Bella -julkaisun 9 December 2025 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

You're eating the same, exercising the same, yet somehow your waistband feels tighter. Welcome to one of menopause's most frustrating surprises: belly weight gain! ‘Lower levels of oestrogen at the perimenopause and menopause can make us more prone to weight gain, particularly around our stomach. Higher levels of cortisol caused by stress and hormonal changes at this time can also contribute to a “worry waist”,’ says Karen Newby, a nutritionist specialising in women's health. In her new book The Natural Menopause Method Cookbook, she reveals that food changes can make a dramatic difference to your menopausal health and weight, particularly to slim your middle. Here, she shares the top changes you can make for fantastic results. How to slim your waist ‘The fat around your middle is different from other…

Medical advances mean we should be healthier than ever. Yet the opposite is happening. Research shows our modern lifestyles are making us overweight, sedentary and more prone to chronic illnesses. In 1957, the average British woman weighed 9st 10lb and was a dress size 12. Today's average British woman weighs 11st, and is a dress size 16. Not only were our grandparents slimmer, but they appeared to be more contented. A study by the University of Warwick found happiness levels peaked this same year, to a level which they have never returned. US politician Robert F Kennedy Jr hit the headlines earlier this year by claiming people were healthier in the 1950s and we should learn lessons from this era. So, as we embrace our festive traditions, should we embrace…

CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January It's a busy week, with a long list of tasks that are screaming for your attention. Do your best to work through them without telling yourself horror stories about not having enough time for them. Your level of positivity shoots up on the 6th. Theme of the week: Just do it 0906 650 7239 AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Set some goals, with extra emphasis on your working life, health and personal finances. Don't be afraid to think outside the box or challenge yourself, especially if you're aware that your current targets aren't bringing you the results you crave. Theme of the week: Being canny 0906 650 7240 PISCES 20 February – 20 March Are you feeling bogged down by the past? You…

Fern Britton received compliments as she showed off her five-stone weight loss in a new velvet co-ord. The former This Morning presenter, 68, shared, ‘The perfect seasonal outfit. I'm obsessed with it.’ She was soon inundated with praise, with one follower saying, ‘You look wonderful in this,’ while another remarked, ‘You get younger looking by the day.’ Fern, who split from TV chef Phil Vickery in 2020, dropped the pounds by running with the Couch to 5K app and 6am gym sessions, as well as cutting down on sugar and giving up alcohol after vowing to get her life ‘back on track’.…

When you're doing your Christmas shopping, buy an extra gift for babies right up to teens. Then drop your new, unwrapped gift at your local drop-off point – including Wickes stores across the UK and most B&M stores – by Thursday 18 December. To find a local drop-off point, and to donate cash or gifts online, visit cashforkids.org.uk/mission. You can also donate £10 by texting MISSION to 70910. It costs £10 plus one standard message and 100% of the £10 goes to Cash for Kids. Or scan the QR code! For full T&Cs, visit cashforkids.org.uk/donate.…

Feeling rosy Wear a matching top and trouser co-ord together to make a colourful statement in the most polished way All-in-one Opting for an embellished jumpsuit means you'll get a full outfit with minimal styling Go for gold Wrap-front dresses are universally flattering as the clever cut will cinch in your middle Trophy jacket A heavily embellished cover-up can add instant wow-factor to even the simplest of outfits Luxe layer Sequins aren't just for evening wear - take your shimmery piece to daytime with denim and flats…

PEACHY KEEN Hydration gets a wellness twist with TRIP's new Peach Yuzu Electrolyte Powder, £28 for 20 sachets (tripdrinks.co.uk). Blending magnesium, potassium, ashwagandha and vitamin D, it helps restore electrolytes – the essential minerals that keep our energy levels steady and muscles functioning properly. Bella loves this one for post-gym recovery or grey mornings when you need a gentle pick-me-up. FLOW STATE Crew Clothing's new activewear edit is all about comfort, confidence and movement – whether you're flowing through yoga or heading out for a winter walk. The sculpting, seam-free fabrics feel smooth yet supportive, and we were especially taken with the Cherry Red 7/8 Leggings, £45, (crewclothing.co.uk), which will add a cheerful, festive pop of colour to your workout kit. Bella loves SPICE OF LIFE If festive flavours are…

In November 2010, Ami Denborg was woken in the middle of the night to the most shocking news – her sister Anni had been abducted on her honeymoon in Cape Town, South Africa. She was later found brutally murdered. Anni had just married her husband, Shrien Dewani and was excited for her future when the tragic events unfolded. Her murder shocked the world and now, in a new documentary, The Honeymoon Murder: Who Killed Anni Dewani?, Ami talks about the events of that dreadful night and the ongoing agony her family are still enduring as they try to uncover the truth. Ami, Anni and their brother Anish were born and raised in Sweden in a close-knit family. Anni had studied engineering before meeting her future husband, Shrien, who was from…

Gemma Collins has revealed she will be lowering her dose of weight-loss drug Mounjaro after a gallstone attack. The former TOWIE star, 44, said she ‘fell to the floor’ in pain as she celebrated her fiancé Rami Hawash's birthday in the summer. ‘I had to stop the jabs for a bit because I had a gallbladder attack in August, but they assured me that it's not actually linked to Mounjaro,’ she explained. ‘I think I'm going to start microdosing because I feel with [that], you don't get all the [side] effects.’ Since she started the jabs a year ago, Gemma has continued to lose weight, revealing that she's dropped three dress sizes from a 26 to a 20. She called the weekly injections ‘life-changing’, saying, ‘I've lost about three-and-a-half stone…

Despite capturing the nation's hearts for decades, either dazzling us on screen or stage, Jane McDonald protests to Bella that she is not a national treasure. From humble beginnings in Wakefield's pubs and clubs to awardwinning TV shows, Jane has become the face – and voice – we can't get enough of. Since 2017, Cruising With Jane McDonald has given us a frontrow seat to her adventures – and a BAFTA win proved we're not the only ones hooked. But life hasn't always been smooth sailing. Jane heartbreakingly lost her beloved partner Eddie Rothe to cancer in 2021. But at 62, she embodies resilience, wit, and that no-nonsense Yorkshire humour that we adore. Whether she's sharing a glass of rosé with pal Sue on Celebrity Gogglebox, laying down tracks in…

Fixing the festive garland over the Christmas tree, I turned to my wife Charlotte and said, ‘What do you think?’. ‘Perfect,’ she replied with a smile. Christmas had always been difficult for Charlotte because she'd lost her mum to cancer on Christmas Eve when she was just seven. Her dad had taken her for a visit to the hospice, but as they'd driven home later that day, her mum had sadly died. It was no wonder she found the festive period hard. When our kids, Thomas and Anna, came along, Charlotte tried extra hard to make it magical for them by making garlands, decorations and advent calendars. It was December 2021 and Thomas was three and Anna had just celebrated her first birthday, so we were determined to make it…

SKINCARE Anti-Ageing Eye Cream WINNER: No7 Future Renew Eye Serum, £28 Louise Bennett, Head of Life & Style, says, ‘This light formulation gave a real pep to my tired eyes from the very first application. Regular use resulted in a real reduction in puffiness. A solid winner.’ RUNNER UP: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Eye Bag Instant Eraser, £30 Anti-Ageing Serum WINNER: No7 Future Renew Serum, £37.95 Caroline Reid, Brand Director, says, ‘This silky serum glides on easily and perks up my complexion before it's even had the full eight hours to work its magic! By morning, my skin has that just-back-from-holiday glow and a glass-smooth feel – the perfect make-up base.’ RUNNER UP:L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Tri-Peptides Age-Correcting Serum, £32 Anti-Ageing Day Cream WINNER: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Triple Action…

Tip Vanilla bean powder is made from dried whole beans, which are then ground up. Available from specialist baking shops, health food shops and online Vanilla latte Serves 1 Takes 5min 1–2tbsp vanilla syrup, to taste 1–2 shots (30–60ml) freshly brewed espresso coffee 250ml milk of your choice A little vanilla bean powder, to sprinkle (see Tip) Vanilla wafer rolls, to serve (optional) 1 Pour the vanilla syrup into the bottom of a cup or heatproof glass and pour in the hot coffee. Steam or froth the milk until very hot with a light layer of foam on top and then pour on top of the coffee. Serve with vanilla wafer rolls on the side, if using. Terry's Chocolate Orange hot chocolate Serves 1 Takes 5–10min 250ml milk of your choice…

£50 Star letter Heartless actions My heart went out to Gerry and Kate McCann when I read ‘You're not Madeleine’ (issue 46). Twelve people have claimed to be their missing daughter, Madeleine, including Julia Wandelt, who has been jailed for six months for harassment. My cousin has been missing for 23 years and this heartbreaking situation shouldn't be exploited by imposters. Stephanie Thomas, Dinbych, North Wales Love at last What a magical love story ‘I found love at 60 – and got married in a care home’ was (issue 46). It was wonderful that Richard got the blessing to marry Fiona Butler-Clayton from her dear dad Henry, and how fantastic that the care home brought everyone together for the celebration. Fiona's wedding day will forever be a special memory. Sylvia…

His decision backfired! Q I started dating my boyfriend about five years ago and things were working fine. We spend a couple of nights a week together, and the rest of the time enjoy our own space. But earlier this year, he said he wanted us to have an open relationship. I was a bit shocked, but eventually agreed. We set some ground rules, and one of them was not to tell each other what we were up to. I joined a couple of dating apps, and met quite a few other people in open marriages and have regular no-strings-attached sex with some of them. But last week my boyfriend asked me if we could talk about how things were going. So I told him. I think he was hoping that…

As the cold weather rolls in, viewers can look forward to a much-needed dose of rural cheer, courtesy of Winter on the Farm. Now in its fifth series, the programme offers the ultimate ‘hug from your television’, combining adorable animal moments, behind-thescenes farming insight, and festive fun in the heart of Yorkshire. Here, star presenter Helen Skelton tells Bella why this unique show is such a comfort at the darkest time of the year, and why its magic keeps the nation returning for more… The new series is here – what can viewers expect to see? I think this Winter on the Farm is very much about getting a hug from your television. It's that celebration at the end of a hardworking year, an acknowledgement of everything that goes into…

PRIZE crossword WIN £200 Solve the crossword to find, reading from top to bottom in the shaded squares, the name of a British actor. This is your competition entry answer. See the ‘How to enter’ panel, below right. Across Down again (6) COMPETITION AND GIVEAWAY RULES Competitions open to residents of the UK (including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), Eire or BFPOs, aged 18 or over, except Bauer Media employees, its affiliated companies, any promotional partners, or their families and anyone connected with the competitions. Enter by text, online or phone. No purchase necessary. Answers must be the product of own work. Unless expressly stated, travel expenses and spending money is not included. There is no cash alternative to prizes and no alternative holidays can be offered. Prizes…

DAVID & VICTORIA BECKHAM Swapping Goldenballs for snowballs, the newly appointed Sir David, 50, and his former Spice Girls singer wife, 51, regularly hit the slopes to catch some winter sun after the Christmas period. JOSIE GIBSON This Morning presenter and former Big Brother winner Josie, 40, let out her wild side when she wore this tiger and white leopard print snowsuit on a skiing holiday. KELLY BROOK Model and actress Kelly, 46, and husband Jeremy Parisi look Christmas card ready as they cosy up with their beloved dog Teddy by the French Alps. KATE MIDDLETON & PRINCE WILLIAM Who says royals can't have fun? Kate, 43, gave Frozen princess Elsa a run for her money by trying to hit husband Wills, also 43, with a snowball back in 2016.…