A new study by researchers at King’s College London has uncovered an important link between where body fat is stored and the risk of developing psoriasis — a chronic skin condition marked by red, scaly patches.

While it’s long been known that obesity raises the risk of psoriasis, this study zooms in on fat around the abdomen, showing that it may be a more critical risk factor than total body fat, especially for women.

Here’s what the findings mean for your health, and how they might change the way we understand and approach psoriasis.

What Did The Study Find?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin but is deeply connected to the immune system. It's not just cosmetic — it can cause severe discomfort, emotional distress, and is linked to other health issues such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Although it’s clear that carrying excess weight can make psoriasis worse or more likely, researchers now say that where you carry that weight is even more important.

Waistline Warning

The research, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, analysed data from more than 330,000 people in the UK Biobank, including over 9,000 people with psoriasis. Using both traditional body measurements (like BMI) and advanced imaging, the team evaluated 25 different ways of assessing body fat.

Their standout finding? Fat stored centrally — especially around the waist — showed a much stronger link to psoriasis than general body fat. This was particularly true for women.

“Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk,” said Dr. Ravi Ramessur, lead investigator of the study. “Central fat seems to play a key role.”

It's Not All in Your Genes

Another key takeaway from the study is that this risk holds true regardless of genetic makeup. In other words, even if someone doesn't carry gene variants commonly associated with psoriasis — like HLA-C06:02 — they may still be at higher risk if they have excess abdominal fat.

This suggests that central body fat is not just a co-factor but may be a causal factor in psoriasis development.

"Even those with a lower overall fat percentage can have a higher risk if abdominal fat is present," said Professor Michael Simpson, co-author and genetics expert.

What It Means for Prevention and Care

As global obesity rates rise, so does the need for personalized and proactive strategies. The study’s authors suggest that waist circumference should be more actively measured in clinical settings, especially when assessing psoriasis risk.

Rather than focusing only on overall weight or BMI, paying attention to central fat could help doctors predict who’s more likely to develop psoriasis or have more severe symptoms.

“Healthy weight management should be part of psoriasis care, with a focus on reducing central obesity,” said Professor Catherine Smith, senior author of the study.

Limitations

The researchers note that their findings are based on individuals of White British ancestry, meaning the results may not apply across all ethnic groups. More research involving diverse populations and dermatologist-confirmed diagnoses will help confirm and broaden the impact of these findings.

This study shines a light on a previously under-recognised link between abdominal fat and psoriasis. It urges a shift from focusing solely on total body weight to where that weight is stored. If you or someone you know is managing psoriasis or at risk of developing it, keeping an eye on waist size may be just as important as stepping on the scale.

What we may think is an unnecessary task, could end up saving us a lot of time and effort, even our life.

Taking a moment to perform a quick check after showering could be a life-saving habit, especially for young men. Testicular cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissue of both testicles. These are a part of the male reproductive system that make hormones and sperm. This type of cancer is very common for men between the age of 20 and 39. An important thing about this is that it can be detected and dealt with in an easy and effective manner. This simple routine can lead to the early detection of testicular cancer, a disease that affects thousands each year and is particularly common in men in their 20s and 30s.

Low Awareness Among Young Men

Despite its prevalence in younger demographics, awareness of testicular cancer remains surprisingly low. Recent research indicates that only a small percentage of adults correctly identify this cancer as most commonly affecting men under 40.

Experts note that many young men are often unaware that testicular cancer is most prevalent in their age group, typically between 20 and 40 years old. For many, their focus is on career and daily life, not necessarily health concerns, making the idea of a cancer diagnosis unexpected at such a young age.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Check

The NHS recommends checking your testicles regularly, and many find it easiest to do so during or after a warm bath or shower. This is because the warmth relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel for changes. When you check, pay close attention to the size and weight of each testicle, noting anything different from your norm. Also, carefully feel for any new lumps or swellings. It's about getting to know what feels normal for you, so you can easily spot anything unusual that might need medical attention.

Early Detection and Curability

Fortunately, testicular cancer is often highly curable, especially when detected early. The majority of patients are diagnosed before the cancer has a chance to spread to other parts of the body.

It's crucial to understand that testicular cancer doesn't usually present with painful symptoms. This lack of pain underscores why routine self-exams are so vital for identifying any lumps, bumps, or changes in the testicle's size. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's important to contact your doctor promptly.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer. These include issues with how the testicles formed during development or a condition called cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles don't descend into the scrotum before birth. It's important to be aware of the potential signs of testicular cancer. These may include:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
• Any noticeable change in the size or feel of a testicle.
• A persistent, dull ache in the lower stomach area or the groin.
• A sudden accumulation of fluid within the scrotum.
• Any pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum itself.

When to See Your Doctor

While most symptoms you might notice are unlikely to be cancer, it's always essential to consult a doctor if you experience any concerning changes. You should seek medical advice if you find a lump or swelling in any part of one testicle, or if a testicle suddenly gets bigger. Also, don't ignore any new pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum, or if your scrotum feels unusually heavy. Getting these symptoms checked by a healthcare professional ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if needed, providing peace of mind.

Taking care of toddlers is a mighty task, even parents need a lot of help to make sure their toddlers get the proper help they need. There are many aspects of a toddler’s care that may seem concerning and especially for new parents. One such cause of concern can be a toddler’s diet.

With persistent heatwave you might notice shifts in your family's daily rhythm, especially when it comes to eating. While we all know the importance of staying hydrated to counteract fluid loss from sweating, the NHS also suggests opting for cold foods, particularly salads and high water-content fruits, during hot weather.

Understanding Reduced Appetite in Children

It's common for parents to worry when their little ones seem to eat less as temperatures climb. Lucy Upton, a children's dietician who has had experience with the NHS as well as is a published author, offers reassurance on this matter. In a recent TikTok video, she explains that it's "exceptionally normal" for children's dinner intake to decrease during a heatwave.

With over 15 years of experience, Lucy highlights that a reduced appetite in hot weather is both "biologically and physiologically" normal. She clarifies, "Eating generates heat, digestion generates heat. The body is going to be in 'keep us cool' mode, so children's appetites will often drop."

She also notes that after an active day in the heat, children can be "quite dysregulated" and "a bit aggy," which further diminishes their desire to eat. Lucy shared her own experience, confessing, "My daughter hasn't eaten any dinner for the last three days when hot, bothered and a bit 'done'."

Tips for Parents During Hot Weather

So, how can you ensure your children's well-being in these circumstances?

Offer Small, Frequent Portions

Lucy advises, "Continue to offer them something and start with small portions. Make your life easier."

Prioritize "Picky Dinners"

This is the perfect time for easy, no-fuss meals. Lucy suggests: "Fruit, salad veg, cold meats or fish, frittata, bread and spreads like hummus or cream cheese. Keep it cool and keep it easy." She recommends skipping cooking and instead "just pop a balanced meal on a plate in the garden, on a picnic blanket or wherever, and see what they fancy." Children are often drawn to fluid-rich options like cold yogurt, fruit, and vegetables straight from the fridge, and these are "perfectly normal" choices.

Focus on Fluids

"Fluids absolutely a priority this week," Lucy emphasizes. Think about incorporating "fluid-rich foods" such as popsicles, smoothie bowls, various fruits and vegetables, cereal with ice-cold milk, and overnight oats.

Appetite Will Return

For parents of children with typically good appetites, Lucy stresses that there's no need to worry if you notice a temporary change. "Their appetite will return – just trust them, and in the meantime, try and keep cool," she concludes.

When the weather heats up, it's not only children who experience a reduced appetite. Adults also tend to eat less and consume fewer calories as a natural way for the body to cool itself down.

To ensure children stay safe in the sun, it's important to make sure they drink plenty of water to remain hydrated, ideally in small, frequent sips. If a child shows signs of overheating, such as becoming irritable or complaining of a headache, move them to a shaded, cool area immediately. Remove any unnecessary clothing, offer them water, and encourage them to rest.

A disease that affects our memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease, is the most common among all dementia diseases. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define progressive cognitive disabilities. A common sign of Alzheimer’s you may have heard of is forgetting things frequently, however, there is much more to it than that. This disease changes the way a person functions, whether it is memory, thinking skills, or behavior.

For a long time, feeling lonely was seen as a big sign of Alzheimer's disease. But new research from the University of California, looking at half a million people in the UK, is now questioning this idea. The study checked people's genes and social habits. Surprisingly, it found no real difference in how lonely people felt or the quality of their friendships between those with a high risk for Alzheimer's and those with a low risk.

In fact, people with a higher genetic risk actually spent more time doing social things and had happier family lives, reporting much less loneliness. This has led scientists to think that Alzheimer's might actually make people more social in its early stages, instead of less.

Complex Link Between Sociability and Dementia

Researchers are now trying to figure out why people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's might be more social. Maybe they are actively trying to meet more people, or perhaps those around them notice small changes and offer more help. It's important to know that dementia is a general term for different brain problems, including Alzheimer's, where brain function slowly gets worse.

Right now, over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia, affecting about one in every eleven people over 65. While there's no cure for Alzheimer's yet, there are treatments that can help with problems like confusion and memory loss.

Lifestyle Factors and Dementia Prevention

Even though we need more research on the link between dementia and social behavior, experts still believe that being more social could help lower the risk of dementia. This is because being connected to others is thought to make your brain stronger, helping it work well even as you get older.

Also, past studies suggest that almost half of all dementia cases could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. For example, recent research from Oxford University in 2024 found that things like pollution, drinking alcohol, and being very tired increase the risk of dementia. Type 2 diabetes was also highlighted as a big risk factor, possibly damaging sensitive parts of the brain.

Understanding Dementia Symptoms

The signs of dementia can be different depending on the type. In the early stages, common signs might include difficulty doing everyday tasks you're used to, like getting confused about change when shopping. Other signs often include forgetting things, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right words, feeling confused about time and place, experiencing mood changes, and having trouble focusing.

If you think you or someone you know might have these symptoms, it's very important to talk to a doctor. Getting an early diagnosis, even without a cure, can sometimes help slow down the disease, allowing people to stay mentally sharp for longer and prepare for the future.