We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

A new oral weight-loss drug is showing promising results for people living with obesity or who are overweight. In a phase II clinical trial published in Nature Medicine, participants taking the experimental medication aleniglipron lost up to 12% of their body weight over 36 weeks.

The study included contributions from Robert Kushner, MD, professor emeritus of medicine at Northwestern University and a longtime expert in obesity treatment.

Aleniglipron belongs to the GLP-1 family of drugs, the same class as popular medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These treatments help people lose weight by mimicking a natural hormone that reduces appetite, increases feelings of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

What makes aleniglipron different is that it comes in pill form. Most currently available GLP-1 medications require injections and often need special storage, which can make them less convenient and more difficult for some patients to access.

Researchers believe an oral option could make treatment easier for many people. Because aleniglipron is a small-molecule drug—meaning it is chemically manufactured rather than peptide-based—it can be produced more efficiently and potentially at a lower cost.

“Aleniglipron is different because it’s a small molecule that can be taken with or without food,” Kushner said. “Most medicines people take every day, from aspirin to blood pressure drugs, are small molecules. That also creates opportunities to combine it with other treatments in the future.”

If further studies confirm its safety and effectiveness, aleniglipron could offer a more convenient alternative to injectable GLP-1 medications and help expand access to obesity treatment.

Why Is GLP-1 Drug A Medical Breakthrough?

Dr Shubham Vatsya explains that it took 20 years of research for scientists to come up with these medicines. This drug underwent proper lengthy trials, and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "which is not obtained by giving any bribe".

He also noted that when a person is not able to lose weight, Ozempic and drugs alike give a "head start" to them, along with a hope.

Talking about side effects, he says that every drug has its side effects, this is where a doctor's role comes in.

"Now, the person who is not able to lose weight, if you tell him 'you hit 100 kg bench press', he will break his shoulder. He needs a kickstart somewhere. This is what weight loss drugs allow," he says.

He also points out that the scientists who made GLP-1 agonists got a Nobel Prize, which "cannot be a scam". This is what makes weight loss drugs truly different.

Also Read: Raising Sons Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline in Later Life, Study Find

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 Drugs stand for Glucagon-like peptide 1, a naturally occurring hormones that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite after eating. It was first identified almost 50 years ago and scientists have since uncovered its role in type 2 diabetes.

Air conditioners feel great when the weather turns hot and sticky. Most of us spend hours under one, at home, at work, or even on long drives, and it barely crosses our minds. But sitting in cold air for too long can quietly leave your neck and back feeling tight and sore. AC isn't going to cause a serious spine problem on its own, but it can tighten up your muscles and make existing pain worse.

Why Does This Happen?

Muscles function optimally when they are relaxed and warm. As soon as the cold air comes into contact with them, the body automatically starts tightening them as it seeks to retain its warmth. When this occurs in places such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back regions, there is a chance that these muscles will get sore and stiff. This condition worsens even more if the cold air continues to blow in the same spot for hours, especially while sleeping or sitting at a workstation.

What It Does To Your Neck And Back

Your neck and back rely on several muscles to keep you upright and moving properly all day. Cold air can slow blood flow to these muscles, which makes them tense up more easily. That's why people often wake up with a stiff neck after sleeping under an AC vent or feel upper back pain after a day in a freezing office. If you already deal with something like cervical spondylitis or chronic back pain, cold air can make those symptoms flare up even more.

It's Not Just The AC

Cold air rarely works alone. Bad posture, sitting too long, skipping exercise, and not stretching enough all add to the problem. Picture sitting at a computer for hours in a chilly office: that's tense muscles and poor posture combining at the same time, which makes stiffness and pain even more likely.

Simple Ways To Avoid It

A few small changes can make a real difference: keep the airflow away from your neck and back, set the temperature to something comfortable rather than freezing, get up and stretch every so often, drink enough water, and keep a light sweater or shawl nearby if it gets too cold.

AC keeps us comfortable when it's hot outside, but too much cold air for too long can leave your neck and back stiff and achy. A little attention to airflow, posture, and movement throughout the day can help you stay comfortable without paying for it later.

(By Dr. Aanchal Sharma, Pain Physician, Principal Consultant and Head of Department, Department of Pain Medicine at BLK MAX Hospital, New Delhi)

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes pigment loss in patches of skin. It is highly treatable and does not spread from person to person. However, stress, poor sleep, diet, and overall immune health may influence how active the condition becomes, experts said today on World Vitiligo Day.

Awareness around vitiligo remains low and is often clouded by misconceptions. Observed annually on June 25, World Vitiligo Day aims to raise awareness and challenge the stigma associated with the condition.

HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand the disease and the factors that may affect it.

Dr. Rashmi Ranjan, Consultant – Dermatology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida, said the biggest misconception is that vitiligo is contagious.

"It cannot spread from one person to another through touch, sharing food, or close contact."

Dr. Rashmi told HealthandMe that many people also incorrectly believe vitiligo is caused by poor hygiene or specific foods, claims that are not supported by scientific evidence.

Also read: Sleeping Too Little or Too Much? Neurologist Explains Health Risks

What Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo occurs when the body's immune system attacks melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. While the condition is not life-threatening, it can have a significant emotional and psychological impact.

“As a chronic autoimmune disorder, vitiligo develops when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. The result is the appearance of white patches that can develop anywhere on the body and may gradually increase in size or number over time,” Dr Hetanshu Parekh, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, told HealthandMe.

The Emotional Impact of Vitiligo

The theme of World Vitiligo Day 2026 is "From Stigma to Strength".

According to Dr. Rashmi, visible skin changes often attract unwanted attention, questions and social judgment. Some people may avoid social gatherings or experience challenges in relationships and employment because of persistent misconceptions.

Children may face bullying, while adults can struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem. Emotional support from family, friends and healthcare professionals is therefore crucial.

A recent study also highlighted a strong link between vitiligo and mental health in India. Nearly 89% of patients reported moderate to severe depression, while close to 60% said they covered their patches, underscoring the continuing impact of stigma.

Read More: Did Donald Trump Take Eli Lilly's Weight Loss Drug? What Did White House Say

Vitiligo and the Role of Lifestyle Factors

Dr Hetanshu said vitiligo is often viewed as a skin condition alone, but the disease is far more complex. He explained that

Stress

• Stress can disrupt immune balance and increase inflammation, potentially worsening vitiligo.
• New or expanding patches are often observed after major life events such as exams, work pressure, illness, financial difficulties or bereavement.

Sleep

• Quality sleep is essential for immune regulation and overall health.
• Chronic sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules or less than six hours of sleep may worsen autoimmune conditions, including vitiligo.

Diet

• There is no specific "vitiligo diet" and no food can cure the condition.
• Deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, folate and copper may affect immune and skin health.
• Experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Skin Protection

• Repeated friction, cuts, burns and excessive sun exposure may trigger vitiligo patches (Koebner phenomenon).
• Use sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing and avoid unnecessary skin trauma from tight straps, jewellery or repetitive rubbing.

Is Vitiligo Treatable?

Advances in targeted topical medications, phototherapy and immune-modulating therapies have expanded treatment options and enabled more personalized care, said Dr. Rashmi told HealthandMe.

Dr Hetanshu stressed that lifestyle measures should complement, not replace, medical treatment. Treatment measures include:

• For small, stable patches, doctors commonly prescribe corticosteroid creams and tacrolimus ointment.
• More extensive or rapidly spreading vitiligo may require narrowband UVB phototherapy, excimer laser therapy, oral corticosteroids or newer JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib and ritlecitinib.
• Patients with stable disease for six to twelve months may be candidates for surgical procedures such as skin grafting and melanocyte transplantation.
• Medical tattooing and camouflage techniques can help in difficult-to-treat areas.