Latest news with #RakeshGupta
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Gulshan Devaiah eats just 1 meal a day to stay fit at 47: Fat loss and other benefits plus 'challenges' of extreme diet
Birthday boy Gulshan Devaiah eats just once a day to maintain a lean physique and stay healthy. The actor, who turned 47 on May 28, spoke about following the One Meal a Day (OMAD) diet in a June 2024 interview with CNN-News18. Gulshan believes in consuming all his daily calories in one single meal, but admits eating one meal a day can be 'challenging', especially when it comes to nutrient deficiencies. Also read | What is OMAD? Extreme form of intermittent fasting Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan follow for toned bodies in their 50s He said, 'Mostly I eat once a day; I say mostly because it's not every day; but I try and be as consistent with it as much as possible. So, I would say 300 out of 365 days I would eat one meal a day. I started it in 2018 as I was finding it very difficult to be consistent with my eating habits because most of us eat more than what is really necessary for us. And then that ends up in some weight gain and some other health problems... I was finding it very difficult to maintain a certain ideal weight and look... it's (OMAD) not for everybody but I think I really like it because I don't really like to be on diets. So this way I'm able to eat foods that I enjoy, but also because I eat mostly once a day, how much will I eat? So it automatically restricts potions.' Asked how he gets in all essential nutrients in just one meal a day, Gulshan said, 'That is a challenge. You have to eat a variety of different types of foods. The one common mistake that I made initially was, when I'm working during the day, I eat my meal after I'm done – so that's almost like half an hour before going to bed. That sometimes would cause me a little bit of acidity in the morning. So, I had to also cut out certain types of foods... I have to keep switching between foods and include different vegetables and fruits and keep changing them seasonally, which I was not very good at doing. So, I would have some deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, for which I would take vitamin supplements... my D3 is usually on the lower side because I don't consume a lot of dairy products.' In a November 2024 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rakesh Gupta, senior consultant in internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. said that the one meal a day (OMAD) diet, a form of intermittent fasting, has gained attention for its potential to facilitate rapid weight loss. If you're looking to really lose weight, lose fat, change your body's measurements, and go down a dress size or two, the OMAD diet is a worthy option. But should you consider this extreme form of intermittent fasting, which involves incorporating a long period of fasting (not eating)? First, let's understand what the OMAD diet really is. According to Dr Rakesh Gupta, this approach involves consuming all daily caloric intake in a single meal, typically within a one-hour eating window, while fasting for the remaining 23 hours. He said, 'The diet is believed to create a significant calorie deficit, which can lead to weight loss. Proponents argue that it simplifies meal planning and allows for greater food variety during the single meal.' * Nutritional deficiencies: Consuming only one meal may lead to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, according to Dr Gupta. This can result in deficiencies that affect overall health and well-being. * Increased hunger and cravings: Many followers experience intense hunger throughout the day, which can lead to irritability and difficulty concentrating, Dr Gupta said. This may increase the risk of binge eating during the single meal. * Potential for muscle loss: He added rapid weight loss may not exclusively come from fat; muscle mass can also decrease, negatively impacting metabolism and physical strength. * Mood swings and fatigue: The extreme calorie restriction associated with OMAD can lead to mood fluctuations and fatigue due to unstable blood sugar levels, Dr Gupta said. Long-term sustainability issues: Many individuals find OMAD difficult to maintain over time, with dropout rates reported as high as 65 percent, according to Dr Gupta. The restrictive nature of the diet may not be suitable for everyone. * Rapid weight loss: Many individuals report significant weight loss due to drastic calorie reduction, Dr Gupta said. The diet can lead to fat loss while potentially improving metabolic health markers such as blood sugar levels and inflammation, he added. * Simplicity: With only one meal to prepare and consume, followers often find it easier to manage their eating habits without the need for constant meal planning or calorie counting, said Dr Gupta. * Flexibility in food choices: Unlike many restrictive diets, OMAD does not typically limit food types, allowing individuals to enjoy a wide range of foods during their meal, he added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Should Delhi residents take a booster Covid shot as cases rise? Here's what a doctor says
Delhi has reported a total of 104 active Covid-19 cases so far, the third highest after Kerala and Maharashtra. As per the Centre's Covid dashboard, the surge in the national capital happened over the last week when 99 cases were added from May 19. Should residents be worried about the surge in India, which follows a spike in cases in South Asia? Are booster shots needed? Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, sheds light on some frequently asked questions: Why are cases rising in Delhi? Covid-19 cases are rising everywhere due to a combination of waning immunity, relaxed public behaviour, and the emergence of new variants with higher transmissibility. Many people have resumed pre-pandemic routines such as large gatherings, travel, and not wearing masks, especially in urban areas. Additionally, immunity from earlier infections and vaccines administered over a year ago is decreasing, making people more susceptible. Changes in weather and air quality can also influence respiratory infections, contributing to the surge. Limited testing may be underestimating actual cases, allowing community spread to go unnoticed until hospitalisation numbers begin to rise. Will the vaccines taken almost two years ago still provide protection? Vaccines taken two years ago may still offer some protection, particularly against severe illness and hospitalisation, but their effectiveness against infection has likely diminished significantly. This is because over time, immunity from vaccines wanes, especially in the face of new variants that are more adept at immune escape. However, those who received booster doses — especially updated ones — may still have more robust protection. The primary series, although outdated against some newer strains, still helps the immune system recognise the virus faster than in unvaccinated individuals. It's advisable that senior citizens and those with comorbidities should consider getting a booster doses, if eligible. Why did the surge happen in South Asia? The recent Covid-19 surge in South Asia stems from a mix of socio-economic, climatic, and healthcare-related factors. Many countries in the region have densely populated cities, making social distancing difficult. Public fatigue toward COVID-appropriate behaviour has led to a sharp decline in mask usage and hygiene practices. Cross-border travel, underreporting, and uneven vaccine booster coverage contribute to the resurgence. Seasonal changes — particularly the shift from warm to cooler weather — also play a role in viral spread. Moreover, health systems in some areas are not fully equipped to detect and respond rapidly to new outbreaks, enabling the virus to spread unchecked. What does the current surge signify? It signals that Covid-19 remains a public health threat, even if it's no longer dominating headlines. It suggests that the virus continues to evolve, potentially outpacing existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations. The rise in cases may lead to localised strain on healthcare systems, especially if accompanied by an increase in hospitalisations or severe cases. It is also a reminder to maintain vigilance — especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or immunocompromised. While full lockdowns are unlikely, this surge may prompt governments to reintroduce preventive measures and reassess their vaccination and public health strategies moving forward. What are the characteristics of this strain? The new strain appears to have mutations that make it more transmissible than earlier variants, though early reports suggest it may not cause significantly more severe disease. Like previous Omicron subvariants, it might evade immune protection to some extent, leading to reinfections even in those previously vaccinated or infected. Common symptoms remain largely respiratory — cough, fever, fatigue — but anecdotal reports mention faster spread within households. Researchers are closely monitoring whether it impacts hospitalisation rates. However, severity seems manageable for most healthy individuals. The real concern lies in its potential to disproportionately affect older adults or people with pre-existing conditions. When do we need to worry? If the number of severe cases and hospitalisations rises significantly, especially among vaccinated or previously healthy individuals. Additionally, if a new variant begins to evade immunity to the extent that it causes widespread reinfections or longer illness duration, it would indicate the need for renewed public health measures. We should also be alert if essential services, like healthcare staffing, start to get disrupted due to illness. Another red flag would be rising mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations. Until then, while widespread panic is unnecessary, maintaining cautious behaviour and staying informed through credible sources is prudent. Do we need to start testing more? Yes, increased testing — particularly among symptomatic individuals, healthcare workers, and the vulnerable population — is important during a surge. Testing helps identify outbreaks early and allows for timely isolation, reducing the virus's spread. It's also essential for tracking which variants are circulating and determining the appropriate public health response. While mass testing of asymptomatic individuals may not be necessary, targeted testing in high-risk zones, workplaces, and schools can help prevent larger outbreaks. If testing rates remain low, it becomes difficult to assess the true scale of the surge or to implement effective containment strategies in affected communities.
Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
India Solidifies Position as Most Attractive Global CDMO Destination: LoEstro Report
VMPL New Delhi [India], May 13: India is poised to lead the global biopharma outsourcing landscape, leveraging recent regulatory shifts to cement its status as the most attractive destination for CDMO services. According to a new report by LoEstro Advisors, the country's Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) industry is projected to reach USD 14 billion by FY28, growing at a rapid 14% CAGR. This positions India not just as a major player, but also as a global front-runner in drug development and manufacturing services. The report highlights India's unique strengths. These include significant cost advantages, a skilled scientific workforce, and a strong regulatory track record. The research says India is home to 585 FDA-approved plants, second only to the United States. Every year, over 200,000 pharmacy graduates join the workforce. The country also offers affordable land and labour, allowing companies to scale faster and at lower costs. Commenting on the findings, Rakesh Gupta, Managing Partner at LoEstro Advisors, said, "At LoEstro Advisors, we are committed to delivering actionable insights to empower decision-makers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. We trust this report will serve as a valuable resource for executives, investors, and industry leaders aiming to capitalize on the opportunities within the CDMO space." Crucially, geopolitical and policy shifts are influencing global outsourcing strategies. In the United States, the proposed BIOSECURE Act, which seeks to limit federal contracts with firms that partner with certain Chinese biotech companies, has already started reshaping outsourcing patterns. While the legislation is still under debate, it has gained bipartisan support and is seen as likely to pass. Anticipating this, several US-based companies have begun actively exploring alternatives outside of China. India, with its strong regulatory reputation and manufacturing capacity, is emerging as a natural and strategic alternative. The CDMO industry is also shifting toward next-generation therapies, including cell and gene treatments, mRNA platforms, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCS). These require advanced capabilities and high specialisation. Indian CDMOS are responding by investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, digital technologies, and integrated service models. With increasing geopolitical uncertainties, ESG regulations, and volatile costs in traditional markets, global pharma companies are rethinking their supply chains. Many are moving operations closer to home or to trusted partners. India, with its proven reliability and regulatory compliance, is emerging as a stable, strategic choice. PE Platforms like Cohance, Viyash, and Sekhmet are consolidating the Indian CDMO space. This wave of integration is reshaping the industry. For mid-sized players, it presents both a challenge and a golden opportunity to scale, specialise, and stand out.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Harassed by loan sharks for Rs 3L, businessman dies by suicide in Sagar
Bhopal: Three persons have been booked by police in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh in connection with death committed by a grocery shop owner on charges of abetting suicide. Anil Rohit, was found dead at his grocery shop on April 13. A note was found at the spot which accused three money lenders of harassment. According to Macronia police, Rohit, a resident of Ward No. 9, Rajakhedi, was found dead in his shop. A handwritten note, believed to be from the deceased, was recovered, referencing financial matters. The body was sent for post-mortem, and further investigation was initiated. During the inquiry, police recorded statements from family members, including the deceased's wife, brother, and father. They informed officers that Rohit had previously borrowed Rs 50,000 from Rakesh Gupta, a resident of Rajakhedi. The family stated that he had since repaid the amount along with interest totaling approximately Rs 5 lakh. Despite this, the family alleged that three persons — Rakesh Gupta, Bajua Gupta of Lohra, and Rajdharmendra Gupta — continued to demand an additional sum of Rs 3 lakh. The police report indicates that these claims are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Makronia police confirmed that a case has been registered based on the written note and statements collected during the investigation. Further efforts are underway to locate and question the named suspects. The case remains under investigation.
