MediWeek

Childhood obesity is a growing global health issue, with an estimated 40 million children under the age of 5 years classified as overweight or obese in 2020. The most rapid increases are occurring in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The South Asian individuals (originating from the Indian subcontinent) exhibit a unique risk profile […]

The global rise in the prevalence of dementia (repoted to affect 55 million in 2020 and expected to triple by 2050) and depression (affecting 10–20% of the older adults) highlights the urgent need for affordable, effective interventions to reduce the risk of these debilitating mental illnesses. Vitamin D, with limited dietary sources, is primarily obtained

Myopia, a standard refractive error where light focuses in front of the retina, is the leading cause of distance vision impairment. Its prevalence is rising globally, especially in East Asia (up to 62%). By 2050, 49.8% of the global population will be affected by this disease, and 9.8% will experience the severe type. The key

Shift work, prevalent in about 15% of the work-force in industrialized nations increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), partly due to circadian misalignment—disruption between the body’s internal clock and behavioral sleep/wake cycles. Controlled studies have shown that circadian misalignment raises the blood pressure and impairs cardiac vagal modulation. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian misalignment

Sucralose, a widely used non-caloric sweetener, offers the advantage of a sweet taste without contributing any calories to the diet [1]. It is commonly included in beverages and foods aimed at weight management [2]. However, growing evidence has raised concerns that non-caloric sweeteners like sucralose may disrupt the body’s natural appetite regulation mechanisms. By delivering

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) account for 15–60% of the daily energy intake in Western diets and are increasingly linked to metabolic disorders and other health concerns. Apart from the poor nutritional quality of these UPF, the use of food additives (added to improve the color, texture, taste, or palatability as well as to prolong the shelf

Motor competence (MC) in childhood plays a crucial role in fostering physical activity (PA), health, and psychological well-being across the lifespan. It encompasses the ability to perform fundamental movement skills (FMS) such as locomotor (e.g., running, hopping), object control (e.g., throwing, catching), and balance-related tasks. The development of MC is influenced by both organised (e.g.,

Ageing is associated with increased inflammation, often called “inflammageing,” which is marked by higher levels of pro-inflammatory markers. This inflammation contributes to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. With the global population of people over 60 years of age expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, improving the health of adults

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing the landscape of modern healthcare, offering promising advancements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and administrative efficiency. However, successful integration of AI into medical practice depends not only on the technological advancements but also on the perceptions and acceptance of healthcare professionals. Physicians, as key stakeholders, play a crucial role in

There has been a long-standing debate on the health effects of dietary fats, with contrasting views reflected in the literature. While butter has historically been a staple in many diets, concerns about its association with cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality have led to recommendations favoring plant-based oils. Epidemiological studies suggest that replacing butter with oils such