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 first national mental health survey carried out in India, 2015-2016, suggested that one in 10 Indians had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge in common mental disorders (particularly anxiety and depression). Worldwide, the age of onset of substance use disorders is reducing, and there has been an increase in synthetic and pharmaceutical drug misuse.

Digital addiction is a growing problem, particularly among young people. Suicide is a major global concern, and in India, there were more than two lakh suicides in 2025. Rising suicides in urban areas and among students have been growing concerns.

Improving Mental Health Literacy

Just like people recognize physical disorders, it is important to improve mental health literacy so that people can recognize symptoms of a mental or psychiatric disorder in themselves or others. It is also important that they reach out for timely help, without a sense of feeling stigmatized.

Often, physical and mental disorders occur together and worsen each other, so addressing both is important to improve health outcomes.

How Government Is Tackling Mental Health Burden

The Government of India has initiated the Tele MANAS (14416) to provide telephonic mental health counselling and to link people up to other services. The National Mental Health Program of India seeks to provide decentralized mental health care at the District levels and below.

The Ayushman Arogya Mandirs also offer basic mental health support. NIMHANS, apart from providing quality institution-based services, has also been closely involved in developing community models of mental health care, working with non-governmental organizations and with community stakeholders. It has also been focusing on expanding human resources through its digital academy.

A second NIMHANS in northern India, strengthening some of the other institutions providing mental health care to expand infrastructure, human resources, and networking to develop a continuum of care from primary to tertiary care settings, is a recent step taken by the Union government.

Urological cancer cases are surging at an alarming rate in India. Yet, many patients continue to seek medical help only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. Doctors highlight that cancers affecting the urinary system are often silent during the initial stages and are ignored by people owing to a lack of awareness and hesitation in consulting an expert. It is important to remember that timely urology screening can help detect cancer early, reduce complications, and improve survival rates. Many people ignore symptoms and seek help only during the advanced stages, when the risk of complications also increases. Experts are urging people, especially those at higher risk, to seek early screening and intervention without delay.

What are urological cancers?

“People should prioritise their well-being and seek timely help,” said Dr Pradeep Rao, Head of Department – Urology Oncoscience, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai.

Diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers

Dr Pradeep Rao further explained how early-stage urological cancers are often treatable with less aggressive procedures, while advanced cancers require complex treatment and carry higher risks. Diagnosis is carried out through urine examination, ultrasound, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to detect cancer early. Timely screening and intervention can not only save lives but also preserve organ function. Advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted surgery are now widely used to provide relief to patients. Robotics has made diagnosis, treatment, and the healing journey much smoother for both patients and doctors.

What are the symptoms of urological cancers?

“Urological cancers such as prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer are rising across age groups, yet many patients seek medical help only when symptoms become severe. Each month, two to three patients in the age group of 30–65 consult me when symptoms worsen and the cancer progresses, which takes a toll on their overall well-being. Moreover, signs and symptoms such as blood in the urine, difficulty in urination, pelvic pain, or unexplained weight loss are often ignored, leading to advanced-stage disease that can cause anxiety and panic among patients. Delayed diagnosis can result in serious complications such as kidney damage, the spread of cancer, and reduced quality of life. Early screening and treatment are life-saving. Currently, a combination of robotic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted treatments offers better outcomes, but early diagnosis remains the most critical factor for successful recovery,” concluded Dr Anil Bradoo, Consultant Urologist, Zen Annexe, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai.

What are the benefits of robotic surgeries?

Dr Pradeep Rao also explained the benefits of robotic surgeries. Robotic-assisted prostatectomy for prostate cancer helps with the accurate removal of the prostate while protecting vital nerves, thereby reducing the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Robotic partial nephrectomy is performed for kidney cancer and helps remove diseased kidney tissue while preserving the kidney, with minimal blood loss and quicker healing. The advantages of robotic surgery include precise tumour removal with minimal blood loss, reduced pain and complications, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Early-stage patients benefit the most from these modern treatments, which is why awareness and screening are so important.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body cannot effectively use insulin. Shockingly, this condition is now being linked to first-trimester miscarriages, especially in women with PCOS, with lab markers such as HbA1c and fasting insulin offering early clues. Therefore, it is essential for women to take charge of their health and maintain their blood sugar levels within the recommended range, as per Dr Sushruta Mokadam, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune. The expert went on to talk about other aspects of the same, detailing just how first trimester miscarriages could be a consequence of ignoring high blood sugar or insulin resistance.

Why are miscarriages in the first trimester rising?

Currently, there is a surge in cases of miscarriages during the first trimester, which is raising concern among experts. This may be due to undiagnosed insulin resistance. Yes, that’s right—miscarriage is not only caused by infections, hormonal imbalance, or blood clotting disorders, but also by insulin resistance. Many women fail to pay attention to insulin resistance, which affects how the body processes sugar and plays a major role in causing hormonal imbalance. Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk, as metabolic dysfunction can lead to miscarriage. Many women are experiencing repeated early pregnancy loss but are not screened for insulin resistance, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.

How are miscarriages and insulin resistance linked?

Miscarriage and insulin resistance link: Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar and insulin levels. This imbalance can impact ovulation and egg quality and interfere with the implantation of the embryo. In early pregnancy, it may affect placental development, increasing the risk of miscarriage in the first trimester. In women with PCOS, insulin resistance is commonly present, even in those who are not overweight.

The impact of insulin resistance on reproductive health

High insulin levels can lead to increased androgen (male hormone) production, further affecting reproductive health. This hormonal imbalance can make it difficult for a pregnancy to be sustained, especially in the early weeks, which may result in miscarriage. Lab tests such as HbA1c (which reflects average blood sugar levels over time) and fasting insulin levels can help identify at-risk women. Even subtle elevations in these markers, including those within the upper-normal range, can indicate underlying metabolic dysfunction that may increase the chances of miscarriage.

What to do?

Pregnant women should opt for regular screening, manage blood sugar levels, eat a balanced diet, and exercise daily before planning pregnancy. Even during pregnancy, they should stay in touch with an expert who can guide them throughout the process.