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.

Alcohol is often seen as harmful mainly for the liver or heart, but its impact goes much deeper—reaching down to our DNA. Even moderate drinking can silently cause changes at a cellular level, raising long-term health risks that may not be immediately visible. According to Dr. Amit Miglani, Director & HOD – Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, the breakdown of alcohol in the body produces a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde, which can directly damage DNA inside our cells.

Alcohol Can Damage Your DNA, Not Just Your Liver And Heart

This damage disrupts the body’s natural repair mechanisms, allowing mutations to accumulate over time. Such mutations are linked to several cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon. The insidious nature of this damage means that even when you feel healthy, harmful changes may be occurring beneath the surface.

How Alcohol Interferes With DNA Repair

DNA damage can be complex to understand, but its consequences are serious, explains Dr. Arun Kumar Giri, Director – Surgical Oncology, Aakash Healthcare. Normally, the body constantly repairs minor DNA errors. However, alcohol disrupts this repair process, leaving cells vulnerable to mutation and abnormal growth.

Dr. Giri adds that some people have genetic variations that make them break down alcohol more slowly. For these individuals, alcohol stays in the body longer, increasing the likelihood of DNA damage. Over years of repeated exposure, this can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and eventually cancer.

No Completely Safe Level of Alcohol For DNA Health

One of the most important points, Dr. Giri emphasizes, is that there is no entirely safe level of alcohol when it comes to DNA. The risk increases with both the frequency and quantity of drinking. Even occasional binge drinking can be harmful, meaning that how often you drink can be as important—or even more so—than how much you drink at one time.

This perspective shifts the discussion from asking “How much alcohol is too much?” to “How often am I exposing my cells to alcohol-induced damage?” Protecting DNA health requires regular monitoring and mindful drinking habits, even for those who feel healthy today.

Alcohol: Long-Term Health Implications

Alcohol-induced DNA damage is not just a short-term concern. Over time, the accumulation of mutations can significantly increase cancer risk and other serious diseases. Regular health check-ups, a balanced lifestyle, and moderation, or complete avoidance of alcohol are crucial steps for safeguarding your genetic health and overall well-being.

Dr. Amit Miglani highlights that “It’s not just about the organs you can feel being affected today; it’s about protecting your long-term health, especially your DNA, for the future.”

Dr. Arun Kumar Giri advises, “Understanding the cellular impact of alcohol helps people make informed choices about their drinking habits. Even small changes can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.”

New research suggests that menopause may be linked to a loss of grey matter in the brain, which could help explain why women face a higher risk of dementia compared to men. Scientists from the University of Cambridge analysed data from 124,780 women to explore how menopause affects the brain and whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might help protect against cognitive decline.

Menopause May Be Linked to Changes in Brain Structure

The researchers found that menopause was associated with reduced levels of grey matter, an essential part of the brain involved in thinking, memory, emotional processing and movement. The findings also noted that this stage of life is often accompanied by anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Previous research has already shown that menopause can affect cognitive abilities such as attention, language, learning and memory.

How Menopause And HRT Affect Thinking Speed

Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the research divided participants into three groups: women who had not yet reached menopause, post-menopausal women who had never used HRT, and post-menopausal women who were taking HRT. Participants answered questions about sleep patterns, anxiety and depression, and some completed cognitive tests measuring memory and reaction time.

Around 11,000 women also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, allowing scientists to closely examine brain structure. On average, menopause began at age 49 among the participants, and women who started HRT typically began treatment at around the same age.

Sleep, Fatigue and Mental Health Changes

The findings showed that post-menopausal women were more likely to struggle with insomnia, get less sleep overall and feel more fatigued. Interestingly, women using HRT reported the highest levels of tiredness across all three groups, even though they slept for a similar amount of time as those not taking HRT.

All post-menopausal women, regardless of whether they were using hormone therapy, reported greater fatigue compared to women who had not yet experienced menopause. Researchers also observed that this stage of life had an impact on cognitive function.

Dr Katharina Zuhlsdorff, from the psychology department at the University of Cambridge, explained: “As we age, our reaction times naturally slow down. This happens to both women and men and is part of normal ageing. You might still reach the right answer to a quiz question, but younger people tend to respond faster. Our findings suggest menopause speeds up this slowing process, while HRT seems to slow it down slightly.”

Brain Regions Linked to Memory and Emotion Affected

The study identified significant reductions in grey matter volume among post-menopausal women. These changes were seen in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in learning and memory, the entorhinal cortex, which supports memory formation and spatial awareness, and the anterior cingulate cortex, which helps regulate attention and emotions.

Menopause As A Period of Increased Vulnerability

Professor Barbara Sahakian, the senior author of the study from the department of psychiatry, said: “The brain areas where we observed these changes are the same regions commonly affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Menopause may make women more vulnerable later in life. While it does not explain everything, it could help clarify why dementia affects nearly twice as many women as men.”

Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, noted that women account for roughly two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the UK. “Although we do not yet fully understand why women are more affected than men, hormones are thought to play a role,” she said.

“This large-scale study strengthens evidence that menopause has an impact on the brain, including physical changes such as reduced brain volume. However, without long-term follow-up to see whether participants later develop dementia, we cannot be certain that these menopause-related brain changes directly increase dementia risk.

“There are steps people can take today to lower their dementia risk, including regular exercise, avoiding smoking and cutting back on alcohol. Anyone concerned about themselves or a loved one can use the Alzheimer’s Society dementia symptoms checklist as a starting point before speaking to a GP.”

The research also found that women taking HRT were more likely to report mental health challenges. However, the analysis suggested these women already had poorer psychological wellbeing before starting hormone treatment.

Dr Christelle Langley, from the psychiatry department, said: “Menopause is something most women will experience, and it can be a major life change whether or not HRT is used. During this time, healthy habits such as staying active, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet become especially important to help reduce some of its effects.”

Dr Louise Newson, a GP and women’s hormone specialist, added: “Many women notice changes in memory and concentration around menopause. This study suggests these symptoms may have a biological explanation rather than being brushed off as stress or ageing, highlighting menopause as a key window for protecting brain health and providing personalised care.”

More than 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK are currently living with arthritis, according to a 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The NHS states that osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition nationwide.

As per Cleveland Clinic, osteoarthritis develops gradually as joints become stiff and painful due to wear and tear. Symptoms can vary depending on the joint affected and the extent of damage, but pain, swelling, and reduced movement are common. While medication is often prescribed to manage symptoms, the NHS cautions that some commonly used treatments can carry health risks if taken long-term or without proper guidance.

One of the most frequently used pain relief options is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly known as NSAIDs.

What Are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed by GPs to help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription.

These medicines are often relied upon for day-to-day pain relief by people with osteoarthritis, particularly during flare-ups.

NHS Warning: Who Should Be Cautious When Using NSAIDs?

The NHS advises that NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone. Extra caution is recommended for people with asthma, a history of stomach ulcers, angina, or those who have previously experienced a heart attack or stroke. The NHS also advises that individuals taking low-dose aspirin should always consult their GP before using NSAIDs.

Long-term or incorrect use can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, cardiovascular problems, and kidney issues, making it important to review pain management plans regularly.

Can Natural Compounds Like GOPO Support Joint Health?

Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes explains that natural compounds are increasingly being explored as supportive options for joint health.

“Natural compounds derived from plants have long been used in both traditional and modern medicine to support joint health. One such compound is GOPO, which is derived from rose hips (Rosa canina). Research indicates that GOPO can help relieve joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties,” he says.

“Rather than simply masking symptoms, GOPO works by helping to regulate the body’s inflammatory response, which is a key driver of joint stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. It offers a promising alternative to traditional painkillers, with fewer risks of side effects, making it a more sustainable option for managing joint discomfort.”

Lifestyle Changes Proven To Ease Osteoarthritis Pain

According to Dr Hughes, lifestyle measures form the foundation of osteoarthritis management.

“Lifestyle choices play a central role in relieving osteoarthritis pain and helping people stay active,” he explains. “Research shows that regular, gentle exercise supported by physiotherapy, such as walking, swimming, and yoga, can be highly effective.”

“These activities help keep joints mobile and strengthen the muscles and ligaments that support them, which reduces stiffness and eases pressure on painful joints. It is also important to balance activity with rest to avoid flare-ups caused by overuse.”

Why Weight Management Matters For Joint Health

Weight management is another key factor in controlling osteoarthritis symptoms. “Maintaining a healthy body weight is especially important,” says Dr Hughes. “Extra weight places additional load on joints, particularly the knees and hips, which can worsen pain and accelerate joint damage. Even modest weight loss has been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.”

How Diet Influences Inflammation And Joint Pain

Interestingly, diet can also play a role in managing inflammation linked to osteoarthritis. “Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, along with at least two portions of oily fish each week, provides antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage,” Dr Hughes explains.

“In my practice, I often recommend combining these dietary changes with natural supplements such as turmeric or GOPO to provide additional support for joint health.”

Reducing Reliance On Long-Term NSAIDs Safely

For patients hoping to reduce their dependence on NSAIDs, Dr Hughes stresses the importance of medical supervision.

“Any reduction in NSAIDs should be done gradually and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. This helps ensure pain remains well controlled while avoiding sudden flare-ups or withdrawal issues,” he says.

“By combining regular movement, physiotherapy, supportive nutrition, and appropriate natural supplements, many patients can take a more balanced approach to managing chronic joint pain. Over time, these strategies may allow people to rely less on medication while maintaining a good quality of life.”