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.

People in the UK who take a commonly prescribed medication are being reminded to follow a strict cut-off time. Ignoring this guidance could lead to disrupted sleep.

What Is Bumetanide?

Bumetanide is a diuretic, a type of medicine that helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water by increasing urine production. In the UK, it is prescribed for heart failure, a condition that affects close to one million people. Bumetanide is only available with a prescription and comes in tablet form as well as a liquid that is taken by mouth.

Bumetanide: NHS Says Avoid Taking It After 4 PM

The NHS website lists several key points patients should be aware of when using bumetanide. One of the most important relates to timing. According to NHS advice, bumetanide should not be taken after 4pm, as doing so may cause frequent urination during the night.

The NHS states: “Do not take bumetanide after 4pm or you may have to wake up in the night to go to the toilet.” Alongside this warning, the guidance also includes recommendations on when to take the medicine and what foods to avoid.

“You'll usually take bumetanide once a day, in the morning or afternoon – or twice a day, in the morning and afternoon,” the NHS explains. “Most people need to pee about 30 minutes after taking bumetanide, and again within a few hours.” The NHS also advises avoiding foods high in salt, such as processed foods or ready meals, as well as salt substitutes like Lo Salt, as these can interfere with how the medicine works. However, it adds: “You can take bumetanide with or without food.”

Some people are advised to take extra care when using bumetanide. The NHS says it is important to inform your doctor if you have:

• Ever had an allergic reaction to bumetanide or other medicines
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Signs of dehydration, including thirst, a dry mouth, or dark-coloured urine
• Liver disease
• Diabetes
• Difficulty passing urine
• Gout

If you are due to have a glucose test, you should also let your doctor know that you are taking bumetanide.

Bumetanide: Common Side Effects

There are several common side effects associated with bumetanide that occur in more than one in 100 people. The NHS says there are ways to manage these symptoms:

• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling thirsty
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy or confused
• Muscle cramps or muscle weakness

Patients are advised to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the suggested coping measures do not help, or if side effects continue or worsen after a few days.

Bumetanide: Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon, according to the NHS. However, you should contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience:

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding, a high temperature, sore throat, or mouth ulcers, which may indicate a blood disorder
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss

The NHS also notes: “In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bumetanide.” In 2023, the UK faced a national shortage of bumetanide, which was expected to ease in 2025.

Because of this shortage, many patients were switched to furosemide, another diuretic that is also subject to the same 4pm timing advice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about medications, health conditions, or before making changes to your treatment plan.

Scientists have found that a single dose of the shingles vaccine may do more than protect against the painful viral infection. It may also help slow biological ageing in older adults. Researchers from the University of Southern California say the vaccine, commonly given to seniors, could have benefits beyond shingles prevention. The findings come from a study involving over 3,800 people, which showed that vaccinated individuals had fewer signs of biological ageing and lower inflammation levels than those who had not received the shot.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral condition known for causing a painful, blistering rash. It can appear on different parts of the body but usually shows up as a band of blisters running along one side of the torso. The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Even after recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

While shingles is not usually life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles. Starting treatment early can shorten the duration of the illness and lower the risk of complications. One of the most common complications is postherpetic neuralgia, a condition where nerve pain continues long after the rash has healed.

Shingles Vaccine May Slow Biological Aging In Older Adults

A recent study by the University of Southern California suggests that the shingles vaccine recommended for older adults may help slow down ageing at a biological level, in addition to preventing infection. “While more research is needed to confirm and expand on these results … our findings add to growing evidence that vaccines may support healthy ageing, not just prevent short-term illness,” said Eileen Crimmins, a co-author of the study, in a statement. To explore this further, Crimmins and her team focused on people who had received the shingles vaccine.

Shingles Virus Reactivates Later in Life

Although chickenpox is now uncommon in children, with cases dropping by over 97 percent since the vaccine became part of routine childhood immunisation in 1995, more than 95 percent of adults in the US were infected before that change, according to the CDC. At present, around one million Americans develop shingles every year.

Health authorities recommend that adults aged 50 and above receive two doses of the shingles vaccine. This not only lowers the risk of infection but also reduces the chances of postherpetic neuralgia, a lingering nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the rash disappears.

Why Biological Age Matters More Than Your Actual Age

The researchers analysed data from more than 3,800 adults aged 70 and older, using information from the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study. Blood samples were examined to assess seven different indicators of biological ageing.

Unlike chronological age, which simply counts years lived, biological ageing reflects how well the body’s organs and systems are functioning over time.

Shingles Vaccine: Lower Inflammation, Healthier Ageing

Results showed that vaccinated participants had noticeably lower levels of inflammation, a key factor linked to age-related conditions such as heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline.

“By reducing this ongoing inflammation, possibly by stopping reactivation of the shingles virus, the vaccine may help support healthier ageing,” explained Jung Ki Kim, the study’s lead author.

“Although the exact biological processes are still unclear, the vaccine’s ability to lower inflammation makes it a promising tool in broader efforts to slow age-related decline and improve resilience,” she added.

Shingles Vaccine: What The Blood Markers Reveal About Ageing

The study also found that vaccinated individuals experienced slower changes in how genes are switched on and off, and in how genetic instructions are translated into proteins. These processes are known as epigenetic and transcriptomic ageing and are considered important markers of biological ageing.

When all seven ageing measures were combined into a single biological ageing score, those who had received the vaccine showed slower ageing overall compared with people who had not been vaccinated.

An image collage containing three visuals shows a gloved hand drawing blood into a tube, a longevity test kit with a swab and vial placed on an orange surface, and a screenshot of longevity test results displaying a bar chart of 117 biomarkers and a biological age of 29.3 years, which is 13.5 years younger than the actual age.

I gave lots of blood for six longevity tests — here’s how long I can expect to live

Can Vaccines Protect More Than Just Against Infection?

The findings build on earlier research that has linked adult vaccinations, including shingles and flu shots, to a lower risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

“This research strengthens the idea that vaccines may help promote healthy ageing by influencing biological systems beyond infection control,” said Kim, who is also a research associate professor of gerontology at USC.

Shingles Vaccine: Long-Term Benefits Seen Years After Vaccination

Importantly, the benefits appeared to last. Even participants who had received the shingles vaccine four or more years before their blood samples were taken still showed slower epigenetic, transcriptomic, and overall biological ageing compared to those who had not been vaccinated.

“These results suggest that shingles vaccination affects key processes associated with ageing,” said Crimmins, who is a USC University Professor and AARP Professor of Gerontology.

If future research confirms these findings, it could offer Americans another reason to get vaccinated and help improve vaccination rates, which remain low. Despite a rise during the pandemic period, only 30.1 percent of eligible Americans had received the shingles vaccine as of 2022.

The study highlights the potential for common vaccines to do more than prevent disease. They could play a significant role in promoting resilience, lowering inflammation, and supporting healthier ageing, especially in older adults.

Experts have urged people to keep an eye on their fingernails, as unusual changes might point to underlying health problems. According to specialists, certain nail colours could indicate the risk of severe illnesses. While some changes may be harmless, specific colour alterations could require medical attention. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has outlined concerning nail symptoms on its website.

The organisation stated: "Have you noticed a change to any of your nails lately? A change in colour, texture, or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease. If you notice any of the following changes to a fingernail or toenail, it's time to see a board-certified dermatologist."

Fingernails Colour Change: What Changes Could Signal Serious Health Conditions

Based on this advice, AAD specialists recommend watching for these nail colours:

• White
• Half pink, half white
• Yellow
• Dusky red half-moons
• A dark streak

They explained: "Nail colour changes can sometimes reflect conditions inside the body. Certain shades may serve as warning signs for specific diseases."

White Nails: Could Indicate Liver Problems or Diabetes

The AAD points out that nails turning white may be a sign of liver disease or diabetes. In liver disease, this is particularly likely in people with cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of the condition.

However, nails can naturally become whiter with age. Still, it is recommended to have any noticeable changes checked by a healthcare professional.

Half Pink, Half White Nails: Possible Sign of Kidney Disease

Nails that appear half pink and half white may indicate kidney problems. The AAD describes this pattern as “a white colour on the upper part of one or more nails and a normal to reddish-brown colour below.”

Yellow Nails: Could Signal Lung or Circulatory Issues

Yellowing of the nails may be linked to lung disease and could reflect problems in the circulatory or lymphatic systems.

"When these systems don’t function properly, fluid can accumulate in the soft tissues beneath the skin, causing nails to turn yellow," explains the Cleveland Clinic. That said, yellow nails can also result from fungal infections or smoking.

Dusky Red Half-Moons: Potential Early Sign of Cancer

The AAD warns that a new or changing dark streak under a nail could indicate cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The NHS also advises seeing a GP if “you have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury.”

Dark Patches Under the Nails: When to Seek Immediate Care

Noticing a dark patch beneath your nail may point to skin cancer. Experts recommend visiting a GP as soon as possible if this occurs.

Other Nail Colours To Watch

Additional nail colours that may indicate health issues, according to the AAD, include:

• Blue nails: Could indicate insufficient oxygen in the blood.
• Pale nails: Might point to anaemia.
• Blue half-moons: Could suggest exposure to toxins or poisoning.