We often see celebrities go through weight loss transformations, with side-by-side comparisons of the before and after weight loss. But people often do not feel inspired or drawn to their stories as we all know that they have access to great personal trainers, high-end food products as well as better access to healthcare. But one story that was highlighted by Men’s Health in their ‘First Steps’ series can inspire many with the story of Simon Lafontant, who lost 150 pounds and went on to become a body builder.

Simon Lafontant, a 32-year-old from Calgary, had to deal with some serious health problems for a long time. These included low testosterone and Crohn's disease, which made his life difficult. But Simon decided he wanted to make a change. He got medical help for his low testosterone and then set a big goal for himself: to compete in a bodybuilding competition. He used social media to keep himself on track, and he ended up losing over 150 pounds and even winning the competition! His story is about how he went from struggling with his health to becoming a bodybuilding champion.

How A Disease Can Become A Turning Point

Simon talks about how he used to have bad habits and wasn't living a healthy lifestyle. This led to him feeling down, gaining weight, and losing motivation. Things got really serious in 2020 when his Crohn's disease caused him to be in the hospital for seven whole months. According to Mayo Clinic Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that is inflammation in your digestive tract which can be very painful and can cause people to need long term remission and time to heal the inflammation. Simon spoke about how he realized his poor lifestyle choices and being obese had made his symptoms worse!

While you may not wish to become a bodybuilder, there are many other aspects you can take away from the Simon’s story! Another trip to the doctors revealed that he had very low testosterone levels, which explained his lack of energy. This was a major turning point for him, as he finally understood some of the reasons behind his struggles.

What Role Does Testosterone Play?

One thing that made a huge difference in Simon’s weight loss journey was getting the TRT treatment for his low testosterone which had an almost immediate effect on him. He felt good, started enjoying things again, like going outside and working out. He also remembered how much he loved powerlifting and Strongman competitions, so this helped him get on to his path to bodybuilding and weight training!

Low testosterone affects both men and women, but in different ways. In women, it can cause low sex drive, tiredness, muscle weakness, trouble getting pregnant, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood changes like depression or anxiety, hair thinning, dry skin, and sleep problems. In men, low testosterone can lead to reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, smaller testicles, hot flashes, and infertility. Other symptoms in men include feeling down, trouble concentrating or remembering things, and increased body fat. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.

Following a keto diet may drastically increase your risk of developing liver cancer by 20 years as it can alter cell function, a new US study suggests.

This celebrity-loved diet involves consuming very low carb and high fat meals to help the body enter a state of ketosis. During this process, the body uses fat for fuel instead of sugar (glucose) which can help lose weight. Additionally, the diet also helps the body to fight against diabetes, cancer, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

A keto diet often consists of 75 per cent fat, 20 per cent protein and only 5 per cent carbohydrates per meal however, the NHS's balanced diet advisory suggests eating meals with at least 30 per cent fat, 15 per cent protein and over 50 per cent carbohydrates.

However, researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have now found that when the liver is repeatedly exposed to a high-fat diet, its cells change in nature and are more likely to turn cancerous within two decades.

"If cells are forced to deal with a stressor such as a high fat diet over and over again, they will do things that will help them to survive, but at the risk of increased susceptibility to tumorigenesis [when normal cells mutate and become cancerous]," Professor Alex Shalek, director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, and study co-author noted.

As a result of the discovery, the doctors have now begun to look for ways to reverse liver damage by either returning to a healthier, well-balanced diet or using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro to restore normal liver cell function.

What Did The Study Find?

Early on during the experiment, the scientists noticed that liver cells called hepatocytes began activating genes to help them survive which reduced the likelihood of cell death and promoting growth, paving the way for them to become cancerous.

However, on the other hand, the cells essential for normal liver function such as metabolism and protein secretion began to simultaneously shut down. By the end of the study, nearly all of the mice that were fed a high-fat diet had developed liver cancer.

Constantine Tzouanas, Harvard-MIT graduate and study co-author said of the results, "These cells have already turned on the same genes that they’re going to need to become cancerous. They’ve already shifted away from the mature identity that would otherwise drag down their ability to proliferate. Once a cell picks up the wrong mutation, then it’s really off to the races and they’ve already gotten a head start on some of those hallmarks of cancer."

READ: What Keto Really Does To Your Body?

Can The Same Happen In Humans?

Thorough examination showed that over time, cells required for healthy liver function also began to decline and turn cancerous in humans as they did in mice. Using these common gene expression patterns, the researchers were able to conclude that the humans are also at a high risk of developing liver cancer due to a high-fat diet.

While the cancer developed within a year in the rodents mice, the researchers noted that the same happens over the span of roughly 20 years in humans due to a variety of factors including overall diet, alcohol use and viral infections, all of which can caused other changes to liver cells.

Apart from reversing liver damage through the use of GLP-1 drugs and returning to a nutritionally balanced diet, the experts are also looking to develop drug treatments that will specifically target liver cells.

Kerala has recently seen a sharp increase in hepatitis A cases, drawing national attention after media reports revealed more than 31,000 infections and 82 deaths recorded by the end of December 2025, according to NDTV. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Hepatitis A leads to mild or severe illness in around 1.4 million people each year, while nearly 113 million individuals get infected without showing symptoms. Globally, the disease claimed an estimated 7,134 lives in 2016. With numbers climbing in Kerala, here is a closer look at what hepatitis A is, how it spreads, and the precautions people should take.

Kerala Sees A Rise In Hepatitis A Cases

Kerala has reported its highest number of hepatitis A cases so far, raising renewed worries around drinking water quality, sanitation standards, and disease monitoring. As per The Hindu, the state logged 31,536 confirmed and suspected cases along with 82 deaths as of December 30, 2025. Health specialists say the outbreak did not happen overnight. It reflects long-standing pressure on early detection systems, sanitation facilities, and public water supply networks. Since Hepatitis A tends to be more severe in older age groups, the growing number of infections among adolescents and adults has become a major concern.

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, or close personal contact with an infected person. The infection can cause liver inflammation, jaundice, extreme tiredness, and stomach pain. In most cases, it is a short-term illness that clears on its own without specific treatment, though severe cases can occur. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not lead to long-term liver damage. The WHO notes that vaccination remains the most reliable way to stay protected.

Symptoms Of Hepatitis A

Symptoms of hepatitis A usually show up a few weeks after exposure to the virus, though some people never develop noticeable signs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those who do may experience:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness
• Sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, near the liver
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Reduced appetite
• Mild fever
• Dark-colored urine
• Joint aches
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice
• Severe itching

These symptoms are often mild and disappear within weeks. In some cases, however, the illness can be intense and last for several months.

Why Is Kerala Witnessing A Surge In Hepatitis A Cases?

Kerala has faced several hepatitis A outbreaks in recent years, but the current rise is notable for its scale and severity. Reports cited by The Hindu link the spread to contaminated groundwater, poor sanitation, and unhygienic surroundings, particularly in crowded localities. Investigations suggest that inadequate environmental hygiene and unsafe water sources have played a key role in allowing the virus to spread more widely.

Can Hepatitis A Be Prevented?

Yes, prevention is possible. The Cleveland Clinic states that vaccination against hepatitis A is the simplest and most effective safeguard. Doctors recommend the vaccine for children older than 12 months and for adults who:

• Are at risk of exposure at home or at work
• Plan to travel to regions where the virus is more common
• Have existing liver conditions

Basic hygiene also goes a long way in preventing infection. Regular handwashing and careful food handling can reduce the risk significantly. Outbreaks often worsen when simple safety habits are ignored. Small daily choices can protect your liver. Drinking boiled or bottled water, avoiding food from unhygienic sources, and peeling fruits at home can help lower the risk.

If someone in the household is infected, cleanliness becomes even more important. Surfaces should be disinfected, food prepared carefully, and personal items not shared. Safe sexual practices also matter, as the virus can spread through oral-anal contact. On a broader level, preventing future outbreaks requires more than short-term fixes. Improving water quality, repairing sewage systems, and strengthening public health surveillance are essential to stop the cycle from repeating.

What looks like a simple biological process of being born, living, and then dying, may have another layer that not many know. Between life and death, your cells could be conscious, or what scientists call "third state of life".

Human body is made of 30 trillion human cells and microbes. They all function together to maintain life. Research show that in the near death experience, there may be a "third state of life". What does it mean? It means that cells are able to continue and in fact, reorganize even after an organism dies. Does it mean that human consciousness also does the same even when we are not aware?

There are reports of survivors of near-death experiences who see vivid dream. These are tunnel vision of light, or a feeling of calm. But, what happens to those who do not come back? Could their cells be undergoing a change and also be reorganized in ways we do not understand?

What Does It Mean For Cells To Be In A "Third State"?

This concept gained momentum with the emergence of xenobots, which is AI-created multicellular creatures that exhibit autonomy outside their initial biological purpose. These mall biological robots are constructed from frog embryo cells, which, when introduced into new environments, spontaneously reconfigure and assume new functions. For instance, instead of employing their hair-like cilia to move mucus as they would in a living frog, xenobots redirect these structures for mobility.

This phenomenon proves that cells are capable of being reassembled into new shapes and functions even after the death of an organism. Researchers opine that this postmortem cellular plasticity is not exclusive to xenobots. Human cells, or "anthrobots," also display such actions, proving the ability for posthumous cellular reorganization and transformation.

Are Cells Alive After Death?

At the heart of the debate is a provocative question: can cells be conscious? Physician and evolutionary biologist William Miller explores this idea in The Sentient Cell, where he argues that cells possess a basic form of awareness. His Cellular Basis of Consciousness (CBC) hypothesis suggests that cells don’t simply follow genetic instructions on autopilot. Instead, they can make decisions, adapt to changing conditions, and act to preserve themselves, traits that resemble a primitive kind of consciousness.

This challenges the traditional view of genes as the sole masters of biology. Miller proposes that genes function more like tools, while intelligent cellular behavior drives cooperation, mutual support, and problem-solving. In this view, life evolves not just through “survival of the fittest,” but through collaboration and adaptability.

Historically, death has been defined as irreversible loss of organismal biological activity. Yet such medical procedures as organ donation illustrate that some organs, tissues, and cells maintain their functional properties even after death—sometimes for hours, days, or weeks under optimal circumstances.

A number of factors will decide whether cells survive after death. Environmental parameters, the state of metabolism, and methods of preservation are all important. Human white blood cells, for instance, can last between 60 and 86 hours from the time of death, while those of mice skeletal muscle can regenerate two weeks after death. Some fibroblast cells in sheep and goats have even been grown up to a month following the organism's death.

In addition, researchers have discovered that certain human lung cells are capable of self-assembling into small multicellular structures that can move and heal themselves. These "anthrobots" exhibit a capacity to explore their environment and repair injured neurons, abilities that contradict traditional assumptions about cellular behavior following death.