Ozempic works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which suppresses hunger and regulates blood sugar levels. All semaglutide medications work like that. These drugs are great for those trying to shed extra pounds in their body, however, there's a catch. All of these blockbuster weight loss drugs are synthetic and not sustainable in the long run. But wait, what if I told you that researchers have found a component in your everyday breakfast that can do just the same?

Beta-Glucan And Gut Microbiome

Comparing Different Types Of Fiber

Researchers also tested several types of dietary fibre, including dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose. However, none of these fibres showed the same impact on weight reduction or fat loss as beta-glucan, despite significantly altering the gut microbiome. "We know that fibre is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fibre," explained Frank Duca, a biomedical scientist from the University of Arizona. The study aimed to determine which type of fibre is most effective for weight loss and glucose regulation, providing valuable insights for consumers and the agricultural industry.

Understanding Dietary Fiber

Dietary fibre is a plant-based nutrient found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It serves as the primary energy source for beneficial gut bacteria, playing a vital role in digestive health. Despite its importance, less than 5 per cent of people in the US consume the recommended 25–30 grams of fibre per day. A high-fiber diet is known to be protective against weight gain. Foods rich in fibre tend to have lower energy density, meaning they provide fewer calories per gram of food. This allows individuals to consume the same volume of food while reducing their caloric intake. Additionally, fibre-rich foods are often bulky and filling, promoting satiety.

Soluble fibre, such as beta-glucan, forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, slowing stomach emptying and extending the feeling of fullness. This delayed digestion also results in a slower absorption of sugars, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes, which have been linked to obesity and an increased risk of diabetes.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare worldwide, concerns about technology replacing doctors remain a topic of debate.

Dr. Santosh Sivaranjani, popularly known as "The ORS Lady of India," addressed these concerns at the Times Now India Health Summit 2026 – South Edition in Hyderabad.

The renowned pediatrician and social activist emphasized that AI can only assist doctors and cannot replace the core human qualities that define medical care.

Dr. Sivaranjani acknowledged that doctors are increasingly embracing innovations such as artificial intelligence to improve patient care and health education. However, she stressed that technology has clear limitations.

"No matter how much AI advances, it can only complement us. It cannot replace the human touch, clinical acumen, or the genuine empathy that doctors have towards their patients," she said. "We should be proud of being doctors" because such qualities cannot be replicated by machines, she said.

The Privilege and Challenge of Being a Doctor in India

Speaking before an audience of healthcare professionals, Dr. Sivaranjani also highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of being a doctor in India. She described the profession as both a privilege and an extraordinary challenge, citing the immense patient load, demanding work schedules, and personal sacrifices made by medical professionals every day.

"Our journey demands countless sleepless nights, missed birthdays, missed anniversaries, and even caring for other patients when our own loved ones are unwell," she said. "Yet the moment we see a patient recover and smile, all those sacrifices seem worthwhile."

Changing Perceptions of the Medical Profession

Dr. Sivaranjani also reflected on the changing perception of doctors in India. She noted that physicians were once regarded with deep respect and seen as pillars of strength during families' most difficult moments. While many doctors continue to uphold these values, she expressed concern that rising healthcare costs and changing public expectations have altered doctor-patient relationships.

"Most doctors work to the best of their ability and according to their conscience, not to please patients but to provide the right treatment," she said.

Concerns Over the Consumer Protection Act

The pediatrician further highlighted concerns about the inclusion of doctors under the Consumer Protection Act, arguing that it has contributed to a more defensive doctor-patient relationship.

"Medicine often requires difficult and sometimes risky decisions to save lives. However, fear of legal consequences can make doctors hesitant to take those necessary risks," she said.

Rebuilding Trust Through Empathy and Ethics

Calling for efforts to rebuild public trust, Dr. Sivaranjani urged medical professionals to prioritize empathy, transparency, ethical practice, and patient education. She emphasized that medicine is not only a science but also an art that requires compassion and effective communication.

"The moment a patient enters your consultation room, half of their illness should disappear because of the confidence and reassurance you provide," she said. "Arrogance has no place in our profession."

She also stressed the need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable access to quality medical services across the country.

Concluding her address, Dr. Sivaranjani paid tribute to healthcare workers across India for their dedication and resilience.

"It is a privilege to be a doctor in this great country and to make a difference in so many lives," she said. "At the same time, it is an extraordinary challenge to protect ourselves from violence, navigate legal pressures, and help people understand that we are here not to please them, but to heal them."

As oncologists, we often meet patients at some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Yet there are times where a patient's journey reminds of the extraordinary resilience that people can show while facing the challenges that cancer presents

I recently treated a 38-year-old woman whose story has stayed with me.

Having just welcomed her baby into the world, her demanding yet joyful routine revolved around feeding schedules and sleepless nights. It was during this period that she noticed a hard lump in her breast.

Breast Lumps Can Cause Aggressive Breast Cancer

A sonomammography revealed a suspicious BIRADS 4A lesion. A biopsy confirmed Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which is one of the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. It was classified as a Stage III disease after evaluation through PET-CT which showed involvement of the axillary lymph nodes. The tumor also had a high Ki-67 index, indicating that it was growing rapidly.

Facing Cancer While Caring for A Newborn

The untimely diagnosis found the mother facing difficult questions about cancer treatment, her future and her ability to care for her child. One of the immediate challenges was that she had to stop breastfeeding.

Under the guidance of her pediatrician, her baby was transitioned to bottle feeds. This can be an emotionally challenging process for mothers as the feeling of guilt tends to seep in when breastfeeding plans are disrupted by illness.

A Modern Treatment Approach

After detailed and prolonged discussions with the patient and her family, we initiated treatment with neoadjuvant immunotherapy using pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy. This approach has emerged as one of the more prominent advances in the treatment of high-risk Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, having significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

Motherhood is a physically and emotionally taxing experience but the patient showed incredible strength during her cancer therapy, driven by her child and the unwavering support of her family.

Following completion of neoadjuvant therapy, repeat PET-CT imaging showed a near-complete response. She subsequently underwent surgery, and the final pathology report revealed a pathological complete response, meaning no residual invasive cancer had been detected.

This was the desired outcome for the treating team as well as the patient. She later completed the remaining course of immunotherapy, bringing her total treatment duration to one year. Today, both mother and child are doing well.

Breast Cancer Can Occur During Pregnancy

This tremendous journey highlights an important message. The fact that breast cancer can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period deserves wider attention. Any breast lump that persists or feels unusual should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as early diagnosis remains one of the most important factors in achieving positive outcomes.

The process is reflective of the advances in cancer treatment that are changing the outlook for patients with aggressive cancers. These advances are done through the integration of immunotherapy into treatment protocols which is helping more patients achieve improved long-term outcomes. The mother’s story is a reminder that cancer and motherhood are not mutually exclusive journeys.

Her ability to navigate this path is due to her timely diagnosis, access to appropriate treatment, family support and personal resilience. What began as a frightening diagnosis soon after childbirth ultimately became a story of hope, courage and survival. This is a powerful reminder to every new mother who might discover an unusual breast lump, that listening to your body and seeking medical advice early can make all the difference.

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints affecting people of all ages. It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, passing hard stools, excessive straining, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

While occasional constipation is usually not a cause for concern and can often be managed through lifestyle changes, persistent or severe constipation may sometimes indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

Common Causes of Constipation

Several factors can contribute to constipation, including inadequate fiber intake, insufficient water consumption, lack of physical activity, stress, changes in routine, and certain medications. In many cases, improving dietary habits and maintaining an active lifestyle can help restore normal bowel function. However, when constipation becomes chronic or is accompanied by other symptoms, it should not be ignored.

Warning Signs

One of the most important warning signs is a sudden change in bowel habits, particularly in adults over the age of 50. Persistent constipation associated with unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, bloating, or blood in the stool may indicate a more serious condition, such as colorectal cancer. Early detection is crucial, making timely medical evaluation essential.

What's Behind Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation may also be linked to several medical disorders. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and certain neurological disorders can affect the normal movement of the intestines. In some individuals, constipation may result from pelvic floor dysfunction, where the muscles involved in bowel movements do not coordinate properly.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), particularly the constipation-predominant type, is another common cause of ongoing bowel difficulties. Inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal narrowing, or bowel obstruction can also present with severe constipation and abdominal discomfort.

Many people rely on over-the-counter laxatives for relief. While these medications can be effective when used appropriately, long-term or excessive use without medical supervision may mask an underlying problem and can sometimes worsen bowel function over time.

How To Maintain Good Digestive Health

To maintain good digestive health, individuals should consume a fibre-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Adequate hydration, regular exercise, and responding promptly to the urge to pass stools are equally important.

Constipation is often harmless, but persistent symptoms should never be dismissed. If constipation lasts for several weeks, becomes increasingly severe, or is associated with alarming symptoms such as bleeding, significant weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, seeking medical advice is essential. Recognizing these warning signs early can help identify serious health conditions and ensure timely treatment.

(By Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, Director Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass & Mukundupur)