Weight loss is usually considered a good thing, unexpected and extreme weight loss can be a sign of something in your body going very wrong. There could be some underlying issues that are causing your body to pull weight and nutrition from your muscles and body fat to keep you going. As you grow old, your limbs grow weaker, and same for your muscles, so you do lose some weight as you age, but losing a lot of it too quickly could be a sign of something much worse, Dementia. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open 2025 Cardiometabolic Trajectories Preceding Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals, has identified potential early indicators of dementia, including significant weight loss and specific digestive changes, appearing years before noticeable cognitive decline.

The study showed that people who later got dementia had their Body Mass Index, or BMI, go down faster than those who stayed healthy. BMI is a way to see if someone's weight is healthy for their height. This drop in BMI started happening many years before they were told they had dementia, sometimes as early as 11 years ago. Also, these people often started with a lower BMI to begin with. So, even though everyone's weight might change a little as they get older, the people who developed dementia had a much bigger and faster weight loss.

What Are Some Other Indicators Of Dementia?

Along with their BMI, the size of their waist also changed. People who ended up with dementia had smaller waist sizes, and this difference was noticeable about 10 years before they were diagnosed. This means that their bodies were changing in ways that showed up long before they or their doctors noticed any problems. So, not only was there weight loss, but also a loss of abdominal fat. This measurement is important because fat around the waist can be related to other health issues.

The study also found changes in their blood. Specifically, the "good" cholesterol, called HDL, went up in people who developed dementia. This increase happened about five years before they were diagnosed. It's tricky because HDL is usually seen as a good thing for your heart. But in this case, it seems like it might be a sign of changes happening in the brain. Scientists are still trying to understand why this happens.

Weight Loss Doesn’t Cause Dementia, Dementia Causes Weight Loss

When we see that people with dementia lose weight, it's easy to think that the weight loss is what caused dementia. But experts think it's the other way around. They call this "reverse causation." This means that the brain changes that cause dementia also cause people to lose weight. The brain changes can affect things like appetite, how the body uses food, and how people go about their daily lives. For example, people might forget to eat, have trouble making meals, or move around less.

While the study revealed a lot about different indicators of dementia and bodily changes, there are many limitations to the study. Everyone loses some weight as they get older. So, it's hard to know when weight loss is just a normal part of aging and when it's a sign of dementia. The study found that people with dementia lost weight faster, but it's still tricky to tell the difference in everyday life. Doctors need to look at other things, like memory tests, to figure out if someone's weight loss is a cause for concern.

If someone is losing weight without trying, and they're also having problems with their memory or thinking, it's important to talk to a doctor. It's not just about the weight loss; it's about the whole picture.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is becoming an increasingly important health issue among IT professionals, who are specifically at risk because of certain factors present in corporate culture. There has been a gradual rise in the prevalence of IBS among these individuals over the last ten years, due not only to better diagnosis but also to the accumulation of stress, erratic lifestyles, and physical inactivity.

What is contributing to IBS cases in the IT industry?

Dr Sudha Subhana Desai, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Critical Care at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said, "The first factor contributing to the development of IBS in the IT environment is constant psychological stress. Working in the information technology industry requires the ability to meet tight deadlines, maintain high-level performance, and spend many hours in front of a computer while coordinating with colleagues from different time zones. All these activities affect normal circadian rhythms, placing an individual's body under constant stress. This becomes particularly relevant as the connection between the central nervous system and the digestive tract via the gut-brain axis is involved in this mechanism. Thus, constant stress can lead to disturbances in gut motility, increased sensitisation, and an imbalance of the flora. Hence, individuals develop common IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or an alternation between these."

How do dietary habits of IT professionals worsen IBS?

Further, Dr Desai spoke about how the dietary practices common among employees in IT professions exacerbate the issue. The expert said that the hectic nature of their work schedules often forces them to resort to unhealthy eating practices, including eating out at fast food restaurants. Their diet often consists of foods lacking dietary fibre but containing high levels of fats, sugars, and additives. This is unhealthy not only because it is nutritionally unbalanced but also because such foods may cause gastrointestinal problems. In addition, their unpredictable work hours make their diet and sleep habits less regular, thus disrupting digestive processes.

The role of lifestyle habits in IBS risk

Other lifestyle behaviours typical of employees in IT professions put them at higher risk. Firstly, a lack of exercise, which results from long working days, prolonged sitting, and little physical activity, slows down intestinal motility and decreases overall metabolism. Secondly, long screen exposure and sedentary behaviour have the same effect. Thirdly, poor sleep quality, experienced by night shift workers and those responsible for international projects, adversely impacts the hormonal balance necessary for healthy digestion. Lastly, high caffeine intake is typical of these employees, as they use coffee and energy drinks to alleviate fatigue.

While there is increased health consciousness, along with improved availability of medical care, the increase in IBS can only be partially explained by increased diagnoses. Rather, there is an actual increase due to stress factors and living patterns associated with the working environment of the IT industry.

Treating IBS among IT professionals

In the treatment of IBS among IT professionals, a number of factors must be addressed in order to help individuals cope with their conditions. One such factor is stress management. Professionals must be taught various methods of coping with stress, ranging from exercises such as yoga and breathing techniques to more structured interventions. The environment must also be conducive to health and well-being. In other words, organisations must facilitate a healthy working environment and encourage individuals to achieve a work-life balance while reducing any workload stresses. Professionals must also make alterations to their dietary habits, including eating regularly, having fibre-rich meals, and avoiding highly processed foods.

Iron deficiency, or anaemia, is a common occurrence these days, especially in women. However, a study’s findings will make you stop normalising low iron levels—it turns out that anaemic people are more likely to develop dementia later in life. Experts have long warned about low iron levels and advised rectifying the condition as soon as it is diagnosed. Swedish scientists have recently found that anaemic people are 60 per cent more likely to develop dementia later in life.

How does iron deficiency raise dementia risk later?

Writing in the journal JAMA Network Open, scientists noted that dangerously low levels of iron can dramatically raise the risk of dementia in old age. Research suggests that people who are severely anaemic are more likely to face problems with thinking, understanding, and memory later in life. For this, Swedish researchers tracked thousands of people aged 60 years and above for about a decade and discovered that people living with anaemia were 60 per cent more likely to develop dementia later in life.

Researchers said that the findings were important for understanding that anaemia could also qualify as a risk factor for dementia, apart from family history. However, the study does not conclusively prove that anaemia triggers dementia later in life. Experts from theKarolinska Institute said that anaemia patients exhibit a higher risk of dementia, along with elevated levels of Alzheimer’s-related blood biomarkers. The findings, therefore, suggest that anaemia is a relevant factor to consider in dementia prevention strategies.

Study’s findings explained

In the study, researchers tracked 2,282 volunteers aged 60 years and above who showed no symptoms of dementia. Blood samples were also analysed to check for levels of tau, a toxic protein that spreads in the brain. Experts found that clumps of this protein and amyloid can form tangles in the brain, thereby resulting in Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.

Are men more prone to anaemia-related dementia?

While evaluating blood samples for haemoglobin levels to diagnose anaemia, researchers followed up for over nine years and found that 362 of the participants had developed the condition. Compared to people with normal haemoglobin levels, anaemic people had higher levels of tau. During the follow-up period, anaemic people were 66 per cent more likely to develop dementia. Experts also noted that anaemia was associated with a higher risk of dementia in men compared to women, despite anaemia being a concern more often for women. This could be because, in men, anaemia is often driven by inflammation or chronic diseases.

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition characterised by iron deficiency—in this condition, the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin is lower than normal. Iron is essential for the creation of red blood cells that help transport oxygen in the body. The symptoms of anaemia include palpitations, shortness of breath, or pale skin. Other symptoms include hair loss, mouth ulcers, or tinnitus.

What triggers anaemia?

Sometimes, anaemia can be triggered by excessive bleeding during periods or bleeding in the intestines or stomach. Overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can also trigger the condition. Doctors say that eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens, red meat, and lentils can boost iron levels in the body.

Did you know? Discontinuing activities and overly restrictive behaviour, including unnecessary bed rest, does not improve implantation chances when it comes to IVF. Instead, balanced living, moderate activity, proper nutrition, and emotional well-being are important after the procedure. Hence, make sure to follow the advice given by a fertility consultant. Women should prioritise their health.

A failed IVF attempt is not just a financial crisis but also an emotional rollercoaster. For several couples struggling with infertility, IVF offers a ray of hope and may even help them conceive a baby. However, sometimes the attempt can fail due to several reasons, but do not let that affect your motivation to engage in your favourite activities.

Dr Rashmi Agarwal, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Gurugram, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the rising incidence of infertility in young couples, and how following a restricted behaviour may only lower the odds of conceiving a baby.

How is IVF coming to the rescue of young couples?

Infertility cases are rising among couples. There are a large number of couples who struggle with infertility and opt for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, couples tend to have doubts regarding it. For those who undergo IVF, the period after embryo transfer is filled with hope, anxiety, and a strong urge to “do everything right”. Many women feel that after the procedure, complete bed rest, taking it easy, and avoiding any activity can increase the chances of pregnancy. However, maintaining a balanced routine is often more beneficial than extreme rest.

What happens after an embryo transfer

After embryo transfer, many patients assume that movement could disturb implantation, and they suddenly avoid all activities without asking the doctor. They try not to walk, work, or do any household chores. But do not worry or panic, as the embryo is safely placed inside the uterus and cannot “fall out” with normal movement. The body is naturally designed to support implantation. There is no evidence available that claims that strict bed rest improves success rates. However, staying inactive for long periods can lead to stiffness, poor blood circulation, and increased stress or anxiety, which can take a toll on overall well-being.

How to improve chances of IVF success

Light activities like walking, gentle stretching, and routine household tasks are generally safe, as recommended by the doctor. Eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated by drinking 3–4 litres of water per day, de-stressing by doing meditation or reading, and getting enough sleep can be beneficial for women. Many women can also overthink, become anxious, and constantly worry about pregnancy. Hence, opting for relaxing activities like deep breathing, meditation, reading, staying connected with loved ones, and maintaining a positive mindset can help patients cope better during the waiting period, although it is not advised to overexert or do any strenuous activities without the doctor’s knowledge.

Following the expert’s instructions without fail, staying active, doing light exercises, and paying attention to physical and emotional well-being can support a smoother IVF journey.