Singer Jesy Nelson recently shared an emotional update regarding the complications she is experiencing in her pregnancy with twin babies. Former Little Mix singer Jesy, who is having twins with partner Zion Foster, announced that she has been diagnosed with pre-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (pre-TTTS). The condition, which is present in pregnancies involving twins with a shared placenta, has serious risks involved and needs intense medical supervision. As Nelson embarks on this difficult journey, her story enlightens us about a rare but dangerous condition many expectant parents may not know much about.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a rare but dangerous condition that arises in monochorionic twin pregnancies, in which identical twins share a single placenta. The placenta supplies the developing babies with oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow, but in TTTS, there is an imbalance of blood vessels that interconnect the twins, and thus the vital resources are not evenly distributed. One twin, or the donor twin, shares excess blood with the other, referred to as the recipient twin. This leads to one baby becoming malnourished and possibly anemic, and the other in danger of heart problems due to too much blood.

Nelson described her diagnosis in a heartfelt Instagram video, explaining that she is currently in the pre-stage of TTTS and undergoing frequent monitoring. "I am being scanned twice a week, and each time, things have gotten a little worse," she shared, expressing her fears and hopes for the health of her babies.

Potential Risks of TTTS

If left untreated, TTTS can have devastating consequences. Medical research indicates that:

• 90% of the cases of untreated TTTS lead to loss of one or both twins.
• Despite treatment, only a 70% survival rate for both twins is assured.
• Severe forms can result in preterm labor, cardiac failure in the recipient twin, and organ failure in the donor twin.
• Complications in long-term survivors include neurological damage and developmental delay in surviving infants.

TTTS usually advances in stages, beginning with minimal changes in fluid levels and worsening as one twin continues to get an unequal share of blood. In extreme cases, fetal laser surgery, referred to as the Solomon technique, can be employed to divide the blood vessels and balance the twins.

Why Identical Twin Pregnancies Are More Complicated

Identical twins may develop differently, and their own unique form of placental sharing can have a dramatic effect on pregnancy risk. Jesy Nelson's twins are considered monochorionic diamniotic (mono/di), which means they share a placenta but have two amniotic sacs. This is the type of pregnancy in about 70% of identical twin pregnancies and carries an increased risk of complications like TTTS, umbilical cord entanglement, and growth restriction.

Conversely, dichorionic diamniotic (di/di) twins both have a separate placenta and amniotic sac, which greatly diminishes the threat of TTTS. Twin pregnancy type is normally identified by early ultrasound, with physicians being able to track future complications from inception.

Other Twin Pregnancy Health Risks

Twin pregnancies, even without the presence of TTTS, entail a variety of health risks to the mother as well as infants:

1. Premature Birth

Over 60% of twin pregnancies end in premature delivery, with birth usually taking place before 37 weeks. Premature infants can have immature organs and need neonatal intensive care (NICU) assistance to assist with breathing, feeding, and infection fighting.

2. Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia

Pregnant women with multiples are at increased risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. This, if left untreated, can result in preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can result in damage to organs, preterm labor, and in some cases, maternal or fetal death.

3. Anemia

Pregnant women carrying multiples are twice as likely to experience anemia, a condition where the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and complications during delivery.

4. Birth Defects

According to John Hopkins Medicine, multiple birth babies are twice as likely to have congenital abnormalities compared to single births. These can include heart defects, neural tube defects, and gastrointestinal issues.

5. Amniotic Fluid Imbalances

When twins have to share a placenta, they are more likely to have polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid). Both result in distress to the babies during fetal development and can result in premature labor.

6. Postpartum Hemorrhage

Twins are at increased risk of excessive postpartum hemorrhage because their uterus is larger and there are greater blood supply needs.

Jesy Nelson's openness about her challenging experience is raising awareness for TTTS, a condition that few individuals—let alone expectant mothers and fathers—might be aware of. Through her tearful video, Nelson stressed the significance of knowing about twin pregnancies aside from the thrill of having multiples. "We had no idea that this type of thing occurs when you're having twins. We just desperately want to make people aware of this because there are so many people who aren't aware."

Her case reminds us of the intricacies involved in twin pregnancy and the significance of early identification and medical management. For mothers carrying twins, frequent ultrasounds and vigilance can become a life-and-death issue for early detection and better outcomes of both babies.

Through constant medical attention and care, she and her partner Zion Foster remain positive and get ready for their babies to be born. In other parents whose situations are no different, the story of Nelson highlights awareness, medical progress, and emotional encouragement in handling complicated pregnancies.

The expecting parents of twin siblings are advised to discuss TTTS screening and possible interventions with their physicians to give their babies the best chance.

Weight loss drugs appeal to many for their convenience, but according to some experts, there are a number of noteworthy side effects. From rapid weight gain to sagging skin, several side effects of weight loss drugs have been identified through studies. Now, new research has found that weight loss drugs can cause more muscle loss than clinical expectations. The results, presented at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine (ACP-IM) meeting in San Francisco, add to existing evidence on the possible adverse effects of GLP-1.

Why does muscle loss occur during weight loss?

When a person loses a considerable amount of weight, they also lose bone mass, muscle mass, and some connective tissue. Experts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that no studies directly associate muscle loss with a decline in physical function or strength. However, this clinical gap underscores the need to assess strength and mobility alongside weight loss in patients receiving this therapy. The systematic review identified 36 randomised clinical trials that measured changes in muscle mass and fat among adults using incretin-based obesity medications such as tirzepatide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide.

Each study measured body composition using MRI, CT scans, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Most of them used DEXA along with other methods to obtain information about lean muscle mass, bone mineral density, and the distribution of body fat. The average age of participants ranged from 20 to 63.7 years. Only four studies included participants aged 60 years and above. None of the studies focused on adults aged 65 years or older.

Average muscle loss on weight loss drugs

Researchers noted a concerning trend: patients’ estimated muscle loss exceeded the 25 per cent threshold. Clinicians had expected a 25 per cent reduction, but not more than that. Experts also found that 68 per cent of people who used the drugs exceeded the 25 per cent benchmark, compared to 50 per cent of those who relied on placebos and lifestyle interventions. None of the studies measured whether the loss of muscle mass was correlated with function or strength loss.

Muscle mass diminishes with age

Despite being a concerning side effect of weight loss drugs, muscle mass is likely to diminish anyway with age. Additionally, the loss is more significant in older adults. Therefore, doctors advise caution when prescribing these drugs to individuals who are more prone to losing muscle function at an advanced age. Ideally, doctors should recommend exercise or physical therapy to patients taking weight loss medications.

The final word

According to experts, weight loss drugs do have a positive side — and that extends beyond obesity treatment. These drugs are also beneficial for diabetes and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to support treatment with the right kind of diet and a proper exercise regimen. Solely depending on the medication can lead to weight gain once it is discontinued. Therefore, for healthy weight loss, it is best to rely on sustainable methods for long-lasting results.

Indian guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, offers a different perspective on life and mental health. In a 2025 talk, he spoke about weight loss. At a time when obesity, metabolic, and lifestyle disorders are at an all-time high, there is an urgent need to revisit and fix the way one eats. While many turn to diet fads and practise calorie or food group restrictions, Sadhguru recommends the contrary. The 68-year-old emphasises the importance of sustainable weight management through balanced choices, mindful eating and meals aligned with the body’s natural rhythm.

Sustainable approach to weight loss

Many people aim to lose weight to deal with body image issues or to prepare for a special upcoming occasion. However, according to Sadhguru, one must not try to force discipline through restriction, but instead allow the body to regulate itself efficiently while maintaining energy levels. If you are looking for foods to include in your diet for sustainable weight loss, here are some recommendations:

1. Plant-based diet: A plant-based diet is one of the most talked-about ways to lose weight sustainably. Nutritionists say that 30–40 per cent of the diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These foods are comparatively easier to digest and do not put much pressure on the digestive system, as opposed to heavy, non-vegetarian meals. This should be combined with a proper workout routine, as without movement, weight gain is likely to occur.
2. Eat millets: Millets such as ragi, bajra and jowar digest slowly. They have a low glycaemic index and do not cause sudden blood sugar fluctuations. A sudden rise and fall in energy levels can trigger sluggishness over time. Millets, on the other hand, release energy slowly, thereby keeping you active for longer and reducing frequent hunger pangs. Over time, you can reduce portion sizes to lose weight.
3. Occasional cleansing: During the talk, Sadhguru also emphasised the importance of periodic cleansing. Simple yet effective, periodic cleansing involves drinking a detox beverage such as ash gourd juice with a small amount of honey for one or two days a month. This acts as a gentle reset for the digestive system and helps the body feel refreshed and lighter. Over time, this can curb cravings and make fasting easier.
4. Sustainable rules: For weight loss, it is advisable to follow sustainable rules that are not too strict to maintain in the long run. For instance, fasting for long durations without giving your body enough time to adapt can lead to metabolic disorders over time and excessive hunger pangs. It is important to prioritise balance, awareness and nourishment.
5. Energy-boosting snacks: When hunger pangs occur, it is important not to turn to unhealthy snacks such as crisps, biscuits or tea cakes. Instead, for sustained energy, healthier snacks are recommended. Some of the best options include peanuts, berries, nuts and seeds. These will help you feel full and may even aid metabolism.
6. Time your meals: Timing your meals is equally important, as it gives the digestive system enough time to function. Ideally, there should be an eight-hour gap between meals. People who find this difficult can aim for a five- to six-hour interval instead. Frequent meals can place too much load on the digestive system, while infrequent meals can cause metabolic disturbances. Therefore, striking a balance is essential.

Eat healthy meals and follow a proper diet plan; your diet must be balanced—many have grown up listening to these healthy recommendations. However, little do we realise just how much difference healthy habits make to our lives. Even when it comes to constipation, one barely understands the long-term repercussions of irregular trips to the loo and how this may impact overall health. According to a 2023 review, prominent differences can be noticed in the gut microbiomes of 'slowpokes' and 'speeders.' Because the gut is strongly linked to overall health, there are several health implications that often go unnoticed.

What happens when you are constipated for a long time?

Constipation refers to a state wherein one fails to pass stools at least three times a week. Slow transit, too, is associated with inflammatory and metabolic disorders—and even Parkinson’s disease. Experts say that identifying microbiome profiles linked to gut transit time could help develop a fresh approach to treating and managing these conditions. Experts involved in the study explained how bidirectional interactions between transit time and gut microbiota provide a useful way to understand gut microbiome variations in both disease and health.

Why is the gut microbiome important?

Experts say that the gut microbiome, in both activity and composition, plays a crucial role in health. From diet to exercise, it can be shaped by various factors. For this, experts evaluated the impact of holding in stool and its consequent effects on health. They analysed previously published research on gut transit time, diet, gut microbiome composition, stool consistency, and metabolites released. Experts found that the studies involved thousands of participants—both healthy individuals and those dealing with comorbidities such as liver cirrhosis, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. However, this required swallowable capsules with sensors to track their journey through the digestive tract.

Another method used was the Bristol Stool Scale—a diagnostic tool that classifies stool based on whether it resembles hard pellets or watery mush. Some studies also tracked how long participants took to pass sweetcorn or blue dye. The goal was the same — estimating how long food remains in the colon. The longer it stays, the more time bacteria have to regulate gut acidity, ferment components, and produce metabolites that influence overall health.

The nutrition link

The research team yielded interesting results — people with faster gut transit had different microbiomes compared to those with slower transit times. This helped provide better predictions for gut microbiota than a simple test alone. It was also found that faster gut transit times were associated with microbiomes dominated by faster-growing species that thrived on a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. Slower transit times, however, were linked to microbiomes influenced by diets high in protein. These extremes can reduce gut microbiome diversity compared to average transit times. Therefore, both fast and slow movement create environments where specific species dominate.

Collectively, the research showed that gut transit time is an overlooked tool for understanding how the gut functions, its role in overall health, and how people respond to treatments such as probiotics. This could also explain why the same gut health advice does not work for everyone. Two people can consume the same meal and still show different results, suggesting that an individual's gut rhythm can help tailor dietary advice and treatment to suit their body.

The research is published in the journal Gut.