Could your body odour be a sign of illness?

Specific smells, such as fruity or fishy, could indicate certain health conditions

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Sweating from intense exercise or extreme heat often produces a strong smell - but when does this odour signal something more serious?

In some cases, a sudden or unusual change in body odour - particularly when paired with other symptoms may point to an underlying health condition. Here GPs give their guidance on warning signs to watch for and advice on when it's time to consult a healthcare professional.

What is body odour?

"Body odour, or BO as we casually call it, arises from bacteria breaking down sweat, leading to those distinct aromas," explains Dr Anita Raja, a Birmingham-based GP.

Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice adds: "It is a natural phenomenon many people experience, yet it often raises questions and concerns regarding its implications for health. While body odour is a normal aspect of human physiology, certain scents can signal underlying medical conditions."

What types of body odours should we be worried about?