A recent Lancet Study found that higher dose of semaglutide, an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and an anti-obesity medication used for long-term weight loss management, could aid better in weight management among the elderly, including those who are living with type 2 diabetes.

The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, suggest that a higher weekly dose of the drug semaglutide (7.2 mg) is safe and more effective for weight loss than the currently approved dose (2.4 mg).

What Did The Lancet Study Find Out About Dosage And Weight Loss?

In adults who do not have diabetes, a 7.2 mg weekly dose of semaglutide led to a significant average weight loss of almost 19%. This is a notable improvement over the 16% weight loss seen with the standard 2.4 mg dose and a 4% loss in the placebo group (who received a dummy treatment).

Almost half of the participants on the higher dose lost 20% or more of their body weight, with about one-third losing at least 25%. These participants also saw improvements in their waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, which are all important for reducing health risks related to obesity.

For adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, the 7.2 mg dose also showed better results. These individuals experienced an average weight loss of 13%, compared to 10% with the 2.4 mg dose and 3.9% with the placebo. The higher dose also led to significant reductions in blood sugar levels and waist size.

Is It Safe To Take More Semaglutide?

The study found that the higher dose of semaglutide was safe and well-tolerated overall. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and diarrhea, and some tingling sensations. However, most of these side effects were manageable, resolved on their own over time, and did not cause people to drop out of the trial. The researchers did not find any increase in serious health problems or severe drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with the higher dose.

Researchers believe this higher dose could help more people achieve their health goals and reduce the worldwide burden of obesity. "The higher dose could help more people reach their health goals and reduce the burden of obesity-related complications worldwide," said the team, including those from the University of Porto. The team also noted that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.

Air Quality Numbers Explained: As pollution in Delhi continues to rise without pause, residents are constantly checking the AQI levels to decide when it might be safe to step outdoors. Air Quality Index (AQI) figures now dominate headlines and social media updates, yet many still do not understand what these numbers actually mean for their health. Is an AQI of 180 cause for concern? Should you skip your morning jog when it touches 250? What do these AQI readings really represent, and at what point does the air become unsafe to breathe outside?

What Is the Air Quality Index?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used by environmental agencies to measure pollution levels in the air and communicate those findings to the public. A higher AQI means a greater proportion of people are likely to experience harmful health effects.

Measuring AQI involves collecting data on pollutant concentrations over a set time period using air monitoring equipment. These results are then divided into ranges, each assigned a color, description, and public health message as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).

Historically, most regions around the world have used the model created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It uses a segmented linear function to translate pollutant concentrations into AQI values. When several pollutants are recorded at a monitoring site, the highest hourly AQI reading is reported for that location. However, pollution sources and types vary from country to country, so the exact composition of pollutants may differ even when AQI values appear similar.

Air Quality Index in India

India’s National Air Quality Index (NAQI) was introduced by the Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, on 17 September 2014. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to promote a “culture of cleanliness,” responding to the country’s growing air pollution problem, especially in densely populated cities.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) manages the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP), which operates across 240 cities. The system was developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), and provides real-time air quality data accessible to the public. You can check these updates on the CPCB’s official website.

How Do the Air Quality Numbers Work?

Understanding AQI is simple once you know the six main categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. Each range corresponds to specific health impacts.

• 0–100 (Good): The air is safe for most people.
• 101–200 (Moderate to Poor): Sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with lung or heart conditions may experience mild discomfort.
• 201–300 (Very Poor): The air becomes unhealthy for everyone, possibly causing irritation, fatigue, or breathing difficulties.
• Above 300 (Severe): The air is considered hazardous, and protective steps should be taken immediately.

As per AirNow, India’s CPCB tracks and updates AQI levels in real time through the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme, helping citizens stay informed about local air conditions.

When Is It Safe To Step Outside?

There is no need to panic every time air quality drops, but it is wise to adjust your outdoor activity based on daily AQI readings.

When AQI Is Good or Satisfactory (0–100):

You can safely spend time outdoors, exercise, and keep your home ventilated. The risk to the general population is minimal.

When AQI Is Moderate or Poor (101–200):

People who are more vulnerable—such as children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart conditions—should limit strenuous outdoor activities. Wearing an N95 or FFP2 mask while commuting can help reduce exposure to fine particles.

When AQI Is Very Poor (201–300):

Everyone should try to stay indoors more often. Avoid outdoor workouts or walks, especially early in the morning. Keep doors and windows closed, and use air purifiers if available. Indoor plants such as peace lilies and snake plants can slightly improve indoor air quality.

When AQI Is Severe (300+):

Remain indoors as much as possible and avoid physical activity outside. If you experience chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help promptly.

As the smog season settles in, small and consistent steps, like staying informed, wearing a mask, and improving indoor air can make a real difference. Cleaner air depends on collective effort, but protecting your health begins with awareness and mindful daily choices. Learn to read the AQI numbers, know when it is safe to step outside, and if you must, mask up and stay safe.

Do you enjoy an occasional glass of wine or a weekend drink with friends? You are not alone. Studies show that more than 84% of adults consume alcohol at some point in their lives. While drinking in moderation might seem harmless, doctors warn that alcohol has a lasting impact on the brain, and the effects become more serious with regular or heavy use. We got in touch with Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar who told us more about the same.

How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Nervous System

Alcohol influences the entire nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. In small amounts, it slows down brain activity, causing relaxation or mild drowsiness. But when consumed frequently or in large quantities, alcohol can damage nerve cells and disrupt communication between them. Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra told us, “Over time, this can affect memory, coordination, mood, and behavior.”

Neurologists classify alcohol-related brain problems into two groups — acute and chronic conditions. Acute effects occur suddenly, often during or soon after heavy drinking. One example is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It leads to confusion, poor coordination, and abnormal eye movements. If left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff psychosis, a permanent condition marked by memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality.

Other short-term complications include alcohol-induced seizures and delirium tremens, which can trigger intense confusion, hallucinations, and restlessness during withdrawal.

Long-Term Damage to the Brain and Muscles

Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra told us that with continued drinking, chronic neurological disorders may develop. Alcoholic neuropathy is one such condition that damages peripheral nerves, causing burning pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many people experience difficulty walking, balancing, or even holding small objects.

Alcohol can also damage muscle fibers, leading to alcoholic myopathy, which results in muscle weakness and gradual loss of strength. In some cases, prolonged alcohol abuse causes cerebellar degeneration, a condition that impairs coordination and balance, often leading to tremors and frequent falls.

Long-term use of alcohol also raises the risk of stroke and dementia, both of which severely affect memory and cognitive function. Another rare but serious disorder linked to heavy alcohol consumption is Marchiafava–Bignami disease, which leads to the thinning and wasting of brain tissue. Symptoms may include difficulty walking, slurred speech, poor memory, and unpredictable behavior.

Why Moderation Isn’t Always Safe

Dr Amlan Tapan Mohapatra stress that there is no truly “safe” amount of alcohol for the brain. Even moderate drinking can interfere with sleep, attention, and decision-making. Over time, these effects accumulate, contributing to cognitive decline and neurological disorders.

To protect brain health, doctors recommend reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins (especially B1), and seeking early medical support if symptoms such as confusion, imbalance, or numbness develop.

While alcohol may offer a brief sense of relaxation, the long-term cost to brain function and mental clarity is often too high. The healthiest choice, neurologists agree, is moderation, or better yet, abstinence.

You may think that hours at the gym and a carefully balanced diet guarantee a healthy heart. But experts now say that the secret to lasting heart health might be simpler and quieter. New insights suggest that while exercise and nutrition are vital, skipping sleep can quietly undo their benefits. Even the fittest body cannot perform at its best if the heart is constantly deprived of rest.

Why Heart Health Deserves More Attention

The heart works around the clock, beating nearly 100,000 times a day to keep blood flowing through every cell. When it weakens, the entire body begins to suffer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for roughly 17.9 million lives lost each year.

High blood pressure, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep are among the biggest contributors. What’s striking is that most of these risks are preventable through small, consistent lifestyle changes, including better sleep.

What Science and Doctors Are Saying

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, recently drew attention online by saying that “regular vigorous exercise cannot offset the negative impact of chronic sleep deprivation.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he compared two healthy individuals, one who runs daily but sleeps poorly, and another who sleeps 7–8 hours while walking for only 20 minutes a day. The well-rested individual, he explained, had better heart resilience in the long run.

Exercise strengthens muscles, improves cholesterol, and supports blood pressure regulation. However, sleep deprivation reverses many of these benefits. It increases inflammation, elevates stress hormones, and forces the heart to work harder even at rest. Over time, this strain stiffens arteries and raises the risk of heart disease. Research published in the European Heart Journal found that sleeping fewer than six hours a night can raise cardiovascular risk by up to 40%, regardless of a person’s fitness level.

Sleep: The Body’s Built-In Repair System

As Dr. Kumar explains, sleep is the time when the body heals and restores itself. During deep rest, heart rate slows, blood pressure stabilizes, and tissues repair. Without enough sleep, the body remains in a semi-stressed state, limiting recovery. Hormone levels fluctuate, insulin sensitivity drops, and inflammation rises, all of which make the heart more vulnerable.

The example of someone who sleeps well but exercises moderately shows how balance works better than intensity. A routine that includes seven to eight hours of quality rest and light daily movement, such as brisk walking, can strengthen the heart, improve metabolism, and build lasting resilience.

The Healthier Way Forward

For fitness enthusiasts who thrive on high-intensity workouts, Dr. Kumar advises cutting back slightly to allow enough rest. Just one extra hour of sleep may help the heart recover and function more efficiently. True fitness, he adds, is not about how hard you push but how well you let your body repair itself.