One of the commonest causes of illness, a sore throat often clears up on its own, but knowing what's causing it is important to treat it properly. Viral, bacterial, or caused by allergic elements - these kinds of sore throats have different characteristics that need different responses.

Sore throats have several origins, including infection and environmental factors. Some common causes include:

Viral infections: Viruses cause 90% of sore throat cases. Sore throats may result due to flu or common cold as well as those from chickenpox and measles that can all cause irritation.

Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat, is the most common bacterial source. Strep throat is contagious and can lead to complications if untreated.

Allergies: Pollen, pet dander, and mold can trigger throat irritation, often accompanied by postnasal drip, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Environmental Factors: Dry air, pollution, and smoke can dry out or irritate the throat, creating a scratchy sensation.

Other Causes: GERD, vocal strain, even tumors may be responsible for chronic sore throats.

How to Distinguish Between Viral, Bacterial, and Allergic Sore Throats

Determining your cause of sore throat requires analysis of symptoms that accompany it, how long the sore throat lasts, and how bad the sore throat is.

Viral Sore Throats

The viruses that cause a sore throat are usually similar to a cold in their symptoms and tend to be milder than bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Viral Sore Throat

- Red, swollen throat without white patches

- Persistent cough

- Runny nose and nasal congestion

- Fever, usually mild

Duration: Viral infections last for 7–10 days without antibiotics.

Treatment: Home remedies, such as warm fluids, saltwater gargling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate it.

Also Read: Flu Season Grips 40 States In US, CDC Reports Alarming Numbers

Bacterial Sore Throats

Bacterial sore throats, mainly strep throat, are more severe and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.

Symptoms of Bacterial Sore Throat

- Red and swollen tonsils with white patches or streaks of pus

- High fever

- Absence of a cough

- Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain (especially in children)

- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth

Diagnosis: Rapid strep tests or throat cultures confirm the presence of bacteria.

Treatment: Antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the infection. Without treatment, complications like rheumatic fever or abscesses can develop.

Sore Throats Caused by Allergies

Throat irritation is caused by postnasal drip. Allergies create a buildup and drip of mucus down the back of the throat.

Allergic Sore Throat Symptoms

- Irritation of the throat and ears

- Runny eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion

- These symptoms are usually relieved by antihistamines or removal from the source of the allergen

Duration: Allergic sore throats are sustained for as long as the allergens are exposed.

When to Seek Medical Care?

A sore throat should be taken to a doctor if:

- The condition lasts more than a week.

- There is shortness of breath or swallowing becomes painful.

- Swelling is too pronounced or the pain in the throat is extreme.

- High fever, rash, or joint pain occur along with the sore throat.

- A child shows signs of dehydration or refuses fluids due to throat pain.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and speed recovery.

Effective Treatment for Sore Throats

Home Remedies for Viral and Allergy-Related Sore Throats

Viral infections and allergies often respond well to non-invasive treatments:

• Drink warm teas, broths, or water to soothe the throat.
• Gargling with warm, salty water can reduce inflammation.
• These help soothe an irritated throat and can alleviate coughing.

Let your body rest sufficiently. Humidifying dry air will help keep the throat moist, especially when winter is on its way.

Why Not All Sore Throats Require Antibiotics?

Bacterial infections require antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Finish the treatment completely to avoid reoccurrence or resistance.

How to Keep Sore Throats at Bay When Winter Is Near

Prevention is better than cure, and simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:

• Wash your hands frequently to avoid infections.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Use air purifiers to minimize exposure to irritants.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to boost immunity.

Understanding the cause of your sore throat—whether viral, bacterial, or allergic—is key to effective treatment and recovery. While many sore throats resolve on their own, seeking timely medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms can prevent complications. Prioritize self-care, and don’t hesitate to consult a doctor when needed. Remember, your throat’s health is a vital part of your overall well-being.

When Demi Moore stepped onto the red carpet at the 2026 Actor Awards, the conversation quickly shifted away from couture and glamour. The 63 year old actor wore a striking black Schiaparelli gown with a dramatic feathered train, but what truly caught public attention was her noticeably thinner frame.

Photos from the event spread rapidly across social media, and many fans expressed worry over what they described as a “skeletal” appearance. Some questioned whether the transformation was intentional. Others speculated whether she may have used Ozempic, the diabetes medication that has become synonymous with rapid celebrity weight loss.

There has been no confirmation that Moore used any weight loss medication. Still, the public reaction reflects a growing anxiety about how quickly bodies can change in the era of injectable weight loss drugs.

The Ozempic Question

Ozempic was originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Over the past few years, it has gained immense popularity for its ability to produce significant weight loss.

But as prescriptions surged, so did questions about side effects. One of the biggest concerns is loss of lean mass, which includes muscle.

Research published in Cell Metabolism examined how semaglutide affects body composition. In animal studies, overall lean mass dropped by about 10 percent during weight loss. Interestingly, much of that loss was not from skeletal muscle but from organs like the liver, which can shrink as body fat decreases. Some skeletal muscles did shrink slightly, by about 6 percent on average, while others remained unchanged.

However, other human studies suggest that people taking semaglutide may lose a substantial amount of muscle along with fat. One study found that around 39 percent of the weight lost was muscle. Research on tirzepatide, another injectable drug, showed muscle loss closer to 25 percent of total weight reduction.

It is important to note that muscle loss is not unique to Ozempic. Anytime someone loses a large amount of weight, whether through dieting, surgery, or medication, about one quarter to one third of that loss can come from muscle. When calories are restricted, the body taps into stored energy from glycogen, fat, and muscle.

The problem is that muscle matters. Losing muscle lowers metabolic rate, increases fatigue, and can raise the risk of falls or injury, especially in older adults. For women over 60, rapid weight loss may also affect bone health.

Why Rapid Weight Loss Raises Red Flags

When a public figure appears dramatically thinner within a short span of time, people naturally worry. Rapid weight loss can sometimes signal aggressive calorie restriction, illness, or medication side effects.

Even when weight loss is intentional, the speed matters. Quick changes can strain the body, impact strength, and alter facial structure, which may explain why some fans said Moore looked “different” rather than simply “slimmer.”

Healthy weight loss is not just about a number on the scale. It is about preserving muscle, supporting metabolism, and protecting long term health.

How To Lose Weight Without Losing Strength

If someone chooses to pursue weight loss, whether naturally or with medical supervision, protecting muscle should be a priority.

Prioritize protein. Most adults aiming for fat loss need between 60 to 90 grams of high quality protein daily. Protein supports muscle repair and helps maintain lean mass, especially when appetite is reduced.

Strength train consistently. Resistance training at least three to four times a week signals the body to hold onto muscle. Lifting weights, using resistance bands, Pilates, or bodyweight exercises all help.

Do weight bearing cardio. Walking, tennis, or light jogging can support both bone density and muscle retention.

Stay hydrated. Muscle is largely made of water. Dehydration can worsen fatigue and impair recovery.

Aim for slow, steady loss. Losing weight gradually gives the body time to adapt and reduces the risk of excessive muscle breakdown.

Demi Moore’s appearance has reignited a broader conversation about beauty standards, aging, and the pressures surrounding thinness. Regardless of the cause behind her transformation, the moment highlights an important truth. Sustainable health is about strength, balance, and care, not just shrinking numbers on a scale.

Multivitamins are essentially dietary supplements containing a combination of various vitamins and minerals, often used to bridge nutritional gaps in the diet, treat deficiencies caused by poor nutrition or illness and support overall health.

Designed to provide a broad range of nutrients in one daily dose, they are available in tablets, capsules, gummies or liquids and are widely recommended to adults of all ages and genders.

But which vitamins do women need and when should you be taking them?

Dr Yashica Gudesar, Director & Unit Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka exclusively tells Healthandme: "A woman’s nutritional needs change at different stages of life, from adolescence to reproductive years, pregnancy, and menopause. While food should always be the primary source of nutrients, certain vitamins may be required as women age or depending on lifestyle, diet, and health conditions."

"There’s honestly no universal vitamin checklist that works for every woman. The needs change with age, lifestyle, stress, whether one is planning a pregnancy, and of course, what the blood reports actually show," Bhakti Samant, Chief Dietician, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital further told this publication.

Here are the supplements you need to stock your medicine cabinet with:

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for strong bones, immune function, and calcium absorption, often synthesized when skin is exposed to sunlight or obtained via food and supplements.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, and depression. Deficiencies are common due to low sun exposure or poor diet, leading to rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults.

However, this can be avoided by consuming a combination of calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Dr Ginni Kalra, Head Dietician, Aakash Healthcare explained to Healthandme: "One of the frequently deficient nutrients in women is vitamin D. It is very important in calcium absorption, bone density, immune homeostasis and mood balance. In most adult women, the amount needed is 600-800 IU (15-20 mcg) per day although deficient women can take 1000-2000 IU per day under the supervision.

"Calcium is necessary in bone density especially in women post-menopause who experience rapid bone loss owing to the diminishing estrogen. Adult women should take 1,000 mg per day that rises to 1200 mg past 50 years. Calcium supplements are most ideal in separated doses of 500-600 mg each time and preferably following meals. When combined with vitamin D, absorption will enhance much better."

"Calcium becomes especially important after the age of 30, and even more after menopause. It can be taken after meals, often divided into two doses for better absorption," Dr Gudesar added.

Moreover, Samant advised: "Vitamin D is best taken with a meal that has some fat. Calcium (around 1000–1200 mg daily) is better split into two doses and should not be taken with iron."

2. Iron

A vital mineral, iron plays a very crucial role in human functioning by helping create hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body, essential for energy and muscle function. Low iron levels can result in decreased oxygen transport and leading to symptoms like extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, cold hands/feet and shortness of breath.

While an iron deficiency is usually caused by poor diet, blood loss due to menstrual periods, ulcers, cancer, or regular use of pain relievers like aspirin or malabsorption issues, it can be remedied through supplements.

Dr Kalra explains: "Iron is also essential especially in menstruating women because they lose blood monthly. It may result in an iron deficiency which causes fatigue, loss of hair, brittle nails, and poor concentration. The acceptable amount of iron that is recommended to be taken by women aged 19 to 50 is approximately 18 mg, but this reduces to 8 mg after menopause.

"Iron supplements are better absorbed on an empty stomach or when taken with vitamin C and not when they are taken with calcium, tea or coffee as they have been found to interfere with absorption. The intake in the morning is usually desirable, but in case of gastrointestinal discomfort, it should be avoided."

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for the body because it serves as a powerful antioxidant, supports the immune system, and is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, which is vital for wound healing and the maintenance of healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels.

It also enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart conditions.

While, foods such as oranges, lemons, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts can provide help maintain Vitamin C levels, supplements can help boost absorption and maximize benefits.

Dr Kalra notes: "Vitamin C helps to maintain the immunity, collagen synthesis, and iron uptake. It should be taken in 75 mg daily by adult women. It is soluble in water and can be consumed together with breakfast."

Additionally, she also recommends intaking: "Vitamin E and vitamin A also help the skin, vision, and antioxidant defense, but overconsumption is not advisable because it may be toxic."

4. Omega 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their crucial role in brain function and overall mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in EPA and DHA, which are vital components of cell membranes and have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Some popular sources of Omega-3 include:

• Salmon
• Cod Liver Oil
• Algae Oil
• Oysters
• Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts
• Plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
• Fortified foods, such as eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, etc.

But as many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Dr Kalra suggests: "Though not vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids are worth mentioning because of the cardiovascular, hormonal, and anti-inflammatory effects. About 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA a day may be helpful and is most often administered after meals."

5. Vitamin B12

Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency often appear slowly. You may not notice them at first, or may blame them on stress, lack of sleep or a busy schedule. However, if the deficiency continues for long, it could lead to serious health problems.

Dr Gudesar recommends: "Vitamin B12 supports nerve health and energy levels. Vegetarian women are more prone to deficiency. It is typically taken in the morning."

"Vitamin B12 is needed to promote nerve well-being, red blood cell building, and energy conversion. The chances of deficiency are increased in vegetarian women because B12 is mostly found in foods of animal origin. The suggested daily dose is 2.4 mcg, but the dosage can be raised in deficiency. It is preferable in the morning as it could increase alertness," Dr Kalra explained.

However, Dr Kalra also advises: "There should be individualization of supplement timing and dosage. Decisions should be based on routine blood tests, dietary assessment, age, lifestyle, and existing medical conditions.

"Excessive supplementation is detrimental, in particular, fat-soluble vitamins. The only safe and effective approach is nutritional adequacy by means of whole foods, and supplements are the supportive therapy only in cases where deficiencies are observed."

Observed on 4th March, World Obesity Day is a stark reminder that obesity is not just a lifestyle condition anymore, it is life-threatening disease that is affecting nearly 3 billion people in the world. According to the World Obesity Organization by 2035, half of the world’s population, which is 4 million people, will be overweight or obese.

A major risk factor for this is childhood obesity as it often continues into adulthood. This not only increases their risk of cardiovascular disease but also non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, and some cancers.

World Obesity Day 2026 Theme: 8 Billion Reasons to Act

The theme for 2026 highlights that obesity affects every corner of the globe. There are 8 billion people on Earth, and every single one of us has a reason to care. This year’s campaign focuses on how obesity is tied to deeper issues like poverty, unequal healthcare, and the lack of healthy food options. It’s a reminder that our environments, not just our choices, shape our health.

World Obesity Day 2026 History

Since its launch in 2015, World Obesity Day has worked to change how the world views this disease. For over a decade, the movement has focused on uncovering the root causes of obesity, fighting weight stigma, and making sure the voices of those living with obesity are heard. What started as a small initiative now involves hundreds of organizations and hundreds of thousands of people every year.

World Obesity Day 2026 Significance

The scale of this challenge is massive. Currently, nearly 3 billion people are living with overweight or obesity. By 2035, that number is expected to hit 4 billion, which is half of the entire world population.

This isn't just about adults. Childhood obesity has increased fivefold since 1975, particularly in lower-income countries. Because childhood obesity often leads to serious health issues later in life, like heart disease and diabetes, addressing this early is vital for global health.

What Is The Leading Cause Of Obesity?

The World Health Organization explains that at its simplest level, overweight and obesity happen when the body takes in more energy from food and drink than it uses up through movement and daily activity. When this "energy balance" is off over a long period, the body stores the extra energy as fat. For most people, obesity is a "multifactorial" disease—meaning many different things work together to cause it. This includes:

Your Environment: The world around you (like what food is available).

Psychology: How your mind and social life affect your eating habits

Genetics: Small variations in your DNA that influence your weight.

The world we live in plays a huge role in our health. Many people face "environmental" barriers that make staying healthy difficult, such as how available healthy sustainably grown food is for you, whether the place you live in has enough space to exercise or play in etc.

Call to Action

The future is not set in stone. We can change the story of obesity by:

• Choosing empathy over stigma and judgment.
• Prioritizing prevention for children and young families.
• Demanding fair access to healthcare and nutritious food for everyone.