Northampton's woeful campaign plunged to new depths on Saturday when they were humbled by Posh in a one-sided derby affair at Sixfields.

Slack defending allowed Gwion Edwards to fire United ahead on 32 minutes and the visitors never looked back from there, adding further goals through Junior Morias, Jack Marriott and Marcus Maddison.

Alex Revell headed in late on but that was not even a consolation on a terrible afternoon for Edinburgh's men.

"Obviously I'm hugely disappointed and angry," said the Town manager afterwards. "One thing I can assure everybody is that I've had to work hard in my career as a player and a manager to get where I am and I won't give up lightly.

"We're in this together and we never isolate anyone. We've let ourselves down and let the fans down and the football club.

"I accept all the responsibility, no doubt about that. I'm frustrated, I'm angry, I'm disappointed and I'm upset but the only way you get through it is by sticking together."

Much of the talk prior to Saturday's game centred around Edinburgh's preference to play three at the back but after persisting with the same formation against Peterborough, he did not feel it contributed to their downfall.

He added: "Today we've been poor in defending the goals that we gave away. They were so, so poor and that's nothing to do with anything other than decisions that are made by players on the pitch.

"If we're going to get the results that we need to get ourselves out of this situation then we've certainly got to defend better than we did today.

"It's nothing to do with formations or systems, it's just basic defending. You've got to run hard, you've got to play hard but some of the things that we were doing is, for me, taking the easy option and that's not the way we're going to get anywhere."

It is often said that the forrmbook goes out the window when derby day comes around but the opposite could not have been more true on this torrid Saturday afternoon when the Cobblers sunk to rock-bottom and their rivals moved top of the table.

Going into this game on the back of four straight defeats, expectations were always going to be low. But even taking that into account, it’s difficult to imagine anyone could have foreseen such a pitiful, feeble and desperately dispiriting defeat as the one much of Sixfields was subjected to on Saturday.

It could have been the day when their faltering season finally spluttered into life; instead their fortunes plunged to a desperate new low as they were easily swatted aside by an efficient but hardly outstanding Peterborough outfit who barely broke sweat in cruising to victory.

That’s the thing: it’s not as if Posh are an especially great side. They are a good team with good players who each know their roles but nothing more, yet they were made to look like world beaters by their all too charitable hosts on Saturday.

Everything about Peterborough’s play was a level above Northampton. They were sharper, quicker and first to everything as they ruthlessly exposed the opposition’s shortcomings to devastating effect.

They were full value for their 4-1 victory, and in fact it would not be unfair to suggest they so easily could have scored more. Jack Marriott, Junior Morais and Michael Doughty all had chances to do so at 2-0 up before the prolific Marriott made it three and then Marcus Maddison’s injury-time spot-kick gave the scoreline the one-sided reflection it so richly deserved.

At the other end, meanwhile, Jonathan Bond’s afternoon – aside from picking the ball out of the net for Alex Revell’s late header – consisted of plucking harmless high crosses out of the air and saving weak shots as Northampton became almost non-existent as an attacking entity.

Bar that complete lack of cutting edge, the most striking aspect of the afternoon was the remarkable ease at which Peterborough simply played through their wide-open hosts, gleefully exploiting the huge spaces vacated by Town all across the pitch.

There was no structure or discipline to Northampton’s shape once they fell behind, and that was no better illustrated in the first goal itself.

Losing possession in the opposition half will happen in any game but it was what followed that epitomised Town’s problems. Having picked up the ball 70 yards from goal, and with Brendan Moloney caught up field, Gwion Edwards simply strode forwards, and kept striding and kept striding.

He almost seemed bewildered himself not to be closed down, and sure enough, having charged 40 yards unchallenged, the inevitable happened: he cut inside Matt Crooks’ lacklustre challenge and hammered into the bottom corner.

That set the tone for the following hour of play. Previously they had been competitive but the Cobblers were then put to the sword and had no answer to the pace, movement and incision of their visitors’ play.

Maddison is far too good a player to be given so much space to pick his passes while the movement of Morias and Marriott and the energy of wing-backs Leonardo Da Silva Lopes and Gwion Edwards was all too much for the hosts to handle.

Peterborough barely got out of second gear; they simply didn’t need to.

This game also provided us with an example of how, when successfully implemented, 3-4-1-2 can be a productive formation. Unfortunately, however, that demonstration came from the slick, well-oiled visitors.

Defending and attacking as a unit, with the width provided by two natural wingers at wing-back, they had all the tools to outwit and outplay the Cobblers, who adopted the same formation but with very different results.

The difference in the teams can be illustrated by what happened in one passage of play. It came on 21 minutes when one United wing-back, Edwards, charged forward and whipped in a peach of a cross for the other wing-back, Silva Lopes, to volley over from close-range.

That was a perfect demonstration of how wing-backs can pose a real threat going forward, yet in the five games Northampton have played with the same formation this season, it’s difficult to remember a similar scenario.

There were few positives to take from Saturday but the performance of young Shaun McWillians in midfield was one. His boundless energy and touches of quality were central to the few bits of good player that the Cobblers did manage to knit together.

Matt Grimes, on his full debut, never shied away from the action and always tried to make something happen while Luke Coddington, despite conceding four times on his Football League debut, produced a fine stop from Marriott.

But it’s as a collective where the Cobblers are coming up way short.

The performances so far this season beg the question: is this team, individually speaking, really as poor as results suggest? Are these players really incapable of putting in a better display than the one fans were subjected to on Saturday? Is five defeats from five games a fair reflection of their ability as individuals?

The answer to all three is a resounding no. They are all good players who have been brought to Sixfields for a reason – because they’ve either already shown the ability to play at this level or have the potential to.

As a team, though, they are falling well below the required standard, and the pressure now falls on manager Justin Edinburgh as a result.

I will always be a big believer in giving managers time and patience because it’s an exceptionally tough job and Edinburgh will be doing his damnedest to put things right but, ultimately, this is a results-driven business and Northampton’s results – five straight defeats and no wins in 13 going back to last season – are currently not good enough.

With no game next weekend due to international call-ups, Edinburgh and his players have the opportunity get together and try to somehow turn things around over these next two weeks.

It won’t be easy but something has to change, otherwise the Cobblers will head in only one direction.

How they rated...

Luke Coddington - Not likely to look back on his Football League debut with too much fondness having been beaten four times, even if he was given little chance for any of them. Produced a good stop from Marriott... 5

Leon Barnett - Found the going tough against the slick movement of United’s attack, none more so than when Morias spun him for the second. The fact that three of the four goals stemmed from Town’s inside right channel doesn’t reflect kindly... 5

Ash Taylor - A difficult first-half at the heart of Town’s back three before being withdrawn at the break as Edinburgh switched to four at the back... 5

Aaron Pierre - Tripped Marriott to concede a late penalty and complete a woeful afternoon. Was far from the worse culprit, making a couple of important blocks first-half, but powerless to do anything about United’s fleet-footed front three... 5

Brendan Moloney - Found himself regularly caught between attacking and defending, no better illustrated than when he was caught up field for Edwards’ goal.... 5

Shaun McWilliams - Can’t fault his endeavour or energy as he bounded about the pitch afternoon. Was central to the few bits of good play at the Cobblers managed to knit together. A rare shining light... 7 CHRON STAR MAN

Matt Crooks - Individually he performed adequately but was part of a midfield that became too easily overrun. Could have been stronger and more robust when Edwards breezed past him for the first... 5

Matt Grimes - Provided the assist for Revell’s goal with a terrific corner, and he deserved that for a hard-working performance on his Cobblers debut. One of only two viable options, alongside McWilliams, for man of the match.... 6

David Buchanan - Most of Peterborough’s more threatening attacks came down the other flank, and he struggled to impose himself in attack either from wing-back first-half or full-back after half-time... 5

Alex Revell - His goal, which was well-taken, could not even be described as a consolation such was the deep disappointment of the afternoon... 6

Marc Richards - Skipper toiled hard up front but his overall impact on the game was kept to a minimum. Needs to be partnered with a nippy striker who can run in behind to really flourish... 5

Substitutes

Daniel Powell - 5

Chris Long - 5

Billy Waters - 5

Soaring cases of drink and drug abuse among people over the age of 50 are causing concern among health officials.

They fear the “baby boomers” generation is turning into the “baby boozers” due to the “rapid” rise of substance misuse among the middle aged.

Researchers at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Flinders University in Australia,say the number of people aged over 50 experiencing problems from substance misuse is growing rapidly, with the numbers receiving treatment expected to treble in the United States and double in Europe by 2020.

They called in The BMJ for a coordinated international approach to tackle the growing problem.

In both Britain and Australia, risky drinking is declining, except among people aged 50 and older, according to latest figures.

There is also a strong upward trend for “episodic heavy drinking” - or binge drinking - in the same age group.

But the researchers warned that the worrying generational trend is not restricted to booze.

In Australia, the largest percentage increase in drug misuse between 2013 and 2016 was among people aged 60 and over, with that age group mainly abusing prescription drugs.

People over 50 also have higher rates than younger age groups for both past year and lifetime illicit drug misuse, particularly cannabis.

The researchers said that with alcohol being the most common substance misused by older people, under-detection of drink problems is of immediate concern - and may increase further as baby boomers get older because of their more liberal views towards, and higher use of, alcohol.

They fear a lack of sound alcohol screening to detect risky drinking may result in a greater need for treatment, longer duration of treatment, heavier use of ambulance services, and higher rates of hospital admission.

The study suggests that treatment programmes adapted for older people with substance abuse issues were associated with better results than those aimed at all age groups.

But the researchers pointed out that doctors will need improved knowledge and skills in assessing and treating older people at risk of substance misuse.

Study co-author Dr Tony Rao, consultant old age psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There remains an urgent need for better drug treatments for older people with substance misuse, more widespread training, and above all a stronger evidence base for both prevention and treatment.”

He added: “The clinical complexity of older adults with substance misuse demands new solutions to a rapidly growing problem.

“So far, there has been little sign of a coordinated international approach to integrated care.”

A range of travel adaptors have been recalled by a major High Street retailer due to the discovery that they could present a serious safety risk.

The Destination adaptors, available at WH Smiths, have been found not to meet all the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.

This means an unacceptable level of risk of fire and potential electrocution to the user.

The devices, sold between 1/3/2017 and 31/7/2017, come in five models - the World Twin USB in Black and White versions (item number: 01161793/01086317); World to UK (01086324); World to South Africa (01086362) and Worldwide adaptor (01086294)

Anyone having one of the products listed is advised to stop using it immediately, and return it to WHSmith for a replacement / refund.

Queries can be addressed to WHSmith on +44 (0)333 6005000 or email customer.relations@whsmith.co.uk

Most recognisable as the creator of family favourite baby products, Johnson & Johnson have been in the headlines for other reasons this week after being ordered to pay $417m (£323.4m) to a California woman who claimed their talcum powder gave her ovarian cancer after allegedly using it for 50 years.

The jury’s decision to award the woman such a huge sum was the company’s biggest compensation payout to date and was a heavy PR blow for the company that sells itself on being a safe and delicate product that even newborn babies can use.

The lawsuit isn’t the only case to come to light though and Johnson & Johnson currently have other lawsuits filed against them. Campaigners argue that Johnson & Johnson did not adequately warn users about the cancer risks of the talc based products but Johnson & Johnson say their product is safe and based on scientific research.

But the case isn’t so black and white and the link between talc and cancer remains inconclusive, so here are the facts.

What is talcum powder?

In its purest natural form, the natural forming mineral talc contains asbestos which causes cancer. However asbestos free talc has been used in everything from eye shadow to condoms and latex gloves since the 1970’s. Most people will recognise talcum powder as ‘baby powder’.

What evidence says talc is safe?

Numerous studies have supported the safety of talcum powder. Most recently (April 2017) the National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query Editorial Board wrote on the topic of perineal talc use, “The weight of evidence does not support an association between perineal talc exposure and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.”

Other studies, such as ‘the perineal talc use and ovarian cancer: a critical review’ from the Department of Health Evaluation Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that “Talc is not genotoxic”.

What evidence disputes it?

Not all studies have supported the use of talcum powder for genital hygiene though. In a study by the American Association for Cancer Research involving almost 2,000 women in 2013 (Genital powder use and risk of ovarian cancer: a pooled analysis of 8,525 cases and 9,859 controls) found that there was an increased risk of ovarian cancer of between 20 and 30 per cent in women who used it for genital hygiene.

It’s important to note however that studies that have supported the argument that talc does increase the risk of ovarian cancer are often skewed as many women cannot accurately state how much talcum powder they’ve used in the past.

What have Johnson & Johnson said?

Naturally, Johnson & Johnson have categorically denied the connection of ovarian cancer and talcum powder usage.

In a post on their website Johnson & Johnson said, “We do understand your concern linked to recent media reports. We want to assure you, however, that we have no higher responsibility than the health and safety of consumers and the safety of cosmetic talc is supported by decades of scientific evidence.”

“Since the early 1990s, many research papers and epidemiology studies have evaluated talc and perineal use and these studies have found talc to be safe.

“In fact, the Nurses’ Health Study (2010) and the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Cohort (2014), the only two large-scale prospective studies looking at talc and ovarian cancer, found no causal relationship between talc and ovarian cancer.”

So should I keep using talcum powder?

It’s really up to you. There have been no official warnings to stop using the product and whatever risk, it remains very low.

Cancer Research UK says that “The evidence for a link is weak, but even if talc does increase the risk of ovarian cancer studies suggest it would be by around a third”. It also recognises that ovarian cancer can be caused by a multitude of factors including the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

In addition, the ovarian cancer charity Ovacome also acknowledges that the research delivered so far is inconclusive and that more studies will be needed to confirm whether there is a direct link between talc and ovarian cancer.

But if you’d rather not risk it, avoid applying talc to your genitals or underwear over a prolonged period of time.

Console Corner: A game with a roster to last for all Infinity.

Capcom has released an all-new cinematic trailer that highlights never-before-seen elements of the story mode experience featured in what promises to be the fighting game of the year.

The action-packed trailer expands on key plot points, with heroes from both universes coming together in an attempt to stop Ultron Sigma from infecting all biological life in the newly merged Marvel and Capcom worlds.

And that was not the only exciting announcement as more playable characters in huge roster have been recently confirmed including Jedah, Dormammu, Firebrand, and Ghost Rider.

These newly added characters bring the final roster at launch up to 30 characters, with more post launch characters to be revealed in the future.

Infinite will provide memorable experiences and - pardon the pun - infinite gameplay possibilities for players of all skill levels says Capcom.

There is a variety of single player and multiplayer offerings including story, arcade, mission, training, Vs. Player 2, Vs. CPU, Collection, Online Ranked Match, Online Casual Match, Beginners League – a special league fought between players of Rank 14 or lower and Lobby where you search for or create a lobby in which as many as eight players can engage in simultaneous vs matches.

All of the action will take place in new but familiar settings, as famous locations from the Marvel and Capcom universes fuse together as part of Ultron Sigma’s nefarious plot.

Imagined and created through a shared vision between the two companies, the game will feature free-form 2v2 team battles and the ability to harness the power of one of six game-changing Infinity Stones, further deepening the gameplay by allowing players to equip and unleash elemental in-game powers during battle.

Roll on September 19th... roll on.

A defiant Justin Edinburgh insists he’s still the right man to lead Northampton forward after his side dropped to the bottom of Sky Bet League One with a 4-1 defeat to rivals Peterborough on Saturday.

The Cobblers are now one of only two clubs, alongside Oldham, not to have picked up a point from their opening four games this season, and their inferior goal difference sees them rooted to the bottom of the division.

Asked if he’s still the man for the job following Saturdays defeat, Edinburgh emphatically replied: “Absolutely.

“You don’t get anything in life for free. Nothing has been given to me.

“I’ve had to work hard as a player and a manager. I started in non-league and I’m honoured to be manager at this football club. I won’t give up lightly.

“I absolutely understand everyone’s frustration. I’m the manager – I’m frustrated, I’m angry, I’m disappointed and I’m upset – but the only way you get through it is by sticking together.”

Reflecting further on Saturday’s defeat, Edinburgh felt his side were well in the game against Peterborough until Gwion Edwards’ 32nd minute opener, at which point it quickly unravelled.

He said: “We were in the ascendancy, we were attacking and we’ve allowed someone to run 30, 40 yards and cut inside. We backed off and allowed him a free shot at goal.

“Then quickly we conceded a second and we’re always up against it from there.

“I thought it was a competitive game up until they scored but I was a player myself and when you go behind having lost your previous four games, it becomes very difficult.

“The only way we get out of it is through ourselves, we’re the only ones that can do it. There’s no one else around and no one else coming in so it’s us that’s got to get ourselves out of this situation that we’re in.”

A can of police issue incapacitant spray could be lying somewhere in Northampton.

Police are appealing for help in trying to trace a PAVA incapacitant spray which has been dislodged from an officer’s uniform in Northamptonshire.

The PAVA is believed to have gone missing on Friday (August 25), possibly in either the Grange Park area of Northampton or Old Stratford.

PAVA (pictured) is standard issue for beat officers in Northamptonshire Police and is used to temporarily incapacitate violent offenders, but remains an inert substance unless discharged.

Supt Martin Kinchin, of Northamptonshire Police, said: “The PAVA has become detached from an officer’s kit at an unknown location.

“If discharged it would cause significant, but temporary, irritation to the eyes and nose which can be simply treated by exposure to fresh air or flushing with clean water.

“We would urge anyone who finds the PAVA kit to contact us immediately on 101 and we will make arrangements to have it collected.”

Whilst grateful for his first taste of Cobblers action between the sticks, it would be fair to say that Luke Coddington was hoping for a more serene introduction into life in the Football League.

Prior to completing his switch to Sixfields earlier this month, the 22-year-old stopper had played only five non-league games while on loan at Wrexham from Huddersfield Town last season.

He was handed his Cobblers debut on Saturday but it was a thoroughly frustrating occasion as he conceded four times in a 4-1 defeat to rivals Peterborough United.

Coddington was not directly at fault for any of the four goals, and also produced a fine stop to deny Jack Marriott, but he could only reflect on what was a disappointing day afterwards.

“I can’t thank the manager enough for putting me in and trusting me in a big derby game,” said the former Middlesbrough man.

“I’m obviously disappointed with the way it’s gone but I’m happy to have made my league debut and I’m really happy and privileged to play for a club like this.

“But at the end of the day I let four in so I can’t really be happy with my performance when you do that as a goalkeeper because I want clean sheets.

“I’ll never be happy if I’m letting goals in. You need clean sheets as a team and a defence and we need to start defending more as a unit.

“We need to be harder to break down and harder to penetrate so we’ll go back to the training ground and look to put that right.”

Saturday’s defeat to Peterborough extended Town’s losing streak to five and saw them slip to bottom of Sky Bet League One in the process.

“Things take time,” added Coddington when asked if he could put his finger on why the Cobblers are struggling so badly. “I think we’ve got good players individually and eventually we’ve got to come together as a team.

“We put in a lot of hard work on the training ground and the atmosphere’s good in training and in the dressing room.

“We all want to be successful together and we have a very ambitious squad. The club’s ambitious and they all want to go forward.

“None of us are happy with the results. We’ve just go to try and put it right as quickly as we can.”

Given their poor start, Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against League Two Cambridge takes on extra importance as the Cobblers chase a first win of 2017/18.

“You need a winning mentality in the team,” added Coddington. “You need to be confident when you step onto the pitch, which I think the lads are.

“Tuesday is a big game for us and a game we’re looking to win. Hopefully we can turn it round and start the season from there.”

One in five sunbed users are at risk of becoming ‘tanning addicts’, scientists warn.

One-in-10 people use sunbeds each year despite it increasing the risk of skin cancer - including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease.

Now a simple new tool has found up to a fifth are at risk of getting hooked on the practice

The Behavioral Addiction Indoor Tanning Screener (BAITS) is a survey including seven questions.

Among 330 current users of sunbeds 19.7 per cent tested positive for symptoms of a potential indoor tanning addiction.

This compared to 1.8 per cent of 553 former users who had not used one in the last 12 months.

Dr Katharina Diehl, of Heidelberg University in Germany, said: “BAITS can be used as a screening tool in large surveys.

“But it may also help physicians and health care providers to identify individuals in particular need of specific counselling to avoid the continuous use of tanning beds.

“By this psychological testing of the BAITS it will be proven how accurate it is in identifying indoor tanning addicted individuals.”

Addiction disorder

The technique was developed based on a model of addiction disorder designed to capture the main features of the behaviours.

This includes diminished control and temptations that lead to urges or cravings.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbeds has been classified as carcinogenic to humans.

A growing body of research suggests excessive tanning is a behaviour with the potential to become addictive.

The study published in the British Journal of Dermatology used data from the National Cancer Aid Monitoring on Sunbed Use (NCAM) which includes a cognitive pretest and a survey of 3,000 German individuals.

Potential symptoms

Dr Diehl said BAITS is not a final diagnosis of indoor tanning addiction - which would require a more formal assessment - but does identify potential symptoms.

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “This is an interesting pilot study with two important developments.

“The first is a new way of measuring symptoms of tanning addiction in a large population group.

“The second is the finding - on testing this method - that as many as one in five sunbed users may have symptoms of addiction.

“There is strong evidence use of sunbeds increases the risk of skin cancers including malignant melanoma which is the most deadly type.

“For people who start using sunbeds before the age of 35 years the relative risk of malignant melanoma almost doubles.

“If indoor tanning does indeed have addiction potential, being able to assess the scale of the problem will be imperative.

“It certainly would help to explain why so many people continue to use sunbeds despite knowing the risks.”

Skin cancer risk

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. At least 100,000 new cases are diagnosed each year - and the disease kills over 2,500 people annually.

The cost to the NHS of treating non-melanoma skin cancer is expected to rise to £465m a year by 2025 as a direct result of people getting tans on foreign holidays and in salons.

Cancer Research UK says the UV rays from sunbeds can damage the DNA in skin cells. Over time this can build up to cause skin cancer.

It says: “Sunbeds can sometimes be marketed as a ‘controlled way’ of getting a ‘safer tan’. But actually, sunbeds are no safer than exposure to the sun itself.

“And using a sunbed before you go on holiday doesn’t protect against further damage from the sun while you’re away.”

Mediterranean midday sun

One study found the average skin cancer risk from sunbeds can be more than double that of spending the same length of time in the Mediterranean midday summer sun.

The charity says: “IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) agrees there is sufficient evidence to show using sunbeds causes melanoma skin cancer, the most serious form.

“They also state that sunbeds provide no positive health benefits.

“Combining the results of studies on sunbeds and cancer shows that using a sunbed increases melanoma risk by 16 to 20 per cent.”

The wait for The Great British Bake Off is nearly over and now the contestants for this year’s show have been revealed and they include a scientist, an architect and a former Officer in the Royal Artillery.

The 12 contestants will be battling it out weekly to impress new judge Prue Leith and veteran Bake Off judge, Paul Hollywood, alongside new presenters Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.

Supermarkets could easily “trick” customers into buying and eating fewer calories, according to new research.

The study suggests major food retailers could make small changes to the recipes of their own-brand food products to reduce the calories contained in the product, without notifying consumers explicitly.

So-called ‘silent’ product reformulation may be a “promising” way by which supermarkets could contribute to lower calorie intake, according to the research published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Study lead author Professor Jorgen Dejgaard Jensen, of Copenhagen University in Denmark, said: “Silent product reformulation may not achieve dramatic reductions in the population’s calorie intake, but there seems to be little doubt that it can reduce calorie intake, and that it can do so at a relatively low cost.”

The researchers analysed figures from a silent reformulation of eight products, conducted by a Danish retail chain between March 2013 and 2014.

The retailer made changes to the recipes of its own-brand mayonnaise, fruit yoghurt, pumpkin seed rye bread, toasting buns, yoghurt bread, carrot buns, wholegrain rolls, and chocolate muesli.

Nutrition fact labels were updated to reflect the changes, but were not announced to customers.

Drop in calories

The researchers found that for six products, calorie sales in the overall product category - for example ‘buns’ or ‘yoghurts’ - dropped between zero and seven per cent after the changes had been made.

Some customers swapped reformulated rye bread and chocolate cereal for higher-calorie alternatives, which undermined the calorie-reducing effect of the reformulation for the product categories ‘chocolate muesli’ and ‘bread’.

But the findings showed that for the majority of products such indirect substitution effects were outweighed by the positive effect of the reformulation.

Previous studies that assessed similar interventions didn’t take into account if shoppers swapped reformulated products for other products from the same category, for example one type of cereal for another.

But the researchers said that when evaluating the effectiveness of product reformulations, possible changes in consumer behaviour need to be taken into account to avoid overstating the public health effects of such interventions.

Changes in recipes

Prof Jensen said: “The product reformulations investigated in the study can be considered as ‘marginal’ changes in the recipes, focused on maintaining the original taste and appearance of the individual products.

“Larger recipe changes might induce more significant behavioural adjustments.

“Previous research has indicated that through a sequence of such marginal product reformulations, it may be possible to undertake more substantial changes in food products’ nutritional characteristics, and still maintain consumers’ acceptance of the products.”

The researchers also investigated whether behavioural responses would affect the retailer’s sales turnover.

They found that the impact of the product reformulations on the retailer’s sales turnover was “very small” - which indicates that such reformulations can be done at relatively low cost for the retailers.

Prof Jensen added: “Food product reformulation is considered to be one among several measures to combat the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity.

“Food manufacturers are continuously developing and marketing new ‘low-calorie’, ‘low-fat’ or ‘low-sugar’ varieties of processed food products.

“However, the health promotion potential of more ‘silent’ product reformulation has been largely ignored in research.

“Our findings suggest that silent reformulation of own-brand products can be effective in reducing calorie consumption by consumers.”

Northampton’s wretched start to the Sky Bet League One season will not necessarily force Justin Edinburgh to dip back into the transfer market ahead of Thursday’s deadline, though he hasn’t entirely ruled out the possibility.

The Cobblers are rock-bottom of League One with no points and a goal difference of minus eight from four games.

And Town’s poor start sunk to a new low on Saturday when rivals Peterborough United romped to a resounding 4-1 victory at Sixfields but, speaking afterwards, Edinburgh suggested his side’s struggles does not necessarily mean he will add to the 14 signings already made this summer.

“That hasn’t come into my mind,” he said afterwards. “First and foremost it’s just about us trying to get the results.

“Discussions can be spoke about as we go into the week but I think we’ve got to reflect on what we’ve got here.

“We’ve got a very good squad on paper but that hasn’t materialised out onto the pitch and now we’ve got to keep working hard and show belief.

“I’m not going to stand here and start feeling sorry for myself. It’s about what we’ve got to do now and that’s turn things around.”

Edinburgh also admitted that confidence in the Cobblers camp is starting to suffer, which comes as little surprise given the sluggish way they have started the season.

“If you lose four on the spin you won’t be full of confidence but there’s no place to hide,” he added.

“No one else can do it. If you’re picked and selected you’ve got to take that responsibility on and take the challenge and hit it head on.

“That’s the way I view it and that’s what we’ve got to do – you won’t find confidence on the training ground, you’ll only find it in a game.”

The news got worse for Northampton fans after Saturday’s defeat when Edinburgh revealed full-back Aaron Phillips faces a long spell on the sidelines following the injury picked up at Charlton last week.

“We had some really bad news on Aaron Phillips,” explained Town’s manager. “He’s probably going to have an operation with the injury he picked up a Charlton so I think that’ll be a long-term one.

“It’ll be the end of next month when Sam Hoskins is available for selection. John-Joe (O’Toole) will step up his training if he joins in on Monday and comes through that but we’ll have to wait and see.”

There were at least some positives to come out of Saturday’s defeat, with Edinburgh adding: “I thought Shaun McWilliams was excellent for his first 90 minutes of the season, he didn’t even complete that in pre-season.

“(Matt) Grimes tried to get on the ball and make things happen, probed and prodded and I thought that was excellent home debut so there’s always positives, but not too many.”

Dieters are more likely to keep the fat off if they shed just one pound a week... or even less, according to new research.

The secret to beating the battle of the bulge is a steady - rather than dramatic - reduction in calories, say scientists.

A study of almost 200 people found those whose weight fluctuated most during the first few weeks of a diet were less successful one and two years later.

The men and women who lost a consistent number of pounds each week fared best - despite it being just a little.

For example a participant who lost four pounds one week, regained two and then lost one the next, tended to end up worse off than one who lost a pound each week for three weeks.

Psychologist Professor Michael Lowe, of Drexel University, Philadelphia, said the findings illuminates a potential method for sticking to goals.

This would be based on a mathematical formula, or algorithm, that would calculate

weekly, or even daily, weight variability.

He said: “Settle on a weight loss plan that you can maintain week in and week out, even if that means consistently losing three quarters of a pound each week.”

Personalised dieting

The research could lead to improvements in personalised diets based on a mathematical formula, or algorithm, that would calculate weekly, or even daily, weight variability.

Most people maintain their weight inconsistently and fall into the vicious cycle of losing and then gaining weight.

More than six in ten British adults are overweight, with a shocking quarter obese.

Experts predict by 2025 four in ten will be obese with Type 2 diabetes continuing to soar.

Research has revealed two thirds of all dieters pile their weight back on within three years of hitting their dream targets.

In fact 40 per cent of those who lose more than 7st put on at least that much again.

It is called the Fat Trap.

Women put themselves on an average of 16 diets during their lifetimes, fuelling a £2 billion diet industry in the UK alone.

Slow and steady

Now principal investigator Prof Lowe and colleagues have shown shedding consistent pounds each week is the key to overcoming the problem.

They said: “When it comes to losing weight, it is not necessarily slow, but steady, that wins the race.”

In the study published in Obesity, they enrolled 183 participants aged 18 to 65 - eight in ten of them women - in a weight loss program and followed them over a two year period.

Lead author Emily Fieg, a PhD graduate student, said: “It seems that developing stable, repeatable behaviours related to food intake and weight loss early on in a weight control program is really important for maintaining changes over the long term.”

The psychologists were interested in studying what makes some people less successful at dieting - and identifying predictors that could improve treatment outcomes in the future.

To find out they recruited overweight or obese volunteers into a year long weight loss program that used meal replacements along with behavioural goals such as self monitoring, calorie counting and increasing physical activity.

The participants attended weekly treatment groups during which they were weighed, and returned for a final weigh in two years from the start of the program.

The participants also reported on food-related behaviours and attitudes like cravings, emotional eating, binge eating and confidence in regulating intake.

The researchers found that higher weight variability over the initial six and 12 weeks of weight loss treatment predicted poorer subsequent, long-term weight control at 12 and 24 months.

Binge eating bad

Interestingly individuals who reported lower emotional eating, binge eating and preoccupation with food at the start showed higher weight variability and less weight loss overall.

The researchers said: “This suggests initial weight change, rather than relationships with or behaviours toward food, is much more important in predicting who will succeed in weight loss and maintenance.”

Exactly why some people have more weight variability than others is a question the researchers are interested in exploring in future studies.

If these can replicate the results then measuring weight variability may be a way to identify individuals who are less likely to achieve meaningful and sustainable weight loss, and who may benefit from a stronger, more tailored focus on consistency.

Prof Lowe said: “Higher variability in weekly weights during the first 6 and 12 weeks

of treatment predicted poorer subsequent weight loss 1 and 2 years

after treatment initiation.

“If found to be reliable and useful, weight variability early in treatment may be cause for supplemental intervention.

“An algorithm could be created to calculate weight variability after each week - or even after each day, given the development of new technologies to monitor weight at home - of a weight loss program to be used by program leaders as a clinical indicator for risk of poor outcomes.

“Future research should also examine the behavioral and/or metabolic basis for weight variability and whether increasing the stability of week-to-week weight losses improves long term outcomes.

“If this is the case, behavioural interventions may benefit from a stronger focus on consistent weekly weight losses.”

A group of men were caught stealing thousands of pounds of goods from stalls at British Moto Gp at Silverstone.

A Moto GP fan spotted the group operating at the circuit and took a photograph of them which they passed on to police at the circuit.

Officers were deployed across the circuit on Saturday (August 26) before DS Hayley Thurston and DS Johnny Campbell arrested four men, who are all from Northern Ireland, in possession of stolen items.

A subsequent search of their hotel in Milton Keynes led to the arrest of a fifth man from Northern Ireland and the recovery of an array of further stolen goods, including Moto GP shirts, baseball caps, jackets, fidget spinners and even a framed picture of Spanish Moto GP rider Marc Marquez.

Three Belfast men, aged 74, 54 and 58, a 59-year-old man from Bangor and a 54-year-old from Londonderry have been arrested on suspicion of theft and are being questioned by Northamptonshire Police.

Superintendant Chris Hillery, who is leading the police operation at the Moto GP, said: "We are grateful to the witness who made us aware and I'm delighted our officers responded so quickly to bring these men into custody.

"The overwhelming majority of visitors have come to enjoy a great weekend of motorsport in Northamptonshire, but our officers on the ground are here to protect people from harm and to root out any criminality. This was an excellent piece of police work."

Alex Waller says the Saints are ‘pumped’ ahead of their Aviva Premiership opener against European champions Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday.

Jim Mallinder’s men completed a winning pre-season on Friday night when they raced to a 55-15 win over Ulster at Franklin’s Gardens.

That made it four wins out of four, and means the squad is in good shape as they prepare for the first competitive match of the campaign, and they don’t come much bigger or tougher than Saracens at HQ as part of the traditional season-opening London double header .

“What an opener, and everyone’s pumped,” said Waller. “Sarries at Twickers, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.

“There’s still a lot of things to work on and we were by no means perfect on Friday, but we’re ready to go flying into that game next week and start the season well. It’s a big couple of weeks.”

Saints follow up their trip to Twickenham with an equally tough first home game when they entertain bitter local rivals Leicester Tigers at the Gardens.

It is a difficult start, but Waller feels the pre-season campaign, that has seen the team secure wins over Dragons, Nottingham, Glasgow and Ulster means they ‘are in a good place’.

“You can’t read too much into results because oppositions have mixed their teams, a lot like we have, but it’s positive because we obviously want to win everything we play in,” Waller told northamptonsaints.com

“Physically, we feel in great shape and that’s credit to the shift put in by the strength and conditioning team.

“Also, pre-season was rugby from day one along with the fitness and I think that has showed. We feel like we’re in a good place.”

The scoreline suggests Friday’s match was a walk in the park for Saints, but that was far from the case as the score was just 15-8 in Saints’ favour as late as the 58th minute.

A flurry of late scores ensured an emphatic finish, but Waller felt it was an excellent test for him and his team-mates.

“Fair play to Ulster, they put up a tough fight in that first 60 minutes,” said the prop.

“They came with a big pack and it was a good workout for us ahead of the big game next week.

“There were positives in the last 20 minutes as well - we were able to go through our phases in attack and the lads that came on did a great job to remain composed and professional rather than going too loose.”

Officers were called at about 3.20am on Saturday (August 26) after reports of a van driving close to St Nicholas Church, Islip, and later of a sighting of a figure on the roof.

A 47-year-old man and a 33-year-old man, both from Kettering, have been charged with theft,

With the support of the police helicopter, one of the suspects was found hiding in bushes and the other was located on the roof.

Inspector Kev Byrne, who leads on rural crime for Northamptonshire Police, said: "This was a fantastic result by our team officers who acted fast to arrest these two individuals.

"It demonstrates how we will respond when the public comes to us and reports a crime. Lead theft is a troubling crime for our rural communities, targeting, as it does, historic buildings in the heart of their community."

Both suspects have been bailed to appear before Northampton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a Kettering newsagent.

Two men wearing hooded tops and face coverings, one armed with a hammer or axe, burst into Roops newsagents in Mill Road some time between 8.15pm and 8.45pm on Friday (August 25).

As the victim tried to prevent the till from being stolen, the armed robber hit him in the face a number of times, causing a cut to the left eyebrow area and swelling to the left ear.

The other robber punched the victim in the face until he released the till and they then fled the shop with it.

The victim required medical treatment for his injuries.

Both men were white and aged in their 30s. The one with the weapon was about 5ft 3in and slim with brown eyes.

The second offender was 5ft 7in-8in and slim.

Anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111

A Northampton couple were subjected to a terrifying ordeal by two masked men who turned up at their home and threatened to kill them.

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday (August 28).

Shortly before midnight, the victims had noticed some damage to their home in Malcolm Drive, St James, and reported it to Northamptonshire Police who arranged a home visit the following day

However, shortly before 3am two men knocked at the door of the house saying they were police officers.

When the 48-year-old victim opened the door he found two men with stockings over their heads, one of them brandishing a hammer and the other a makeshift metal weapon.

The offenders threatened to kill the victim unless they handed over money. The victim fought off the attackers who left empty-handed while his 48-year-old partner called police.

The victim needed treatment at Northampton General Hospital for facial injuries caused by the weapons.

The first male is described as white, 6ft 2-3in, and skinny. He had a long thin nose, short spikey grey hair with dark-coloured eyebrows. He had a local accent.

The second male was shorter and stockier with a round face. His nose was flatter and he also had a local accent.

Det Insp Wayne Preece, of Northamptonshire Police CID, said: "This was a genuinely terrifying incident for the two victims involved and we are asking for any witnesses, or anyone with information that could lead to identifying these offenders, to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

"We need the public to be aware that, on occasion, people do pretend to be police officers in order to gain entry. The message on this is simple: If you're not sure, don't open the door. Always ask to see a warrant card or dial 101 to double check, or 999 in an emergency."

A cot mobile has been recalled by its manufacturer due to fears that a part could present a choking hazard.

The Babies ‘R’ Us Jungle Friends Cot Mobile, with item number 171271, and marked mfr. 7731, could present danger following the discovery that the raindrops that form part of the toy can detach.

Customers should stop using the item immediately and return them to any Babies ‘R’ Us store for a refund.

No other products sold by Babies ‘R’ Us are affected.