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.

Men often carry the responsibility for their families. They work hard and manage professional pressures to provide the best for their loved ones. Yet, many men tend to neglect their own health, the one thing that makes everything else possible.

Across age groups, men often seek medical attention only when the problem becomes severe or when symptoms become impossible to ignore. The most unfortunate thing regarding health is that many health conditions develop silently for years before showing signs. Taking care of yourselves is not selfish; it is essential. After all, the healthier you are, the better equipped you are to support your family, pursue your goals, and enjoy a fulfilling life for years to come.

Prioritize Preventive Health Checkups

One of the best ways to keep an eye on your health is by scheduling regular health screenings. Many conditions, including High BP, Diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and kidney disorders, may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Annual health checkups can help identify potential problems way before they become serious.

Depending on age and family history, men should also discuss appropriate cancer screenings. Early detection leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes. Make preventive health checkups a routine. Just as a vehicle performs better with regular servicing, your body also needs regular monitoring.

Muscle Mass Is The Key

Maintaining muscle mass is equally important for men as they age. Muscle plays a vital role in supporting metabolism. Even though it is important for improving insulin sensitivity, protecting bone health, and maintaining strength. You don’t need rigorous exercise daily.

Strength training two to four days a week is sufficient. It may also help support healthy testosterone levels and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The best thing is that strength training doesn’t require spending hours in a gym. Consistency matters far more than perfection.

Sound Mind For A Sound Body

We often say that ‘sound mind in a sound body’. This is even true vice versa. Many men feel pressure to appear strong all the time, which can make things difficult. Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect anyone. Persistent fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or disrupted sleep may be warning signs.

Keep an eye on such changes. Discussion is not a sign of weakness. Talk to trusted family members, friends, or mental health professionals. It can make a significant difference.

Sleep Is The Real Game-Changer

Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining good health. Generally, adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. It helps the body to repair tissues, regulates hormones, and supports brain function.

Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, increased stress, and weakened immune function. If your morning is often tiring or you are struggling with insomnia, then discuss it with your healthcare professional. Limit screen time before bed and avoid excessive caffeine late in the day. It can help improve sleep quality.

Take Heart Health Seriously

Heart disease remains one of the leading health risks for men worldwide. The good news is that many cardiovascular risk factors are largely preventable. A healthy weight, physical activity, and a balanced diet can significantly improve heart health.

Avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption is also helpful. Add vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to your daily diet. Such a diet can support both heart and overall well-being. Daily brisk walk can help improve BP, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular fitness.

(By Dr Shivam Sharma, Internal Medicine, Shalby International Hospitals, Gurugram)

Fever is one of the body's most common warning signals. In most cases, particularly among children, it is caused by a simple infection and resolves within a few days. However, when fever keeps returning repeatedly, follows a pattern, or occurs alongside other concerning symptoms, it may signal an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

What Is A Recurring Fever?

Dr. Hemalata Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that a recurring fever refers to repeated episodes of elevated body temperature that are separated by days, weeks, or even months during which a person feels completely well.

While recurrent fevers can sometimes result from common viral infections, especially in children exposed to school environments, daycare settings, or seasonal illnesses, persistent or unexplained episodes warrant further investigation.

The expert stated that understanding the pattern of fever is often one of the most important clues in determining the cause.

What Can Cause Recurring Fever?

Dr. Diksha Goyal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, told HealthandMe that a recurrent fever can occur when body temperature rises to 38°C or higher and reappears after improving or occurs intermittently over time.

Several medical conditions may cause recurring fever, including:

1. Chronic Infections such as tuberculosis (TB), urinary tract infections

2. Autoimmune Diseases

3. Immune System Disorders

4. Cancers, particularly blood-related cancers

5. Certain Viral Infections

Also read: Doctors Call Kratom The ‘Next Addiction Crisis’ As More US States Push Bans

Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored

While recurrent fever is not always dangerous, the experts emphasize that certain accompanying symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Dr. Arora notes that urgent attention is needed if recurring fever is associated with:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Persistent fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Poor appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Confusion or altered mental status

Dr. Goyal added that persistent cough, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained body pain can also indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment.

These symptoms may point toward serious infections, immune system disorders, blood-related diseases, cancers, or inflammatory conditions in which the body's defense system triggers repeated inflammation without a clear infection.

Early Treatment For Better Outcomes

Another important warning sign is a fever that continues to recur despite treatment. According to Dr. Arora, repeated courses of antibiotics without a confirmed diagnosis should raise concern. In some cases, medications themselves can trigger fever, making a detailed medication history an important part of the evaluation.

The goal is not to panic but to seek timely medical assessment. Check for swollen lymph nodes, rashes, signs of infection, or evidence of systemic inflammation.

The experts noted that early medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause, prevent complications, and ensure appropriate treatment. With timely diagnosis and proper management, many causes of recurrent fever can be effectively treated, allowing individuals to maintain their health and daily activities.

Tobacco use remains a global epidemic and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Despite a strong desire among many users to quit, relapse rates remain alarmingly high. A new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a valuable tool in helping people quit tobacco.

Yoga Shows Promise for Tobacco Cessation

To evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in tobacco cessation, researchers led by Dr Gautam Sharma, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, AIIMS, conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024.

The review included adults aged 18 years and older who used any form of tobacco, excluding vaping products. Participants were randomly assigned to yoga either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional cessation treatments.

The primary outcome assessed was the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (7PPA), a standard measure of smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, and mood states.

The findings suggest that “yoga may serve as a moderately effective intervention for tobacco cessation, with an estimated effectiveness of around 50 per cent”, the team said in the paper.

Also read: Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOS

How Yoga May Help People Quit Tobacco

Researchers found that active yoga styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga improved abstinence rates by helping reduce stress, depression, and negative emotions often associated with tobacco withdrawal.

Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, was found to reduce cravings and negative affect, making it easier for participants to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

The review also highlighted the importance of addressing psychological factors linked to tobacco addiction, including perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—all of which are known contributors to relapse.

While some studies reported stronger psychological benefits than others, overall evidence suggests yoga may support emotional well-being during the quitting process.

Yoga and Tobacco Addiction

Also read: Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims Study

Researchers believe yoga may help manage tobacco addiction through several biological mechanisms.

Nicotine stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and rewarding effects. During withdrawal, stress-related hormones increase, leading to anxiety, cravings, and emotional discomfort.

Yoga appears to counter these effects by shifting the body from a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic dominance ("rest and digest").

Read More: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma

This shift may reduce activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress hormone production, helping individuals better manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The team also noted that controlled breathing techniques can significantly influence emotional regulation, with voluntary breath control accounting for substantial variations in emotional states such as anger, fear, and joy.

India alone has more than 270 million active tobacco users. Given the widespread use of smokeless tobacco in the region—and the limited effectiveness of standard cessation medications for these users—yoga could offer an accessible, culturally familiar, and low-cost complementary approach, the researchers stressed.

While the results are encouraging, researchers also cautioned that larger and more standardized studies are needed.