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.

Flu season is hitting hard this year, and the symptoms could feel relentless. People are suffering from rising fever, hacking cough, blocked and stuffy nose and sore throat. While many people get relief from Tamiflu, which is a prescribed antiviral medication that is used to treat or even to prevent illness, there are other alternatives available too.

Dr Ari Brown, a Texas based pediatrician and the author of Baby411 book series told CNN health that one of the most common complaints that she gets to hear from Tamiflu is vomiting. A 2023 study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal notes that 18% of people experienced vomiting with Tamiflu, as compared to 5% with Xofluza, an alternative.

“I’ve also had a few pediatric patients experience moodiness with Tamiflu, which is reported in the literature,” she said.

Read: Adenovirus Cases Rise In UK, Health Authorities On Alert

Tamiflu is usually gives to treat flu in people ages 2 weeks and older and to reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older. The medicine could be administered in both form, liquid and capsules and usually taken twice daily for five days straight. This is prescribed for when flu is to be treated. However, when used for prevention, it is typically taken once for 10 days.

What Are The Other Alternatives Available For Flu Treatment?

Xofluza: It is administered as a single dose tablet and is approved for ages 5 and older. This medicine can also be used to treat or to prevent the flu. While it costs nearly $200 for those without insurance, eligible patients can use coupons to lessen costs. Dr Brown points out that this medicine could have side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. However, the study aforementioned notes that for this, only 5% patients had vomiting symptoms, when compared with Tamiflu.

Dr Brown also said that Xofluza can stop viral shedding in one day, while Tamiflu could take up to three days. "Both antivirals will help reduce the duration of misery by couple of days," she pointed out.

Dr Brown also pointed out that overall, "Xofluza is rising in popularity over Tamiflu." “One dose. Fewer side effects. More insurances are covering the cost of it now and manufacturer coupon makes it less expensive than in previous years," she said.

Rapivab: This is another prescribed medication that is approved to treat flu. This could be administered for people ages 6 months and older. It has to be given by a health care provider, as it is given once as an intravenous infusion. It could cost up to $1,000 without insurance and most common reaction in adults is diarrhea.

Relenza: This flu medication is inhaled in powder form. It is administered through an inhaler device, which is to be used twice a day for five days straight. The prescribed drug is approved to treat flu in ages 7 and older and for preventative use, in ages 5 and older. It could cost about $90 without insurance.

It may have side effects like dizziness, allergic reaction, or irritation of the nose. It is not recommended for people who have breathing issues or have asthma.

Hangover headaches are miserable. Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can leave you with a long list of next-day problems, and a headache is one of the most common. You will find no shortage of so-called hangover headache “fixes” online, in home remedies, and even on store shelves. The problem is that very few of them are backed by solid scientific evidence. The surest way to prevent a hangover headache is to watch how much alcohol you drink at one time. That said, there are a few simple, home-based steps that may lower your risk of waking up with a headache, and some practical ways to manage the pain if it has already set in.

What Is A Hangover?

A hangover refers to the uncomfortable physical and mental effects you experience after drinking too much alcohol the night before. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hangovers are extremely common among people who overdrink. One study found that nearly 75% of people who consumed excessive alcohol reported hangover symptoms the following day. The same research suggested that about 25% to 30% of drinkers may not experience hangovers at all.

How Much Alcohol Does It Take To Get A Hangover?

Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per hour can lead to a hangover. Your body generally needs about an hour to break down and process a single drink. As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, one drink is roughly equal to:

• One 12-ounce can of regular or light beer (5% alcohol).
• Half a pint, or about 8 to 9 ounces, of malt liquor or many craft beers (7% alcohol).
• One 5-ounce glass of table wine (12% alcohol).
• One shot, or 1.5 ounces, of liquor (40% alcohol).

How To Cure Hangover Headache At Home?

Many products and home remedies claim they can cure a hangover, but most are not supported by science, and some may even do harm. For instance, having more alcohol the next morning does not fix a hangover. It simply adds more toxins to your system.

Instead, consider these self-care measures for hangover relief:

• Eat simple foods with complex carbohydrates, such as toast or crackers. These can help raise low blood sugar levels and ease nausea.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade® or Pedialyte®, broth, and other non-alcoholic beverages can help counter dehydration. A good sign you are rehydrated is when your urine becomes clear.
• Get adequate sleep to help your body recover from fatigue.
• Use antacids to calm stomach discomfort.

Consider aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve aches and pains. NSAIDs are generally the most effective medications for hangover-related pain, but they should be used cautiously because they can irritate your stomach. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as combining it with alcohol can damage your liver.

Give it time. Hangover symptoms usually improve within eight to 24 hours. During this period, your body works to eliminate alcohol toxins, restore hydration, repair tissues, and return normal body functions to baseline.

Although many people are only now becoming aware of it, adenovirus is being widely described as a “mystery illness spreading worldwide,” and that description feels accurate when you consider how many people are reporting symptoms at the moment. Adenovirus can cause fever, a runny nose, sore throat, and stomach discomfort, which makes it difficult to distinguish from a regular cold or the so-called “super flu” that is currently circulating. If you are feeling unwell, or concerned about catching an infection just before the holiday season, Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy explains how to tell adenovirus apart from the common cold and from the H3N2 flu strain.

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenovirus refers to a large group of viruses that can lead to infections ranging from mild to more severe. These viruses can affect the respiratory tract, eyes, digestive system, and urinary tract, often causing symptoms that look very similar to a cold or flu.

Adenoviruses are hardy, spread mainly through respiratory droplets, and can infect people throughout the year. Children and individuals with weaker immune systems may experience more serious illness, but most people recover with rest and fluids, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Adenovirus vs Cold: How Does Adenovirus Differ From Common Cold?

Adenovirus is one of several viruses that can trigger cold-like symptoms. It helps to think of a cold as a set of symptoms rather than a single illness, with adenovirus being just one possible cause. “Adenovirus is just one virus that can cause the common cold,” says Dr Lee. She adds that many other viruses can also be responsible, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and coronaviruses.

Identifying the exact virus behind your cold symptoms is very difficult. “It is pretty much impossible for you or a doctor to know which virus is causing your cold symptoms,” Dr Lee explains.

Adenovirus vs Flu: How Does Adenovirus Differ From The Flu?

“The flu can be extremely unpleasant, whereas adenovirus is usually mild,” Dr Lee says when comparing the two. She explains that flu symptoms often appear suddenly, sometimes within hours, and are usually marked by a high fever and severe discomfort.

According to Dr Lee, flu symptoms can include:

• A high temperature between 38°C and 40°C
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Blocked or stuffy nose
• Dry cough
• Extreme fatigue

In contrast, adenovirus symptoms, when they appear at all, tend to develop slowly over several days, Dr Lee notes.

Other important differences between adenovirus and flu include:

• Adenovirus infections can occur at any time of year, while flu is more common during winter
• Adenovirus frequently causes pink eye, whereas influenza may lead to red or irritated eyes but less commonly
• Adenovirus often causes digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, while flu can cause these but does so less often
• Adenovirus is generally less likely to cause serious complications than influenza

Adenovirus: How To Tell If You Have Adenovirus Or Cold Or Flu?

Although adenovirus and common cold symptoms often overlap, the intensity of “super flu” symptoms usually stands out. Even so, Dr Lee explains, “The only way to really know the cause of your symptoms is to have a swab taken by a medical practitioner. This may be from the nose, throat, eye, urine, or stool.”

In most cases, testing is unnecessary and unlikely to be offered. “Because the vast majority of these viral infections are mild and self-limiting, this is rarely done,” says Dr Lee. “Treatment for any cold is symptomatic only.” She adds that extra caution is needed for babies and young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.