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.

Infections accounted for an estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, or about 12% of all cancers diagnosed that year, according to a September 2026 study published in The Lancet Oncology. Among these, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that infects the stomach, was associated with an estimated 760,000 cancer cases.

A 2025 study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), estimated that 76% of the 15.6 million stomach cancer cases expected over the lifetimes of people born between 2008 and 2017 could be attributable to H. pylori infection if prevention efforts do not improve.

Although infections can contribute to cancer development, they are not the only cause. Genetics, age and non-infectious factors also play a role, Dr. Vivek Kaul, Professor of Medicine in the Gastroenterology & Hepatology Division at the University of Rochester Medical Center, told HealthandMe in an exclusive interview.

“I think, generally speaking, I think H. pylori is a well-known carcinogen, mostly responsible for the development of gastric cancer,” Kaul said.

Is Cancer Increasingly Linked To Infections?

The findings highlight the contribution of infectious agents to the global cancer burden. However, Kaul cautioned against concluding that cancer is increasingly being driven by infections.

“But I don't think it's fair to say that, you know, we are moving towards a more infectious etiology for cancer,” he said.

“Cancer is a multifactorial disease state that develops, most commonly develops from genetic and from non-infectious causes,” Kaul added.

He explained that cancer development also depends on the ability of cells to defend themselves against external threats and genetic mutations.

“In many cases, cancer development comes primarily from genetic and age-related issues and boils down to the individual cell's ability, you know, to fight external attacks, such as from H. pylori type of agents or from genetic mutations,” he said.

Kaul also noted that other infectious agents have been implicated in cancer development.

How Does H. pylori Raise Stomach Cancer Risk?

H. pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and can persist for years. The infection can cause chronic inflammation and damage to stomach tissue, increasing the risk of gastric cancer.

According to scientists at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), H. pylori infection is responsible for an estimated 76% of stomach cancer cases worldwide. The infection often causes no noticeable symptoms, although some people may experience digestive complaints.

The bacterium can spread through contaminated food or water and close contact with infected individuals. In some cases, the infection can cause stomach ulcers. Because many infected people have no symptoms, testing may be needed to identify it.

Can H. pylori Infection Be Prevented From Progressing To Cancer?

The World Gastroenterology Organisation's global guidelines state that eradicating H. pylori before precancerous changes develop can help prevent gastric cancer. This evidence supports test-and-treat screening programmes for young adults in countries with a high disease burden and sufficient resources.

Testing can involve blood, breath or stool tests, depending on the clinical context. People diagnosed with the infection can receive treatment to eradicate the bacterium. Follow-up testing can then confirm whether treatment has worked.

Nobel laureate and gastroenterologist Dr Barry Marshall has also highlighted the potential for early treatment to reduce cancer risk.

“H. pylori is much more than an ulcer organism. If the infection persists for many years, it can cause chronic inflammation in the stomach and increase the risk of gastric cancer. That gives us an opportunity because this is a potentially preventable cause of cancer,” Marshall told PTI.

He stressed the need for wider testing, appropriate treatment and follow-up to ensure the infection has been cleared.

Other Digestive Cancers Are Also A Growing Concern

Beyond infection-associated cancers, Kaul highlighted the rising incidence of several digestive cancers.

“We know that esophageal squamous cancer is another example where we will be close to a million cases by 2035,” he said, pointing to the burden in East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and South America, including India.

Kaul also identified liver cancer as a growing concern and noted the rise in colorectal cancer among younger people in Western countries. The increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults in the US contributed to recommendations to begin average-risk screening at age 45 rather than 50.

These trends underline the need to address infectious causes of cancer alongside other risk factors, while improving access to prevention, early detection and appropriate care.

With the increasing use of smartphones, laptops and other digital devices, neck pain and back discomfort are becoming common concerns among people of different age groups. Long working hours, improper sitting positions and excessive screen time are putting additional pressure on the spine. What may begin as mild stiffness in the neck or shoulders can gradually develop into persistent discomfort if ignored.

Poor posture and prolonged screen use are among the common lifestyle factors contributing to neck and back pain.

Many people complain of neck stiffness or back pain despite not being involved in physically demanding activities. On examining their daily routine, we often find that they spend several hours working on computers or looking at their mobile phones without taking adequate breaks. Maintaining the same posture for extended periods can put unnecessary stress on the spine.

The spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments and muscles. It supports the body, helps maintain balance and allows movement. However, prolonged sitting and incorrect posture can affect the normal functioning of these structures.

One of the growing concerns associated with digital device usage is ‘text neck’, a term commonly used to describe neck pain and discomfort linked to repeatedly looking down at smartphones and tablets. When the head moves forward from its natural position, the muscles of the neck and shoulders have to work harder to support it. Over time, this may lead to stiffness, muscle fatigue and recurring pain.

Children and teenagers are also vulnerable to posture-related problems because of extended screen time, online learning and gaming. Encouraging them to take regular breaks and participate in outdoor activities can help promote better musculoskeletal health.

The effects of an inactive lifestyle extend beyond the spine. Reduced physical activity can contribute to weight gain, poor muscle strength and an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular health problems. Regular movement is therefore important not only for spinal health but also for overall well-being.

Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Make a Difference

Preventing posture-related pain does not necessarily require complicated exercise routines. Small changes in everyday habits can help reduce strain on the neck and back.

Taking short breaks during working hours instead of remaining seated continuously. Standing up, walking around or performing gentle stretches every 30 minutes can help reduce prolonged static loading on the spine.

Workstation ergonomics also plays an important role. People should keep their feet comfortably supported on the floor, maintain a relaxed shoulder position and avoid bending their neck forward for extended periods. The computer screen should be positioned at a comfortable viewing height, while laptop users can consider an external keyboard and mouse to improve their working posture.

Regular physical activity can further support spinal health. Exercises such as bridges, planks and bird dogs can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine when performed correctly. Walking, swimming and cycling are also useful ways to remain active. The World Health Organization recommends that adults undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

People with obesity, diabetes or a family history of spinal disorders should pay particular attention to their daily activity levels and seek medical advice when necessary. Parents should also encourage children to balance screen time with physical activity and healthy movement habits.

When Should You Consult a Specialist?

Occasional discomfort that improves with movement or a change in posture may not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, persistent or worsening pain should not be ignored.

Consulting a doctor if neck or back pain continues for several weeks, radiates into the arms or legs, or is accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. Pain associated with fever or unexplained weight loss also requires prompt medical evaluation.

Do not rely on painkillers for prolonged periods without professional guidance. Pain relief alone may not address the underlying cause, making an appropriate assessment important when symptoms persist.

Most cases of neck and back pain do not require surgery. Many can improve with appropriate treatment, physical activity and changes in daily habits. The important thing is to identify the cause of the pain and avoid ignoring recurring symptoms

As digital devices become an essential part of modern life, protecting spinal health requires greater awareness of posture, regular movement and healthy screen habits. Simple preventive measures adopted today can help people maintain better mobility and comfort in the long run.

(By Dr. Lalit Kumar, Director Consultant, Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement and Spine Surgeon at Shalby International Hospitals, Gurugram)

Beyond weight loss and diabetes control, GLP-1 drugs may offer mental health benefits by reducing the need for psychiatric hospital care among people with schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to a new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

The findings showed that treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) was associated with lower risks of psychiatric hospitalization and emergency department visits among people with both conditions.

What Did the Study Find?

Also read: Exclusive: GLP-1 Drugs Are The ‘New Statins’, Says University Hospital Birmingham Professor

Researchers from Deakin University and the University of Queensland in Australia analyzed US health records of more than 70,000 adults with schizophrenia and T2D who received treatment between January 2018 and October 2026.

The researchers found that people taking GLP-1 drugs were:

• 24% less likely to require psychiatric hospitalization than those not taking any of the compared diabetes medications.
• 18% less likely to require psychiatric hospitalization than those taking DPP-4 inhibitors.
• 17% less likely to require psychiatric hospitalization than those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

GLP-1 use was also associated with fewer psychiatric emergency department visits. Compared with the same groups, users were:

• 29% less likely to require emergency care than those not taking any of the compared diabetes medications.
• 13% less likely than those taking DPP-4 inhibitors.
• 20% less likely than those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

Further, when the researchers analyzed individual drugs, the association was observed with semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, but not dulaglutide.

GLP-1 Drugs Not Primary Treatment for Schizophrenia

Read More: Ozempic Baby: Can GLP-1 Drugs Help Women With PMOS Conceive?

The researchers cautioned that the observational study cannot establish that GLP-1 drugs directly reduce the need for acute psychiatric care.

They said the medications should not be considered primary psychiatric treatments or prescribed solely to reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency visits.

Instead, the findings point to a potential additional benefit when GLP-1 drugs are prescribed for appropriate metabolic indications as part of integrated cardiometabolic and mental health care.

“The findings suggest that lower psychiatric acute-care use could be a favourable secondary benefit when GLP-1-based therapies are clinically indicated for metabolic management,” the researchers said.

They added that randomized clinical trials and mechanistic studies are needed to determine whether the drugs have a direct effect on psychiatric outcomes. Further research should also investigate their potential benefits in people with schizophrenia who do not have T2D.

Why Is Type 2 Diabetes More Common in People With Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder associated with disability, other health conditions, and premature mortality. Cardiometabolic diseases, including T2D, contribute substantially to this burden.

Studies suggest that diabetes may be up to five times more common among people with schizophrenia than among those without the condition. Approximately one in five people with schizophrenia may also have diabetes.

Several factors may contribute to this increased risk, including:

• Obesity
• High cholesterol and other abnormal blood lipid levels
• Elevated blood sugar
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Poor sleep
• Stress

Could GLP-1 Drugs Help Address Both Conditions?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are an established class of medications used to manage T2D and, in some cases, obesity. Their potential role in people with schizophrenia is of growing interest because of the high burden of metabolic disease in this population.

However, whether these medications directly improve psychiatric outcomes remains uncertain.

The latest findings suggest that GLP-1 treatment may be associated with reduced use of acute psychiatric care among people with schizophrenia and T2D. Further clinical trials are needed before any direct mental health benefit can be established.