insulin resistance

Ditching sugar in your chai is not enough for diabetes prevention, warns Dr. Shehla Shaikh. Sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep, and chronic stress significantly elevate risks, impacting insulin resistance. Processed "sugar-free" foods also deceive people. True prevention lies in holistic lifestyle changes: regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and whole foods.

Fatty liver disease, now called MASLD, is a growing concern for women's reproductive health. It impacts fertility and can lead to pregnancy complications. Many women are unaware of this link. Early detection and lifestyle changes like weight management and healthy eating are crucial. Gynaecologists are now focusing on metabolic health, including liver function, for women facing fertility issues.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is now polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), reflecting its hormonal and metabolic nature. Research highlights its endocrine roots, impacting insulin and other hormones, not just ovaries. This reclassification aims for earlier diagnosis and better management, emphasizing metabolic health alongside reproductive concerns for affected women.

Prolonged screen time poses significant risks for individuals with diabetes, contributing to sedentary lifestyles, poor sleep, and increased snacking. This can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar, weight gain, and long-term complications like diabetic retinopathy. Experts advise incorporating movement breaks, limiting screen time before bed, and mindful technology use to manage these risks.

India grapples with a significant diabetes and prediabetes surge. Millions are affected, many unaware of their condition. High blood sugar silently harms the body, impacting vital organs. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial. Doctors emphasize prevention through diet, exercise, and sleep. Timely treatment is vital for managing this widespread health challenge.

Experts highlight that breakfast significantly impacts metabolism, immunity, and long-term health, with many Indians neglecting this crucial meal. Poor breakfast choices, often high in refined carbs and sugar, contribute to rising obesity and lifestyle disorders. A balanced Indian breakfast, rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, is recommended for sustained energy and overall well-being.

India faces a silent health crisis where invisible abdominal fat, not visible weight, poses significant risks. This 'high body fat, low muscle mass' phenotype leads to early onset of diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver, even in those appearing thin. Traditional BMI is insufficient; waist circumference is a crucial, low-cost indicator of this growing national health problem.

Blood sugar spikes are a growing concern in India. Nutrition experts highlight that simple food choices can make a significant difference. Incorporating foods like oats, lentils, chickpeas, sattu, curd, certain vegetables, nuts, and whole fruits can help manage glucose levels. These options release sugar slowly, promoting stability and reducing hunger.

Indian women often experience weight gain and hair fall after marriage and childbirth due to stress, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle changes. These factors, including nutritional deficiencies and poor sleep, disrupt the body's balance, impacting both metabolism and hair health. Experts emphasize that these changes are not normal but signs of underlying issues requiring attention.

Fertility experts now urge women to view menstrual cycles as crucial health indicators, not mere inconveniences. Irregularities can signal underlying issues like hormone imbalance, thyroid problems, or stress, impacting long-term fertility. Modern lifestyles are increasingly contributing to these disruptions, making early attention vital for timely intervention and better health outcomes.

Thyroid dysfunction is increasingly affecting young professionals, teenagers, and men in India, moving beyond its old stereotype. Symptoms like persistent fatigue, anxiety, and weight fluctuations are often mistaken for stress or aging. Experts highlight the need for broader awareness as the condition impacts various age groups and genders, demanding timely diagnosis and holistic management.

Recent studies indicate that substantial weight gain in adulthood can significantly heighten cancer risks, particularly for cancers associated with obesity, such as liver and oesophageal cancers. Those who gain the most weight may see their cancer risk more than double. This finding highlights the urgent need for effective weight management throughout life to help prevent cancer.

A long-term study has found that visceral fat, not just overall body weight, is closely linked to brain aging and cognitive performance. It also suggests that waist size and blood sugar may matter more than BMI alone

Medical terminology is evolving to better reflect actual conditions. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), acknowledging its broader impact beyond cysts. Similarly, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is now Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). These name changes offer crucial validation and aim to improve diagnosis and treatment for millions.

Women in their mid-40s often dismiss perimenopause symptoms like irregular bleeding, weight gain, and fatigue as normal aging. However, these changes signal a critical transition where hormonal shifts can lead to serious health issues including anemia, metabolic syndrome, bone density loss, thyroid problems, and mental health challenges. Early awareness and proactive management are key to long-term well-being.

In the words of Dr. Saurabh Sethi, visceral fat is the silent saboteur of good health, lurking within our bodies and linked to serious issues like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Unlike the fat that shows on our skin, this internal layer requires us to focus on transforming our diets.

A concerning national analysis reveals nearly 7% of Indian school children are obese, with rates climbing nationwide. Researchers link this rise to processed foods, sedentary habits, and screen time. Experts warn of early onset of adult diseases like diabetes and heart issues, stressing the urgent need for dietary changes and increased physical activity to combat this growing public health crisis.

Oats are lauded for their fiber and heart health benefits, but their impact varies. Processed oats can spike blood sugar, while phytates may hinder mineral absorption. Individuals with gluten sensitivity or digestive issues should exercise caution, emphasizing that a balanced, varied diet is key.

Many people struggle with weight loss cycles. A simple calorie deficit approach often fails because it ignores hormones, stress, and sleep. Obsessing over the scale is unhelpful. Irregular results do not always mean a lack of discipline. Understanding your body's unique needs is crucial for sustainable weight loss. This approach leads to more energy, better sleep, and improved health.

New science reveals the body remembers obesity. Immune cells hold onto changes even after weight loss. This 'obesity memory' explains why health risks linger and weight regain occurs. Full recovery may take years. Diet, especially saturated fats, plays a role. Prevention is key for lasting health.

Frustrated by stalled weight loss despite healthy habits? Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi reveals a common dinner mistake: eating too late. He explains that a tight window between dinner and sleep disrupts your body's natural metabolism, hindering progress. Dr. Sethi recommends a 2-3 hour gap before bed for better results and improved sleep quality.

Bihar’s steadfast alcohol prohibition, maintained for ten years, has transformed public health outcomes despite financial setbacks. Medical professionals note a remarkable drop in liver disease cases and other ailments linked to alcohol consumption. Research indicates families are investing the money saved from not buying alcohol into nutritious foods, especially in urban regions.

Within 30 minutes of consuming sugar, your body experiences a rapid glucose surge, triggering insulin release. This can lead to a temporary pleasure hit followed by an energy crash, creating a cycle of cravings. Experts advise moderating sugary foods and increasing protein and fiber to manage blood sugar and long-term health.

Many people are not getting enough magnesium, even when eating healthy. This is because the body's ability to absorb and keep magnesium is affected by many factors. These include medications, gut problems, and stress. Even with good food, people can be deficient. This can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

India faces a silent epidemic: over a third of its population has fatty liver disease (MASLD), linked to diabetes and heart issues. This condition, often asymptomatic, thrives on urbanization and poor diets, making South Asians uniquely vulnerable. Early detection through routine checks and lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent severe liver damage and complications.