Health News - Page 19
Explained: How your brain remembers weight gain and keeps you fat
Have you been trying to lose weight but failing? People try all kinds of diets and exercises, and even change their lifestyles, but fail to achieve the desired effect. It may be because the brain is wired to keep you fat. Here's why
What’s the fake-fasting diet? And can it help you ‘age backwards’?
It is that time of the year when you are looking to shed some kilos before the partying begins. The ‘fake fasting’ diet, also known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD), might be worth a try. Researchers claim it promotes weight loss with age-reversing benefits. But how do you fake fast?
Dr explains: What is epilepsy and why millions in India still go untreated
Seizures can stem from disrupted brain activity, lifestyle habits or missed triggers. Firstpost brings out experts’ views on causes, warning signs, stigma-driven delays and ways to improve epilepsy care and awareness in India.
Silent heart parasite nearly killed her: Why cardiac hydatid disease remains a diagnostic blind spot
A rare parasite can quietly grow inside the heart, imitating everyday cardiac symptoms until it becomes deadly. Few clinicians ever see it, and even fewer can treat it. Read here
US man dies from rare strain of bird flu, becoming first known fatality of H5N5
The man from Grays Harbor County, about 78 miles (125 kilometers) southwest of Seattle, had a backyard flock of domestic poultry that had been exposed to wild birds, health officials said
UK built its health service on immigrant doctors. Why are they leaving now?
The National Health Service in the UK is facing an accelerating exodus of internationally trained doctors, with new data showing departures at their highest level in a decade. Rising discrimination, limited training opportunities, pay disputes and burnout are contributing to the trend, heightening fears over a shrinking medical workforce
India probes if contamination with industrial toxin behind cough syrup deaths: Report
The solvent used to make a batch of Coldrif cough syrup could have been contaminated with a toxic chemical around the time it was supplied to the drugmaker, Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
From hobby clubs to themed dinners: How Delhi‑NCR is combating loneliness
The WHO Commission on Social Connection’s flagship report (published June 30, 2025) reveals that one in six people worldwide struggles with loneliness, a phenomenon associated with roughly 100 deaths every hour. Not just that, the Ipsos Global Survey 2021 found that 45 per cent of urban Indians felt lonelier after the pandemic, while 43 per cent reported often feeling friendless.
Cold + Pollution = Pain: Delhi’s winter creates a perfect storm for arthritis flare-ups, doctors warn
Evidence shows prolonged exposure to PM2.5 may raise arthritis risk by up to 18 per cent; specialists warn that cold weather and toxic air together are intensifying symptoms. Read here
Could your pregnancy matter? Why autism cases are rising and what parents need to know
Autism rates are rising globally and in India, with challenges in early detection, prenatal influences, and inclusive education. Experts urge routine screening and evidence-based interventions.
Blue light, flashing reels and sleep loss: How smartphones could be fuelling seizure risk
Neurologists warn rising screen time and digital exposure in India may trigger seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. Experts urge sleep hygiene, screen limits and safe device use to reduce seizure risks.
‘Short of breath? Think COPD’: How toxic air triggers respiratory diseases and long-term lung damage
Pulmonologists warn India faces a rising COPD and chronic lung disease crisis, driven by severe air pollution. Experts urge early detection, lifestyle measures, vaccination and indoor air management to protect respiratory health.
Why winter triggers more seizures: Experts explain how to recognise and manage them safely
Neurologists warn winter can increase seizure risks as subtle symptoms go unnoticed. Experts explain early signs, seasonal triggers, lifestyle factors and essential first-aid steps to help families manage epilepsy safely.
Why ‘superbug explosion’ must worry India more than others
The study, co-authored by researchers from AIG Hospitals, was published in the prestigious Lancet eClinical Medicine. It was conducted across four countries – India, Italy, the United States and the Netherlands – and showed that 83 per cent of Indians were carrying a multidrug-resistant organism
Should ultra-processed foods like chips, chicken nuggets be taxed?
There has been increasing concern over the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Now, researchers have argued in the Lancet medical journal that UPFs should be taxed, as the longer countries wait to impose restrictions, the worse will be the effect on consumers' health
Does gravity make us age faster?
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has triggered a debate on social media with his claims that ‘gravity shortens lifespan’. The founder of longevity startup Continue Research also highlighted practising ‘inversion’ to beat the negative effects of gravity on the brain. His post has drawn attention, with many users mocking it. But does gravity make us age faster?
US reports bird flu case involving a strain experts warn could unleash a pandemic
While investigators have not yet confirmed the exact way the patient was infected, early signs suggest backyard poultry may be the source
Dr explains: Why colorectal cancer is rising among young Indians and why diagnoses are delayed
Early-onset colorectal cancer is rising sharply in India, with experts warning of delayed diagnosis, lifestyle risks, and the need for earlier screening. Firstpost brings out experts’ views on its causes, symptoms, prevention and emerging detection tools.
Why more children are developing allergies and how parents can reduce the risks
Childhood allergies are rising globally due to urbanisation, pollution and reduced microbial exposure, with experts stressing early detection and preventive care. Read here
World Diabetes Day: India’s youth face a silent epidemic as poor diets fuel rising cases
Diabetes is rapidly increasing among India’s youth, women and even children under 14, driven by urban diets, sedentary habits and hormonal imbalances. Experts warn early screening, balanced nutrition and preventive care are key to reversing the trend.
World Pneumonia Day: Why smog and indoor air pollution make pneumonia deadlier in winter
Post-festival smog and poor air quality significantly raise pneumonia risk, especially among children and the elderly. Experts explain how pollution weakens immunity and share key prevention tips to protect respiratory health this winter.
Men vs Women: Who needs to exercise more and why?
Exercise is a must for a good and healthy heart. But how much should one do? A new study reveals that men might need to exercise twice as long as women to receive the same cardiovascular benefits
Can outdoors cure you? The science behind nature prescriptions
Hundreds of healthcare providers in the US are issuing prescriptions to go outside. The tactic is gaining momentum as social media, political strife and wars abroad weigh on the psyche
Days of doomscrolling are over. How to find cheer online by bloomscrolling
Instead of feeding on negativity on social media, people are now scrolling for joy, watching wholesome videos, reading positive news stories, and finding reasons to smile again. It is called bloomscrolling
Is serotonin, the ‘happiness chemical’ also fuelling cancer growth?
Serotonin is widely known for regulating mood, but new research suggests it may also influence cancer development. Scientists have found that serotonin produced in the gut can enter cells and switch on genes linked to tumour growth
Doctor explains: Why colorectal cancer is striking younger Indians and how to prevent it
Colorectal cancer, once seen as a disease of the elderly is increasingly affecting young adults in India. Firstpost brings out expert's view to discusses the causes, early warning signs and the urgent need for lower screening ages and broader awareness to combat this growing health concern.
What is popcorn brain syndrome haunting Indian teens?
In today’s world, our brains are constantly exposed to stimuli. Whether it be watching television, checking your notifications on your phone or scrolling through social media, the next dopamine hit is never far away. Now, psychiatrists are warning parents that teenagers might be developing ‘popcorn brains’. But what is it? What are its symptoms? Let’s take a closer look
Doctors explain: What’s driving India’s fatty liver epidemic and how it can be reversed before it’s too late
Once considered an urban disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver is now spreading across rural India as well, fuelled by changing diets, alcohol consumption and poor sleep. Firstpost explores expert insights on early detection and lifestyle-based prevention.
Blood pressure medicine linked to cancer? Why 580,000 bottles of drugs have been recalled in US
Over half a million bottles of a widely used blood pressure drug, prazosin hydrochloride capsules, have been recalled in the US. The drug, distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, contained trace levels of a potentially cancer-causing chemical, according to the FDA
Survey shows Americans are getting leaner — thanks to anti-obesity drugs
The United States has recorded a decline in obesity for the first time in years, yet diabetes cases continue to surge. Increased use of weight loss injectables and lifestyle shifts are driving improvements, but experts warn that lasting change will require more than medication.