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Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health experts issue stark warning about a disease that's silently killing millions: Are you at risk?
Global health experts are urgently calling for increased awareness and early detection of chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH, which silently affect millions worldwide. A recent meeting in Barcelona highlighted the need for improved diagnostic rates, person-centered care, and concrete actions like routine screening to combat the growing public health threat. A silent health crisis is sweeping across the globe, affecting millions, yet most people are unaware whether they have it. Now, leading health experts are calling for immediate action, warning that without early detection and a shift in medical priorities, the consequences could be devastating. Chronic liver disease is growing silently, and the experts have warned about the urgent need to improve detection to prevent its impact globally. In a global meeting held in Barcelona, Spain earlier this week (Jun 2025), 100 international experts issued a stark warning: millions of people will continue to go unseen by healthcare systems unless early detection and person-centred care for liver disease are prioritised without delay. The article is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe . A common but silent disease Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects around 33% of adults across the world. Its more aggressive form - metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), affects an estimated 5% of the general population. Those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or other cardiometabolic risk factors are at significantly higher risk. What increases the severity of MASH is that, it often shows no symptoms, until it reaches an advanced stage, where it can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. What are the experts saying The leading hepatology and metabolic health experts have urged the healthcare systems to double the MASH diagnosis rate by 2027, because this advanced disease affects millions silently, yet is rarely detected early. Lack of early detection worsens outcomes and also increases the healthcare burden globally. The experts have emphasized about using non-invasive tools and AI-based technologies to identify at-risk patients in primary care. They also noted that effective treatments must go hand in hand with better diagnosis. They also proposed that concrete actions such as routine screening for at-risk groups, integrating liver testing into regular health check-ups, updating reimbursement policies, and fostering collaboration across primary care, endocrinology, cardiology, and patient organisations, should be taken to eliminate the growing public threat by 2030. 'The future of the fight against MASH lies in anticipation: not only treating advanced patients but also identifying those without fibrosis early on. This shift towards preventive hepatology is key to improving the metabolic health of millions around the world,' Jeffrey Lazarus, Head of the Public Health Liver Group at ISGlobal, and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Need for a new perspective At the same time, over 40 experts have released the People-First Liver Charter in Nature Medicine , calling for a change in how we talk about and treat liver disease. They emphasized the need to end the stigma that often delays diagnosis and care. The Charter urges using respectful, person-first language and care that focuses on the patient, not just the disease. This shift is meant to increase empathy, reduce unfair treatment, and support global efforts to use more inclusive terms for liver diseases. Over 70 organisations have backed this initiative. Chronic liver disease rising in Spain Fatty liver A policy brief on Spain presented during the meeting revealed alarming trends. Approximately eight million people in Spain were living with MASLD in 2021. This is expected to increase to 12.7 million (27.6% of the population) by 2030. An estimated 1.8 million cases of MASH were reported in 2016. MASH-related mortality is expected to double, reaching around 7,590 by 2030. The healthcare burden could become more than double, from $1.48 billion in 2021 to $3.5 billion in 2040. 'We recommend a national strategy led by the Ministry of Health and in close collaboration with all autonomous communities that includes a MASLD registry, its inclusion in key health indicators, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, automated diagnosis in primary care, and strengthened community-based services,' Lazarus warned. 7 Ways to check for fatty liver at home Despite affecting more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, chronic liver diseases remain largely excluded from global non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies. As the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is set to take place in Sep. 2025, the experts have urged for immediate action. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 2 key eating habits to trigger weight loss revealed – and you don't even need to change what you eat
Katrina Turrill Published: Invalid Date, THE key to weight loss might not be what you eat, but in fact WHEN you eat. When you eat breakfast and dinner could lead to a healthier body weight over time, say scientists. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) found eating breakfast early and extending your overnight fast by also eating dinner early can help you keep your weight in check. The study tracked more than 7,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 65. Back in 2018, they answered detailed questions about their diet, lifestyle, meal times, and body measurements. Five years later, more than 3,000 of them returned for a follow-up to provide updated health information. 'Our results, in line with other recent studies, suggest that extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and an early breakfast, explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, researcher at ISGlobal at the time of the study. "We think this may be because eating earlier in the day is more in line with circadian rhythms and allows for better calorie burning and appetite regulation, which can help maintain a healthy weight. "However, it is too soon to draw definitive conclusions, so recommendations will have to wait for more robust evidence." The researchers found notable differences when looking at the data by gender. On average, women had lower BMIs than men and were more likely to follow the Mediterranean diet - a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasising plant-based foods and healthy fats, and recommended for its health benefits. They also tended to drink less alcohol and take on more household or care giving responsibilities. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry Restricting your eating window to a specific time each day or week and abstaining from food for the rest of the time is known as intermittent fasting. Emerging evidence suggests it goes beyond weight loss, offering potential benefits for metabolic health, athletic performance, and even slowing the progression of certain diseases. But fasting and skipping breakfast could have a detrimental impact on health. Looking at the results of their analysis, the researchers were struck by a small group of men whose first meal of the day was after 2pm and who, on average, fasted for 17 hours. Compared to other participants, this group of men tended to have less healthy lifestyles (were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, do less physical activity, and had less adherence to the Mediterranean diet). 'There are different ways of practising what is known as 'intermittent fasting' and our study relates to one of them, which is overnight fasting, says Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author of the study. "What we observed in a subgroup of men who do intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast is that this practice has no effect on body weight. "Other intervention studies in participants with obesity have shown that this tactic is no more effective than reducing calorie intake in reducing body weight in the long term." When practising intermittent fasting, remember to prioritise staying hydrated, choose a suitable approach for your lifestyle, and focus on healthy eating during your eating window. Consider starting with a 12-hour fast and gradually increasing the duration as needed. It's also important to be mindful of potential side effects like fatigue and dizziness, and to consult with a doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. What are the health benefits of fasting? Weight loss Fasting can promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and potentially increasing fat burning. Improved blood sugar control Fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes Fasting can alter metabolic processes, making the body more efficient at utilising fuel and potentially improving lipid profiles (cholesterol). Improved cognitive function Some studies suggest that fasting may enhance cognitive function, learning, memory, and alertness. Neuroprotective effects Fasting has been linked to neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Potential for increased longevity Research suggests that fasting may be associated with increased lifespan and a delay in age-related diseases. Heart health Fasting may positively impact heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular function. Improved gut health Fasting can influence gut microbiota, potentially improving gut health and immunity.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Study links early breakfast and fasting to lower BMI in middle-aged adults
The research indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. PHOTO: SCITECH DAILY Listen to article The timing of meals — not just their content — could play a significant role in maintaining a healthy body weight, according to a new five-year study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). Researchers found that middle-aged adults who ate breakfast early and extended their overnight fasting period tended to have lower Body Mass Indexes (BMIs). The findings, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, are part of a growing field known as chrononutrition, which explores how eating schedules align with the body's natural circadian rhythms. The study tracked over 7,000 adults aged 40 to 65, all part of the GCAT | Genomes for Life project in Spain. Participants first provided information on diet, lifestyle, and meal timing in 2018. After five years, more than 3,000 returned for a follow-up with updated health data. The results indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. 'Extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and breakfast,' explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, an ISGlobal researcher at the time of the study. 'This may align better with circadian rhythms and support appetite regulation and energy expenditure.' The study also found significant gender-based patterns. On average, women had lower BMIs, consumed healthier diets, and drank less alcohol, though they reported worse mental health. Women were also more likely to take on caregiving and domestic responsibilities. In contrast, a small subgroup of men who delayed their first meal until after 14:00 — effectively skipping breakfast and fasting for around 17 hours — exhibited less healthy behaviours. These included higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, lower physical activity, and poorer diet quality. This group also had lower educational levels and higher unemployment rates. 'These men practiced a form of intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast, but we found no association between that habit and improved weight outcomes,' said Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author. 'Other studies in people with obesity have shown similar findings — skipping breakfast isn't necessarily an effective weight-loss tool.' The research adds to ISGlobal's growing body of work in chrononutrition. Previous studies have linked early dinner and breakfast habits with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 'Chrononutrition looks at not just what we eat, but when and how often,' said Anna Palomar-Cros, who co-authored the study. 'Disrupting eating patterns can conflict with the circadian system — the body's internal clock — potentially affecting weight, metabolism, and overall health.' While the study suggests a potential link between meal timing and body weight, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before making broad dietary recommendations. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the importance of aligning eating habits with the body's natural rhythms to support long-term health.
Gizmodo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Lung Power Peaks in Our 20s—and It's a Steady Decline From There, Study Finds
Our lungs may start to lose their steam earlier in life than we thought. Research out today suggests that lung function tends to peak in young adulthood and only gets worse from there. Scientists at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) led the study, published Thursday in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. After analyzing data from earlier population studies, the researchers found that peak lung function is usually reached by our early 20s and—contrary to current wisdom—continues to steadily decline as we age. According to lead author Judith Garcia-Aymerich, co-director of the Environment and Health over the Life Course program at ISGlobal, it's been assumed that our lungs follow a specific trajectory: they gradually get stronger until our mid-20s, reach a steady plateau over the next few decades, then decline as we reach middle age. But this assumption was based on studies that only examined lung function at certain time periods, rather than over the course of an entire life. To bridge this knowledge gap, Garcia-Aymerich's team combined and analyzed data from eight different population studies in Europe and Australia. These studies collectively involved around 30,000 people from the ages of four to 82, and lung function was measured through forced spirometry, a test where people blow out as much air as possible after taking a deep breath. The researchers first identified two broad stages of lung development: a phase of rapid growth in early childhood, followed by slower, steady growth through the early 20s. On average, this peak was reached around age 20 for women and age 23 for men. Unlike other research, they failed to find any evidence of a steady period of lung function following this peak. 'Previous models suggested a plateau phase until the age of 40, but our data show that lung function starts to decline much earlier than previously thought, immediately after the peak,' said Garcia-Aymerich in a statement released by ISGlobal. The findings, somber as they are, might help improve how respiratory health is tracked and maintained, the researchers say. They found that certain risk factors for poor lung health, such as asthma and smoking, might affect lung function a bit differently than suspected, for instance. Chronic asthma appears to weaken lung health at an early age, a weakness that then persists throughout a person's life. Smoking, on the other hand, seems to rapidly worsen a person's lungs starting in the mid-30s. Equipped with this knowledge, it might be possible to intervene early on, the researchers say. 'Early detection of low lung function may allow interventions to prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood,' said Garcia-Aymerich. While our lungs might not stay in tip-top shape as long as hoped, there are things most anyone can do to keep them as healthy as possible, such as regular physical exercise.
Medscape
05-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Side Effect Fears Deter European Teens From Vaccines
A total of 20.8% of European adolescents showed reluctance toward vaccination. This finding comes from a recent study published in BMC Public Health , led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain. The research surveyed 1877 young people 12-17 years of age from Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain, along with 1135 parents. The main factors behind this reluctance include fear of vaccine adverse effects and distrust in government recommendations. This study is part of Science4Pandemics, a European project that provides a citizen engagement digital platform for collective intelligence in pandemics. The study showed significant differences between the countries. Poland reported a prevalence of 31.6% among adolescents, whereas the number in Spain was 12.5%. This significant difference aligns with 'the historically lower vaccine hesitancy and higher coverage in our country compared to other European nations,' stated Pere Millat-Martínez, MD, physician and scientific researcher at ISGlobal and the study's lead author. He suggested that better results in the Spanish population may be due to 'prevention campaigns conducted by primary care nursing and parental awareness, which greatly influences at home.' The primary cause of vaccine hesitancy was fear of vaccine side effects, cited by 56.1% of adolescents and 51.9% of parents. 'This data surprised us. We expected the primary factor of hesitancy among adolescents and their parents to be the belief that the diseases are not serious enough,' explained Millat-Martínez. 'It has long been demonstrated that vaccines are safe. An article published in the 1990s linked them to the development of autism, which the anti-vaccine movement relied on. However, it has been shown to be based on false data. In recent years, there has been less talk about myths surrounding side effects, so it is striking to see such a high percentage in our study,' he explained. Surveys conducted by his team found that up to 22% of adolescents and 22.8% of parents expressed distrust in government recommendations. Among young people, notable reasons included the belief that vaccine-preventable infections are not severe (8.4%) and the perception of a low likelihood of falling ill (8.4%). For parents, reasons for vaccine hesitancy included the belief that preventable infections are not severe (10.4%) and economic barriers (10.9%). Another surprising conclusion was the response to economic barriers. 'We included this option thinking that few people would select it. In the countries where we conducted the surveys, basic vaccines were covered by the government and were free of charge. Therefore, we thought these data might be influenced by social media,' noted Millat-Martínez, who believes these platforms are a key factor in vaccination coverage. 'It is evident that adolescents rely on social media to form opinions, so any misinformation on these platforms affects young people and the public. A study from another research group in Spain showed that news about vaccines on social media can have both positive and negative influences,' warned Millat-Martínez. Considering this influence, he believes that Europe must improve public health strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure optimal vaccination coverage. The study showed that adolescents should be the key focus of awareness campaigns. Mass media and school-based initiatives should be used to foster trust in vaccines among this age group. 'If the main causes of vaccine hesitancy are misinformation about their safety and distrust in government-recommended vaccination schedules, to reduce this misconception about immunizations, our recommendation is to direct preventive measures and education about vaccines primarily towards the population group in our study,' concluded Millat-Martínez. Millat-Martínez declared no conflicts of interest.
