Health

can-eating-almonds-daily-help-control-blood-sugar-in-asian-indians

Thu Apr 17 22:35:44 IST 2025

Struggling to control your blood sugar? A recent study revealed that consuming almonds daily can help control blood sugar levels in specific populations, such as Asian Indians.

While comparing the already existing studies on almonds and cardiometabolic health, a team of researchers and physicians said that almonds can help improve metabolic health by reducing 'bad' cholesterol and increasing beneficial gut bacteria.

The study was published in the journal, ‘Current Developments in Nutrition’. It details the role of almonds as a heart-healthy, weight-supporting, and gut-friendly food.

Experts have pointed out that among Asian Indians, the rising rates of cardiometabolic diseases are a concern. Dr Anoop Misra, chairman of Fortis Centre for Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol, told PTI that the findings of the study can potentially benefit specific populations.

Consuming almonds was found to lower LDL, or 'bad' cholesterol by five units, and diastolic blood pressure in small but significant amounts of 0.17-1.3 mmHg.

Eating almonds daily can help reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1C, especially in Asian Indians with pre-diabetes.

The authors also highlighted the role of almonds in weight loss. “There was some evidence that almond consumption of (more than) 50 grams per day may have led to small reductions in body weight in some study participants,” they wrote.

Also, by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, almonds can help in gut health.

Almonds also play a crucial role in one’s balanced diet. They are rich in proteins, fibre and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Also, proteins in almonds help in post-workout muscle recovery.

expert-decodes-common-hair-troubles-a-complete-guide-for-a-healthy-mane

Thu Apr 17 21:35:38 IST 2025

Hair is more than a style statement; it’s a mirror of our health. For both men and women, hair-related challenges – ranging from thinning strands to stubborn scalp issues – can be disturbing and dent their self-esteem. But thankfully, scientific advancements now intersect with self-care practices, offering effective solutions.

This article delves into the most common and severe hair issues faced by men and women, providing tailored remedies and practical tips to restore vitality.

Hair loss: A shared struggle

Hair loss or androgenetic alopecia tops the list of concerns for both genders though it manifests differently.

 In men, it is marked by a receding hairline and a thinning crown and vertex. It is caused by genetics and DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) hormone which causes shrinking of the hair follicles. It affects men in age ranging from 20-50 years of age. Stress, smoking, poor nutrition, and scalp issues can worsen the issue.

 In women, hair loss can manifest in different forms ranging from:

1. Telogen effluvium (hair fall due to nutritional deficiencies, stress, postpartum, salon treatments for the texture of hair, etc.

2. Female pattern baldness: hormonal hair loss linked to PCOS, Thyroid disorders, postpartum changes or menopause.

3. Traction alopecia: due to tight hairstyles.

What are the solutions?

Men: FDA-approved options like minoxidil, and finasteride (prescribed by your dermatologist) can slow hair loss and help regrowth in early stages.

Women: Targeting the root cause is important. Nutritional supplements, hormone therapy, topical serums containing procapil, redensyl, anagain, etc. gentle handling – reducing heat, chemical treatments, opting for a gentler hairstyle.

For both: Treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy which uses one’s own growth factors from blood, low-level laser therapy for increasing follicular activity, mesotherapy for infusing vitamins, minerals and other hair nutrients with the help of microneedling, etc can help improve the growth and texture of the thinning hair to a great extent. In later stages where the hair loss is extensive, hair transplants or wigs can be opted for.

Diet plays an important role in deciding the health of the hair. A diet rich in protein, biotin, zinc and iron can improve the health, texture and longevity of the growth phase of the hair cycle.

Handling stress effectively with yoga, meditation or any destressing activity like listening to music, dancing, swimming, etc.

Scalp health:

A healthy scalp provides a healthy environment for the hair to grow. Scalp free of infections, inflammation, dandruff, flakes, etc. can bear the best hair. Dandruff is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia.

The solution:

Having the correct hair wash routine. Wash your hair at least 3 times a week if you have an oily scalp and 2 times a week if you have a dry scalp.

If your scalp is dandruff-prone, include an anti-dandruff shampoo having ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine, etc.

Severe hair-related issues:

Severe hair-related issues can deeply affect confidence and well-being.

1. Alopecia includes autoimmune-driven areata (patchy loss), which may progress to totalis (scalp loss) or universalis (body loss), and scarring alopecia (permanent loss from inflammation). Psoriasis, and lichen planus of the scalp are some other autoimmune issues affecting scalp skin and hair growth.

Treatments involve corticosteroid injections, JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib), or anti-inflammatory drugs; hair transplants suit stable scarring cases.

2. Trichotillomania, a stress-triggered hair-pulling disorder, is managed with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including habit-reversal training, and occasionally medications like SSRIs.

3. Scalp conditions—fungal ringworm, inflammatory folliculitis decalvans, and seborrheic dermatitis—require oral antifungals, antibiotics, or prescription shampoos.

Solution:

It's best to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist for the issues that require specific medical attention and follow the medications and applications to maintain a healthy scalp. With consistent management, these conditions can improve, restoring hair health and self-esteem.

Self-care is vital

Use gentle, fragrance-free products; protect scalps with sunscreen or hats; practice mindfulness or use fidget toys to curb pulling; and maintain hygiene to prevent infection spread.

Avoiding shared items (combs, hats) and scratching reduces worsening. The emotional toll—distress from rapid loss or compulsive habits—benefits from counselling or support groups.

The author Dr Viral Desai is a board certified super specialist, cosmetic plastic and hair transplant surgeon and Medical Director – DHI India.

huge-parkinson-s-disease-treatment-breakthrough-stem-cell-transplants-can-regrow-dopamine-neurons-stop-tremors-study-shows

Thu Apr 17 19:03:38 IST 2025

'Stem-cell transplants' could be the long-sought relief for patients of Parkinson's Disease, a fresh study suggests. According to reports, the USA's Food and Drug Administration has cleared one of the stem-cell treatments for a Phase 3 study, the final stage ahead approval.

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. As a result of the dopamine neurons dying, patients develop a range of disabling symptoms including tremors, rigidity, walking difficulty and cognitive problems.

What are Stem cells and cell therapy?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into various specialized cell types. Stem-cell transplants or cell therapy, as the name suggests, involve transplanting these cells into the brains of patients with Parkinson's Disease to aid the production of dopamine. The trials have shown the procedure could help the patients receive relief from symptoms of the disease including tremors.

Elaborating on the success of the trials, the report said human embryonic stem cells were coaxed into becoming immature brain cells called neuron progenitors, which were later injected into each side of the brains of the patients through surgery. The doctors should inject the neuron progenitors right where they could connect with other neurons in the brain, the report further explained.

18 months after the surgical procedures were completed, it was found that dopamine was being successfully produced by these transplanted stem cells. They were also effectively reducing the prominent symptoms of the disease in the subjects, the doctors found out. The high-dose group showed considerable relief while the low-dose group received lesser effect, the NPR report quoted the doctors as saying.

What are the risks of cell therapy?

The researchers also categorically laid out that stem cell transplants are not capable of fully curing Parkinson's Disease. It is likely that the injected neurons would eventually succumb to the disease over time. Also, the scientists are also in the process of understanding whether the transplants could cause any side effects or other hazards.

type-5-diabetes-new-form-of-disease-linked-to-malnutrition-affects-millions-of-kids-worldwide

Thu Apr 17 17:58:40 IST 2025

In a breakthrough, a new form of diabetes-Type 5 diabetes- has been officially recognised, marking a pivotal shift in the global understanding of the disease.

Unlike the more familiar Type 1 and Type 2, Type 5 diabetes primarily affects underweight individuals, particularly children. This lesser-known form of diabetes, which affects an estimated 20-25 million people worldwide, predominantly in Asia and Africa, is now under rigorous global investigation.

What is Type 5 diabetes?

Type 5 diabetes usually affects lean people who have faced long-term undernutrition, especially during childhood. The condition was announced by Professor Peter Schwarz, president of the International Diabetes Federation, at the World Congress of Diabetes 2025 held in Bangkok.

A global task force has been formed to investigate this condition more.

How is Type 5 diabetes different from Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that prevents your pancreas from making insulin. While, Type 2 diabetes is a stage when the body cannot use insulin correctly and sugar builds up in the blood.

In many cases, those with Type 5 diabetes may not need insulin, making it different from the Type 1 classification of diabetes. Oral medications are used to treat those identified with Type 5 diabetes.

However, those affected with Type 5 diabetes have a hard time making enough insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. But unlike people with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies can still respond well to insulin.

While announcing the new classification, Schwarz said that the recognition of Type 5 diabetes marks a historic shift in how we approach diabetes globally. "For too long this condition has gone unrecognised, affecting millions of people and depriving them of access to adapted care."

A new Type 5 Diabetes Working Group has been formed to set clear rules of diagnosis and treatment.

This is not the first time the maltnutrition-related diabetes was identified. This form of diabetes was first taken note of in the 1950s, however, there was not enough data on the condition. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised it as a separate type in 1985, but removed it in 1999 due to lack of data.

Dr Meredith Hawkins from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has been studying this condition for years. In 2010, she set up the Global Diabetes Institute that focused entirely on this condition. A breakthrough came when her team in India confirmed that the patients with malnutrition-related diabetes had very low insulin levels but not due to resistance as thought.

Studies were later conducted and meetings were held in India to review the data before declaring the separate type of diabetes officially.

pig-livers-to-be-used-for-treatment-fda-approves-clinical-trial-for-treatment-of-patients-with-chronic-liver-failure

Thu Apr 17 17:10:38 IST 2025

eGenesis, a biotechnology company developing human-compatible organs for patients with organ failure, along with its partner OrganOx, a medical technology company, announced the clearance received by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.

FDA has given clearance for the investigational new drug (IND) application for EGEN-5784, a human-compatible, genetically engineered porcine liver, used in combination with the OrganOx extracorporeal liver cross-circulation (ELC) system.

Also Read | Sleep deprivation can hurt your liver, here’s why

Who is eligible?

This procedure is done for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) suffering from decompensated liver function in the intensive care setting, as per eGenesis.

What is extracorporeal liver cross-circulation (ELC)?

With the aim of supporting the functionalities of a liver, a liver graft, either from a donor or a genetically modified pig, is circulated outside the human body.

According to NBC News, an estimated 35,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalised each year due to liver issues and the death rates are as high as 50 per cent as many are not eligible for a liver transplant or can't get a match in time.

Also Read | 'Women Bleed Too': India's push for inclusive haemophilia diagnosis and treatment access

Through the procedure, experts hope to support the function of a patient’s decompensated liver, in a way that may allow for the potential recovery of the patient’s native liver, or provide sufficient time to receive a liver transplant.

According to eGenesis, as a part of the Phase 1 trial, up to twenty (20) patients with ACLF (Grade 2 to Grade 3) and hepatic encephalopathy (≤ Grade 3) and ineligible for transplant will be enrolled across multiple U.S. centers. The trial will study the safety, performance, and clinical activity of the EGEN-5784 liver in combination with the OrganOx ELC system in these patients.

Also Read | New era in fertility? World’s first baby conceived with automated IVF technology

sleep-deprivation-can-hurt-your-liver-heres-why

Thu Apr 17 15:23:25 IST 2025

While abundant scientific literature exists on disturbed sleep, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction, lack of sleep also impacts the health of our livers which detoxify themselves when we sleep.

According to Dr. Shivkumar R, Head and Senior Consultant in Neurology, Manipal Hospital, lack of sleep can disrupt this process, cause toxins to accumulate, and increase the stress on the liver.

This relationship is, however, two-way, as those with liver ailments have a late onset of sleep, reduced total sleep time, and reduced sleep efficiency (defined as the ratio of total sleep time to time in bed).

While for some people alcohol seems to help them fall asleep quickly, it eventually disturbs sleep. Even when consumed in moderate amounts shortly before going to bed, alcohol can severely disrupt sleep and leave you feeling sleep-deprived and tired the following day. This is because alcohol has a diuretic effect-that is it can cause more frequent urination resulting in sleep disruption.

Fatty liver issues

Insufficient sleep and sleep deprivation are linked to liver problems, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies have shown a strong association between shorter sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and an increased risk of developing NAFLD, a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver.

Fatty liver disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. It can also raise the chances of other medical disorders including heart disease and diabetes. Studies point to a strong correlation between insufficient (less than six hours) sleep duration and daytime sleepiness with NAFLD.

Similarly, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder associated with excess snoring and reduced oxygen saturation in sleep, has been linked to liver dysfunction and increased levels of transaminase (enzymes that synthesise amino acids into proteins) levels, potentially leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (accumulation of fat by the liver) and liver fibrosis (scarring).

Sleep deprivation also triggers oxidative stress in the liver resulting in premature cell death and liver cell lesions. Very little sleep is linked to metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation, which can contribute to the development of liver cancer and chronic liver disease.

Thus if you experience sleep deprivation, sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, or indulge in excessive alcohol consumption, know that all of these can impact liver function, so medical consultation should be sought at the earliest.

new-era-in-fertility-worlds-first-baby-conceived-with-automated-ivf-technology

Thu Apr 17 15:00:37 IST 2025

In a ground-breaking achievement, a baby was conceived through a fully automated In Vitro Fertilization ( IVF) system with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a treatment for infertility, during which mature eggs are collected and fertilised in a lab, as per Mayo Clinic. This historic milestone marks a shift in the way IVF works and how it could be performed in the future, which could potentially increase success rates and reduce the number of cycles needed for insemination.

This automated IVF system was developed by experts at New York based Conceivable Life Sciences and it replaces the manual help needed for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ( ICSI) with machines and remotes.

How it works

ICSI is a complex procedure that usually needs experts in embryology to inject a sperm to an egg. This AI powered system performs 23 steps involved in Sperm injection without any manual labour involved by identifying the most viable embryos and improving fertilisation success rates.

This can majorly benefit in cases where the mother/father has unexplained infertility and poor embryo quality. Even though the process takes a longer time compared to the traditional IVF method, it helps to recognise early diseases in embryos. The automated IVF system selects the most promising sperm by analysing their motility and morphology and chooses the one that would most likely fertilise, later they immobilise the sperm using a laser and the robotic arms guide this sperm into the egg precisely, as per TOI.

Future of AI in Healthcare

This feat could potentially increase consistency and efficiency thereby increasing embryo development rates, improved accessibility and less pressure on embryologists.

While this achievement is significant, experts suggest that more ethical studies should be conducted to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Nevertheless, the breakthrough marks a start of a new chapter in fertility where technology and biology go hand-in-hand.

As AI continues to transform the face of healthcare, fertility stands as a solid area of expertise which can help automated IVF to be mainstream thus opening an accessible and reliable healthcare worldwide.

women-bleed-too-indias-push-for-inclusive-haemophilia-diagnosis-and-treatment-access

Wed Apr 16 23:08:47 IST 2025

On World Hemophilia Day this year, the theme, 'Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too', underscores the urgent need to address gender disparities in diagnosis and to care for those diagnosed with haemophilia.

Haemophilia is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency or absence of clotting factors—proteins in the blood that control bleeding. It is usually inherited and passed down through families via the X chromosome, which is why it primarily affects males. However, females can also experience significant bleeding symptoms, often mis-attributed to normal menstrual cycles. In India, where awareness about bleeding disorders is still growing, this theme resonates deeply.

“Women with bleeding disorders often face a double burden — not only are their symptoms dismissed as “normal”, but there is also a deep-rooted clinical bias that sees haemophilia as a male-only condition. This leads to delayed or missed diagnoses, leaving many women to suffer silently without proper care or support.” explained Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Aakash Healthcare in Delhi.

“We need to educate both healthcare providers and the public to recognize the signs early. It's crucial to integrate screening for bleeding disorders into routine health check-ups for women and girls,” added Dr. Arushi Agarwal, Consultant - Paediatric Haematologist & Oncologist at Asian Hospital in Faridabad.

India reportedly bears the world's second-largest population of individuals with haemophilia, with an estimated 136,000 cases of Hemophilia A. Yet, only about 21,000 are registered patients, leaving nearly 80% undiagnosed, as estimated by the World Federation of Hemophilia. This gap is attributed to limited screening capabilities and a lack of awareness among healthcare providers, experts say.

“The underdiagnosis of haemophilia in India is alarming. Without proper screening facilities and awareness, many patients remain untreated, leading to severe complications,” Dr. Dikshit said.

National guidelines for the treatment of Persons with Hemophilia (PwH) were launched last year by the Haemophilia and Health Collective of North (HHCN). These guidelines suggest innovative products like Emicizumab, now available in India, to be prophylactic to prevent the blood disorder.

Prophylactic treatment, which involves regular infusions to prevent bleeding episodes, is standard in developed countries, with adoption rates of 80-90%. In India, however, only about 4% of patients receive prophylaxis. The majority rely on on-demand therapy, addressing bleeds as they occur, which can lead to joint damage and other complications, according to an article published in cureus medical journal in April 2024.

“Worldwide, countries are moving towards advanced non-replacement therapy or prophylaxis care. Prophylaxis is essential for improving the quality of life for haemophilia patients. We must work towards making this preventive treatment accessible and affordable in India.” said Dr. Sweta Lunkad, Consultant - Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Jupiter Hospital in Baner, Pune.

In a groundbreaking development, Indian researchers at the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, have successfully implemented gene therapy for Hemophilia A. Five patients who underwent this therapy experienced no bleeding episodes over an extended period, marking a significant advancement in treatment.

The typical treatment for the condition requires injections at frequent intervals, with infusions of a ‘clotting factor’ to prevent bleeding. Gene therapy treatments, however, promise to be a one-time solution. A gene introduced into the body teaches it to create enough of the clotting factor that can prevent such haemorrhage.

“Gene therapy offers a promising future for haemophilia treatment in India. It has the potential to transform the lives of patients by providing a long-term solution.” added Dr. Agarwal.

THE WEEK interviewed Dr. Subhaprakash Sanyal, Director, Fortis Institute of Blood Disorders, a part of Mumbai's Fortis hospitals.

What are your observations with regard to haemophilia cases in your practice? Has there been an increase or any particular trend?

Haemophilia is an inherited X-linked bleeding disorder, particularly affecting males. Very rarely it may affect females. Haemophilia A has coagulation factor 8 deficiency and haemophilia B has Factor 9 deficiency. It is diagnosed in early childhood—as early as 6 months—particularly children with a severe disease phenotype who present with joint bleeding. In current practice, awareness of this disorder has increased and tests for diagnosis are also more easily available, which makes early and timely diagnosis possible. This may also be the reason for increasing incidence of the disease in the country. Having said that there is also at present a high burden of patients requiring regular treatment which is a challenge in our country.

How has science processed in recent times to manage this disease?

Management of these patients starts with early diagnosis to prevent disease-related complications i.e. joint damage and life-threatening bleeding. Now, recombinant Factor 8 and 9 products are available, and need to be transfused to patients twice to thrice a week. Challenges with this therapy are IV access in young patients and the cost of products.

Share a haemophilia case which you came across that has been particularly moving for its type and complexity.

A particular case I remember is of a young boy who had haemophilia A and had developed inhibitors to the exogenous factor 8 being transfused, and had developed severe arthropathy. Unfortunately, he had to be referred to a center providing immune tolerance therapy and bypassing agents as the cost/ financial implications were high. With further advancements, we have other bypassing agents, and the most recent gene therapy trials going on are a new hope for patients.

As a doctor treating haemophilia cases, what's on your wishlist?

As a haematologist, I hope to be able to get an early diagnosis, have more comprehensive haemophilia care centres, have better government policies and schemes to make clotting factors for these patients easily accessible, and hope to see more success in the gene therapy trials.

hirschsprung-s-disease-how-a-toddler-s-dangerously-severe-constipation-was-cured

Wed Apr 16 22:30:16 IST 2025

Recently, a two-year-old baby was diagnosed with a condition that caused her severe constipation for close to two years. He was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease - a congenital condition which affects the colon, that is the large intestine thereby causing problems with passing stools.

The condition is a result of missing nerve cells in the muscles of the baby's colon. This means that when nerve cells in the lower part of the large intestine fail to develop, it leads to the accumulation of stool which in turn causes blockage and leads to chronic constipation and bowel obstruction, which can be dangerous.

The toddler, who was diagnosed with the disease at Mumbai's Gleneagles Hospital, had been solely dependent on daily enemas - involving insertion of liquid directly into the rectum to help one excrete. He was also found to have abdominal pain and swelling.

The most common treatment for Hirschsprung's disease so far has been surgery that is either open or laparoscopic where the affected part of the intestine is removed and rejoined. However, of late, a newer procedure has come to the aid of doctors treating patients of Hirschsprung's disease and that is a minimally invasive and scarless endoscopy technique; rendering surgery an alternative treatment option as against the only one available.

The procedure called Per-Rectal Endoscopic Myotomy (PREM) was performed on the two-year-old, whose parents reportedly said that the baby was suffering from "severe constipation lasting into a week at a stretch," right after he turned a month old.

"His tummy would be swollen with gas, and his weight gain remained poor," the family said. A few diagnostic tests such as barium enema, endoscopy biopsy, and manometry confirmed the condition. Dr Vibhor Borkar, a paediatric gastroenterologist at Gleneagles Hospital, said, “In very young babies, delayed passage of the first green potty that is meconium can be an early sign of this disease. Older children usually suffer from swollen stomachs, vomiting, poor weight gain, and constant constipation while some may suffer from infections."

The baby is now "free of symptoms, eating well, and passing stool without the requirement of enema," the hospital authorities reportedly said. "Though this is a congenital condition, antenatal diagnosis is extremely difficult and the child becomes symptomatic after birth only," said Dr Borkar.

This procedure is done under general anesthesia, endoscopically where a small cut is made just inside the anus of the patient. From this cut, a tunnel was made within the layers of the intestine and non-functional segment of the intestine which lacks nerves was cut internally, explained, Dr Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Interventional gastroenterologist. "The entry cut is then closed with clips. As the procedure is done endoscopically no scar or cut is seen on the body surface and the patient is pain-free after the procedure. The entire procedure lasted 3 hours. The procedure allowed us to manage the condition without traditional open surgery. Globally, only 13 such procedures have been reported, and this is the first case to be treated by the endoscopic method in the city of Mumbai," he added.

how-fat-imaging-helps-in-combating-obesity-lifestyle-disorders

Wed Apr 16 17:46:57 IST 2025

How you wondered how to assess your body fat composition and its distribution? Fat imaging is the answer to the question where a bunch of techniques are used to assess and obtain more information about it.

Dr Sonal Krishan, Associate Director Body and GI Imaging, Medanta, Gurugram, said that measures such as BMI (Body Mass Index) were ancient as they do not capture vital fat distribution nuances.

Purpose of Fat Imaging

Obesity and associated metabolic disorders are a chronic disease . The body’s capacity to store fat once had evolutionary advantages but has now become a liability in modern societies with abundant food and sedentary lifestyles. To combat obesity-related health risks, advanced imaging technologies are now critical for mapping fat distribution, assessing metabolic dysfunction, and guiding interventions.

Fat Imaging helps us understand how the stress of having excess fat (adiposity) is driving inflammation, insulin resistance, and eventually death risk. It helps clinicians to guide lifestyle modifications for at-risk patients; track responses to medication and make early interventions.

The most prominent fat imaging technique is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) including Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). These yield high-resolution images of fat depots and assess disease processes associated with obesity, liver disease, complications related to diabetes and cardiovascular well-being.

Fat distribution, liver fibrosis may be systematically assessed to include changes that have occurred over time. MRE is an innovative non-invasive method that assesses both liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat content at the same time. It monitors real-time liver health alterations and also delineates where fat is stored in the abdomen. There is no exposure to radiation and thus it can be used repeatedly.

AI driving factor

Artificial intelligence improves imaging by automating report generation, risk prediction, and fat quantification. AI algorithms can classify fat content types, identify liver steatosis (abnormal accumulation of fat), and forecast cardiovascular risks, simplifying clinical workflow and lowering diagnostic variability.

The risk of obesity and its association with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease is looming large. With advanced imaging there can be early identification of risks and individualised therapies planned. This can revolutionise preventive medicine.