As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

With digital innovation, expanding healthcare access, and a growing focus on self-reliance driving transformation in India's healthcare sector, the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 is set to return for its third edition.

The event, to be held on October 28th, will bring together policymakers, healthcare leaders, clinicians, researchers, innovators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of India's healthcare ecosystem.

Centered on the theme, “The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem – Innovation. Access. Self-Reliance,” the summit will explore emerging healthcare innovations, collaborations, and policy approaches, culminating in an awards ceremony recognizing excellence across the sector.

As India is advancing in artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, biotechnology, medical technology (MedTech), and indigenous manufacturing, these areas will also be central to discussions on strengthening the country's healthcare ecosystem.

Summit At A Glance

Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, is expected to attend as the chief guest.

The second edition of the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026 will feature:

• 30+ speakers
• 400+ delegates
• 12+ knowledge sessions

Six Key Healthcare Discussion Areas

The summit will feature six panel discussions covering key areas of healthcare innovation, access, and policy.

• Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure And Clinical Excellence: Scaling advanced care through AI, Centres of Excellence, and digital innovation.
• Fertility And Reproductive Healthcare: Exploring reproductive technologies, precision medicine, and patient access.
• India's Biopharma Growth: Advancing research, therapeutics, and resilient manufacturing.
• Precision Diagnostics: Leveraging AI, genomics, and personalized care.
• Integrative Healthcare: Strengthening scientific research and AYUSH integration.
• Healthcare Financing: Improving affordability, access, and sustainability through insurance and public-private partnerships.

The summit is being held in association with Onextel Communications Media, co-powered by Novartis and supported by HealthandMe. It will conclude with a felicitation ceremony recognizing excellence across the healthcare sector.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs.

In a statement on October 19, the team said the 28-year-old was clinically stable with no significant functional limitations. However, he needs blood thinners and cannot participate in contact sports while taking them.

His diagnosis raises questions about how blood clots travel from the legs to the lungs, why they are dangerous and how to reduce the risk.

What Happened To Jalen Hurts?

Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf after reporting discomfort following a cleat injury during the October 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Although doctors initially cleared him to play, a follow-up ultrasound in Philadelphia and further testing identified DVT and blood clots in both lungs, known as bilateral pulmonary emboli.

The team said his treatment would involve anticoagulants, or blood thinners. He can resume football activities once he stops taking the medication.

Also read: Hours Of Sitting, Gaming And Binge-Watching OTT? Doctors Warn Of Blood Clot Risk In Young People

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If part of the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening condition.

Prolonged sitting, hospitalization, bed rest, injuries and certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing blood clots.

How Can A Leg Clot Travel To The Lungs?

A clot can break away from a deep vein in the leg, travel to the right side of the heart and then enter the arteries supplying the lungs. There, it can block blood flow and strain the heart.

“You have a clot in your leg. The problem is it can travel up the veins and go to your heart, and from there, go to your lungs, and block the blood vessels in your lungs,” CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, who is not treating Hurts, told CBS Mornings.

“That's very serious,” he added.

Why Are Athletes At Risk Of Blood Clots?

Read More: World Thrombosis Day: Can An Unexplained Blood Clot Be The First Sign Of Cancer? Experts Explain

Hurts is not the first high-profile athlete to experience blood clots. Tennis star Serena Williams has a history of clots, while NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh retired early following blood-clot-related complications.

Fitness does not eliminate the risk. Injuries and prolonged immobility, including during long-haul flights, can slow blood flow and contribute to clot formation.

DJ Corey, director of Northeastern University’s EMT program, said extended periods of sitting during air or road travel can increase the risk because leg muscles help maintain blood circulation.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that limited mobility during long-distance travel can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes DVT and pulmonary embolism.

How Can Travellers Reduce Their Risk?

To improve circulation during long journeys, the CDC recommends:

• Moving the legs frequently while seated.
• Walking periodically when it is safe to do so.
• Avoiding prolonged immobility.
• Consulting a doctor about preventive measures if you have additional risk factors.

Compression stockings may help some travellers at increased risk, depending on their medical needs.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Blood Clots?

DVT symptoms can include leg swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth and skin discoloration. Some people may have no obvious symptoms.

Pulmonary embolism warning signs include sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and coughing up blood.

Sudden breathing difficulties, chest pain or fainting require immediate medical attention, as a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.

More than 20 vials of compounded tirzepatide, a GLP-1 medication containing the same active ingredient as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound, have been recalled in the US over sterility concerns, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall, issued by Apothecary Pharma, also includes a vial of NAD+ injection.

The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the likelihood of serious harm is considered low.

The recall follows a December 2025 FDA warning letter to Apothecary Pharma, which cited serious deficiencies in the North Carolina company’s sterile drug production practices.

The recalled injections are compounded versions of tirzepatide. Unlike FDA-approved, brand-name medications, compounded drugs are custom-prepared by pharmacies to meet specific patient needs.

Which Compounded GLP-1 Injections Were Recalled?

Also read: US FDA May Allow Pharmacies To Make Unapproved Peptide Injections: What Are the Safety Concerns?

The affected tirzepatide product is a prescription injection with a concentration of 18 mg/mL, supplied in a 4 mL multidose vial. Its National Drug Code (NDC) number is 85091-001-18.

The recalled lot numbers are AP-202622 through AP-202625 and AP-202627 through AP-202644. The products have beyond-use dates ranging from October 7 to November 26, 2026.

The recall also includes one vial of NAD+ injection.

What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Vial?

The FDA and Apothecary Pharma have not issued a public statement clarifying what patients should do with the affected vials. Some customers have reported receiving requests through their prescribers to return or dispose of the products or contact the manufacturer directly.

NewLife Rx, a pharmaceutical fulfillment service that distributed some of the recalled vials, reportedly told certain customers that Apothecary had described the recall as a documentation issue.

According to a notice reviewed by USA TODAY, the recall was conducted at the retail level and did not extend to patients or require them to stop using or return their medications.

However, neither the FDA nor Apothecary Pharma has publicly clarified the reason for the recall or the safety of the affected products.

Although a Class II classification indicates a relatively low likelihood of serious harm, it does not mean a product is entirely risk-free.

If you have an affected lot, consult your prescriber or healthcare provider before using it again and follow their instructions.

Read More: Retatrutide Driving Peptide-Linked Emergency Hospital Admissions In Australia: What Are The Risks?

What Are the Risks of Compounded GLP-1 Drugs?

A compounded drug is a medication prepared by a compounding pharmacy to meet an individual patient's specific medical needs. This may include removing an allergen, adjusting a dosage, or preparing a formulation that is not commercially available.

While these medications can serve specific medical needs, they are not FDA-approved in the same way as branded drugs. The FDA does not review compounded formulations for safety, effectiveness, and quality before they are marketed.

Demand for GLP-1 medications for weight loss skyrocketed worldwide between 2022 and 2025, leading to shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

During these shortages, compounding pharmacies were legally allowed under specific circumstances to prepare several versions of these medications.

Many patients turned to compounded GLP-1s because they were often affordable, available, and easier to buy online.

Potential risks of compounded GLP-1 drugs include:

• Inaccurate Dosing
• Sterility Concerns
• Different Ingredients
• Limited Safety Data
• Counterfeit or Unregulated Products