Latest news with #AvascularNecrosis
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Ankur Warikoo shares his fat-free fitness comeback story with six-pack abs at 44: ‘Grateful for this second life'
Ankur Warikoo's fitness journey began after a life-altering diagnosis that left him bedridden. Years later, he transformed not only his body but his mindset. From marathon goals to six-pack dreams, Warikoo embraced a rigorous lifestyle overhaul. Now at 44, he proudly displays his abs and credits discipline, not motivation, as the secret behind his fat-free life. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Marathon That Didn't Heal the Mind Also Read: How an extremely busy man lost nearly half his body fat in 3 months without strict diet or long gym sessions Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Six-Pack Dream That Demanded Everything At 44, a Repeat Performance That Redefined Age ( Originally published on Jun 01, 2025 ) It all began with two chilling words scribbled on a prescription slip: 'Stop walking!' For most, those words would signal surrender. For entrepreneur, author, and content creator Ankur Warikoo , they became the origin of a powerful comeback 2012, at just 33, Warikoo was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis—a rare and debilitating condition where the hip bone begins to die due to a lack of blood supply. He belonged to the 10% of patients who receive this diagnosis without any identifiable cause. What followed was months of immobility: three months in bed and five on crutches. Though he eventually regained the ability to walk, something inside him had shifted. Life, he felt, had hit Warikoo had no intention of staying he fought his way back to mobility, Warikoo turned to an unexpected challenge: running a marathon . With a fierce will and 10 months of training, he crossed the finish line. The accomplishment was monumental—yet emotionally, he felt hollow.'I thought I would feel great about it. But I felt the opposite. I felt I had cheated,' Warikoo confessed. Despite the victory, a nagging thought lingered—had he really pushed his limits, or just gone through the motions? After all, he had only ever run 14 km prior to the marathon and felt he could have completed the 21 km distance on any given he posed himself a tougher question: What goal would demand my daily dedication?The answer came with clarity—and a hint of madness. 'Six-pack abs,' he decided. At the time, he was carrying 26% body fat and knew that achieving this aesthetic feat would require a complete overhaul of his followed was not a fad diet or a fitness challenge—it was a philosophical shift. Warikoo restructured his sleep schedule, revamped his eating habits, and committed to a consistent workout regimen. In time, he whittled his body fat to under 10% and finally saw the definition of six-pack abs take shape—a visual metaphor for everything he had endured and forward to 2024. Now 44, Warikoo decided to embark on the same gruelling journey again—not out of necessity, but out of choice. And once again, he emerged triumphant, unveiling a lean, chiseled physique and a 'fat-free' latest transformation, which he revealed on Instagram on May 31, isn't just about body aesthetics. It's a testimony to grit, habit, and the quiet power of showing up every day. 'I know this routine and mindset will stay with me for life,' he wrote in his caption, calling it his 'second life.'Warikoo's story resonates because it's not about vanity—it's about victory. His transformation is a reminder that fitness isn't just about biceps or body fat, but about reclaiming agency over your own life. From being told not to walk to sprinting past his past, Warikoo's six-pack isn't just a fitness milestone—it's a life philosophy sculpted in 44, Ankur Warikoo's journey from immobility to chiselled discipline is more than a fitness story—it's a blueprint for personal transformation. What began with a medical setback evolved into a life philosophy rooted in consistency, resilience, and self-mastery. His six-pack isn't just physical—it's symbolic of a mindset that embraces discomfort, defies age, and celebrates the power of habit. Warikoo's second act proves that true strength lies in showing up every single day.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ankur Warikoo shares how he overcame a serious medical condition to go 'fat-free' at 44; his doctor had told him to "Stop walking"
Entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo recently took to his IG handle to share his personal health success story. Ankur, who is known for his engaging content on wealth, success and failure, money and investing, self-awareness and personal relationships revealed that in 2012, he was diagnosed with a serious medical condition, called Avascular Necrosis and the doctor had told him to "stop walking" altogether. Ankur revealed that not only did he run a marathon after that, he also managed to cut out all his body fat, and is now "fat free" at 44! Sharing two before and after images, Ankur wrote, 'Stop walking!' The doctor wrote it on the prescription. Underlined. Twice. Feb 2012. I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis. My hip bone was decaying. I lay in the 10% with no cause. I went through surgery. 3 months of bed rest. 5 months on crutches. I recovered, but… Life told me to stop walking. How could I tell life this chapter is over and I've won? In a moment of craziness, I decided I'll run a marathon! After 10 months of preparation, I did it. I thought I would feel great about it. But I felt the opposite. I felt I had cheated. Because up until that day, the maximum I had ever run was 14 kms. I could have showed up any day and finished the 21 kms without preparation. What could I do for which I had to show up every day? In another moment of craziness, I found myself saying 6-pack abs! At 33, with 26% body fat, I had to change everything to reach < 10% body fat. And I did — diet, sleep schedule, fitness routine. 10 years later (2024), I decided to go through the journey again and get the 6-pack abs. Today, I'm 44 and fat-free. I know this routine and mindset will stay with me for life. Grateful for this 'second' life 👊 What is Avascular Necrosis? Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis (not to be confused with osteoporosis) or bone infarction, is a serious medical condition where bone tissue dies because it does not get enough blood supply. Without blood, the bone cells lose oxygen and nutrients, causing the bone to weaken and eventually collapse. This condition most often affects the ends of long bones, especially the hip (femur), but it can also affect the shoulder, knee, ankle, and other joints. How does it affect people At first, avascular necrosis may not cause any symptoms. Many people do not feel pain in the early stages because the bone damage is still at a nascent stage. However, as the condition progresses and the bone starts to collapse, symptoms become more obvious and painful. What are the symptoms Joint Pain: The most common sign is pain in the affected joint. For example, if the hip is affected, pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, or buttock. Initially, the pain may occur only when putting weight on the joint, such as walking or standing. Over time, the pain can become constant and severe, even when resting or lying down. Limited Movement: As the bone and joint surface collapse, stiffness and reduced range of motion develop. This can make it difficult to move the joint freely. Limping or Difficulty Bearing Weight: When the hip or knee is affected, people may limp or find it hard to put weight on the leg. What Causes Avascular Necrosis Avascular necrosis happens when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients essential for bone health. When these vessels are damaged or blocked, bone tissue starts to die. Common Causes Include: Injury or Trauma: A fracture or dislocation near a joint can damage blood vessels, cutting off blood supply to the bone. For example, a broken hip or a dislocated shoulder can lead to AVN. Excessive Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can cause fatty deposits in blood vessels, which block blood flow to bones. Use of Certain Medications: High doses of steroids (corticosteroids) are linked to AVN. These drugs can affect blood flow and bone health. Medical Conditions: Diseases like sickle cell anemia, Gaucher's disease, or blood clotting disorders can reduce blood flow to bones. Unknown Causes: Sometimes AVN develops without a clear reason, possibly due to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle. Which bones are most affected The most common site for avascular necrosis is the femoral head, the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket. Because the hip bears much of the body's weight, AVN here can cause significant pain and disability. Other bones that can be affected include: The humerus (upper arm bone) near the shoulder. The knee joint. The ankle bones. The jaw bone (rarely). In some cases, AVN affects both sides of the body, such as both hips or both knees. Who is at risk Avascular necrosis most commonly affects adults between 30 and 50 years old. Men are more frequently affected than women. People with a history of bone injury, heavy alcohol use, or long-term steroid use are at higher risk. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Steroids, protein powders behind alarming rise in hip damage among urban youth, warn experts
A group of orthopaedic experts have raised a serious public health concern, stating that the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders is severely damaging the hips of young gym-going individuals in their 20s. This warning came during the 'Delhi Hip 360' conference held in the national capital, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth, conditions traditionally seen in older adults. Dr L Tomar, the organising chairman of the conference, said, 'We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain.' 'Investigations often reveal Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders,' said Dr Tomar, who is the unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi. Recent studies have indicated a rise in hip issues among youth and how alcohol and steroid use were key contributors to AVN among young adults, he said. More recently, the Maharashtra FDA launched statewide checks on protein powders after several brands were found to be spiked with performance-enhancing steroids, many of which are freely available online or at gyms without proper labelling or approvals. Youth, especially those chasing rapid physical transformation, are unknowingly damaging their bone health, particularly the femoral head of the hip joint, which is uniquely sensitive to blood flow changes, Dr Tomar pointed out. There is a thriving underground online market for performance-enhancing drugs and muscle-building supplements in India. Dr Rajiv Jain, senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that steroids, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised, directly impact the blood supply to the bones. 'It (AVN) begins with pain, stiffness, and limping and in many cases, leads to complete collapse of the hip joint. Hip replacements are required for patients whose condition can be treated using medications,' Dr Jain stated. The condition, AVN, is not only painful but also often irreversible if not diagnosed early. In extreme cases, the only treatment is total hip replacement, a complex procedure typically meant for older patients. Orthopaedic experts say this is becoming disturbingly common in India's urban youth. Another observation presented by orthopaedic researchers at the conference revealed that over 30 per cent of AVN cases seen in Delhi's tertiary hospitals over the past three years involved patients under 35, and most had a history of either steroid injection, oral steroid abuse or supplement misuse. Dr Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference and senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that fitness has become a booming industry in India, but without proper regulation and education. 'What they don't realise is that behind that muscle, their bones might be silently deteriorating. We urgently need awareness drives, regulation of supplement markets, and basic orthopaedic screening at gyms,' Dr Agarwal said. Doctors have urged fitness trainers, influencers and gym owners to educate their clients about the risks of shortcuts like steroid cycles and unverified protein supplements.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Experts: Steroids, protein powders behind rise in hip damage among urban youth
New Delhi: Group of orthopaedic experts have raised a serious public health concern, stating the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders is severely damaging the hips of young gym-going individuals in their 20s. This warning came during the 'Delhi Hip 360' conference held in the national capital, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth, conditions traditionally seen in older adults. Dr L Tomar, the organising chairman of the conference, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain." " Investigations often reveal Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70 per cent of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders," said Dr Tomar, who is the unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi. Recent studies have indicated a rise in hip issues among youth and how alcohol and steroid use were key contributors to AVN among young adults, he said. More recently, the Maharashtra FDA launched statewide checks on protein powders after several brands were found to be spiked with performance-enhancing steroids, many of which are freely available online or at gyms without proper labelling or approvals. Youth, especially those chasing rapid physical transformation, are unknowingly damaging their bone health, particularly the femoral head of the hip joint, which is uniquely sensitive to blood flow changes, Dr Tomar pointed out. There is a thriving underground online market for performance-enhancing drugs and muscle-building supplements in India. Dr Rajiv Jain, senior orthopaedic surgeon, said steroids when or consumed unsupervised, directly impact the blood supply to the bones.
