No Appointment Necessary
No Appointment Necessary is a weekly health podcast hosted by GP Dr Amir Khan and health advocate Cherry Healey. The show provides trusted, no-nonsense health advice, debunks myths, and offers practical tips for well-being. It aims to address common frustrations with accessing healthcare and feeling unheard during medical appointments. Listeners can submit questions and topic suggestions via email.
Episodes
Red Light Masks, SPF & Ageing... What Really Makes a Difference?
Summer is here, and with it comes a flood of skincare advice! But how much of it is actually true?
This week, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan look into the world of skin health, separating fact from fiction on everything from SPF and sun damage to the latest trend in red light therapy. Does sunscreen really prevent ageing? Are the chemicals in SPF something to worry about? Can you still get a tan
Why Strength Training Is Essential As You Age
Strength training isn't just about building muscle or looking fitter, it's one of the best things you can do for your long-term health.
In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look at why muscle plays a crucial role in everything from metabolism and blood sugar control to heart health, bone strength and healthy ageing. They discuss whether it's ever too late to start exercising, how to b
How Your Gut Affects Your Mood, Weight & Immune System
What does “good gut health” actually mean, and could your gut be affecting everything from your mood to your immune system?
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look at gut health, including IBS, bloating, digestion, antibiotics, menopause, probiotics, fibre and the microbiome.
They discuss why the gut is often called the “second brain”, the connection between stress and digestion, how antibiotics can
The 5 Things That ACTUALLY Increase Lifespan
People are living longer… but are we actually living healthier?
This week, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan go into the booming world of longevity, wellness trends and healthy ageing, separating science from “bakwas”. They talk everything from vaping to vitamin drips, NAD injections, supplements and HRT, looking at what genuinely helps us live longer and feel better… and what’s just expensive marke
Are These Everyday Symptoms Actually Serious?
In this important episode of No Appointment Necessary, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look at the symptoms of the five gynaecological cancers every woman should know (ovarian, cervical, womb, vaginal and vulval cancer).
They cover everything from bloating and unusual discharge to bleeding after sex and changes in your body that are often dismissed as “normal”. They also explain the warning signs
Is Your Tiredness Normal - Or a Sign of Something Serious?
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey tackle one of the UK's most common health complaints... exhaustion! Not everyday tiredness, but the kind that even a good night's sleep simply doesn't fix.
They cover the science of sleep cycles and why brain fog is a symptom rather than a condition. Dr Amir also separates the evidence from the noise on electrolyte supplements and the salt water trend, and explains
What Is Cholesterol Actually Doing To Your Body?
Cholesterol is one of those things you'll have heard of, but how much do you really know about it? Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look at what cholesterol is, why your liver makes most of it regardless of your diet, and what your blood test results are actually telling you. Dr Amir also covers the difference between HDL and LDL, when statins are worth considering, and why being slim is no guarant
The Sex Questions You're Too Embarrassed To Ask Your GP!
Let's talk about sex, baby. This week Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan are tackling all the questions you've been too embarrassed to ask your GP... and the answers will surprise you!
We cover everything from painful sex and why it's common but never normal, to what bleeding after sex really means, the truth about STIs like chlamydia and the rising rates of syphilis, and why you should absolutely ge
Cortisol and Belly Fat: What’s True and What’s Total Nonsense
Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan break down exactly what happens to your brain, heart, gut, hormones and immune system when stress becomes chronic. They explain why you can't just "calm down," why you're waking up at 3am, and why weight gain isn't always your fault. Plus, is cortisol tummy actually real?
💬 Got a question for Chat GP? Email us noappointmentpodcast@gmail.com
We've partnered with R
What Your Phone Is Really Doing to Your Brain and Body!
Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan are talking about something most of us know all too well... being completely glued to our phones!
Doom scrolling, broken concentration, bad sleep, stress, eye strain and “tech neck”, they discuss what too much screen time is actually doing to our brains and bodies (and what’s just hype).
They also get into blue light, social media overwhelm, and some realistic wa
Microplastics Are In Your Body… Should You Panic?
We eat up to 50,000 microplastic particles every year, but what is that actually doing to our bodies? In this week's check-in, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan break down everything you need to know about microplastics - what they are, how they get into our bodies, and what the latest science really says.
They also cover the practical stuff, such as why you should never microwave food in plastic, w
Is Your Period Normal? The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
What is a normal period, and when should you be concerned?
Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan break down everything you’ve probably never been properly told, looking at everything from heavy bleeding and painful cramps to PMS, PMDD and irregular cycles.
Why do so many women live with symptoms they think are “just part of it”? When is a period actually a sign that something’s wrong? And what should y
You Need a GP — So Why Can’t You See One?
We all know the feeling… it’s nearly 8am, you’re redialling the surgery trying to get a GP appointment, and somehow it feels harder than ever to actually see a doctor. So why is it like this?
This is exactly why we started No Appointment Necessary, to give you a weekly check-in with a real GP where you can hear what’s actually happening behind the scenes in modern healthcare.
In this special epi
Why Do Some Women Get UTIs Over and Over Again?
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey break down everything you need to know about UTIs, cystitis, bladder infections and recurrent urinary tract infections. It’s a deeply personal topic for Cherry, who has lived with chronic UTIs for much of her life. Dr Amir and Cherry talk about the real causes, symptoms and treatments, including when a UTI can become serious and why getting treatment early is so impo
What’s Really Causing Your Migraines?
Migraines are not “just headaches”! In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look at what’s really happening inside your brain during a migraine, from the trigeminal nerve to the brain chemical CGRP that can trigger intense pain, nausea, and visual disturbances. Find out why women are three times more likely to experience migraines than men. What role hormones and oestrogen play, especially
What’s Ruining Your Sleep at Night? - And How To Fix It
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey take a look at what’s really going on when you just can’t sleep. It can affect everything, from your mood, your hormones, your heart, your energy, your relationships. Amir and Cherry talk about hot flushes and night sweats to snoring, sleep apnea, restless legs and 2am anxiety. You’ll hear the science behind disrupted sleep and what it means for your long-term health
Protein Bars, Shakes & Powders – What’s Actually Worth It?
This week, Cherry and Dr. Amir are breaking down protein, and in particular protein supplements. How much do you really need? And does it really matter if you get it from a chicken fillet, a chickpea, or a large scoop of whey powder? Cherry tells us about the effects of trying the Atkins diet, and Dr. Amir drops a bombshell about eggs! Plus, they get into protein bars and what happens if you don’t
HRT: Life-Changing or Overhyped? What It Really Does
The HRT episode you've been waiting for! Cherry Healey and Dr. Amir Khan tackle your biggest questions about hormone replacement therapy, whether you're thinking about starting, already taking it, or just want to understand more about it.
You’ll find out the game-changing gel everyone's talking about, when to start HRT, how to know if it's working, what to do about side effects, and whether you
Collagen - Worth It or Waste of Money? Skin, Joints & Bones
Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan are back looking at one of the hottest topics in women’s health and wellbeing… collagen! What is it? Why does it change with age, and what does the evidence actually say about supplements? Dr Amir and Cherry also talk about what really drives collagen loss, the simple habits that protect it, how to prevent wrinkles, and the claims made about skin, joint pain and bone
Why Does Your Body Stop Responding to Insulin?
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey break down what insulin actually does, why insulin spikes aren’t the enemy, and how chronically high insulin levels can quietly lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.
We also find out how ultra-processed foods, stress, and inactivity change how your cells behave.
If you’ve got a ballot place for the TCS London Marathon, the
What Breast Changes Should Never Be Ignored?
In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan talk breasts; what’s normal for you, how to check properly, and the symptoms you should never brush off.
Dr Amir breaks down why breast cancer happens, the biggest risk factors (including the surprising link between body fat and oestrogen), and what to do if you find a lump, including how NHS fast-track referrals work. We also cover dense breasts,
Why Flu Is Hitting So Hard This Winter (And How to Actually Avoid It)
In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey cut through the myths around immunity and flu, including why you can’t boost your immune system, the role of gut health, vitamin D, stress and ventilation. Dr Amir and Cherry explain what’s really making people ill, and the simple habits that can reduce your risk this winter.
We've partnered with Randox Health. Take their Everyman and Everywoma
Is Alcohol Actually Poison?
We’re giving you a peak behind the curtain as we share our first ever pilot episode of No Appointment Necessary, and it’s very fitting if you're doing Dry January. Join Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan as they take a look at alcohol. What it actually does to your body, your brain, and your hormones. Find out why women get drunk faster than men (and how your menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopau
Health Anxiety is Real! Here's How To Beat It
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey open the surgery doors once again and answer your real health questions.
We answer your questions on migraines, health anxiety, joint pain, bunions, strength training in later life and the everyday symptoms many people worry about but don’t always ask their GP.
We've partnered with Randox Health. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at randoxhealth.co
Why Stress Wakes You Up at Night — And How to Fix It
What do early morning wake ups, cold painful hands, menopausal weight gain and cholesterol warnings all have in common?
In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey open the surgery doors and answer real questions sent in by listeners.
From cortisol and poor sleep, Raynaud’s phenomenon, menopause and muscle loss, to sex drive mismatches, pregnancy discomfort and preparing for knee replaceme
Why Does Grief Hurt So Much Physically?
In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey explore the real physical impact of grief and loss, from bereavement and miscarriage to heartbreak, job loss and losing a pet.
Dr Amir explains why grief can cause symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, digestive problems, anxiety, low immunity and exhaustion, and he reveals the science behind Broken Heart Syndrome, a very real medical condition
How To Cut Your Risk Of Dementia By 60%
In this episode of No Appointment Necessary, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey look into one of the most important topics in modern health... your brain! From brain fog and menopause to Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, stress and sleep, they share practical advice you can start using today. And can you really cut your risk of dementia by 60%? Dr Amir breaks down the latest research, and the simple
Do You Have ADHD Without Realising?
In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey discuss ADHD in women and girls, why it’s so often missed or misdiagnosed, and how hormones, perimenopause and menopause can make symptoms dramatically worse.
The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circums
What Does Your Skin, Hair and Nails Really Say About Your Health?
Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey talk about the latest trends in beauty with skin, hair and nails. What actually works, what’s a waste of money, and how your hormones, age, and lifestyle play a bigger role than any viral product.
From hyaluronic acid vs ceramides, to SPF truths, gel nails safety, perimenopause acne, hair thinning, and the reality of the beauty industry targeting children, this is
Are Women Being Misdiagnosed With Anxiety Instead of Menopause?
In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan talk about anxiety, perimenopause and menopause, and how shifting hormones can completely hijack your mental health.
Dr Amir explains the significant role of oestrogen, progesterone, serotonin, dopamine, GABA and cortisol in menopausal anxiety, why so many women are misdiagnosed with depression or generalised anxiety disorder, and what to do if yo
What Actually Helps Us Live a Longer, Healthier Life?
Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan break down the science of how to stay healthy, energetic and strong as we age. Find out what actually increases your healthspan, how to reduce ageing-related disease risk, the real impact of smoking, why movement and social connection matter more than you think, and the surprising everyday foods that support longer life!
We've partnered with Randox Health. Randox he
Why Are So Many of Us Allergic Now?
Are allergies becoming more common, or are we just talking about them more? In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan discuss allergies, intolerances, hay fever, eczema, peanut allergies, the microbiome, gut health, and how modern life is changing our immune systems. Plus, the LEAP study that transformed how we approach peanut allergies, why hay fever meds should be started weeks before symp
Why Are We All So Tired All The Time?
Everyone’s exhausted… but are you busy-tired or medically tired? In this episode Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan break down the real causes of fatigue and the simple, evidence-backed habits that transform your sleep.
You'll learn: how GPs investigate “TATT” (tired-all-the-time) with bloods (iron, B12, folate, thyroid, glucose), why perimenopause wrecks sleep, the ideal bedroom temperature, the one
Can Creatine Boost Brain Focus for Busy People?
Everyone’s talking about supplements, but which ones are worth your money? In this week’s episode, Cherry Healey and Dr. Amir Khan dig into the evidence on creatine, vitamin D3, omega-3, zinc, magnesium and K2, multivitamins, menopause and muscle loss, brain health, and winter immunity.
We cover: why some foods may be less nutrient-dense than decades ago, creatine for performance and tired brains
Is Your Hormone Balance Killing Your Sex Drive?
Why does no one talk about what really happens to your sex drive as you get older? In this episode, Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey talk about libido, hormones and desire, from the oestrogen cream changing women’s lives to the truth about testosterone, stress, and why so many couples quietly lose their spark. Plus, Cherry reveals why a "luxury afternoon" might just be the ultimate health hack!
Th
Are Weight Loss Injections Really Safe?
Are weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro safe, or a risky shortcut? Dr Amir Khan and Cherry Healey begin their weekly check-in by cutting through the hype to reveal how these injections work, their side effects, costs, and the truth about obesity, genetics, and food noise. Plus, Dr Amir answers quick-fire health questions on ingrown hairs, bruising, and shares one life-changing health tip for
Introducing... No Appointment Necessary - Launching 7th October
Struggling to see your GP? Left late-night Googling your symptoms? You're not alone – and we’re here to help!
No Appointment Necessary is your weekly prescription of trusted, no-nonsense health advice from working GP Dr Amir Khan, who’s here to cut through the confusion, bust the myths, and help you take charge of your well-being. Alongside him is his close friend and co-host Cherry Healey – a pa
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