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.

Fever is one of the body's most common warning signals. In most cases, particularly among children, it is caused by a simple infection and resolves within a few days. However, when fever keeps returning repeatedly, follows a pattern, or occurs alongside other concerning symptoms, it may signal an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

What Is A Recurring Fever?

Dr. Hemalata Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that a recurring fever refers to repeated episodes of elevated body temperature that are separated by days, weeks, or even months during which a person feels completely well.

While recurrent fevers can sometimes result from common viral infections, especially in children exposed to school environments, daycare settings, or seasonal illnesses, persistent or unexplained episodes warrant further investigation.

The expert stated that understanding the pattern of fever is often one of the most important clues in determining the cause.

What Can Cause Recurring Fever?

Dr. Diksha Goyal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, told HealthandMe that a recurrent fever can occur when body temperature rises to 38°C or higher and reappears after improving or occurs intermittently over time.

Several medical conditions may cause recurring fever, including:

1. Chronic Infections such as tuberculosis (TB), urinary tract infections

2. Autoimmune Diseases

3. Immune System Disorders

4. Cancers, particularly blood-related cancers

5. Certain Viral Infections

Also read: Doctors Call Kratom The ‘Next Addiction Crisis’ As More US States Push Bans

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

While recurrent fever is not always dangerous, the experts emphasize that certain accompanying symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Dr. Arora notes that urgent attention is needed if recurring fever is associated with:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Confusion or altered mental status

Dr. Goyal added that persistent cough, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained body pain can also indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment.

These symptoms may point toward serious infections, immune system disorders, blood-related diseases, cancers, or inflammatory conditions in which the body's defense system triggers repeated inflammation without a clear infection.

Early Treatment For Better Outcomes

Another important warning sign is a fever that continues to recur despite treatment. According to Dr. Arora, repeated courses of antibiotics without a confirmed diagnosis should raise concern. In some cases, medications themselves can trigger fever, making a detailed medication history an important part of the evaluation.

The goal is not to panic but to seek timely medical assessment. Check for swollen lymph nodes, rashes, signs of infection, or evidence of systemic inflammation.

The experts noted that early medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause, prevent complications, and ensure appropriate treatment. With timely diagnosis and proper management, many causes of recurrent fever can be effectively treated, allowing individuals to maintain their health and daily activities.

Tobacco use remains a global epidemic and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Despite a strong desire among many users to quit, relapse rates remain alarmingly high. A new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a valuable tool in helping people quit tobacco.

Yoga Shows Promise for Tobacco Cessation

To evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in tobacco cessation, researchers led by Dr Gautam Sharma, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, AIIMS, conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024.

The review included adults aged 18 years and older who used any form of tobacco, excluding vaping products. Participants were randomly assigned to yoga either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional cessation treatments.

The primary outcome assessed was the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (7PPA), a standard measure of smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, and mood states.

The findings suggest that “yoga may serve as a moderately effective intervention for tobacco cessation, with an estimated effectiveness of around 50 per cent”, the team said in the paper.

Also read: Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOS

How Yoga May Help People Quit Tobacco

Researchers found that active yoga styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga improved abstinence rates by helping reduce stress, depression, and negative emotions often associated with tobacco withdrawal.

Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, was found to reduce cravings and negative affect, making it easier for participants to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

The review also highlighted the importance of addressing psychological factors linked to tobacco addiction, including perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—all of which are known contributors to relapse.

While some studies reported stronger psychological benefits than others, overall evidence suggests yoga may support emotional well-being during the quitting process.

Yoga and Tobacco Addiction

Also read: Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims Study

Researchers believe yoga may help manage tobacco addiction through several biological mechanisms.

Nicotine stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and rewarding effects. During withdrawal, stress-related hormones increase, leading to anxiety, cravings, and emotional discomfort.

Yoga appears to counter these effects by shifting the body from a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic dominance ("rest and digest").

Read More: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma

This shift may reduce activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress hormone production, helping individuals better manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The team also noted that controlled breathing techniques can significantly influence emotional regulation, with voluntary breath control accounting for substantial variations in emotional states such as anger, fear, and joy.

India alone has more than 270 million active tobacco users. Given the widespread use of smokeless tobacco in the region—and the limited effectiveness of standard cessation medications for these users—yoga could offer an accessible, culturally familiar, and low-cost complementary approach, the researchers stressed.

While the results are encouraging, researchers also cautioned that larger and more standardized studies are needed.

Every day, hospitals care for patients whose survival depends on a simple yet irreplaceable resource—donated blood. A mother experiencing severe bleeding after childbirth, a child with thalassemia requiring regular transfusions, a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, or a victim of a road traffic accident may all rely on timely access to safe blood.

Despite medical advances, blood remains unique. It cannot be manufactured or artificially replicated. It can only come from healthy individuals who choose to donate. This makes blood donation one of the most vital contributions a person can make to healthcare and society.

It is important to understand that the impact of a single donation extends far beyond what most people imagine.

One Donation, Multiple Patients

When a person donates whole blood, it is separated into components—red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Each component serves a different purpose. Red blood cells carry oxygen and are essential in treating anemia and blood loss. Platelets help control bleeding and are critical for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Plasma contains proteins and clotting factors required for managing bleeding disorders.

Because these components can be used independently, a single donation has the potential to benefit multiple patients with different medical conditions. One act of donation can therefore support several lives.

Why Blood Supply Must Be Continuous

A common misconception is that blood is needed only during emergencies or disasters. In reality, the demand for blood is constant. Patients with chronic conditions such as thalassemia require regular transfusions throughout their lives. Cancer treatments, major surgeries, organ transplants, complicated pregnancies, and trauma care all depend on a steady and reliable blood supply.

Unlike many medical resources, blood components have limited shelf lives. Platelets can only be stored for a few days, and red blood cells have a defined storage period. This means blood stocks must be continuously replenished. A stable blood supply cannot be created overnight—it depends on regular and voluntary donations throughout the year.

The Importance Of Voluntary Donors

The safest and most reliable blood supply comes from voluntary donors who give blood without expectation of reward. However, maintaining this supply is an ongoing challenge. It requires not only recruiting new donors but also encouraging previous donors to return.

Many individuals who donate once do not return, often due to lack of awareness, time constraints, or fading motivation. Yet every regular donor begins as a first-time donor. A positive first donation experience plays a key role in building long-term commitment.

Hospitals, workplaces, and community organizations play a crucial role in promoting donation through awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and well-organized blood donation drives. Sustained engagement is essential to ensure that donors remain connected to this life-saving cause.

What Motivates People To Donate

Blood donation is not just a medical act—it is a powerful expression of social responsibility. Most donors never meet the individuals they help, yet they donate willingly to support someone in need. This anonymous act of giving reflects compassion, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity.

People are motivated to donate for many reasons. Some are driven by altruism and the desire to help others. Others are influenced by personal experiences, community values, or encouragement from family and peers. Awareness campaigns and social engagement can also play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards donation.

Understanding these motivations is important because it helps design more effective strategies to encourage both first-time and repeat donors.

Addressing Common Concerns

Despite its importance, many eligible individuals hesitate to donate due to fear or uncertainty. Concerns about pain, weakness, or safety are common. However, blood donation is a carefully regulated process conducted by trained healthcare professionals.

Donors undergo screening to ensure that the procedure is safe for both themselves and the recipient. The donation itself takes only a short time, and most people can resume normal activities soon afterward. Efforts to improve donor comfort and reduce anxiety have further enhanced the overall donation experience.

For many first-time donors, the greatest takeaway is a sense of satisfaction and pride in having contributed to saving lives.

Every First-Time Donor Matters

One of the greatest challenges in maintaining a stable blood supply is ensuring a continuous flow of new donors. As regular donors age or become ineligible, new volunteers are needed to sustain the system.

Encouraging first-time donors is therefore critical. With the right experience and awareness, a first-time donor can become a lifelong contributor, potentially helping dozens of patients over the years. Simple follow-up communication and continued engagement can significantly improve donor retention.

Families, educational institutions, workplaces, and healthcare providers all have a role to play in encouraging individuals to take this first step.

A Gift That Saves and Sustains Lives

Blood is more than a medical resource—it is a gift that cannot be bought, manufactured, or stored indefinitely. It represents hope, survival, and the generosity of one human being towards another.

Behind every successful surgery, every recovering patient, and every saved life, there is often an unseen donor whose contribution made that outcome possible.

A single donation may take only a few minutes, but its impact extends far beyond a single individual. It supports families, strengthens healthcare systems, and builds a culture of care and compassion within communities.

The message is simple: if you are eligible, consider donating. Your one unit of blood may help many—and could make the difference between life and loss for someone in need.