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Mindy Kaling has declined to answer a question about her weight loss and “wellness journey” after losing a significant amount of weight in the last year. The Mindy Project star, 44, was asked in an interview with Allure Magazine about what she would say to fans who “feel like they’ve lost an ally” because of the change in her physical appearance. It comes after fans speculated that the actor and producer had used Ozempic, a diabetes drug that has been hailed by celebrities and influencers for its weight loss side effect. Kaling told the magazine that it isn’t “super exciting for me to talk about my body and how it’s analysed”. Declining to “get into it”, she added that talking about her weight loss tends to “take over the conversation unfortunately”, adding: “People take it so personally.” The mother-of-two has previously divulged some details about how she lost weight, but has not addressed speculation that she used any sort of medication to do so. The Independent has contacted a representative of Kaling for comment. In April 2022, she told Entertainment Tonight: “I eat what I like to eat. If I do any kind of restrictive diet, it never really works for me. I just eat less of it. “I wish there was something more juicy or dynamic about the way that I’ve lost a little bit of weight, but that’s the way I’ve done it.” Fans began taking notice of Kaling’s weight loss in December 2022, when she shared a photograph of herself wearing a white dress for a holiday party. She wrote in the caption: “I never wear winter white! I was always so worried about it not being flattering and also about dropping food on it.” Last August, Kaling recalled being labelled “unattractive” by the media while starring in The Mindy Project from 2012 to 2017. She opened up about the criticism, saying: “The amount of articles that were like, ‘It’s so good for a culture that this unattractive woman is finally on camera’. “I didn’t know I was so unattractive until I was the star of my own show. So not having to see those things, that’s wonderful.” Kaling has two children, Katherine and Spencer, who were born in 2017 and 2020 respectively. She keeps them out of the spotlight and has not publicly revealed who their father is. However, she reflected on them not growing up with a father figure in an interview with the Duchess of Sussex on the latter’s short-lived Spotify podcast, Archetypes. Kaling told Meghan Markle last year: “I would love for my… I have such a great relationship with my dad. You know, he is, we’re so different from each other. But he is just like, he is everything to me. “I do know that that would be so valuable for my kids, you know, that they have a dad. It wasn’t our lot, you know, our family’s lot in life. And I do think about it with wistfulness and then also fear, like, what will they think when they get older about that?” It was previously speculated that Kaling’s The Office co-star and long-time friend BJ Novak could be the father of her children. However, neither Kaling nor Novak have confirmed this. Addressing the rumours, Kaling said that they don’t “bother” her and said that Novak is “godparent to both my kids”. “It hasn’t affected my happiness at all, it hasn’t affected my kids or BJ. If that’s what is going to be titillating to people, I’ll take it.” Read More Between Brexit and Covid, London’s food scene has become a dog’s dinner – can it be saved? Cruise line apologises after passengers witness dozens of pilot whales being slaughtered Influencer Annabelle Ham dies at age 22: ‘A light to the world’ Cramming all workout into weekend is still effective, scientists say Anorexic woman, 47, who wants to die may soon be able to under Canadian law Coleen Nolan becomes fourth sister in her family to be diagnosed with cancer

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A grandmother who was diagnosed with a rare cancerous tumour after her ankle “looked a bit swollen” had to have her leg amputated, but she is now walking with a prosthetic and has achieved her goal of waltzing again with her husband. Shirley Parnell, 75, a retired production coordinator, who lives in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, with her husband, Lawrence, 76, a retired chartered surveyor, noticed a lump on her ankle in July 2022, and little did she know, it would lead to a devastating diagnosis. Shirley “assumed it would be something that (doctors) could fix”, but, after several scans, she was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare malignant cancerous tumour, and was told a leg amputation would be the only way forward. The mum of two and grandmother of two felt “shocked and in disbelief” as it “hadn’t even crossed (her) mind” that she was going to be diagnosed with cancer. After the surgery, Shirley had an “overwhelming sense of relief” and focused on getting better – to motivate herself, she set herself the goal of being able to dance with her husband again. But, while learning to walk again, Shirley was diagnosed with metastasis lung cancer and could not help but feel “a little bit cheated” as her parents lived until their 90s and she now knows “that’s probably not going to happen.” She did not let this get in the way of her achieving her goal, and in the middle June 2023, she danced with her husband again at a friend’s wedding and said she “had a real sense of achievement”. In July 2022, Shirley got her first warning sign of cancer when she experienced pain in her right ankle. Shirley told PA Real Life: “My ankle started to look a bit swollen – at first, I didn’t think anything of it as I assumed I had just knocked it on something in the house and not realised, but then I noticed a lump. “The lump kept moving around and the pain started to get more intense. So much so that I decided to go and see my local GP.” Shirley’s GP thought it could be a blood clot, so she was prescribed cream and tablets, but after a week, nothing improved. She was then referred to Watford General Hospital for a blood test and an X-ray. Shirley said: “I had just assumed it would be something that they could fix with some medication and the thought of something more serious didn’t really cross my mind. “It was only when they said that the X-ray had come back showing some abnormalities and they wanted me to have an MRI scan, a CT scan and a biopsy that I started to worry. “A few weeks went by, and I tried not to think about the results but then I got a call saying the results were back and they wanted to see me, and I just felt like it was going to be bad news.” At the appointment, Shirley was told she had spindle cell sarcoma, a rare malignant cancerous tumour which can develop in the bone or soft tissue. The doctor suggested that the only option for Shirley was to have her leg amputated to remove the tumour. She said: “As he said those words, I felt shocked and disbelief. “I thought at the time, only last week I was living my life normally, doing things I would come to take for granted such as walking to the shops or going to a Pilates class. “It hadn’t even crossed my mind that it might be cancer, let alone that I would lose a limb because of it.” So, on October 24 2022, at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, Greater London, Shirley had the surgery. She said: “I was very nervous going into surgery but funnily enough I was okay once it was done. “I just had an overwhelming sense of relief that that part was finished. “Everyone has always said to me that I am a very determined person and after the surgery, I just started to look to the future as I felt everything was getting better, so I focused on working towards that.” But, once her leg was amputated, Shirley could not help but feel like she had lost some independence. She said: “Before I could just pop out to pick up some essentials but I had to rely on others to help me, something I am learning to get better at. “I’m so grateful for my husband running me around though.” On January 27 2023, Shirley had a cast made for her prosthetic leg, and it was fitted a week later. She said: “Then came the long and challenging journey of learning how to walk again. “The staff at the Prosthetic Rehabilitation Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital were amazing and their support was what got me through those first few weeks and helped me get used to my new way of moving. “I felt strange but excited with my new leg – it felt like it was a real step forward into being more independent.” When in physiotherapy, Shirley made it her goal to be able to dance at her friend’s wedding with her husband. She said: “My husband and I always loved dancing – he joked that we’ll be doing a jive, but I said maybe a slow waltz.” But, at the end of April 2023, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She said: “My parents lived until they were well into their 90s and I’ll be honest, I fully accepted with my family history that I would do the same. “So it came as a bit of a shock that I now know that that’s probably not going to happen. “I felt a little bit cheated, I suppose, but the other thing it has made me realise is that there are people a lot worse off than me.” Determined not to let the diagnosis impact her goal, Shirley practised walking even more, and at the middle June 2023, they danced together at the wedding. She said: “It was wonderful, I had a real sense of achievement, and being able to have a few dances during the evening was wonderful. “My husband was really proud of me too. “My family have been unbelievably supportive, I can’t thank them enough. “They were so happy for me that day.” Now, Shirley remains under the hospital’s care, having regular scans, and has since passed her driving assistance test. She is also raising money for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Charity for its Impossible Possible campaign. Looking back on the last few years, she said: “I appreciate things a lot more now – I take time to appreciate my garden, the flowers blossoming, and my family. “I feel so lucky that I could have the amputation, and it puts things into perspective definitely.” Read More Mother reveals bruise on her toddler’s eye led to cancer diagnosis Jonnie Irwin details experience with palliative hospice care Ben Cohen’s ex-wife says she had only ‘one symptom’ before cancer diagnosis What is cardiac arrest? The condition that LeBron James’ son suffered from Mom left ‘appalled’ after water park says she can’t breastfeed son in lazy river Government has more work to do to ensure families secure quality childcare – MPs

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If you’re taking your teen to Glastonbury or any festivals this summer, you are probably thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong. There could be a big fall out, maybe they get lost, or it may just turn out to not really be their thing. Either way, it’s best to be positive, as they are at that age where they probably want more independence, embracing more responsibility, and figuring out their likes and dislikes. Here are a few things to consider before the big event. Choose the festival together In a typical year, thousands of festivals take place across the country with some having more than 200,000 people in attendance. From music to heritage and comedy to film, it’s safe to say that you and your teen are spoilt for choice. “Taking kids to festivals is a great way of introducing some outside life and it’s good to try and make it as cost effective as possible, so being prepared is key,” said child and behavioural expert Amanda Jenner. “Make sure you pick your festival wisely for the first time and check the events so you can make a plan for the day.” And sometimes, opting for a smaller or fringe festival would make for a less overwhelming introduction. Allow them to bring a friend This wouldn’t be a terrible idea, especially if the friend is also a first-time goer. Although a festival is like a small town populated with friendly faces you can build new interactions with, it helps to have a familiar face around — close in age — who your teen can share this new experience with. It could also help ease any quiet worries they have and give them a real opportunity to enjoy themselves, escape for the weekend and strengthen their friendship bond. “Bringing a friend is OK, but it’s a huge responsibility so lay down the rules in front of both sets of parents and have a meeting point if you get separated. Make sure they have mobiles fully charged. Location settings on at all times,” Jenner added. Tell them the truth If you’ve been to a festival before, you would know what to expect, so rip the band-aid off. Give your child the heads up and let them know that there will be incredibly long queues, huge crowds and sometimes even some chaos. And yes, people will be drunk, giddy and misbehaving. “I would make your own wrist band with mobile numbers on it so you can be contacted at anytime if you get separated. And make a note of any medical conditions to be on the safe side,” said Jenner. [xdelx],, At this point, it may also be worth speaking to them about staying hydrated, alcohol consumption and interacting with strangers. “Make sure they are hydrated at all times and understand the importance of fluids. Freeze water bottles so they stay cool all day. [For older children], explain the rules: never accept anything of anyone other than your parents. “Pack snacks for the day as it can be expensive. Nothing that would melt. Invest in a soft cool bag to keep things cold for snacks during the day. As food is pricey.” Support them in their outfit choices Thankfully the sun will be shining, but knowing British weather, you can’t put all your eggs in one basket. Remember to bring a light jacket you can layer up with, your umbrella, and hat too. That aside, festivals are for statement outfits that will ensure you stand out from the crowd. Depending on your teen — you know them best — let them choose a theme that combines their personal style with comfort. It’ll give them something to look forward to. Make a plan but be flexible Familiarising yourself with the schedule could help you better plan your time at the festival. Depending on what type of festival it is, there could be many things happening at the same time. Are there any must-sees? Things you don’t mind missing? Any non-negotiables? Dividing your schedule using these subcategories will help you both remain on the same page. “Give them some space. But perhaps for a first festival allow 30 minutes at a time to see if they adhere to the times, and let them go for a further 15 mins each time,” said Jenner. “Make sure you have a good plan so you get the most out of the day and night. There are so many things to see, especially in the family facilities that are available.” [xdelx] Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 10 ways to give your home an instant summer glow How – and why – to prioritise mindfulness in the busyness of summer 5 sandal trends that will be huge this summer