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.

The Indian Meteorological Department has put the coastal states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on high alert as Cyclone Arnab is due to make a landfall on Wednesday forenoon.

The department said that a “very severe” cyclonic storm, named Ornab (Arnab), is forming over the Bay of Bengal, nearly 260 km southeast of the port city of Visakhapatnam, the most populous city in Andhra Pradesh.

Nearly 12 million people live on the cyclone’s projected route, which runs inland and north across India, according to Andhra Pradesh’s disaster management authority.

Out of around 400,000, nearly 50,000 people in vulnerable areas have been evacuated to state-run shelters since Monday, according to Reuters. According to The Hindu, around 48,000 people are being mobilised to safer areas in Odisha.

Health Risks After The Storm

Cyclonic storms do not just end when the winds blow away or floodwater recedes. Floodwater may contain human and animal waste, chemicals and decaying organic matter. This could contaminate drinking water.

Contaminated drinking water, damaged sewage systems and stagnant pools can create conditions for waterborne infections and mosquito-borne diseases in the days and weeks that follow.

Exposure may increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections, while contact with contaminated water can also transmit infections like leptospirosis. Additionally, water collected in puddles and blocked drains can turn into breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Dr Divya K S, infectious disease specialist at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe that the health risks that can emerge after Cyclone Arnab, the warning signs to watch for and the precautions people should take.

Risk Of Water-Borne Infections

One of the biggest post cyclone threats is contamination of drinking water sources. Floodwaters can cross into potable water networks and mix with sewage, allowing disease germs to enter water used for drinking, cooking and washing.

Dr Divya warns of the risk posed by acute enteric pathogens, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. “Widespread contamination of municipal water and sewage water can cause an increase in pathogens causing gastroenteritis like Cholera, enteric fever etc.,” she says.

She added, “Floodwater is an active biohazard matrix containing human/animal waste, chemicals, and decaying organic matter.”

According to the expert, exposure to these pathogens could lead to different infections: Acute Diarrheal Pathogens: Vibrio cholerae, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Campylobacter, and enteric viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus) causing acute watery diarrhea and inflammatory dysentery. Leptospirosis: Leptospira shed in rodent urine can penetrate abrasions or mucous membranes.

Contaminated water and food can transmit infections like cholera, enteric fever and other infections like dysentery. Enteric viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus, can also cause diarrhoea.

Symptoms may include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. Severe diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

People should seek medical attention if they develop bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, high fever, confusion, or other signs of severe dehydration.

Also read: Scrub Typhus Claims 15 Lives In Rajasthan: What To Know About Its Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment & Prevention

Risk Of Vector-Borne Infections

As floodwaters recede, water may collect in puddles, blocked drains and other neglected spaces. These sites can cause mosquito breeding, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria.

Dr Divya says, “Vector populations surge sharply within 1 to 2 weeks post-cyclone. As floodwaters recede, micro-environments like puddles, discarded containers form ideal sites for mosquito breeding.”

After a cyclone, it is therefore important to remove breeding sites by clearing out stagnant water. Residents should empty discard containers that collect water, clear blocked drains, and avoid water accumulation around their homes.

Also read: Climate Change And Gut Health: How Heat, Drought And Unsafe Water Raise Risks, Global Experts Warn

Who Is The Most Vulnerable After A Storm?

Some people face a higher risk of severe complications because of their age, health conditions or difficulty accessing medical care. Dr Divya identifies the following groups as particularly vulnerable:

• Immunocompromised people: Those with advanced HIV, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients and people taking immunosuppressive medicines.
• Children and older adults: Both groups may be more vulnerable to dehydration and severe illness.
• Pregnant women: Infections and disruptions in maternity care can pose additional risks.
• People with chronic conditions: Those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease may need uninterrupted access to treatment.

During evacuation, people must carry emergency medicines. Insulin and other temperature-controlled medicines need appropriate storage, while people receiving dialysis, chemotherapy or care related to transplant may need urgent arrangements if services are disrupted.

Pregnant women should continue to access antenatal care and seek urgent help for warning signs like bleeding, severe abdominal pain or reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy.

How To Protect Yourself After The Storm?

Safe drinking water, hand hygiene and food safety are essential after a cyclone, especially when sanitation infrastructure has been damaged.

Dr Divya recommends boiling water to make it safer to drink. “Boiling water can ensure disinfection of the water borne infections,” she says.

The doctor also emphasises hand hygiene and safe food practices. “Rigorous hand hygiene using soap and water prior to food consumption and post-defecation,” she recommends.

Food should be thoroughly cooked and served hot. Avoid raw produce that cannot be washed, food exposed to flies and meals whose handling or storage conditions are unsafe.

British pop star Jessie J has shared an update on her recovery after undergoing a second breast reconstruction surgery.

The 38-year-old singer-songwriter took to Instagram to share a series of photos, including one taken after her latest surgery. In the picture, she is seen wearing a hospital gown and giving a thumbs-up, with the caption, “to healing.”

The post marks Jessie’s first update since September, when she announced she would be taking a break from social media ahead of her surgery.

Jessie was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2025 and underwent a mastectomy. She announced in May 2026 that she was cancer-free.

Sharing the emotional news on Instagram, she admitted she "sobbed for hours and then exhaled for the first time in a year."

Jessie J’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Also read: World Breast Cancer Day 2026: Life After Breast Cancer, The Fear No One Sees

Jessie announced her diagnosis in June 2025, shortly after performing at Capital’s Summertime Ball at London’s Wembley Stadium. She spoke candidly about her diagnosis and the surgery she would undergo.

In a video message, she shared that she had been “in and out of tests” before receiving a diagnosis of early breast cancer.

“Cancer sucks in any form,” she said, adding that she was holding on to the word “early.”

Using her characteristic dark humor, she described the surgery as “a very dramatic way to get a boob job” and told her followers, “I will come back with massive boobs and more music.”

However, she also spoke openly about the emotional toll of the diagnosis, saying, “I need to process it and talk about it” and “I need a hug.”

What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery aims to restore the shape and contour of the breast after a mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast. Depending on the cancer and the treatment plan, nearby skin and lymph nodes may also be removed.

Following a mastectomy, patients may choose breast reconstruction to restore breast shape and symmetry. The procedure can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date, depending on the patient's circumstances and treatment plan.

Read More: Experts Explain Most Overlooked Breast Changes That Can Delay Diagnosis In Men

Why Do Some Patients Need Multiple Breast Reconstruction Surgeries?

According to the American Cancer Society, breast reconstruction often involves more than one operation. The number and type of procedures depend on the reconstruction method, the patient's needs and the desired outcome.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction:

• Implant reconstruction: A saline or silicone implant is used to rebuild the breast.
• Tissue flap reconstruction: Tissue taken from another part of the body is used to reconstruct the breast.

In some cases, surgeons combine the two approaches.

Reconstruction may be immediate, taking place during breast cancer surgery, or delayed until a later date. Both implant-based and tissue flap reconstruction can be performed using either approach.

After the initial reconstruction, some patients may undergo additional procedures to refine the breast's appearance or feel. These may include fat grafting, scar revision or procedures to recreate the nipple and areola, sometimes using medical tattooing.

Benefits And Risks Of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can help restore breast shape and symmetry after a mastectomy. For some patients, it may also improve body image, confidence and emotional well-being. However, the benefits vary from person to person.

As with other surgical procedures, breast reconstruction carries potential risks and complications, including:

• Infection
• Fluid or blood accumulation
• Delayed wound healing
• Changes in sensation
• Implant-related complications
• Capsular contracture
• Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
• Psychological effects.

Low-dose naltrexone has received plenty of attention as a strong candidate for treating people with chronic fatigue after COVID-19. But a new randomised clinical trial has found no significant improvement in fatigue, pain or any other symptoms when compared to a placebo.

The study, posted on medRxiv, examined low-dose naltrexone (LDN) in adults with post-COVID fatigue syndrome. The findings challenge hopes that an existing repurposed drug could provide relief for people whose symptoms have not subsided months after infection.

The paper has not yet undergone peer review, which means its findings have not been independently evaluated in a formal manner.

Study Based On 160 Adults With Long COVID

Also read: 'It’s The Best-Studied Vaccine In Human History': Former CDC Adviser Busts Common Myths About COVID Vaccines

160 adults aged 19 to 69 from British Columbia and Ontario, Canada participated in the trial. Participants had developed symptoms that resembled myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Researchers randomly assigned participants either low-dose naltrexone or a placebo for 16 weeks. The naltrexone dose began at 1 milligram daily and increased to a maximum of 4.5 milligrams, depending on how participants tolerated the treatment.

The main outcome was fatigue severity, which was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale. At the end of the study, the average fatigue score was 4.2 in the LDN group and 4.4 in the placebo group.

The difference between the groups was not statistically significant, meaning the trial proved that the drug did not improve fatigue.

Researchers also found no significant differences between the groups in pain, overall ME/CFS symptoms, daily step counts or any other health aspects related to quality of life.

These results suggest that LDN did not provide any measurable benefit for the participants. The study also found that LDN was generally well tolerated over the 16-week period.

However, adverse events classified as grade 3 or higher were reported in five participants in the LDN group, or 6.2%, compared with three participants in the placebo group or 3.8%.

Why Has Low-Dose Naltrexone Attracted Interest?

Also read: 'I Never Recovered From That Crash': US Physicist Recalls Her Years-Long Battle With Long COVID

Naltrexone is an established medicine used at standard doses to treat alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. At much lower doses, it has been tested for conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation and fatigue.

LDN’s effects on immune signalling and inflammatory conditions have sparked interest in its potential use for long COVID, a condition that can involve fatigue, cognitive difficulties, pain, breathlessness and symptoms affecting several biological functions.

Researchers Caution

The findings apply specifically to adults with post-COVID fatigue syndrome who met the study’s criteria for ME/CFS-like symptoms.

Long COVID refers to symptoms that occur after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. Symptoms vary widely and may include fatigue, cognitive difficulties, breathlessness, sleep disturbances and problems with everyday activities.

Some people improve over time, while others experience prolonged illness that affects their ability to lead routine lives.

The results do not mean that long COVID symptoms are untreatable. Instead, they highlight how difficult it can be to identify effective treatments for a condition with varied symptoms.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines specifically for long COVID, and care often focuses on managing individual symptoms.

People taking or considering naltrexone should discuss its benefits and risks with a healthcare professional rather than starting or changing treatment on their own.