When was the last time you measured your waistline? If you assume that BMI is the only number to focus on when it comes to your health, think twice. New research has revealed a shocking revelation—your waist circumference might be a far better predictor of men's cancer risk than BMI.

The study finds that for each 4-inch increase in waist size, a man's risk of cancer increases by a staggering 25%. Meanwhile, BMI, commonly regarded as the gold standard for assessing obesity, raises cancer risk by only 19% for the same weight gain. So, if you've been dismissing that pesky belly fat, it's time to take notice.

But why is your waistline so important? The reason is visceral fat—the hidden, deep fat that accumulates around your organs. Unlike other body fat, visceral fat is a stealthy troublemaker, causing inflammation, insulin resistance, and abnormal blood fat levels—all of which combine to create a cancer-perfect storm.

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of numerous health conditions, including cancer, for decades. The research, though, indicates that a specific measure of the body—waist circumference—may be an even more reliable forecaster of cancer risk in men than the more frequently employed Body Mass Index (BMI). This finding emphasizes the need to pay particular attention to the distribution of fat and not merely to the weight of the body.

BMI has been the go-to measure for years for gauging health risks related to obesity. New research, though, that appears in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute indicates that waist measurement is a better predictor of cancer risk in men. According to the research, four more inches (10 cm) around the waist will add 25% to a man's cancer risk. Conversely, a 3.7 kg/m² rise in BMI (from a BMI of 24 to 27.7) increased cancer risk by only 19%.

Why is waist circumference a better predictor, then? Unlike BMI, which measures weight relative to height, waist circumference actually measures abdominal fat—specifically, visceral fat. This type of fat encircles internal organs and is also linked to higher levels of inflammation, insulin resistance, and abnormal blood lipids, all of which are factors in cancer growth. BMI, however, does not measure fat distribution, so two individuals with the same BMI can have very different levels of health risk depending on where fat is deposited on their bodies.

Why Men Are at Higher Risk?

Interestingly, the research identified a significant difference between men and women when it came to waist circumference and cancer risk. Although waist circumference and BMI were linked with obesity-related cancers in women, the relationship was weaker than for men. An increase of 12 cm (4.7 inches) in waist size or a 4.3 rise in BMI (from 24 to 28.3) raised the cancer risk in women by just 13%—a much lower percentage than for men.

Experts credit this difference to the way that fat is stored in the body. Men are more likely to carry fat around the abdomen, especially as visceral fat, which is more metabolically active and associated with cancer-producing biological alterations. Women, by contrast, store fat in peripheral sites such as the hips and thighs, where it is less likely to drive systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

A possible reason is that men tend to depot fat more in the visceral regions, whereas women tend to carry more subcutaneous and peripheral fat," wrote the researchers. "This may render waist circumference a more robust risk factor for cancer in men and account for why waist circumference provides additional risk information beyond BMI in men but not women."

Cancer Types Most Linked to Abdominal Fat

The research used the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) data to define obesity-related cancers. These cancers are esophageal (adenocarcinoma), gastric (cardia), colorectal, rectal, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, renal, and thyroid cancers, and multiple myeloma and meningioma. In men, abdominal obesity is especially significant in raising the risk of these cancers through high levels of insulin and markers of inflammation.

For women, the research proposes that both waist circumference and hip circumference may give a more accurate estimate of visceral fat and cancer risk. "Adding hip circumference to risk models could strengthen the link between waist circumference and cancer, especially in women," researchers observed.

What This Means for Men's Health and Cancer Prevention?

With these results, doctors advise men to be more mindful of their waistline than only their BMI. Waist size is an easy method to gauge health risk, and its maintenance through lifestyle changes might be the key to cancer prevention.

How To Reduce Cancer Risk In Men?

Track Your Waist Size: Regularly measure your waist circumference and try to keep it in a healthy range (below 40 inches for men, according to medical advice).

Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet containing high fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats can assist in limiting visceral fat gain.

Exercise Consistently: Regular exercise with a combination of aerobic and strength training will help maintain a healthy waistline.

Control Stress and Sleep: Persistent stress and inadequate sleep tend to cause weight gain, especially in the midsection of the body.

Regular Health Screenings: Early identification of cancer risk factors through regular screening can greatly enhance long-term health status.

Even a mild case of COVID-19 may trigger long-lasting eye problems, with new research revealing that persistent inflammation and nerve damage could be responsible for symptoms that standard eye tests often fail to detect.

The study, led by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden and published in Nature Communications, sheds light on why some COVID-19 survivors continue to experience debilitating vision issues months or even years after infection.

The research began after people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 sought medical help for persistent eye complaints. Many reported:

• Severe eye pain
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Difficulty reading and focusing
• Extreme eye fatigue

Many participants said the condition significantly disrupted their daily lives, preventing them from working or continuing their education.

What the Study Found

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Researchers evaluated 100 people who developed eye problems after mild COVID-19 but had never been hospitalized. Their symptoms had persisted anywhere from three months to three years.

The findings were compared with those of 32 people who had recovered from mild COVID-19 without developing eye symptoms.

Using advanced imaging and laboratory techniques, researchers identified several abnormalities that conventional eye exams failed to detect.

Persistent Inflammation and Nerve Damage

The study found evidence of:

• Long-term inflammation in the eyes
• Damage to nerves controlling multiple eye functions
• Abnormal immune activity involving T cells
• Changes in proteins found in tear fluid

Lead author Petros Moustardas, senior research associate at Linköping University, said the findings indicate that COVID-19 may trigger a severe immune reaction in the eyes, resulting in chronic inflammation and nerve dysfunction.

Why Light Sensitivity Happens

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One of the most common complaints among participants was extreme sensitivity to light. Researchers found that their pupils were allowing too much light into the eyes because of impaired nerve control.

This abnormal pupil function was also associated with:

• Headaches
• Difficulty reading
• Trouble maintaining focus

An Unusual Eye Movement Disorder

The study also identified impaired coordination between the two eyes.

Some participants developed adult-onset strabismus—commonly known as crossed eyes—a condition that is rare in adults.

Researchers believe this occurred because COVID-19 affected the nerves responsible for controlling eye muscles.

A New Way to Diagnose COVID-Related Eye Problems

Because routine eye tests often miss these abnormalities, the research team developed two diagnostic models.

The first relies on specialized ophthalmic tests available at advanced eye clinics, while the second combines these examinations with tear fluid protein analysis to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Researchers hope these models will help doctors recognize COVID-related eye syndrome earlier and pave the way for future treatments.

"We found that the problems experienced by those affected were not detectable by standard tests. We had to perform specialised examinations to detect deviations. The puzzle pieces then fell into place, and we found explanations for the symptoms," said Neil Lagali, professor of experimental ophthalmology at Linköping University.

He added that while the findings provide important clues about how COVID-19 affects the eyes, more research is needed to develop effective treatments for those living with persistent vision problems.

Plant-based Vitamin D3 is often marketed as a healthier or superior alternative to traditional supplements, but doctors say that's not necessarily the case.

According to Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, existing research shows that plant-based Vitamin D3 is just as effective as conventional Vitamin D3 in increasing the body's vitamin D levels.

"Current evidence suggests that plant-based Vitamin D3 performs similarly to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For people who prefer vegan or plant-based products, it is a suitable alternative," he told HealthandMe.

Echoing this view, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, said that plant-derived Vitamin D3—usually obtained from lichen, algae, or modern fermentation methods—provides an animal-free option without sacrificing effectiveness.

In a post on X, he noted that while plant-based Vitamin D3 is welcome news for vegans and those seeking cruelty-free supplements, both forms work equally well. He added that there is no medical need for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3 supplements.

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India has approved its first plant-based Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread Vitamin D deficiency.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cleared VITADEE Green, developed by Fermenta Biotech, for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products.

The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of Vitamin D3.

The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool.

The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap.

What Is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and falls.

Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation.

Who Should Take Vitamin D3 Supplements?

The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived.

"The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said.

Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications.

Yawning has a certain fact attached to it, which is without a doubt a reason for curiosity and amazement among people. Many of you must have noticed that when someone nearby yawns, you often end up yawning too. Even in some cases, a person yawns just after hearing the word yawn or watching someone yawn on screen.

Yawning itself is a natural physical process that involves taking a deep breath and stretching the muscles used for breathing. Some experts suggest that it may help increase alertness and leave us feeling refreshed. However, while scientists have proposed several theories about the purpose of yawning, one question continues to intrigue researchers: why are yawns so contagious?

Dr. Debanjan Pan, Consultant Psychiatrist at Saltlake Mindset, told Health and Me, "Contagious yawning may be linked to mirror neurons, which help us understand and imitate the behavior of others. Humans have survived by living in groups, and our brains are naturally wired to synchronize with the people around us. When we see someone yawn, the same neural networks in our brains may become activated, prompting us to yawn as well."

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Yawning involves taking a very deep breath, which increases oxygen intake and stimulates several parts of the respiratory system. This deep inhalation can temporarily raise the heart rate and boost blood circulation to the spinal cord and the brain, making a person feel calmer and more relaxed afterward.

According to Dr. Pan, this sense of relaxation may also explain why yawning is contagious. When we see someone else yawn, the brain's empathy circuits, particularly those linked to mirror neurons, become active. As humans are highly social beings, we often unconsciously mimic the behaviour and emotions of people around us, causing a yawn to spread from one person to another.

But there might be a question: if yawning is contagious because humans are social animals and human brains are naturally wired to synchronize with the people around them, then why doesn't coughing and sneezing have the same effect?

Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director - Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, addressed this very issue and explained, "Yawning is different than coughing and sneezing. Coughing and sneezing are protective reflexes that protect you from irritants. They can be contagious, but that contagion comes after one or two days, not immediately as is with yawning. Yawning occurs because of the brain's automatic self-mirroring networks."

Dr. Mittal further added, "What it means is when somebody yawns, then your brain starts imitating that unintentionally. Not only yawning, but other emotions like a smile, laugh, and fear can trigger the same emotion in the people around you. This is because of the same brain's automatic self-mirroring networks."

Contagious yawning appears to be more than a simple reflex, offering insights into empathy, social bonding, and the human brain.