The photo above, is of my daughter, Miffy and me. It captures something that feels especially fitting for International Women’s Day: the way women stand beside one another, support each other and pass strength from one generation to the next.

It’s also a moment to talk about something that affects us all: women’s health.

While these conversations centre on women, they matter to partners, families and friends too. When women are better supported, informed and listened to, the benefits extend far beyond the individual.

At Dr Sophia Khalique Associates, we believe that empowering women begins with access to informed, personalised and proactive healthcare.

Women’s Health: More Than Just One Day

International Women’s Day, reminds us that health equity remains a vital part of gender equality. Women often balance careers, families and caregiving responsibilities, sometimes placing their own wellbeing last.

We encourage every woman to prioritise her health not just this week, but all year round.

Preventative Health Screening

Routine screening saves lives. Depending on your age and risk factors, this may include:

– Cervical screening (smear tests)
– Breast examinations and mammograms
– Blood pressure and cholesterol checks
– Diabetes screening
– Bone health assessmentsHeart Health

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is often perceived as a male issue, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide.

Symptoms can be more subtle in women. Preventative assessments and lifestyle guidance are key and we’re here to help you reduce long-term risk.

Hormonal & Reproductive Health

From first periods through pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, hormonal health can significantly affect quality of life.

We provide support for:

– Fertility planning
– Perimenopause and menopause care
– HRT discussions tailored to your individual risk profile

Mental Wellbeing

Women are statistically more likely to experience anxiety, depression and burnout — particularly when juggling multiple responsibilities.

If you’re struggling with mood, sleep, stress or emotional overwhelm, please know that confidential support is available. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference.

This International Women’s Day, we encourage you to:

– Book that appointment you’ve been postponing
– Discuss symptoms you’ve been unsure about
– Ask questions about your long-term health
– Support a woman in your life to seek care

If you would like to schedule a health review or discuss any aspect of your wellbeing, please contact our office team or book online.

#IWD2026 #GiveToGain

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I continue to feel privileged to do work that I love and to care for such a remarkable community of patients. Together with Dr Bob Sangar and Dr Mohammad Tamimi, our practice has continued to grow and evolve, strengthening our commitment to personalised, preventative, and compassionate care.

We look forward to serving you in 2026 and the years beyond.

New Year, New Me

The New Year traditionally brings resolutions, many of which consistently focus on health and wellbeing, eating better, exercising more, losing weight, drinking less, and improving mental health.

As a result, January sees an annual surge in gym memberships and fitness initiatives. However, motivation often wanes by February, highlighting how challenging it can be to sustain the initial “New Year, New Me” momentum.

Our Preventative Health Assessments provide the ideal foundation for prioritising your health in the year ahead. Tailored to your age, sex, and individual risk factors, these assessments enable early identification of potential concerns such as heart disease, cancer, inflammatory conditions, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies – offering the best opportunity for timely treatment and prevention.

To schedule a January consultation and discuss which assessments are most suitable for you, please call 020 7935 4357 or email office@drsophiakhalique.com.

Advancing Health. Extending Life.

I am delighted to announce our new standalone longevity practice, sykle.life. Launching early next year, sykle.life is an initiative dedicated to personalised medical and lifestyle solutions, helping individuals achieve longer, healthier lives.

Longevity means different things to different people, recovering from illness, reducing the risk of future disease, or simply living life fully and well, free from unnecessary suffering. At its core, longevity is about empowerment, combining established pillars of health such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social connection with cutting-edge medical science.

Drawing on our extensive expertise in advanced science, medical innovation, and lifestyle optimisation, sykle.life will offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to guide each individual on their longevity journey.

Sign up to get notified before we go live.

Continuing Our Support of the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund (SRRF)

While Christmas is traditionally a time of giving, the needs of those less fortunate extend far beyond the festive season.

Over the past 12 months, the practice has continued, and expanded, its support of the SRRF. The charity focuses on restoring access to education for child refugees in eastern Syria, providing essential care to orphaned refugees in northern Syria, and supporting disabled children in neighbouring Turkey – communities profoundly affected by ongoing conflict.

Our header image, Rainbow, by Sarah Al-Katib, age 8, a student at Mahmoudli Camp Primary School in Syria, is part of the SRRF’s Gallery of Hope fundraising initiative.

“I drew the rain and lightning and then added a rainbow after the storm because it always reminds me that hope never disappears – that something beautiful comes after every storm. Rainbows make me feel happy.”

See the full gallery and find out more about SRRF’s work here.

Festive Opening Hours

The practice will close at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 5:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve. On all other working days throughout the holiday period, we will remain open and operate normal hours.

Out-of-hours emergency contact (registered patients only): 07825 307540

Wishing all our wonderful patients a peaceful, healthy festive season and a fantastic start to 2026.

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She immediately referred me to a cardiologist, where I had an angiogram, and as result, had a stent fitted. This timely intervention may have saved my life. I am truly grateful to Dr. Sophia for her care and guidance”. Nick True

Practice What You Preach – Preventative Health Screening

As both a practitioner, and a firm believer in ‘top-to-toe’ preventative health assessments, over the last few years I have had my own health screenings, including extensive blood tests, and multiple MRIs and Ultrasound scans, I had however yet to have had a full cardiac assessment.

Why should I have a CT Coronary Angiogram?

Although my family has a history of diabetes and high cholesterol – my late father passed in his eighties of vascular dementia – my cholesterol is not elevated, and I have no inherited cardiovascular risk factors such as a raised Lipoprotein (a) level.

I am not overweight, have a good diet (most of the time!), exercise regularly and sleep well., However, at 57 I knew it was a good idea to have an in-depth view of my heart with a CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA).

What is a CT Coronary Angiogram?

It’s a non-invasive test that reveals if you have any build-up of plaque; type of plaque (often described as soft or hard) and the extent and severity of any heart disease.

It also looks at the chambers of the heart, the valves and the main blood vessels from the heart (including the aorta).

It generates 3D images of your heart. If your results show mild to moderate plaque burden, then it’s a time to address lifestyle and preventative measures including medication.

Occasionally patients with no symptoms are found to have critical blockages in their arteries requiring lifesaving angioplasty. It’s not often. Current NHS guidelines only recommend a CTCA as a first-line investigation in symptomatic patients.

Advantages of a CT Coronary Angiogram

• Unlike invasive coronary angiography, it doesn’t require a catheter to be threaded into the heart, so has fewer complications

• Provides fast, highly detailed 3D images of the heart’s anatomy

• Can detect other diseases of the heart and lungs

Limitations of a CT Coronary Angiogram

• The procedure uses X-rays, so there is some radiation exposure, however this is minimal with the new scanners we use

• The contrast dye carries a rare risk of allergic reaction

How is a CT Coronary Angiogram Done?

It’s a quick procedure which takes about 15 minutes; it’s not as confined as an MRI scanner which is noisy and can leave some of us, including me, feeling claustrophobic.

You lie on a bed that moves through the scanner, and a contrast agent is injected into a vein in your arm which allows the arteries to be visualised.

You might feel a warm, tingling sensation from the contrast dye as it spreads through your body and is processed by your kidneys but only lasts a few seconds.

My CTCA Results

The header image used for this blog is a picture of my heart, and I am pleased to report that there was no calcification or plaque, which puts me on the zero percentile for my age and sex.

I am not planning to stop my statins but am reassured that ‘so far so good’.

An Expert’s Review of Cardiovascular Imaging

My tests were carried out by Professor Saeed Mirsadraee, a globally-recognised expert  in advanced Cardiovascular CT and cardiac imaging. He’s responsible for reviewing all of our patients’ cardiovascular scans.

Book a Preventative Health Assessment

To find out more about our Preventative Health Assessments, book a preliminary consultation with us here or alternatively call 020 7935 4357.

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In contrast, Novo Nordisk has kept UK pricing for Ozempic (semaglutide) relatively stable. So what’s the difference between these two increasingly popular weight loss and diabetes medications? 

Ozempic vs. Mounjaro: What’s the Difference? 

Ozempic launched in the UK in 2019 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It quickly gained traction due to its noticeable weight loss effects. Novo Nordisk then introduced Wegovy, a higher-dose version of semaglutide approved specifically for weight management, and Rybelsus, an oral tablet formulation of semaglutide. All three share the same active ingredient: semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Mounjaro was approved in the UK in 2023 and uses a newer molecule called tirzepatide. It acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, making it more effective in its metabolic action. This dual mechanism enhances insulin sensitivity, suppresses appetite, and increases fat oxidation. In my experience, Mounjaro often results in more weight loss than Ozempic with fewer side effects.

On average, people using semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) lose about 15% of their body weight over one year. Mounjaro users can see reductions of up to 20% or more, according to the SURMOUNT trials. This makes it particularly attractive to patients aiming for more aggressive results. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: What’s Safer? 

One major point of difference is cardiovascular outcome data. Semaglutide has more established data for reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), regardless of weight loss.

Mounjaro shows promise but it’s newer and long-term cardiovascular benefits are still under active investigation. Results from the SURPASS-CVOT trial are expected in 2025. I think it’s highly likely we will learn Mounjaro is as good as Ozempic. Until then, some patients prefer semaglutide given the greater level of experience and data. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: What Causes More Side Effects? 

Side effect profiles for both drugs are similar, most commonly involving nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea, especially during dose escalation. I see patients report fewer side effects with tirzepatide, but this varies.

For all patients, I start with a lower dose and gradually increase it under supervision. Explore our guide to GLP-1 medications and how they support longevity.

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Maintenance and Microdosing 

Many patients build up to a higher dose for weight loss and then transition to a “maintenance dose” to sustain their results. This is commonly referred to as microdosing. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are used in this way, although it’s an off-label approach.

For those who have reached their target weight, a lower maintenance dose may continue to offer metabolic support without the side effects (and cost!) of full-dose therapy. This strategy can be tailored during follow-ups and monitoring. 

Tablet Options: Rybelsus vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic / Wegovy 

If injections are a concern, Rybelsus offers an alternative. It delivers semaglutide in tablet form, making it ideal for people who have an aversion to needles. There is no oral formulation of tirzepatide right now.

Patients with GI sensitivity or skin reactions to injectable medications may also find oral GLP-1 agonists more comfortable, though the overall benefit in weight loss may vary. Rybelsus is taken once daily, and timing it correctly in a fasted state is important for optimal absorption. 

Ozempic vs Mounjaro: Costs 

Currently, Mounjaro is significantly more expensive than Ozempic / Wegovy, which are more widely available and supported by longer-term experience. For many, the price difference becomes a deciding factor, especially if tolerability and weight loss results are similar.

In terms of long-term use, semaglutide is generally seen as safer, simply because it has been studied longer. Some patients starting with tirzepatide eventually switch to semaglutide for maintenance due to comfort with the data, cost, or insurance/availability issues.

In my practice I often help patients carefully switch from one medication to the other and have experience of helping patients do this due to side-effects, supply or cost issues. For a deeper understanding of metabolic health and anti-ageing strategies, explore our Longevity Medicine blog.

What about new alternatives like Retatrutide and Orforglipron? 

Retatrutide, a next-generation triple agonist, targets GLP-1, GIP, AND glucagon receptors. It’s shown even better weight loss potential than Mounjaro in early trials — with some patients losing over 24% of their body weight. However, it’s not yet been officially released.

Eli Lilly’s oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, Orforglipron, offers a tablet-based alternative to injections. While promising for convenience, early data suggests weight loss results are more modest compared to injected semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro). 

Final Thoughts 

Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are transformative options for managing metabolic health and supporting longevity. The choice between them should be guided by medical advice, personal goals, side effect profile, and budget.

Whether starting on one or considering a switch, it’s essential to work closely with a doctor experienced in longevity medicine, peptide therapy, and weight optimisation.

Book a consultation at Dr Sophia Khalique & Associates to explore doctor-led treatment options tailored to your goals.

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DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE (DHEA)

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to testosterone and oestrogen, and it plays a significant role in making these sex hormones. Its levels in the body are highest during young adulthood and gradually decline with age.

READ MORE

HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)

HRT is simply what it says it is. It is used around the menopause when the ovaries essentially go to sleep and stop producing oestrogen.

READ MORE

TESTOSTERONE

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the word we associate with women, but HRT is also important in men.

READ MORE

To find out more about our Anti-Ageing treatments and Preventative Health Assessments, you can book a preliminary consultation with us here or alternatively call 020 7935 4357.

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PCSK9 inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

PCSK9 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 ) is a protein that regulates the amount of harmful LDL cholesterol receptors you have in your liver. The higher the PCSK9 level, the higher the LDL.

Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that inhibits the production of PCSK9, which in turn increases the liver’s ability to remove harmful LDL-cholesterol from the body.

By doing this, it dramatically reduces LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a).

Who Should Consider PCSK9 Inhibitors?

Inclisiran is licensed for hypercholesterolaemia, one of the biggest risk factors in developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

This is especially important: 

• When LDL levels are high. 

• When there is a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. 

• When there are other cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. 

• When statins do not work to reduce LDL enough or are not tolerated due to side effects. 

This applies even in the absence of pre-existing heart disease, aortic aneurysms, strokes, or peripheral vascular disease. 

Benefits of PCSK9 Inhibitors 

– Large randomised controlled trials have shown a 50-60% reduction in LDL, cutting the risk of a heart attack by almost a quarter.

– There is emerging evidence suggesting that PCSK9 inhibitors have beneficial effects on longevity, with ongoing studies to confirm these findings.

– After the initial dose, Inclisiran is administered once at 3 months and then one injection every 6 months, eliminating the daily need for a statin. 

Risks of PCSK9 Inhibitors? 

Inclisiran was approved for use in 2021 after clinical trials involving thousands of participants. It has been found to be safe for over six years, with no documented long-term harmful effects. The most common side effect is localised injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching. 

Optimising Cardiovascular Health and Longevity 

Inclisiran provides a highly effective, well-tolerated alternative for individuals seeking to reduce LDL cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risk. For those focused on longevity and preventative health, PCSK9 inhibitors offer a promising solution that is both effective and convenient. 

For Further Scientific Reference: Efficacy and Safety of Inclisiran in Patients
Learn More About Our Preventative Health Assessments
Discover the Latest Advances in Longevity Medicine

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As 2024 comes to an end, it’s a time to reflect on the progress we’ve achieved within our practice, and the needs of those less fortunate than us.

Our Key Initiative This Year: Preventative Health Assessments

This year, we were proud to launch our Preventative Health Assessments, individually tailored to you based on your age, sex, and specific risk factors. These comprehensive screenings cover:

• Heart Disease 

• Early-Stage Cancers

• Inflammatory Conditions

• Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Preventative care is key to enhancing both your healthspan and lifespan, and these assessments provide the perfect foundation to prioritise your health in the coming year.

Introducing Our Anti-Ageing Microsite

We have also recently launched our Anti-Ageing Microsite, a practical resource exploring the latest medications and supplements used in anti-ageing medicine.

The guide, based on science – not fiction – highlights the evidence-backed interventions we recommend to improve long-term health and well-being.

Supporting the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund (SRRF)

In collaboration with UME Health, we’re proud to support the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund.

SRRF focuses on restoring access to education to child refugees in eastern Syria and providing essential care to refugee orphans in northern Syria, as well as aiding disabled children in neighbouring Turkey – communities deeply impacted by ongoing conflicts.

Discover more about the charity and the incredible work they do here.

Festive Opening Hours

The practice will close at 2 p.m. Christmas Eve and NewYear’s Eve. During all other working days throughout the holiday period, we will remain open and operate at our normal hours.

Out of hours emergency contact number for registered patients 07825 307540.

Wishing you a peaceful and healthy festive season, and a wonderful start to 2025!

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On an almost daily basis we read about Ozempic (semaglutide), which was licenced for diabetics, then Wegovy (also semaglutide), which was licenced for weight loss, and now Mounjaro (tirzepatide). 

These drugs cause weight loss by increased insulin levels, appetite suppression, and burning fat. In addition to lifestyle improvements in sleep, diet and exercising, they will play a long-term role in the future of anti-ageing medicine. They may work in anti-ageing by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. 

So, what is Semaglutide? 

It is an analogue of GLP (glucagon like peptide)-1, which works at receptors in the pancreas, stomach, intestine and nervous system. 

GLP-1 increases insulin. Insulin allows cells including muscle and liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen. GLP-1 also inhibits the production of the antagonist hormone to insulin known as glucagon, which would otherwise cause glucose release into the bloodstream. 

GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying, so you feel fuller for longer. This is probably the major source of the common side effects of nausea and constipation. GLP-1 also works centrally on the brain by telling the brain that we are full. This reduces hunger and appetite. 

So, what is Tirzepatide? 

This, in addition to working on GLP-1 receptors, works on GIP (glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors. These receptors are found in the pancreas, in fat cells and other areas of the nervous system. 

Additional effects are due to the burning of fat known as lipolysis including in the central fat deposits like the liver. 

It works at receptors for GLP-1 and GIP in the brain further enhancing appetite suppression. 

It reduces cholesterol levels. 

Side effects are much less common than Ozempic. 

Ozempic/ Wegovy vs Mounjaro 

Ozempic can result in weight loss of around 15% of your body weight in 12 months. Mounjaro can result in up to 25%. With increasing availability in the UK, it is superior at reducing blood sugar levels and reducing weight. 

The inevitable dietary restriction and the need for exercise focusing on increasing muscle mass as opposed to cardiovascular exercise alone will best augment the metabolic effects associated with these hormonal mechanisms. 

Benefits: 

Reduce weight and all the complications of obesity. Calorie restriction has been shown to combat ageing. 

Improve insulin sensitivity preventing and treating conditions like fatty liver, type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Tirzepatide has been independently shown in studies to reduce cholesterol levels. 

Semaglutide has been shown to reduce heart attacks and strokes independent of its weight loss properties. This might be due to a direct effect on the blood vessels. 

There is interesting documentation of reduction in addictive behaviour including drugs, alcohol and gambling. 

Protecting the nervous system: GLP-1RAs can help protect the nervous system, which can help with age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. There is an ongoing study at Imperial University. London looking at the effects of GLP-1 Analogues in Parkinson’s Disease. 

Anti-inflammatory properties. 

Possible reduction in collagen breakdown implicated in ageing. 

We can see these drugs being used long term at low doses (perhaps microdoses). I would like to aim, after initial weight loss, towards long term maintenance keeping weight stable, however maintaining all the beneficial listed above. 

Risks: 

Gastrointestinal – nausea and constipation. Very little with tirzepatide. 

Discover the latest updates on our anti-ageing treatments here.

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