A new report published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology challenges the conventional definition of obesity, and urges a shift from the reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) to a more nuanced approach. This is supported by over 50 global medical experts. The report also recommends splitting the term "obesity" into two categories: "Clinical obesity" and "Pre-clinical obesity". This aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for over a billion people worldwide living with obesity.

Clinically Obese

This applies to individuals whose obesity has progressed to a disease state, manifesting in organ damage, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or other health complications. These individuals could also experience symptoms like breathlessness, joint pain, or impaired daily functioning. Treatment also involves medical interventions, including weight-loss medications or surgery.

Pre-Clinic Obese

Whereas the term "pre-clinic obese" refers to those who are overweight but not yet exhibiting health issues. While they may be at risk of developing obesity-related conditions, their organ function and overall health remain intact. What they need is preventive care, which includes dietary guidance, counselling, and regular monitoring to avoid and reduce future health risks.

What does the study say?

The study, led by Professor Francesco Rubino from King's College London emphasizes that obesity is not one-size-fits-all condition. This means it should rather be treated as a spectrum as some individuals maintain normal organ function despite being classified as obese. There are others who may face severe health complications too. However, the current method of calculating obesity based on BMI often leads to misdiagnosis or inadequate care.

The report also states that BMI, while is useful for analyzing population trends, is a flawed unit of measuring individual health. Therefore, there is a need to redefine obesity, and healthcare professionals can provide more precise care by distinguishing those who need immediate medical intervention and those who require preventive strategies.

Limitations of BMI, Why It Falls Short?

BMI is used to classify individuals as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese based on their height and weight. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by health in meters squared. However, there are reasons while it falls short.

•Muscle vs Fat: Athletes or muscular individuals often have high BMIs despite the low body fat

•Fat Distribution: BMI does not measure fat around the waist or organs, which could be more dangerous to one's health.

•Individual Health Variation: It also overlooks the specific health conditions such as heart diseases or diabetes, or any other, while evaluating a person's category in terms of weight.

ALSO READ: Is It Time To Say Goodbye To BMI?

Scope Of Study

By redefining obesity, the study could transform the approach to diagnosis and treatment. It can focus on individual health risks rather than BMI alone. Healthcare providers can also offer tailored care. This also will ensure hat weight-loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro are prescribed only to those who genuinely require it.

As per Professor Louise Baur from the University of Sydney, a Children's obesity expert said that this redefinition allows both adults and children to receive more appropriate care while reducing over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

As the year draws to a close and 2026 approaches, most women find themselves juggling work deadlines, family responsibilities, and festive plans. In the middle of it all, personal health often slips to the bottom of the list. But doctors say this is exactly the time to pause and take stock of your body, especially your reproductive and hormonal health.

“Annual gynecological screening is one of the simplest ways to prevent silent illnesses, detect early changes, and understand your reproductive health better,” says Dr Tanveer Aujla, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida. Many common conditions show little to no symptoms in the early stages, making routine testing crucial.

Why yearly gynecological check-ups matter

Women often ignore subtle signs like fatigue, irregular periods, unexplained weight changes, or mood swings, assuming they are part of a busy lifestyle. According to Dr Aujla, this delay can be risky. “Conditions like cervical abnormalities, breast lumps, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalance often develop quietly and show symptoms only later,” she explains. A yearly check-up helps catch problems early and allows women to plan their health with confidence, especially if pregnancy is on the horizon.

Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical health

One of the most important screenings is the Pap smear combined with HPV testing. The Pap test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, while the HPV test detects high-risk viruses responsible for most cervical cancers. “Together, they form a powerful screening tool,” Dr Aujla says. Women between 25 and 65 years should undergo this test every three to five years, or as advised by their doctor.

Breast screening for early detection

Breast health should never be overlooked. Dr Aujla advises yearly mammograms for women above 40, along with clinical breast examinations or ultrasound scans when needed. “These screenings help identify lumps, cysts, or early tissue changes,” she notes. She also stresses the importance of monthly self-examination to check for lumps, pain, or changes like inverted nipples.

Thyroid testing for unexplained symptoms

Thyroid disorders are extremely common in women and often remain undiagnosed. “A simple TSH, T3, and T4 test can explain symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods, weight changes, or fertility issues,” says Dr Aujla. Early diagnosis can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

Fertility markers and preconception screening

Tests like AMH offer insight into ovarian reserve and help women plan their reproductive timelines. Dr Aujla points out that this is especially important for women with PCOS, irregular cycles, or delayed family planning. Preconception screening, which includes anemia levels, vitamin D, rubella immunity, blood sugar, and hormonal panels, ensures the body is prepared for a safe pregnancy.

Other essential health screenings

Women over 30 or those with a sedentary lifestyle should also get diabetes and cholesterol tests. Bone health panels checking calcium and vitamin D help prevent future osteoporosis. STI screening is equally important, as infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can silently damage reproductive health if left untreated.

“Whether you are planning pregnancy or simply want to stay healthy, these tests offer clarity, confidence, and peace of mind,” Dr Aujla concludes. Taking time for these screenings before the year ends is a small step that can protect your health for years to come.

Santa Claus is bad for your health! This is a statement by Dr Nathan Grills, a Public Health Fellow in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Australia. Why is he saying this right ahead of Christmas?

Writing for an article in the British Medical Journal's Christmas issue (BMJ), he says, "Santa only needs to affect health by 0.1% to damage million of lives". He says it would be better if his popularity was rather used to promote healthy living.

Why Is Santa Claus Unhealthy?

Santa Claus's portrayal is where the concerns lie. This was not the first time someone has talked about. In fact, The Conversation in December 2024, talked about this exactly. If you look at Santa, he stands anywhere between 5'6" to 6'6" and weighs between 80Kgs to 136Kgs. He also carries a lot of weight around his belly, which, some may say, keeps him insulated as he sleighs through the snowy lands, but is sure overweight and obese. These portrayal promotes an unhealthy living.

Dr Grils also writes that Santa should rather share Rudolf's snack of carrots and celery sticks than brandy and mince pies, and swap his reindeer for a bike or a walk.

After reviewing existing literature and online sources to understand Santa Claus’s possible impact on public health, the analysis found no peer-reviewed studies directly addressing the issue. What did stand out, however, was the exceptionally high level of awareness of Santa among children. In fact, surveys of American schoolchildren showed that Santa Claus was recognized more widely than almost any other fictional character, second only to Ronald McDonald.

The doctor says that Santa is also used for selling products, which are mostly harmful, and this happens on global scale, which means, people get inspired. "Santa sells, and sometimes he sells harmful products. Like Coca-Cola, Santa has become a major export item to the developing world."

While Santa has been banned from smoking, but his images of enjoying a pipe or cigar are easily found on Christmas cards. The depiction of Santa does form a public perception, argues the doctor.

Dr Grill also notes that Santa may be promoting potential drink-driving, especially when someone follows the tradition to leave him a brandy to wish him well on his travels, while he has billion houses to visit.

Can Santa Spread Diseases?

Dr Grill says that he can spread diseases. If Santa sneezes or coughs around 10 times a day, all the children who sit on his lap may also end up catching the flu along with their Christmas presents.

However, it is important to note that these are views expressed by the doctor and no actual studies have been conducted on the same, Though Dr Grill does indicate for more research before calling for authorities to regulate Santa's activities. For now, Dr Grill proposes a new image for Santa, a healthier one. A slim Santa on a treadmill.

For years, the appendix was brushed off as a useless leftover from human evolution. Many of us grew up believing that it served no real purpose and was better off removed at the first sign of trouble. But science now tells a more interesting story. This small, finger-like pouch attached to the large intestine quietly supports gut health and immunity in ways that were long overlooked.

What exactly is the appendix?

The appendix is a narrow tube connected to the cecum, located in the lower right side of the abdomen. It usually measures between 7 and 10 cm, although its size and position can vary widely from person to person. In some people, it may be just a couple of centimeters long, while in others, it can extend much further. This variation is also why appendicitis pain can sometimes feel confusing or atypical.

Not useless after all

The biggest shift in understanding the appendix came from research into gut bacteria. The appendix appears to act as a safe storage space for beneficial microbes. During bouts of severe diarrhea or intestinal infections, large amounts of gut bacteria are flushed out. The appendix helps reintroduce these good bacteria once the illness passes, helping the digestive system recover faster.

It also plays a role in immunity, especially during early life. The appendix contains lymphoid tissue, which exposes immune cells to substances passing through the gut. This helps the body learn how to respond to harmful invaders while tolerating harmless ones. While humans can survive perfectly well without an appendix, its presence offers subtle support to the immune and digestive systems.

Why appendicitis happens

Despite its benefits, the appendix is still prone to inflammation. Appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies worldwide. It usually occurs when the appendix gets blocked, often due to hardened stool, infection, or rarely, abnormal growths. Once blocked, bacteria multiply, causing swelling, pain, and infection.

The classic warning sign is pain that starts near the belly button and gradually shifts to the lower right abdomen. This may be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous. If left untreated, the appendix can rupture, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Busting Common Myths

There are many myths surrounding the appendix. One of the most common is that fruit seeds or spicy food cause appendicitis. There is no evidence to support this. Another misconception is that appendicitis can settle on its own. While pain may temporarily reduce, the underlying inflammation usually worsens.

Many people also worry that removing the appendix will harm digestion or require lifelong dietary restrictions. In reality, most people return to normal eating habits and daily routines after recovery, with no long-term health issues.

How appendicitis is treated

Surgery remains the most reliable treatment for appendicitis. Today, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery are widely used. These involve small incisions, less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays. In complicated cases, open surgery may still be required.

In selected cases of mild, uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics may be used initially. However, studies show that while symptoms may improve, there is a higher chance of recurrence within months. For this reason, surgery continues to be the definitive, long-term solution for most patients.

Recovery after appendix removal is usually smooth. Many patients are able to walk the same day and return home within a day or two. Light meals are recommended initially, and heavy lifting is avoided for a few weeks. Long-term lifestyle changes are rarely needed, and most people forget about the surgery entirely once healed.