Inside Health

Epizódy

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  A new era for type 1 diabetes treatment 18.08.2026 27min

  Insulin has been used to treat type 1 diabetes for more than a century but now there is a new treatment being rolled out on the NHS that can delay the onset of the disease for years. Alongside, screening is gathering pace, identifying those that could benefit. So, is this the beginning of a new era for type 1 diabetes treatment? Dima and his mum Elena explain what it was like to be told that he had tested positive for developing type 1 diabetes and what it was like taking part in the trial for this new drug, teplizumab. Parth Narendran, a Professor of Diabetes Medicine at the University of Birmingham, and Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist Dr Renuka Dias at Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, reveal how these changes are transforming treatment. In July, the NHS announced plans to incentivise us to walk a marathon a month by offering vouchers and discounts. But with scant detail on how the plan will actually work, we ask Joan Costa-i-Font, Professor of Health Economics at London School of Economics, what makes schemes like this succeed or fail. Plus, why are horse fly bites so painful? Dr Erica McAlister, an entomologist at the Natural History Museum, explains how the flies break into our skin, while consultant dermatologist Dr Alexandra Banner describes what’s happening in our bodies. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Hannah Robins
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  Where are we at with long Covid? 11.08.2026 27min

  More than six years since the start of the Covid pandemic, it might feel like we're pretty over it, yet that's simply not the case for the millions of people who suffer from long Covid. But could there be hope on the horizon? A new clinical trial led by University College London and University College London Hospitals found that over-the-counter antihistamines and a prescription anti-inflammatory drug called colchicine offered a small reduction in fatigue for people with long Covid. But it's still not a cure. Professor Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London, joins us to discuss this new research and the problems with understanding long Covid. He also tells us about some of the upcoming studies that might help us better get a handle on the condition. Also this week, did you know that around one in 335 people in the UK are living with a stoma? Yet according to Colostomy UK, more than 60 per cent of those with a stoma say a lack of suitable toilet facilities affects their daily lives. Thanks to a campaign that started in Bristol, B&Q has now made the disabled toilets across its stores stoma-friendly. We pay a visit to B&Q with The Traitors' Mollie Pearce, who has been living with a stoma since she was 18, and colorectal surgeon Ms Caroline Burt from Bristol Foundation Trust to find out more. Finally, many of us have been guzzling ice cream to cool off during the hot weather. But have you seen the social media claims that the frozen treat can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes? We asked nutritional scientist Dr Sarah Berry from King's College London to give us the scoop on the 'ice cream paradox'. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Production coordinator: Stu Laws Editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Staying fit in the heat and do we need electrolytes? 28.07.2026 27min

  We’ve had two heatwaves already this summer with warnings that even young and healthy people should rethink their fitness routines in the heat. So how can we keep exercising when it’s so hot you barely want to move? James chats with physiologist Damian Bailey from the University of South Wales. Next, James is at Rother Valley Country Park in Sheffield to meet Calli Hauger-Thackery who made headlines for running the Boston marathon while 22 weeks pregnant and physiotherapist Ros Cooke to find out what changes in the body during pregnancy - and see what exercise is safe. So we’ve worked up a sweat… but what’s the best way to recover?We’re in the lab at the University of Westminster to put electrolytes to the test with Dr Lewis Mattin and we cool off with Ros Cooke while chatting about active recovery versus total rest.Presenter: James Gallagher Special appearance: Hannah Fisher Producer: Gerry Holt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stu Laws
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  Could we eliminate cervical cancer? 21.07.2026 27min

  Earlier this summer, there was some incredible progress in cervical cancer. Women who have been vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) now have an almost zero chance of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30. But does that mean women will no longer need cervical screening? Dr Jo Morrison, a consultant gynaecological oncologist from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, joins James Gallagher and resident GP Dr Margaret McCartney to discuss. The government has announced school dinners will soon be overhauled in England, in order to reduce the amount of salt, sugar and fat, and boost the amount of fibre and nutrients offered to schoolchildren. James is joined by Dr Maria Traka, head of the food and nutrition national bioscience research infrastructure at the Quadram Institute in Norwich, to find out what the new dinners will look like. He also pays a visit to the Food Museum in Suffolk, where curator Katherine Bridges takes him on a trip through the decades, to see whether school dinners are healthier than ever. Also, have you seen the buzz surrounding creatine on social media? Gym-goers promise it can help you get stronger and build bigger muscles, but there is also some debate about whether it could boost your brain too. To dig into the science, James chats with Dr Damian Bailey, a professor of physiology and biochemistry at the University of South Wales.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stu Laws Sound engineer: Steve Greenwood
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  Could CAR-T therapy transform autoimmune disease? 14.07.2026 27min

  An experimental treatment to “reset” the immune systems of people with autoimmune disease is showing transformative results in early trials. James visits the NIHR Clinical Research Facility in Manchester to meet Kathy. She was diagnosed with lupus just after the birth of her baby and in 2024 became the first person in the UK to try CAR-T therapy as part of a clinical trial. How is she feeling now?We’ll also hear from Kathy’s rheumatologist Professor Ben Parker, who led the trial Kathy took part in and explains how the therapy works, the astonishing early results - and whether the effects on the immune system are long lasting.Also this week, James visits the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to meet some lab-grown British mosquitoes and find out whether they’re out to get us for longer periods of the year and how worried we should be about the threat of disease, with medical entomologist Dr Mojca Kristan and virologist Professor Roger Hewson. And we look at the latest online trend of “spermmaxxing” with urologist Professor Vaibhav Modgil. Why are men trying to optimise their sperm by dipping their testicles in iced water and abstaining from porn - and is there any evidence for these tactics?Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Gerry Holt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stu Laws Sound engineer: Mary Stone
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  New treatment for menopausal hot flush 07.04.2026 28min

  A new non-hormonal drug has been approved to treat menopausal hot flushes. It works by regulating the body's cooling signals and is now available on the NHS in England for those who cannot use hormone replacement therapy. Before delving into the evidence with resident GP Dr Margaret McCartney, James finds out what it feels like to have a hot flush.Also this week, James chats to Dr Manjula Meda, a microbiologist who is spearheading a radical new project. She has found that water systems in hospitals may be a breeding ground for antimicrobial resistance, and is tackling this by removing the sinks from wards. Is it effective and safe?Finally, we all do it, but we don't like discussing it... Farting. James speaks to the University of Maryland's Professor Brantley Hall, who has developed a 'fart detector' that can measure emissions to get a better understanding of gut health. And James gets the chance to attach one to his pants for three days. For science, of course.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Gerry Holt Content editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Inside Health was made by the BBC’s Audio Science Unit in collaboration with The Open University.
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  Could the Kent meningitis outbreak happen again? 31.03.2026 28min

  Little over a week on from the first meningitis cases in Canterbury, many crucial questions remain. So this week we're taking an in-depth look at those questions and what we’ve learnt from this outbreak - and could it happen again?James also hears from author Michael Rosen whose son Eddie died from meningitis aged 18 about just how quickly the disease struck and how he deals with his grief. And would you trust health advice from an AI chatbot? We hear from someone who regularly turns to ChatGPT and from GP Dr Margaret McCartney about her concerns.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Gerry Holt Content editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Studio engineer: Donald MacDonaldInside Health was made by the BBC’s Audio Science Unit in collaboration with The Open University.
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  What's driving the outbreak of meningitis among students? 24.03.2026 28min

  More than 30,000 people are being contacted in the Canterbury area regarding the outbreak of bacterial meningitis in Kent. Two people have died, and others are seriously ill. James Gallagher speaks with immunologist Sir Andrew Pollard about the disease, and finds out what could have caused the outbreak.That’s the major headline from the UK. But more broadly, for the last few weeks the news has been dominated by the situation in the Middle East. James speaks with Dr Antoine Abou Fayad, a microbiologist and medicinal chemist based in Beirut, Lebanon. He reveals that war, just like the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, provides the perfect storm to accelerate the spread of multidrug-resistant infections. And nobody is safe. And finally, James finds out about an ongoing trial at the University of Exeter, where interactive computer games are being used by stroke patients to improve their recovery. And, of course, James has a go himself!Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Researcher: Tom Hunt Editor: Ilan Goodman
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  What causes vaccine hesitancy? 17.03.2026 28min

  There have been nearly 200 cases of measles in the UK so far this year.Measles can be prevented with vaccines - but the proportion of children being immunised is declining across the UK, particularly in parts of London.James visits Hackney, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, to find out why and to see what is happening to tackle this issue.And have you tried an adaptogenic drink? They claim to relax the mind, without giving you a boozy hangover. James samples some in the lab and then gets behind the wheel of a simulator to see what it does to his driving skills…Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Gerry Holt Researcher: Thomas Hunt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Sound engineer: Giles AspenInside Health was made by the BBC’s Audio Science Unit in collaboration with The Open University.
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  Why are men getting penis fillers? 10.03.2026 27min

  Penis fillers were an unexpected talking point at the recent Winter Olympics after claims that male ski jumpers were having them to improve performance.So this week we’re digging into the UK’s penis filler industry.James visits a private clinic in Manchester to hear about about the procedure, which involves hyaluronic acid being injected to temporarily increase penis girth. He meets Jason, who had his first penis filler five months’ ago, and he explains why he wanted it and how he weighed up the risks versus the benefits.James also chats to an NHS surgeon who says increasing numbers of men are seeking out the procedure - and he is dealing with the consequences when it goes wrong.Also this week, why is aspirin in short supply? Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Gerry Holt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Sound engineer: Emma Harth The show was made by the BBC’s Audio Science Unit in collaboration with The Open University.
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  Is the tide turning on ME research? 03.03.2026 27min

  ME – also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – has long been one of medicine’s most perplexing conditions. With no definitive diagnostic test and a legacy of scepticism in parts of the medical community, patients have often struggled to be believed. But a surge of new research may finally be shifting the landscape. The emergence of Long COVID – a condition with striking similarities to ME – has accelerated scientific interest and opened new lines of inquiry into the underlying biology of both illnesses.In this episode, James Gallagher speaks to Dr Chris Ponting about the latest DecodeME results, which point to a strong genetic component to ME. And Professor Rosemary Boyton outlines the ambition behind the new Rosetta Stone study, designed to build a detailed evidence base of shared biomarkers across ME and Long COVID. James also hears from Catherine and Jo, who have lived with ME for many years. They describe their diagnostic journeys and how they manage their symptoms in their daily lives. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Researcher: Tom Hunt Editors: Erika Wright and Ilan Goodman
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  What are the side effects of weight loss drugs? 24.02.2026 28min

  Over 1.5million adults in the UK tried weight loss drugs in 2024-25. Many swear by them, but they have been associated with side effects including nausea and, in some cases, extremely painful gallstones. But what does the evidence actually tell us, and what is the wider impact on the way we view our bodies in society?James Gallagher is joined by Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine at the University of Glasgow Naveed Sattar, Dr Beverley O’Hara, Lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University, and Dr Margaret McCartney, resident Inside Health GP. They discuss what the evidence tells us about the potential known side effects of these weight loss drugs, and the potential impact their use has on our view of obesity as a society. We also hear from Sarah Le Brocq, who has struggled with obesity all her adult life and has been on these drugs for the past 2-3 years about her experiences. Margaret McCartney has no conflicts of interest to declare.Beverley O’Hara has no conflicts of interest to declare. She has 2 roles with the Association for the Study of Obesity (voluntary academic positions).Naveed Sattar has consulted for and/or received speaker honoraria from AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Carmot Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Gan & Lee, GlaxoSmithKline, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, Kailera, Mass Medicines, Menarini-Ricerche, Metsera, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, UCB Pharma, and Verdiva Bio; and received grant support paid to his University from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, and Roche.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Hannah Fisher Researcher: Tom Hunt Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Content Editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Why is it so hard to find an NHS dentist? 17.02.2026 27min

  Dentistry is high on the public and political agenda. There have been dozens of headlines about access to NHS dentistry, with some people having to travel huge distances to find a dentist, or being put onto long waiting lists to get an NHS appointment. In this episode of Inside Health, James Gallagher is joined by chairman of the British Dental Association Eddie Crouch, the Oral Health Foundation's Dr Rachael England, and consultant oral surgeon Tom Thayer. Together, they drill into the issues surrounding NHS dentistry. Along the way, they discuss possible solutions, whether contract reforms will help, and the potential future of dentistry in the UK. Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Thomas Hunt Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Content editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Unlocking the mystery of Epstein-Barr Virus 10.02.2026 27min

  Most of us have Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) hiding in our bodies. You may know it as the cause of glandular fever or “kissing disease”. But more research is suggesting that it can turn our immune systems against us to cause autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus. So, what is the virus doing in our bodies - and can we do anything about it? James is joined by Dr Claire Shannon-Lowe, a virologist at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Patrick Kearns from the University of Edinburgh, a neurologist and epidemiologist.And we delve into the world of echolocation. Bats hunt at night by making pulses of sounds and listening to the echoes so they can build a picture of the world around them in total darkness - and it's a technique some people with visual impairment use to explore the world.A team at the University of East Anglia has been testing how well humans can pick up these skills, so James pays a visit to have a go...Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Gerry Holt, Tom Bonnett & Thomas Hunt Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Content editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Should all babies have their genome sequenced at birth? 03.02.2026 28min

  This week we’re looking at government plans to start sequencing the DNA of every newborn baby in England within the next decade. Each newborn would undergo whole genome sequencing to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases, under NHS plans.It promises a revolution in spotting disease early - but are there also risks?And use of nicotine pouches is rising, especially among young men. But these little sachets that fit under the top lip aren’t yet regulated – so what do we know about the potential harms? Finally, as the cold weather continues, James gets a lesson in walking like a penguin to see if it helps avoid trips, slips and falls… Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Tom Bonnett, Alice-Lipscombe-Southwell and Thomas Hunt Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Content editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Where does air pollution go inside our body? 27.01.2026 28min

  James Gallagher stands by four lanes of traffic and inhales exhaust fumes all to see if he can see air pollution in his body. He looks at an intriguing finding that an mRNA vaccine might benefit people being treated with immunotherapy for some cancers and could we be on the cusp of a holy grail in dentistry? A breakthrough could mean we will soon be able to replace the enamel on our teeth. Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Researcher: Thom Hunt Editor: Ilan Goodman
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  Can working up a sweat in a sauna improve your health? 20.01.2026 27min

  Saunas are popping up all over the country, with many people claiming they relax muscles and help ease stress. But what does the science say? This week, James Gallagher travels to Môr A Sawna in Jackson’s Bay, Barry, where he treats himself to a sauna session and undergoes a number of physical tests to find out what benefits the sweaty heat could offer. Next up, James visits The Advanced Neuropathies Centre in Cardiff to speak with Professor Liam Gray, a surgeon who is leading a pioneering treatment for Huntington’s disease. Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Gerry Holt Researcher: Tom Hunt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Stuart LawsThis episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.
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  The Revolution in Cystic Fibrosis Care That is Changing Lives 02.09.2025 28min

  In 1964, the future for children born with Cystic Fibrosis was grim - most faced a life cut tragically short. Today, the majority of people living with CF in the UK are adults, a testament to extraordinary medical progress.We meet Annabelle who lives with Cystic Fibrosis, and once believed she might not see her 18th birthday. And we hear from Dr Imogen Felton, a respiratory consultant at Royal Brompton Hospital, with expertise in cystic fibrosis, who tells us about the therapies crucial to this extended prognosis. The EDITH trial (Early Detection using Information Technology in Health) is testing how AI can help radiologists identify breast cancer at an earlier stage, transforming the future of diagnosis. We speak to Professor Sian Taylor-Philips, Professor of Population Health at the University of Warwick and co-leader of the trial.In 2024, participation in Run Clubs across the UK surged by 64%. But does running in a group lead to better performance? To find out, James laces up for a jog around Hyde Park with the Monday Mood Booster Run Club and speaks with Arran Davis, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, who’s exploring the links between social interaction and physical activity.Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Debbie Kilbride, Minnie Harrop & Tom Bonnett Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Ishmael Soriano This episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.
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  Potential Break Through in Dementia Treatment 26.08.2025 28min

  Dementia is now the UK’s leading cause of death - but could a vaccine one day help prevent it? New data from Wales suggests the shingles vaccine is linked to a 20% lower risk of developing dementia in later life, adding to evidence that viral infections can influence brain health.Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, Assistant Prof of Medicine at Stanford University discusses his findings and the further evidence required to prove this link, along with Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute.The UK has begun using the world’s first gonorrhoea vaccine - though it was originally developed for meningitis. With antibiotic-resistant strains increasing, we speak to Dr Suneeta Soni about why gonorrhoea has been so hard to target with vaccines.At the Bristol Robotics Lab, engineers are creating devices to support mobility in older age. James meets Jonathan Rossner and tries out “The Right Trousers” - an inflatable exoskeleton designed to help people walk and to strengthen their muscles.Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Debbie Kilbride, Tom Bonnett & Minnie Harrop Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Ishmael Soriano This episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.
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  Is it safe to give kids melatonin? 19.08.2025 28min

  More and more parents are using melatonin to help their children sleep - but there is little research on the long-term effects. So, what do we know about the risks and is it ok to give it to children as an aid to help sleep?James chats to Paul Gringras, professor of children’s sleep medicine and neurodisability at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Vicki Beevers, chief executive of The Sleep Charity. Also this week, resident GP Margaret McCartney on the potential promise - and peril - of doctors using AI in the NHS, and should you eat your placenta? We hear from a dietician on whether there’s any evidence it’s good for you.Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Tom Bonnett, Debbie Kilbride & Gerry Holt Editor: Ilan Goodman Production coordinator: Ishmael SorianoThis episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.