite and hunger</a>. This is why, when trying to lose weight, the most important thing to consider is how sustainable your diet and lifestyle changes are. The easier these are to maintain, the better chances you have of keeping the weight off.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209258/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-collins-1179004">Adam Collins</a>, Principal Teaching Fellow, Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-surrey-1201">University of Surrey</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/weight-loss-why-you-dont-just-lose-fat-when-youre-on-a-diet-209258">original article</a>.

Body

"Most beloved, gorgeous cat in Australia" seeking full-time carer

A Sydney family are seeking the paw-fect candidate to take on the role of cat-sitter for their feline friend, and if their job listing is anything to go by, they’re taking their search quite seriously. The ad, <a href="https://www.seek.com.au/job/67162902?fbclid=IwAR1pARYiDV_TaFy4kqCqf7yFpLNUQupF-Pz9sgAl56Q7JVwx0wX_sg_0_a4">posted to Seek</a>, calls for a “Pet Nanny for an amazing cat” in one of the city’s most affluent Eastern Suburbs. The wording of the job description is familiar enough for anyone who’d nannied in their past, with just the minor catch that their ward would have four legs this time around - and may have them chasing their tail. This “once in a lifetime” opportunity requests serious applicants only for the live-in and full-time position. A room and “all facilities” would be provided, all within a house described as both “wonderful and beautiful”, but for anyone hoping to bring their own pet along with them, this probably isn’t the job for them. The family are firm on candidates having prior experience with cats - the more, the better - and won’t so much as consider an application from someone who’s coming to them without. It makes sense when considering the duties of the position, which range from basic full-time care - with the likes of feeding, playing, and cleaning - to daily health checks, and perhaps most importantly to the cat, constant attention. Professional experience isn’t a must, with the family willing to consider pet owners for the exclusive gig - as long as you have “experience caring for cats” behind you, you’re in with a shot. It should go without saying that a “passion for cats and a deep understanding of their needs” is a must, so self-proclaimed animal lovers may find themselves a step ahead of the pack. The position is full-time, and a schedule will be supplied with rostered days off included. However, the usual catch applies, and hopeful applicants must be willing to work across weekends and holidays. The nitty gritty comes in the form of a valid WWCC (Working with Children Check), a first aid certificate, and police clearance, as well as unrestricted working rights in Australia, and “relevant VISA requirements”. And the listing concludes with another reminder that applicants “MUST have prior experience with animals”, because as any pet owner knows, animals are unique little friends, and it’s always best to know what you’re getting yourself into. Images: Getty

Family & Pets

"I've had enough": Karl hits back at "fat-shaming" Bluey detractors

Karl Stefanovic has called out the influencers claiming that the one of latest Bluey episodes titled “Exercise” is ‘fatphobic’. The episode addresses the challenges parents face around exercise and taking care of themselves around work and their kid. In one scene, parents Bandit and Chili were seen weighing themselves, followed by Bandit saying "Aw man," before touching his stomach. Some parents and influencers were offended at this scene and accused the show of body shaming, which led to Stefanovic’s defence that it was an accurate depiction of something that could play out in an Aussie household. "Can you believe this, I think that is just fantastic, I mean, it is a bit of Australiana," the Today host said. "It plays out in households across Australia and all of these influencers are coming out now going, 'Oh, Bluey is fat-shaming, it's disgusting', give it a rest! Come on!" Stefanovic added that it was “a really good message”. "I've had enough of these influencers,” he said, to which co-host Sarah Abo agreed. Abo also added that the scene is something that happens in every bathroom across Australia. "You can't say anything or do anything any more," she added. Image: Today Show/ Nine

Body

"Our hearts are so full": Seven presenter welcomes first child

Seven sports presenter Abbey Gelmi has announced the birth of a baby boy, Louis, with partner and former AFL player Kane Lambert. “Louis James Lambert came into the world 8.3.23 🌎🤍 Our hearts are so full,” Gelmi wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, March 14. “Everyone happy, healthy and settling in at home. The exciting news of Louis’ arrival had friends and followers amped up in the comment section. “Congratulations. So happy for you,” Anna Heinrich, SAS Australia star, wrote. “Sending lots of love xx congrats,” Nadia Bartel commented. “Congratulations gorgeous girl,” wrote Rebecca Judd. “Perfecto! So happy for you & your little family,” Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac wrote. Other celebrities to congratulate the couple on their new bub include former Seven network star Sally Obermeder, Kate Waterhouse, Jesinta Franklin, model Elyse Knowles, swimmer Giaan Rooney and AFL player Jack Riewoldt. Kane Lambert, who retired from the sport in 2022, played 135 games for the AFL Tigers, including the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premierships. Lambert, who was initially overlooked in six drafts, did not make it to AFL level until he was 23 with pick No. 64 in the 2015 rookie draft. He has suffered an ongoing hip issue which forced him to leave the sport, but he remains at the club as a conditioning coach. Gelmi, 32, had an emotional departure from Seven when she left for maternity leave in February 2023. She shared a photo on Instagram of her final day, a snap of her at the news desk alongside anchor Mike Amor. “Annnd she’s officially on leave,” she wrote. “Thank you @7newsmelbourne @mikeoz7 for the lovely (and very unnecessary) send-off. “Lucky to have a job I can’t wait to come back to! @channel7.” When Gelmi first announced she would be taking maternity leave, viewers flocked to the comments on her Instagram post to wish her well. “Enjoy your maternity leave, I will miss you on screen but can’t wait to see you when you come back,” one commented. “Us Aussie viewers will miss you on our TV screens 😢 but all best in your soon to be family love bubble,” another said. The Seven presenter revealed she was pregnant when she reached the 23-week mark, posting a photo of her bump on Instagram with the caption, “Life lately”. “While it’s been such a special time, I’ve been quite unwell,” Gelmi told the Herald Sun in October last year. “I could not have felt more supported by my work family at Seven and I am so grateful for the grace they’ve given me. “It’s been a very busy few months for us and we’re excited about what’s to come.” Image credit: Instagram

Family & Pets

“So full of love”: Chrissy Teigen reveals newborn daughter’s name

Chrissy Teigen and her husband, singer John Legend, have revealed the name of their newborn daughter in a touching Instagram post. The couple recently welcomed their new baby, with John reportedly announcing the birth at a private concert on Friday the 13th, declaring it “a blessed day”. “She’s here!” Chrissy captioned her post, to an outpouring of love and celebration from fans and friends, “Esti Maxine Stephens - the house is bustling and our family could not be happier.” Of their new addition and the experience of becoming a family of five, she added, “Daddy sheds nightly tears of joy seeing Luna and Miles so full of love, and I am learning you still need diapers with a c section!? We are in bliss. Thank you for all the love and well wishes - we feel it all!” John posted the same photo as Chrissy, honouring his wife and his family with the caption, “on Friday, we welcomed Esti Maxine Stephens to our family, and our house is overflowing with love and joy. I’m in awe of Chrissy’s strength and resilience and I’m so thrilled to see how Luna and Miles embrace their baby sister. I’m so, so grateful, but that doesn’t seem like a big enough word.” <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnm4W4mPPVy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnm4W4mPPVy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen)</a> </div> </blockquote> The image shows the couple’s children Luna, six, and Miles, four, cradling their new little sister. The family’s blessing comes three years after the tragic loss of their third child, and their supporters were eager to share their love amidst the good news, with many fellow famous faces among them. “Congratulations!!!” Wrote actress Rosario Dawson to Chrissy, along with a string of red hearts. Reality TV star Kris Jenner chimed in to share that she “can’t wait to meet her!!!” To John, actress Viola Davis wrote, “Aaaaaahhh!!!! Mazaltov!!!! Blessings to you and yours!!! Beautiful.” Chrissy and John’s comment sections were flooded with hearts, well wishes, and congratulations, with many gushing over their baby’s name: Esti Maxine Stephens. Legend’s legal name is John Roger Stephens, explaining Esti’s new surname. Fans of the couple believe Esti’s middle name, Maxine, is a tribute to John’s late grandmother, Marjorie Maxine Stephens. Announcing her pregnancy last August, the model and cookbook author wrote, “the last few years have been a blur of emotions to say the least, but joy has filled our home and hearts again.” The couple’s latest updates assure their supporters that their home and hearts are full, as they settle in to enjoy life with their newest family member, little Esti. Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Socceroos hero's tragic news moments after full time

Bailey Wright could hardly speak after the Socceroos' incredible win over Denmark. He paid an emotional tribute to huge sacrifices made by his family, after receiving the news that his mother in-law had passed away. “I just want to dedicate this to my wife, and her mum - I'm going to be honest, I'm not sure if she's still with us. So this was for them," Wright said. "They're having a really tough time back home, but ultimately, they've made this possible for me to be here and live one of my dreams.” "I've just come in from a message from my wife ... it's sort of something I've kept to myself, we've all got a lot going on.” Wright managed to put personal issues to the side, coming on with half an hour to go and helping see off Denmark, to secure Australia's spot in the last 16. "(Coach Graham Arnold) asked me to warm up when it was 0-0, then we had a few shouts that Tunisia were winning 1-0 so I wasn't sure, maybe, if I'd get on or what would happen. "Next minute, (Mat Leckie) worked his magic (to score) and I was already warmed up and ready to go.” Whatever he kept to himself, even from other players, is now out in the open but there's no doubt the rest of the squad will be around to support him. "When we set out on this journey four years ago and Arnie kind of said to us what he wanted this to be about; and that our mateship and togetherness is what's going to make us create history." Image: Getty

Family & Pets

The verdict: Full fat versus low fat milk

The idea of full low milk being healthier for us began circulating in the 1950s. It was shown that saturated fat increased blood cholesterol levels, with certain statistical evidence leading to the assumption it resulted in higher rates of heart disease and obesity. This idea is not totally wrong. Full fat milk does indeed have a high saturated fat content, about 65 percent in fact. <a href="http://www.simoneaustin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simone Austin</a>, accredited practising dietitian and spokesperson for the <a href="http://daa.asn.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dietitians Association of Australia</a> addresses the claims that saturated fat should be avoided when it comes to weight management. “We are still recommending saturated fat should be kept to a minimum as there is still a link between saturated and plasma cholesterol levels, however full cream milk is only 4% total fat and is therefore not a high fat product, depending on quantity of course.” Health and nutrition coach and whole foods chef, Lee Holmes, believes that low-fat milk is a great option for those trying to lose weight. Even though the fat is skimmed, the milk itself still contains an abundance of calcium and protein, and these are essential to weight loss. “Low-fat milk is better for overall weight control and maintenance as it only contains 0.15% fat as opposed to full-cream milk which contains 3.8% fat” she explains. The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends enjoying mostly low and reduced fat milk and milk products, as it can reduce the total daily kilojoule intake to aid with weight management. This is generally believed to lead to weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease. However, Simone explains why it is not quite that straight forward. “Fat can give some feeling of satiety. If you are having less milk overall, and it is more filling to have full cream milk, then this might decrease overall volume of food consumed and therefore not be detrimental”. This approach is supported by recent research conducted by <a href="../%20http:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26746178">Swedish researchers</a>, looking at the dairy consumption of a group of middle aged men. If found that those who ate full fat dairy products were less likely to become obese over a period of 12 years, compare with men who rarely ate high- fat diary. This is because the weight-loss effect of reducing saturated fat depends on what replaces it in the diet, which is usually sugar and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, most of us are susceptible to consciously or unconsciously replacing a larger reduction in calories with something else. So, if you drink low-fat varieties of milk in order to reduce calorie intake, you must ensure you are not making up these calories elsewhere for this approach to be effective. However, in your quest for a slimmer waist line, it is important not to overlook other important health factors. Milk is a primary source of nutrients, and according to both Simone and the <a href="http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2032&context=sspapers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABS</a>, most over-60s simply aren’t getting what they need. “In New Zealand the annual per capita consumption of milk has declined by 30% in the last 20 years, and 20% of the New Zealand population has an inadequate intake of calcium”. Simone stresses that simply aiming to meet serves is the priority. “Milk also provides a valuable source of protein and as we age our efficiency at using protein reduces, so we need to have a little more”. Lee Holmes echoes this, stating that ideally, people over 60 years of age should be having two to three glasses of cow’s milk daily to absorb the necessary amounts of calcium. If you don’t want to consume that much milk, are lactose intolerant or prefer to opt for non-cow’s milk (such as almond) you need to make these nutrients up elsewhere. “You may want to consider a quality, natural supplement to ensure you are giving your body all the nutrients it needs." So whether it be low-fat or full-fat, say cheers to milk and manage your weight loss in accordance with other health factors. Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

Magda Szubanski calls for "fat" people to be protected from online hate speech

Magda Szubanski has called for vilification rules to be put in place for "fat people" online, only to be blasted by her following. The comedian shared the controversial tweet in which she wondered why "fat" people are not "protected" from hate speech online. She wrote, "It's interesting to me that you are banned from attacking just about every identity on Twitter except being fat. Why are we not protected from vilification?" Szubanski was then blasted by several heartless online users, as she received comments such as, "Have another Snickers bar. Sounds like your blood sugar is low," and "Lose some weight then." Despite receiving plenty of support from fans, the controversial tweet saw more personal attacks. "Ever see any obese old people? No, because they all die young. If you are going to do that to yourself, then you will have to accept noticing," another wrote. "Because you choose to be fat," yet another wrote. Magda was only too happy to call out the backlash, as she accused the online users of dumping their "toxic self-loathing" onto her, as they believe she "wouldn't fight back". "It's pretty clear from the response to my tweet that some people hate fat people because their own hearts are so full of hate that they need to dump all their toxic self-loathing onto someone who they think won't fight back." "Well, not this little fat duck. She got teeth," she wrote. She also went on to say that the online trolls proved her point entirely as many commenters defended her, saying it would go a long way if we were all a little nicer to each other online. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Airline responds to "fat-shaming" onboard comments

Dr Sydney Watson – a US-based Australian journalist and political commentator – took to Twitter on October 11 to complain about being sat between two obese people on an American Airlines flight. Her mid-flight comments caused an immediate furore as she posted that “I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight,” along with a photo of her personal space being invaded. “This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours. “I don't care if this is mean. My entire body is currently being touched against my wishes. I can't even put the arm rests down on either side because there's no f***ing room. “I'm sick of acting like fatness to this extent is normal. Let me assure you, it is not. “If you need a seat belt extender, you are TOO FAT TO BE ON A PLANE. “Buy two seats or don't fly.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I am currently - literally - WEDGED between two OBESE people on my flight. This is absolutely NOT acceptable or okay. If fat people want to be fat, fine. But it is something else entirely when I'm stuck between you, with your arm rolls on my body, for 3 hours. <a href="https://t.co/9uIqcpJO8I">pic.twitter.com/9uIqcpJO8I</a> — Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyLWatson/status/1579609743244800006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2022</a></blockquote> Dr Watson said she asked the passenger on her right if he wanted to move to sit next to his sister to which he declined. She continued the rest of her flight sitting uncomfortably with no air hostess offering to switch her seat. Her complaint went viral with the official American Airlines Twitter account responding to Dr Watson saying: “Our passengers come in all different sizes and shapes. We're sorry you were uncomfortable on your flight.” This however was not enough for Dr Watson who eventually found out that “what happened to me went against American Airlines own policies regarding overweight passengers.” A few days later after her initial flight, an American Airlines worker got in contact with Dr Watson apologising for the inconvenience and offered her a $150 Trip Credit. “I'd rather take the $150 American Airlines offered me as a refund and give it to someone who needs a PT or a gym membership,” she tweeted in response. Still furious at what occurred on the flight, Dr Watson said she has no regrets over being in the news for fat shaming. “I'm not sorry. I meant everything I said. Justifying obesity is NOT OKAY,” she said. “And, rock on to anyone trying to lose weight and change their lives. I believe in you.” Images: Twitter/Instagram

Travel Trouble

Fat Bear Winner: ‘747’ lays b-ruin to rivals despite fishy voting

After eating lots of tasty fish in preparation for the northern hemisphere’s winter, Brown bear 747 has been crowned the winner of the annual Fat Bear Week. The initiative, run by the US National Parks Service and multimedia organisation explore, gives the public a chance to vote for the biggest brown bear in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. Over one week, people cast their votes for eight nominated bears that have been gorging on river salmon in the lead up to their hibernation. After a summer of catching and eating fish – usually salmon – in the Brooks River, the bears reach peak size in early to mid-October. Shortly, they’ll go into a five-to-eight-month slumber, emerging after the coldest part of the Alaskan winter. The initiative shines a light on the behaviours and survival methods of the species which resides across northern hemisphere continents towards the Arctic Circle. Although brown bears are now extinct in much of central and southern Europe, some still persist in Romania and the Balkan states, and they remain across Russia, Alaska, Canada, the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. It is also an important indicator species for other wildlife due to their wide habitat range, and play important ecological roles as seed dispersers, and lower-level species managers through predation. Get stuffed! Cheating claims in lead up to Fat Bear final Prior to the grand final between 747 and brown bear 901, a shocking case of voting fraud left organisers decidedly grizzly. A spam attack of votes during the semi-finals threatened to derail 747’s quest for a second Fat Bear crown. Fortunately, organisers were hot onto the bogus bruin ballots. <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p218507-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.62 spai-bg-prepared init" action="/nature/fat-bear-voting-winner/#wpcf7-f6-p218507-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/" aria-invalid="false" /> </form> </div> </div> “Like bears stuff their face with fish, your ballot box, too, has been stuffed,” Katmai organisers said on Monday. “It appears someone has decided to spam the Fat Bear Week poll, but fortunately it is easy for us to tell which votes are fraudulent. We have discarded the fake votes.” Publicly voted animal awareness competitions are notoriously prone to phony voting. The Guardian Australia Bird of the Year competition infamously saw a case of dodgy democracy in 2019 when a case of automated voting was detected by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2019/nov/11/voter-detected-in-guardians-australian-bird-of-the-year-poll" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avian electoral commission.</a> Cosmos’ own Australian Mammal of the Year competition <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/amoty/too-much-love-for-the-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was this year hit</a> by a bout of egregious electioneering when hundreds of spam votes were cast for some animals vying for the crown. Fortunately, as with Fat Bear Week, spotting and omitting a bad ballot is a straightforward task of, usually, spotting unusual voting patterns. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/fat-bear-2022-1.jpg" alt="" width="1200" height="675" /> 2022 Fat Bear Week winner ‘747’ hunts for a tasty fish. Image: Courtesy L. Law via Katmai National Park. 747 does it again Brown bear 747 – aptly named after a jumbo jet – claimed victory with 68,105 votes to rival 901’s 56,875. It was 747’s second premiership, having previously claimed the title in 2020. ‘480 Otis’ holds the record of four titles – exactly half the number of Fat Bear Weeks held. “Though he may be blissfully unaware of his two titles, the gains are real,” say the Fat Bear Week organisers. “In the bear world, fat is fit and these chunky contenders have been working tirelessly to pack on the pounds necessary for survival.” A record 1.027 million votes were cast in the 2022 edition of the event.  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=218507&title=Fat+Bear+Winner%3A+%26%238216%3B747%26%238217%3B+lays+b-ruin+to+rivals+despite+fishy+voting" width="1" height="1" />  <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/fat-bear-voting-winner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by Cosmos. Image: Courtesy L. Law via Katmai National Park. </div>

Family & Pets

Why you keep eating when you’re full

Ever eaten that last slice of pizza, even though you’ve had enough? Or polished off kids’ leftovers, despite already feeling full? To understand what’s happening – and how to fix it – let’s explore your body’s “stop eating signals” (satiety signals). <h2>The science of satiety signals</h2> Your body’s satiety signals kick in when your brain senses you’ve consumed enough of the nutrients you need. Your brain takes its cue from sources such as: <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/11/415916/we-know-were-full-because-intestines-stretch-sensors-tell-us-so">stretch signals</a> from your gastrointestinal tract (like your stomach and intestines), which indicate the volume of foods and drinks you’ve consumed </li> <li> “satiety hormones”, such as <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.684656/full">cholecystokinin (CCK)</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00442/full">peptide YY</a>, which are released into your bloodstream when particular nutrients from your digested food come into contact with certain parts of your gastrointestinal tract </li> <li> nutrients from your digested food, which pass into your blood stream and can exert satiety effects directly <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5120084/?report=classic">on your brain</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.585887/full">leptin</a>, the hormone primarily produced by adipose tissue, which stores excess nutrients from your food as fat. The more fat you have in your adipose tissue, the more leptin your adipose tissue releases into your blood stream, and the more your brain senses you’ve consumed enough of the necessary nutrients. </li> </ul> Your brain puts all those sources of information into a “satiety algorithm” and, at a certain point, sends you the signal that it’s time to stop eating. This helps explain why, if you aren’t getting enough of the nutrients you need overall, you might feel unsatisfied and keep eating even when you’re full. <h2>I’m eating nutritious foods so why can’t I stop?</h2> Your body’s satiety signals are easy to ignore – especially when you’re tempted with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938412002363?via%3Dihub">varied and tasty foods</a> and you feel <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31216640/">social expectations to eat</a>. Add an alcoholic drink or two, and it may <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6981020/">get even easier</a> to ignore satiety signals. Other factors may include your ethics about not wasting food, and habits such as routinely eating dessert after dinner – regardless of how you feel. <h2>Eating is about emotions, too</h2> If you’ve ever overeaten while feeling bored, fearful, stressed, lonely, tired or guilty, you’ve discovered that food can improve your mood (at least temporarily). Indeed, some of the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-018-1129-1">hormones</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056580/">natural brain chemicals</a> involved in satiety signalling have been shown to affect mood. If you regularly keep eating when you’re full, it’s worth exploring possible underlying psychological contributors. Depression, anxiety and stress (check <a href="https://www.thecalculator.co/health/DASS-21-Depression-Anxiety-Stress-Scale-Test-938.html">this test</a> to see if you’re experiencing the symptoms) have been linked to overeating. So has post-traumatic stress disorder – and no, you don’t have to be a war veteran to have PTSD. <a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/documents/PCL5_Standard_form_week.PDF">This survey</a> has a checklist of symptoms. Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa are also linked to overeating (check this <a href="https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/assessment/?started=true">survey</a> of symptoms to see if any apply to you). Having had <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003193842030278X?via%3Dihub">adverse experiences in childhood</a> can also play a role in habitual overeating. Try this <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean">quiz</a> if you suspect this may apply to you. <h2>How to stop eating when you’re full</h2> If you suspect psychological contributors to overeating, know there are scientifically proven treatments that can help. For example, depression and anxiety now have well established <a href="https://www.ranzcp.org/files/resources/college_statements/clinician/cpg/mood-disorders-cpg-2020.aspx">treatment pathways</a>. PTSD can be treated with proven <a href="https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/">therapies</a>. Eating disorders can be treated effectively with <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/obr.13180">cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders</a>, among other treatments. Your local healthcare professional can help you find treatment options, and some are free. Other strategies you may like to consider are listed below: <ul> <li> keep a diary of your satiety signals so you learn to recognise them. Every time you eat, note whether you feel unsatisfied, satisfied or over-satisfied. Aim for “satisfied” every time. If you have an iPhone, you can use the free app I co-designed with Zubeyir Salis (a contributor to this article), based on scientific evidence (<a href="https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/wink-by-amanda-salis/id1495613647">Wink by Amanda Salis</a>) </li> <li> when you recognise yourself eating to the point of feeling “over-satisfied”, note what’s happening in your satiety diary (or app). Feeling unworthy? Jealous? Irritated? Tired? Or are you procrastinating about something? Think about what you really need; give yourself more of that instead of food </li> <li> choose a nutrient rich diet with a minimum of <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/ca5644en/ca5644en.pdf">ultra processed foods</a>, and heed cravings for particular healthy foods. This will help deliver the nutrients you need so your satiety signals are activated. Use <a href="https://healthyeatingquiz.com.au">this free, evidence-based quiz</a> to see if you’re on track for a nutrient rich diet </li> <li> be the boss of how much food is served to you, so that only the amount you feel you can eat appears on your plate </li> <li> unless you need to eat, put obstacles between yourself and food. Leftovers can be frozen or stored (<a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-when-should-you-throw-away-leftovers-92256">safely</a>). Move away from the table once your satiety signals have told you it’s time to stop. </li> </ul> May you always be “satisfied”. Zubeyir Salis contributed to this article.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/170649/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amanda-salis-108663">Amanda Salis</a>, NHMRC Senior Research Fellow in the School of Human Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-western-australia-1067">The University of Western Australia</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation.</a> Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/step-away-from-the-table-why-you-keep-eating-when-youre-full-170649">original article</a>. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Michael Bublé's dream to become a full-time dad

Iconic singer Michael Buble has started to hint to fans that he may be quitting music soon to pursue being a full-time father. The singer, 46, has sold over 75 million records worldwide and says he is “not loving” his career as much as he should and wants to spend more time with his wife Luisana Lopilato, 35, and children Noah, Elias, Vida and Cielo, his youngest who was born last month. Speaking on That Gaby Roslin Podcast, he said: “I think i'm not loving it as much, I think i’m getting close to thinking maybe I can just go and bed a dad. "I have this picture in my head, of just me in a field with my kids and Ed Sheeran's kids and we're just hugging each other and picnicking and getting drunk." Bublé is currently preparing to head on another world tour late September. He said he often has to remind himself how lucky he is if he is not "feeling" his work. He added that the idea of becoming a full-time dad was a "fantasy", with few people "brave" enough to make the choice. Bublé said: "I don't know a friend who doesn't have the same thought, I mean we never do it. We never seem to really do it, very few of us are brave enough to say, 'No, I just want to do this’, but I think it's a fantasy." He has previously taken two years off when his eldest son Noah was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2016, before the boy made a full recovery. In the past he has claimed he would have been more successful if he had not started a family, and thinks about what could have been "all the time”. Image: Getty

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