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.

A new study suggests that drinking sugary drinks can increase anxiety, among other mental issues, in adolescents by 34 percent.

Sugary drinks are known to be more harmful due to their low fiber, protein, or fat, which typically slow down digestion in solid foods. This means liquid sugar gets into your bloodstream very quickly, causing a sudden jump in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Hyper-fast intake of such drinks can also make it hard for your liver to process the sugar, especially the fructose part. n large amounts, fructose turns into fat in your liver. This buildup of fat is linked to metabolic problems that lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Apart from this, a Bournemouth University, UK literature review analyzed people aged between ten and 19 who drank fizzy drinks, colas, sweetened fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee and found multiple links between the beverages and anxiety diagnosis.

The gut-brain axis — the connection between the brain and the gut — may help explain the link between sugary drinks and anxiety. But gut health is influenced by many factors, including diet, stress, and sleep, which are also linked to anxiety.

Overall, the study suggests that cutting back on sugary drinks could help support teenagers’ mental health. While many studies have looked at how reducing sugary drinks improves physical health, more research is needed to see if it also benefits mental health.

READ MORE: Smoking Cannabis Can Lead To Mental Illnesses In Teenagers, Study Finds

WHO Asks Countries To Tax Sugary Drinks

The World Health Organization is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.

In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including sodas or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

How To Cut Back On Sugary Drinks?

Sugary drinks can feel addictive. If you find yourself hooked, try to slowly reduce how much you drink, just like you would with alcohol or tobacco. It helps to plan ahead for when you usually crave a soda.

You can start by mixing plain sparkling water with an equal amount of fruit juice or soda. Then, week by week, slowly reduce the amount of the sugary drink until you're mostly just drinking sparkling water. If it helps, add a little lemon or lime juice for flavor.

Participating in ultra-marathons can cause damage to your red blood cells' flexibility and hamper their oxygen-carrying capacity, a study suggests.

A study published in the American Society of Hematology’s journal Blood Red Cells & Iron notes that extreme forms of exercise may harm, rather than support, overall health.

In the case of ultra-marathons, runners experience breakdown of normal red blood cells during races. Over time, their red blood cells become less flexible and potentially reduce their ability to efficiently carry oxygen, nutrients and waste products throughout the body.

Travis Nemkov, associate professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Colorado Anschutz and the study’s lead author said of the results: “Participating in events like these can cause general inflammation in the body and damage red blood cells.

“Based on these data, we don’t have guidance as to whether people should or should not participate in these types of events; what we can say is, when they do, that persistent stress is damaging the most abundant cell in the body.”

Red blood cells transport oxygen and waste throughout the body and must be flexible enough to squeeze through small blood vessels. When red blood cells become inflexible or rigid, they lose their ability to deform and navigate through the body's smallest vessels, leading to impaired oxygen delivery, blockage of blood flow, and rapid destruction by the body's filtration system.

This can lead to low hemoglobin and anemia which can pave the way for diseases like Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and, in some cases, the "storage lesion" of blood in transfusion banks.

READ MORE: Ultra Marathoner Sufiya Sufi Runner: The Woman Who Set 5 Guinness World Records

What Is Low Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Adequate hemoglobin levels are essential for keeping organs and tissues properly supplied with oxygen. Without enough of it, the body begins to struggle to meet its basic energy needs.

Low hemoglobin is usually identified through a blood test. It is most often measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which checks different components of the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets, as per Healthline.

While exact reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, healthy adult hemoglobin levels usually fall within the ranges listed below. These values are different for babies, children, and teenagers:

• Normal Hemoglobin Count in Grams per Deciliter (g/dL) | Normal Hemoglobin Count in Grams per Liter (g/L)
• Adult Males: 13.8–17.2 | 138–172
• Adult Females: 12.1–15.1 | 121–151

Any reading below these ranges in adults is considered low hemoglobin and suggests that oxygen delivery in the body may be reduced, as per Mayo Clinic.

Is Low Hemoglobin Ever Dangerous?

Low hemoglobin is not always an emergency. In many cases, it develops gradually and can be managed with treatment. That said, very low levels can be dangerous. A hemoglobin level below 5.0 g/dL has been linked to serious complications, including heart failure and even death. Levels under 6.5 g/dL may be considered life-threatening and require urgent medical care.

What Causes Low Hemoglobin?

One of the most common reasons for low hemoglobin is anemia. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. The most frequent type is iron-deficiency anemia, which develops when the body lacks enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

Other forms of anemia include pernicious anemia, which occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, and hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.

Low hemoglobin can also be caused by:

• Blood loss or internal bleeding
• Certain cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers that spread to the bone marrow
• Chronic kidney disease
• Deficiencies of folate or vitamin B12
• Hypothyroidism
• Liver disease
• Poor nutrition or malnutrition
• Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
• Sarcoidosis
• Sickle cell disease and other inherited blood disorders
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Thalassemia, a genetic condition that reduces hemoglobin production
• Excess fluid in the body
• Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can also lower hemoglobin levels, particularly in adults over the age of 65.

What Does Having Low Hemoglobin Feel Like?

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, sometimes fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Ongoing fatigue or low energy
• Pale or washed-out skin
• Frequent headaches

How Is Low Hemoglobin Treated?

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the low hemoglobin. A healthcare provider will first identify the underlying reason before recommending treatment. Possible treatment options include:

• Blood transfusion: If hemoglobin is low due to heavy blood loss, a transfusion may be needed to restore levels quickly.
• Vitamin supplements: When nutritional deficiencies are the cause, iron, folate, or vitamin B12 supplements are often prescribed. Hemoglobin levels usually begin to improve within six to eight weeks.
• Intravenous (IV) therapy: In cases where iron or B12 levels need to be raised rapidly, IV infusions may be recommended.
• Bone marrow transplant: This may be required when low hemoglobin is linked to certain cancers or bone marrow disorders.

If a long-term illness is responsible, managing that condition becomes the key part of treatment, alongside monitoring hemoglobin levels regularly.

Researchers from Denmark and Australia have discovered a new virus in the gut that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer in the body, one of the leading causes of death in the world.

Using genetic sequencing, researchers studied the gut bacteria of cancer patients in a large Danish study and found that Bacteroides fragilis, an anaerobic, gram-negative, pleomorphic to rod-shaped bacterium, often carried a bacteriophage — a virus that infects and reproduces inside bacteria.

This allows it to produce a toxin (BFT) in the colon, promoting chronic inflammation, cell proliferation and tumor growth in the region.

People with colorectal cancer were twice as likely to have this bacteriophage in their gut bacteria. The virus also appears to be previously unknown and does not match any recorded type so far.

Although the first finding came from a small group, it was later confirmed in a larger study of 877 people with and without colorectal cancer. The results suggest that viruses hiding inside B. fragilis may play a role in cancer development.

Microbiologist Flemming Damgaard, from Odense University Hospital in Denmark: "It has been a paradox that we repeatedly find the same bacterium in connection with colorectal cancer, while at the same time it is a completely normal part of the gut in healthy people.

"We have discovered a virus that has not previously been described and which appears to be closely linked to the bacteria we find in patients with colorectal cancer."

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer develops from polyps in the colon or rectum, often taking years to show symptoms. The cancer begins when small growths called polyps form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, changes in the DNA of these cells can cause the polyps to become cancerous.

As abnormal cells multiply, they replace healthy cells and eventually form a mass known as a tumor. This process develops slowly, often taking up to ten years for a precancerous polyp to turn into cancer and begin showing symptoms.

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year.. In India, it is the fourth most common cancer among both men and women. In 2022, there were 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths.

Projections suggest that incidence will continue to rise by 2026, reflecting both lifestyle changes and improved detection.

Colon cancer can be difficult to detect because it often develops without obvious symptoms. According to experts , these are the three things you should do to protect yourself:

1. Timely risk screening

2. Knowing your cancer family history

3. Acting on early symptoms

What Early Symptoms Should You Look Out For?

Colon cancer rarely announces its presence with dramatic symptoms. More often, it whispers — through changes in bowel habits, subtle abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss.

Some of the most commonly missed early signs include:

• Persistent changes in bowel movements: Chronic constipation or diarrhea often dismissed as dietary effects.
• Blood in stool: Bright red or dark blood should not be ignored.
• Unexplained weight loss: Especially when unintentional.
• Abdominal cramps or bloating: Misinterpreted as common digestive issues.

Persistent changes in bowel habits, especially if they last more than a few days, must be taken seriously. Narrow or ribbon-shaped stools may indicate a tumor partially blocking the colon.