Category: LIFESTYLE

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Even as India is seeing a rapid rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, and heart-disease risk, a new study showed how school-based behavioural interventions can help reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) that are rich in salt and sugar among adolescents.

The scientific study led by researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, found that simple school-based behaviour programmes can dramatically reduce junk food consumption by over 1,000 calories per day.

Higher intake of UPFs, including fast foods and sugary drinks, is a known factor for increasing health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancers in adolescents and teenagers.

“This study demonstrates the potential of school-based behavioural interventions to reduce ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among Indian adolescents, addressing a critical gap in public health research and practice in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs),” said the researchers, including those from Imperial College London, UK, and Public Health Foundation of India, in the paper published in the international journal BMJ Global Health.

In the study, the team tested a structured nutrition and behaviour-change programme in schools using a controlled scientific trial design.

A cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted across 12 public schools in Chandigarh, targeting Grade 8 adolescents and their parents. About 11 sessions were held for adolescents over six months.

In addition, a single educational session was conducted for parents to enhance their awareness of reducing UPF consumption and encouraging healthier dietary behaviours. Dietary intake data were collected at baseline and endline using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls.

“Students who participated consumed more than 1,000 fewer calories per day from UPF, such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Intake of other processed foods dropped by about 270 calories per day, showing a consistent move away from unhealthy diets,” the researchers said.

While junk food fell, the study showed that students did not significantly increase fruit or home-cooked food intake, indicating that cutting unhealthy food is easier than building healthy habits.

Even with family involvement, parents’ eating patterns showed little change — underlining the unique influence of schools on teenage behaviour.

The study suggests that schools could become frontline institutions for preventing future lifestyle diseases, using low-cost education and behaviour strategies, the team said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) A team of Australian researchers has developed a new targeted therapeutic approach that could improve treatment for myelofibrosis — a rare and serious form of blood cancer.

Myelofibrosis disrupts the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, leading to fatigue, pain, enlarged spleen, and reduced quality of life.

Although current treatments can help relieve symptoms, there are no treatments to cure the disease.

Rather than just managing symptoms, the research, published in the journal Blood, focused on the abnormal blood cells that drive the disease using immunotherapy.

“People with myelofibrosis are often treated with therapies that help control symptoms, but they don’t selectively target the abnormal cells driving the disease,” said Prof Daniel Thomas, director of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute’s (SAHMRI) Blood Cancer programme.

“Our research shows that by focusing on what makes these cells different, it may be possible to develop treatments that are both more effective and more targeted. This is part of a major paradigm shift in the treatment of myelofibrosis and related diseases,” Thomas added.

Using the patient cells, the team found two different targets that optimally remove the culprit cells.

The study highlights the potential of precision immunology, an approach that uses the immune system to recognise and act on disease-causing cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected.

The findings suggest that different biological forms of the disease may benefit from different targeted strategies.

“The future of cancer treatment lies in understanding disease at a molecular and immune level and then translating that knowledge into therapies that are, potent, long-lasting and precise,” Angel Lopez, Head of Human Immunology at SA Pathology,

While the findings are promising, further research and clinical development are needed before the approach can be tested in patients.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Yoga can aid in the speedy recovery of people with opioid withdrawal, as well as improve anxiety, sleep, and pain in them, according to a study.

Opioid withdrawal involves physical symptoms like diarrhoea, insomnia, fever, pain, anxiety, and depression, and autonomic signs such as pupil dilation, runny nose, goosebumps, anorexia, yawning, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These symptoms result from sympathetic nervous system overactivity due to dysregulated noradrenergic outflow.

The study led by researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, and Harvard Medical School, US, calls for integrating yoga into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention. They noted that yoga will help address core regulatory processes beyond symptom management.

“In this trial, yoga significantly enhanced opioid withdrawal recovery through measurable autonomic and clinical improvements, supporting its integration into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention,” said Suddala Goutham, from the Department of Integrative Medicine at NIMHANS.

Opioid use disorder (OUD), characterised by recurrent opioid use, leading to significant physical, psychological, and social problems, is a significant global public health challenge.

In 2022, an estimated 60 million people worldwide used opioids nonmedically, yet only 1 in 11 individuals with drug use disorders received treatment. In India, a 2019 national survey indicated a 2.1 per cent prevalence of opioid use.

Opioid withdrawal involves sympathetic hyperactivity and reduced parasympathetic tone, which standard pharmacological treatments may not adequately address, contributing to relapse vulnerability.

To evaluate yoga as an adjuvant therapy to accelerate opioid withdrawal recovery, the team conducted a randomised clinical trial of 59 male participants (30 yoga and 29 control participants) with opioid use disorder.

The participants who received yoga alongside standard buprenorphine treatment achieved withdrawal stabilisation 4.4 times faster than controls. They also showed significant improvements in heart rate variability, anxiety, sleep, and pain measures.

“In this randomised clinical trial, adjuvant yoga therapy significantly accelerated opioid withdrawal recovery while addressing autonomic dysregulation. The concurrent physiological, psychological, and symptomatic improvements suggest that yoga may restore core regulatory processes beyond symptom management,” said the team in the paper, published in the JAMA Psychiatry.

“By targeting parasympathetic restoration, yoga may fill a critical therapeutic gap in standard OUD care, supporting integration into withdrawal protocols as a neurobiologically informed intervention with potential economic benefits,” they added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Heart surgery that begins late in the morning may raise the risk of cardiovascular deaths when compared to other times of the day, according to a study.

Researchers at The University of Manchester, UK, suggested that integrating body clock biology into the planning of heart surgery could support a more personalised, precision medicine approach, as some people’s body clock makes them early birds and others make them night owls.

The data, based on the analysis of national datasets comprising over 24,000 patients in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, showed late-morning surgery was linked to an 18 per cent higher risk of death — almost one fifth — from heart-related causes compared with early-morning surgery.

And the most common surgical start time was 07:00 am to 09:59 am — accounting for 47 per cent of all surgeries.

Though complication rates and readmissions were unaffected by the time of day, the findings still pose questions about the best time to schedule heart surgery.

The study, published in the journal Anaesthesia, also gives an important insight into the potential influence of the body clock — a set of 24-hour biological cycles present in our cells and organs — on surgery as a whole.

“This research shows that a slightly higher risk of heart-related mortality is likely to occur when heart surgery starts in the late morning. Even small improvements in timing-related outcomes could have significant benefits to patients,” said lead author Dr Gareth Kitchen, Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester.

“However, though the risk is statistically significant, it is relatively modest, and patients can be reassured that most people will almost certainly be unaffected. It is, though, our duty as clinicians to ensure the best possible outcomes, and moderating timings is a potentially inexpensive method to achieve that,” Kitchen added.

“With more understanding of how body clock biology varies between individuals, precision and personalised scheduling of cardiac surgery may one day allow us to achieve better patient outcomes,” the researcher said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) More than half of India’s body lotion sales will happen online by 2030, according to a report on Saturday.

The report by Redseer Strategy Consultants showed that masstige brands (priced at Rs 1.5-6/ml) that combine mass reach with premium appeal will gain a larger share of the market and drive more than 30 per cent of the online opportunity.

It showed that stronger online play (about 30 per cent penetration) vs the overall BPC market (about 20 per cent penetration) as of CY2025 is expected to sustain in the future. Growing beauty spends on e-commerce by urban women in India will also reflect in the body lotions segment

The rise of digitally native brands in this category is also steering the online penetration ahead.

The report noted that more consumers are gravitating towards expert-validated, clinically tested formulations.

“Brands leveraging dermatological credibility are building sustainable moats through professional advocacy and ingredient transparency. The shift from basic moisturisers to functional, ingredient-centric products is evident, with brands foraying into Vitamin E, shea butter, and other active ingredient-based formulations,” the report said.

Further, paraben-free, vegan, cruelty-free formulations have now moved from niche to mainstream, with some brands are also capturing market share by leading with ethical positioning.

Several brands are differentiating through indulgent scent profiles (such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) that transform body care into an elevated sensory experience.

The report called brands to rethink traditional mass-market approaches to boost opportunity for the body lotion segment.

These include platform-led distribution strategies; building and scaling D2C with deep analytics and insights to understand the pulse of the target consumer; deep analytics and insights enabling the development of strategies for product, pricing, and pack sizes to cater to different markets and cohorts; balanced SKU architecture; trust-building mechanisms beyond paid media.

“For investors and retailers, body lotions represent a category with structural tailwinds: rising disposable incomes, new market and target user expansion, increasing sophistication in personal care, and digital commerce’s ability to educate and convert consumers at scale,” the report said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) India has entered a futuristic healthcare phase with molecular diagnostics, genome sequencing, and personalised medicine, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Jitendra Singh.

Speaking during his visit to the DBT-BRIC Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, Singh said that India is now scientifically and economically equipped to take on complex health challenges through genomics, biotechnology, and preventive healthcare.

“Unlike earlier decades, when India was primarily battling infectious diseases, the country has now entered a futuristic phase where molecular diagnostics, genome sequencing, and personalised medicine are becoming central to healthcare delivery,” said the Minister.

Singh also laid the foundation stone of the National Skill Development Centre, SAMARTH, and inaugurated the iDeA-NA BRIC-CDFD Technology Incubator. He noted that institutions like CDFD play a crucial role in bridging laboratory research with real-life clinical outcomes.

“India is witnessing rapid progress in genomics-led initiatives, including large-scale genome sequencing, paediatric genetic disease programmes, and pioneering work in areas such as haemophilia,” he said, adding that these efforts are preparing the healthcare system for “an era of personalised treatment, where patients with similar conditions may require different therapeutic approaches”.

Referring to the issue of rare diseases, the Minister said that the introduction of India’s first National Policy for Rare Diseases in 2021 marked a major shift in the government’s approach, reflecting foresight and openness to scientific inputs. He highlighted that detection alone is not enough, and sustained treatment must also be made affordable for affected families.

The Minister also spoke about the integrated healthcare model being promoted by the government, including the institutionalisation of traditional systems through the Ministry of Ayush and the global recognition of yoga as a preventive health tool.

“Evidence-based integration of wellness practices with modern medicine has shown positive outcomes in managing lifestyle and metabolic disorders,” Singh stated.

The Minister also underscored India’s leadership in vaccines and preventive healthcare, stating that indigenous innovations are now being deployed nationally and shared globally, reinforcing the country’s role in global health security.

“With nearly 70 per cent of India’s population below the age of 40, investing in health through early diagnosis and prevention is a national imperative,” Singh said.

–IANS

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Bengaluru, Jan 9 (IANS) A female student at a private medical college in Bengaluru allegedly died by suicide on Friday following harassment there, as per her family.

The incident was reported from Chandapura near Anekal on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Yashasvini, a third-year student at a private dental college located in the Bommanahalli area of Bengaluru. Her parents have alleged that she was insulted and harassed in class for remaining absent for a day due to an eye-related problem.

Yashasvini was studying in the Oral Medicine and Radiology division.

According to the police, she did not attend classes on January 7 due to eye pain. When she returned to college the following day, the lecturer allegedly insulted her by making sarcastic remarks about the eye drops she had used, asking how many drops she had applied and whether she had poured an entire bottle into her eye. She was also allegedly denied permission to present a seminar and was not allowed to handle a radiology case.

Parimala, the mother of the deceased, alleged that her daughter was humiliated for remaining absent for a single day. “She had sustained an eye injury and had informed the family about it. She was insulted over her eye problem in front of the entire class. She shared everything with me. Don’t they have children? The lecturer and the college management insulted my daughter, following which she took the extreme step,” she alleged.

She demanded strict action against the lecturer who allegedly insulted her daughter and also against the college principal. “My daughter was completely focused on her studies and did not waste even an hour. How could a lecturer humiliate her in front of the whole class? If she was absent, they should have called the parents. How can they target my child?” she asked.

She added that her daughter was a diligent and rank-holding student and that such humiliation deeply affected her. “She was sensitive and feared that she might get poor marks, which would upset me. I have only one daughter. Whom should I share my grief with? No other child should face such injustice,” she said.

The police have taken up further investigation. More details are awaited.

In August 2025, a postgraduate psychiatry student at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) died by suicide after reportedly consuming an overdose of medication. She had been undergoing treatment for depression.

In July 2025, a first-year MBBS student at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) died by suicide after being found hanging in his hostel room.

In June 2025, a final-year intern at Subbaiah Medical College in Shivamogga, originally from Bengaluru, was found dead in her hostel room.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Jan 9 (IANS) Adani Electricity has clinched prestigious awards at the 39th National Convention on Quality Concepts (NCQC-2025) held recently at Greater Noida.

Competing on a national stage, all nine participating teams from Adani Electricity’s Transmission and Distribution business were recognised for their innovative solutions, with five teams securing the highest ‘par excellence’ award and four teams earning the ‘excellent’ award.

“This remarkable achievement at NCQC-2025 is a testament to the deep-rooted culture of innovation and continuous improvement at Adani Electricity,” said a spokesperson from Adani Electricity

“Our teams have demonstrated that by aligning with the vision of an ‘Atma-Nirbhar Viksit Bharat,’ we can implement world-class quality standards that not only enhance our operational efficiency but also deliver superior value to our consumers and stakeholders. This recognition further matures our journey toward business excellence and global benchmarking,” the spokesperson added.

The convention, themed “Quality Concepts for Atma-Nirbhar Viksit Bharat,” saw a massive gathering of over 12,120 delegates and 2,388 teams from 601 premier organisations, including the Indian Navy, Tata Steel, NTPC, and JSW.

Adani Electricity fielded three teams from transmission and six from distribution, and all teams secured an award.

The recognition was earned across rigorous categories, including Six Sigma, Quality Circle, and Lean Quality Circle.

The projects underwent a three-tier assessment involving case study pre-evaluation, technical knowledge tests, and live presentations judged by QCFI (Quality Circle Forum of India) experts.

The win places Adani Electricity at the forefront of business excellence, outperforming several heavyweights in the power sector.

By participating in NCQC-2025, Adani Electricity continues to institutionalise cutting-edge tools and techniques within its workforce.

The exposure to diverse methodologies allows the organisation to adopt cross-industry innovations to improve power reliability, empower employees to take ownership of complex problem-solving, and strengthen its reputation as a utility provider that prioritises quality and sustainable growth.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Vaccination, screening and early treatment are crucial to fight cervical cancer, which is causing the death of a woman every eight minutes in India, said health experts on Friday.

January is observed globally as Cervical Cancer awareness month.

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The virus infects the cervix, which is the mouth of the uterus. While HPV infection does not mean cancer, it requires testing or screening to see if it has caused changes in the cervix.

“Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most common cancers affecting women. In India, one woman dies every eight minutes due to cervical cancer. This shows how big the burden is. In many foreign countries, these deaths are much lower because cervical cancer is completely preventable. If screening is done on time or vaccination is given at the right age, it is almost 100 per cent preventable,” Dr Sujata Pathak, Scientist, Preventive Oncology, IRCH, AIIMS Delhi, told IANS.

“Cervical cancer prevention is one of the most successful examples of cancer control in modern medicine. The disease is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV, making it largely preventable through a combination of vaccination, screening, and early treatment,” added Dr. Rahul D. Modi, a gynaecologic oncologist, at a Delhi-based hospital.

The experts noted that due to a lack of awareness, the burden of the disease is very high in India.

Pathak shared that the HPV vaccine has been available since 2006, but awareness has been very low. Recently, awareness has increased because the WHO has declared cervical cancer a major public health problem.

“HPV vaccination, recommended for adolescents before the onset of sexual activity, can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases by protecting against the most oncogenic HPV types. When implemented widely, vaccination programmes significantly reduce HPV infections, precancerous lesions, and future cancer incidence,” Modi told IANS.

The HPV vaccine is very safe and well-tested. Minor side effects like pain at the injection site, redness, or mild fever for a day may occur, similar to other vaccines. There are no serious side effects, she added.

Girls aged 9 to 14 years should take the vaccine. They require two doses. Above this age, three doses are required. According to the WHO, even one dose can protect for up to 20 years.

Beyond vaccination, maintaining good menstrual hygiene and overall immunity is also important.

In about 90 per cent of cases, HPV infection clears on its own within two years.

Screening plays an equally critical role. Tests such as pap smears and HPV DNA testing help detect precancerous changes in the cervix long before they progress to invasive cancer. AIIMS Delhi has also launched a month-long free screening for cervical cancer.

“Cancer usually takes 15-20 years to develop, which gives us enough time for screening and intervention,” Pathak said, adding that screening at the right time helps detect changes before cancer develops. AIIMS Delhi has also launched a month-long free screening for cervical cancer.

Symptoms appear late, but once they appear, the cancer is often already advanced.

Late symptoms may include post-menopausal bleeding, bleeding between periods, excessive white discharge, abdominal pain, or lower back pain. These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but should never be ignored, Pathak told IANS.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Daylight can help improve metabolic health, enabling people with type 2 diabetes to achieve better glycaemic control, according to a study.

Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in Switzerland and Maastricht University in the Netherlands found that people exposed to natural light had blood glucose levels in the normal range for more hours per day, with less variability.

In addition, their melatonin level — the sleep hormone — was a little higher in the evening, and fat oxidative metabolism was also improved.

The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, provided the first evidence of the beneficial impact of natural light on people with this condition.

“It has been known for several years that the disruption of circadian rhythms plays a major role in the development of metabolic disorders that affect an increasing proportion of the Western population,” said Charna Dibner, associate professor at the UNIGE.

For the study, the team recruited 13 volunteers aged 65 and over, all with type 2 diabetes.

They spent 4.5 days in specially designed living spaces, lit either with natural light through large windows or with artificial light. After a break of at least four weeks, they returned for a second session, this time in the other light environment.

To better understand the observed positive changes in the body’s metabolism, the scientists took blood and muscle samples from the volunteers before, during, and after each light treatment.

They analysed the regulation of molecular clocks in cultured skeletal muscle cells together with lipids, metabolites, and gene transcripts in the blood.

Together, the results clearly show that the internal clock and metabolism are influenced by natural light.

“This could be the reason for the improved blood sugar regulation and the improved coordination between the central clock in the brain and the clocks in the organs,” Dibner explained.

–IANS

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