UK researchers have found a common childhood virus that can trigger DNA damage leading to bladder cancer later in life. Tackling the virus early could open the door to preventing bladder cancer later, said the team from the University of York. The study, published in Science Advances, revealed that after being contracted in childhood, the BK virus usually lies dormant in the kidney. BK virus infections do not have obvious symptoms, but physicians have learned a lot about the virus from the experiences of kidney transplant recipients who have to take immunosuppressants to prevent the immune system from targeting their new kidney. In laboratory studies using the human tissue that lines the urinary tract (urothelium), the team observed DNA damage patterns caused by the cell's antiviral defences after controlled exposure to BK virus -- the childhood infection identified earlier as lying dormant in the kidney. In this fight against the BK virus, "friendly fire" from enzymes meant to damage the virus can cause collateral damage in the cells' own DNA. This evidence supports a theory in which an individual's own antiviral response to BK virus infection causes the DNA mutations that can lead to cancer. "In other types of virus-related cancer, such as cervical cancer, we know that virus DNA combines with our own genetic material to drive tumour development. Our results have shown that in the bladder, the tissue's defensive response to the virus causes DNA changes which can lead to cancer,” said Dr. Simon Baker from the University. "We found that DNA damage happens not only in infected cells but also in surrounding 'bystander cells,' witnessing infection in their neighbours. This is important because it might explain why most bladder cancers have no sign of the virus in them when they are diagnosed many years later," Baker added. The BK virus usually lies dormant in the kidney. Immunosuppressants can allow dormant BK virus to reactivate, damaging the kidneys, ureter, and bladder. Current bladder cancer prevention work asks people to stop smoking. The findings provide a new opportunity to help prevent bladder cancer through the identification and control of the BK virus earlier. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 December,2025 11:01 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA surprising link between constipation and kidney decline led researchers to test lubiprostone, revealing that it can protect kidney function. The results point toward gut-based, mitochondria-boosting therapies as a promising new avenue for CKD care. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects people across the globe and often progresses to the point where patients rely on routine dialysis to survive. Although the condition is widespread and serious, there are still no approved medications that can actively restore kidney function. A team led by Professor Takaaki Abe at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine has uncovered an unexpected approach by repurposing a constipation medication. Their work marks the first time that this drug (lubiprostone) has been shown to slow the loss of kidney function in people with CKD. "We noticed that constipation is a symptom that often accompanies CKD, and decided to investigate this link further," explains Abe. "Essentially, constipation disrupts the intestinal microbiota, which worsens kidney function. Working backwards, we hypothesised that we could improve kidney function by treating constipation," added Abe. Clinical Trial Shows Lubiprostone Helps Preserve Kidney Function To test this idea, the research team organised a multicenter Phase II clinical study (LUBI-CKD TRIAL) across nine medical facilities in Japan. The trial enrolled 150 individuals with moderate CKD and examined how lubiprostone affected kidney health. When compared with participants who received a placebo, those given 8 ug or 16 ug of lubiprostone experienced a slower decline in kidney function. This finding was based on changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a standard measure used to evaluate kidney performance. The scientists also explored why the drug had this protective effect. They determined that lubiprostone boosts the production of spermidine, a compound that enhances mitochondrial activity by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Improved mitochondrial function was linked to a renoprotective effect that helped limit additional kidney damage. Next Steps and Potential for Personalised CKD Treatment The team plans to expand their investigation through a Phase 3 clinical trial involving a larger group of participants. They also aim to identify biomarkers that could help predict which patients are most likely to benefit. Their long-term objective is to tailor treatment strategies to each person with CKD. This approach represents a significant shift from current CKD therapies, which focus mainly on lowering uremic toxins. Overall, the findings indicate that certain laxatives may help slow the progression of kidney deterioration. This concept could also open doors to new treatments for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction. Details of the study were published in the scientific journal Science Advances. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
04 December,2025 10:05 AM IST | Tokyo | ANIThe World Health Organization has released its first global guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, recognising the condition as a chronic and relapsing disease. The move comes amid rising global demand for GLP-1 medications—such as semaglutide and liraglutide—currently used for diabetes and weight management. Here’s what the new guidance means and why it matters. What are GLP-1 therapies? GLP-1 therapies (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications that mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar and appetite. Originally developed to manage type-2 diabetes, these drugs are now widely used for weight loss and obesity treatment. Beyond weight management, some GLP-1 medicines have shown additional benefits, including lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, and reducing the incidence of type-2 diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. When should GLP-1 therapy be considered? The WHO stresses that GLP-1 drugs are not suitable for everyone and must only be prescribed by qualified medical practitioners. According to the new guideline, these medicines may be considered for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) as part of long-term treatment. Importantly, the guideline excludes pregnant women, as GLP-1 therapies have not been clinically tested in this group. Individual health history, comorbidities, and clinical indicators must also be carefully assessed before starting treatment. How do GLP-1 medicines work? GLP-1 therapies help regulate blood glucose by triggering insulin release when sugar levels are high and suppressing glucagon production. They also slow digestion and increase satiety, which naturally reduces food intake and supports weight loss. Medication alone won’t solve the obesity challenge The WHO emphasises that obesity is complex and cannot be addressed by medication alone. Social, economic, and environmental factors all play a role, making a combined approach essential. Key takeaways from the WHO guideline The newly released guideline includes two major conditional recommendations: GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults (excluding pregnant women). While there is strong evidence that these drugs effectively support weight loss and improve metabolic outcomes, the recommendation remains conditional due to: Limited long-term safety and efficacy data High costs of treatment Uncertainty around long-term maintenance and discontinuation Health system limitations Potential equity concerns in access and affordability Intensive behavioural interventions may be offered alongside GLP-1 therapies. WHO notes that structured programmes, including healthy diet guidance and physical activity plans, may improve treatment outcomes. This recommendation is based on low-certainty evidence but supports a more holistic approach.
03 December,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStanding three feet tall and aged just 25, Gujarat resident Ganesh Baraiya has scripted an inspiring tale of grit and determination, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a doctor and securing his first appointment as a medical officer. The man from a farming family, detected with 72 per cent locomotor disability, fought lengthy legal battles, leading up to the Supreme Court, to become a doctor and faced several other overwhelming odds, but the thought of giving up the fight never crossed his mind. His efforts have borne fruit and Baraiya last week joined Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital, a government facility in Bhavnagar district, as a Medical Officer (Class-2). "Since childhood, whenever I was asked about my ambition, I used to say 'I want to be a doctor'," disclosed the 25-year-old physician, a resident of Gorkhi village in Bhavnagar district. He humbly acknowledged the roles played by his mentors, family members and friends in his extraordinary journey. "My mentor guided me throughout my journey of becoming a doctor. As I stand here at Sir T General Hospital (as the medical facility is popularly known), treating patients, I dedicate my achievement to my mentors Dalpat Katariya and Revatsinh Sarvaiya of Nilkanth Vidyapeeth, my parents and my friends," Baraiya said. Baraiya said it was Katariya who convinced him that he could be the world's shortest doctor. And then began his remarkable journey to become a doctor at Nilkanth Vidyapeeth in Bhavnagar, where he pursued Class 12 science stream. According to Katariya, Principal of Nilkanth Vidyapeeth in Talaja, Baraiya's journey has been one of determination and resilience. "After fighting long legal battles, a farmer's son with 72 per cent locomotor disability has proved that dreams do come true," said Katariya, basking in the success of his student. Locomotor disability refers to a condition that results in the loss or restriction of movement of limbs or body parts. Baraiya was born to farmer Viththalbhai Baraiya. Katariya recalled magicians once offered money to the family to make the dwarf child perform in a circus, and his father constantly feared the boy might be abducted. Baraiya was admitted in Class 9 at Nilkanth Vidyapeeth, where the young boy developed the ambition to become a doctor. After pursuing studies in science stream, Baraiya cracked the medical entrance National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in 2018. However, the youngster faced a rude jolt when the Medical Council of India (MCI) denied him admission to MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) programme due to his disability. "The school decided to fight a legal battle against MCI (now National Medical Commission), but my father was reluctant initially due to financial conditions. The school's management then decided to cover the court expenses for my case," the diminutive doctor stated. "With the school's support, I challenged the decision in the Gujarat High Court, which upheld the MCI's stance. We then approached the Supreme Court in 2018," he maintained. In the meantime, he enrolled in a BSc programme. On October 22, 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in Baraiya's favour, noting a disability cannot bar the student from pursuing MBBS, as doctors also serve in non-clinical roles such as administration, radiology, and psychology. In 2019, Baraiya was admitted to Bhavnagar's Government Medical College, where he was warmly welcomed by the dean, professors, and fellow students. Throughout the medical course, classmates reserved the front row seats for him and supported him during lectures. One of his seniors during MBBS, Dr Yash Dave, helped arrange a writer for Baraiya after he struggled in his first semester due to slow writing speed. "From the canteen staff to nurses, everyone loved and supported Ganesh," Katariya said. During his internship, Baraiya became known for building deep bonds with patients, often bringing them small gifts from his stipend and spending extra time with paediatric patients. Speaking about his current work as medical officer, Baraiya said, "Some patients are shocked to see me as a doctor, while some already know me. But mostly they respond positively." "I share a special bond with my paediatrics patients. Usually, kids are scared of doctors, but in my case, they cooperate well with me," he pointed out. About his further goals, Baraiya disclosed that he wants to pursue a post-graduation in paediatrics, dermatology, or fields with fewer emergency responsibilities. "I want to contribute to nation-building and serve patients in whatever way I can," Baraiya asserted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 December,2025 02:30 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIThe bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes the world’s most infectious disease Tuberculosis (TB), can survive antibiotic treatment and live longer by changing their outer fat coating, according to a new study led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on Wednesday. Even with effective antibiotics and widespread vaccination campaigns, TB continues to take lives. Globally, 10.7 million people developed TB and 1.23 million died from the disease in 2024, while India carries one of the highest burdens -- over 2.71 million cases in 2024. In the study, published in the Chemical Science journal, the researchers showed that the key to the bacteria's drug tolerance lies in their membranes -- complex barriers made mostly of fats, or lipids that protect the cell. The team grew the bacteria under two conditions: an active phase, when the bacteria were dividing rapidly as they do in an active infection, and a late stage mimicking dormancy, as seen in latent infections. When they exposed the bacteria to four common TB drugs: rifabutin, moxifloxacin, amikacin, and clarithromycin, the team found that the concentration of drugs needed to stop 50 per cent of bacterial growth was two to 10 times higher in dormant bacteria than in active ones. In other words, “the same drug that worked well in the early stage of the disease would now be needed at a much higher concentration to kill the dormant/persistent TB cells. This change was not caused by genetic mutations, which usually explain antibiotic resistance,” said Prof. Shobhna Kapoor from the Department of Chemistry, IIT-B. Lack of mutations associated with antibiotic resistance in the bacteria confirmed that the reduced drug sensitivity could be linked to the bacteria’s dormant state and most likely their membrane coats rather than genetic changes. Further, the team identified more than 270 distinct lipid molecules in the bacterial membranes, which showed clear differences between active and dormant cells. While the active bacteria had loose, fluid membranes, the dormant ones had rigid, tightly ordered structures, indicating its defence mechanism. “People have studied TB from the protein point of view for decades,” said Kapoor. “But lipids were long seen as passive components. We now know they actively help the bacteria survive and resist drugs,” she added. Next, the team found that the antibiotic rifabutin could easily enter active cells but barely crossed the outer membrane of dormant ones. “The rigid outer layer becomes the main barrier. It is the bacterium’s first and strongest line of defence,” explained Kapoor. If the outer membrane blocks antibiotics, weakening it could make the drugs work better. “Even old drugs can work better if combined with a molecule that loosens the outer membrane,” said Kapoor, noting that the approach makes bacteria sensitive to the drugs again without giving them a chance to develop permanent resistance. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 December,2025 01:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA 78-year-old gentleman from Mizoram, who had been suffering from persistent abdominal and back pain for several months, recently underwent a highly complex endovascular aortic repair, a minimally invasive procedure to treat a dangerous swelling in the main artery. The intricate procedure was led by Dr. Dilip Kumar, Director Cath Lab, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Device and Structural Heart Expert, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass with his team. The patient had first gone to a local hospital in Mizoram when his symptoms aggravated, and physicians there diagnosed him with a condition called an aortic aneurysm, a balloon-like swelling in the aorta, the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This can silently grow over a period and, if left untreated, rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Given the high level of complexity and risk involved, the patient was referred to Dr Kumar for treatment. Traditionally, this condition required open surgery, which involved large incisions in the abdomen and longer recovery in the hospital. However, the endovascular aortic repair approach offers an altogether safer and speedier alternative. It allows the doctor to put a stent graft (a tube-like device made of fabric and metal) through small punctures in the groin to reinforce the weak section of the artery and to restore natural blood flow, without having to perform open abdominal surgery. In this unique case, Dr Kumar and his team used two femoral access points (20F and 18F) in the patients groin to place a bifurcated aortic graft with iliac extensions (a specialised stent system that supports the main artery and its branches). The procedure was closed using five closure devices — four ProGlides and one Angio-Seal, instead of conventional surgical stitches. This advanced technique ensured minimal bleeding, faster healing, and an exceptionally quick recovery. Remarkably, the patient was able to walk and was discharged the very next day likely the first Indian case where such a large-bore access repair was done using five closure devices with same-day mobility and discharge.Dr Kumar, shared, "This was a very high-risk case, as the patients main artery was dangerously swollen and at risk of rupture. In earlier days, such procedures required open surgery, but with modern endovascular techniques, we can now treat them through small punctures instead of major cuts. What makes this case truly special is that we used five closure devices to seal both groins after inserting large catheters, making it truly one of its kind in eastern India. The patient was able to walk and go home the very next day, which is extremely gratifying for both the team and the patients family." The patient, therefore, following the procedure, had a very smooth recovery and was grateful to all in the medical team for the care and reassurance given to him. He is now back on his feet, doing well, and will continue regular follow-ups at the hospital to monitor his condition.
03 December,2025 10:57 AM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentLow blood levels of choline, crucial for liver function and controlling inflammation, could be among the various ways through which obesity can speed up cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a study. Studies have found that high blood pressure is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment, which usually precedes Alzheimer's disease, in which speech and thought processes steadily decline with age. The researchers from Arizona State University said conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance can strain the body's blood vessels and metabolic systems, with stress building up over time speeding up cognitive decline and one's risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in the journal Aging and Disease, looked at 30 young adults -- half with obesity and half of healthy weight -- aged in their 20s and 30s. Fasting blood samples were collected for measuring circulating choline, inflammatory cytokines, insulin and glucose levels, liver-related enzymes, other metabolic measures, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) -- a protein released when a nerve cell is damaged. The participants were seen to have unusually low blood levels of choline, a key nutrient and organic compound crucial for liver function, inflammation control and long-term brain health. The authors "found that obese participants showed reduced circulating choline, correlating with higher body fat, liver dysfunction markers, increased (insulin resistance), and elevated inflammatory cytokines." The NfL levels were higher in obese participants and negatively correlated with circulating choline levels, findings that the researchers said were consistent with those observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The findings reveal links between obesity, low choline, insulin resistance, systemic inflammation and NfL -- key risk markers for Alzheimer's disease, the authors said. "This research adds to the growing evidence that choline is a valuable marker of metabolic and brain dysfunction¿and reinforces the importance of sufficient daily intake, as it is essential for human health," lead researcher Ramon Velazquez, from the Arizona State University's Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, said. "Several new reports published this month further link reduced blood choline levels to behavioural changes, including anxiety and memory impairment, as well as (a) broader metabolic dysfunction," Velazquez said. Monitoring such markers in early adulthood may be useful for assessing future Alzheimer's risk in individuals prone to obesity, the researchers said. They added that the study's sample size was modest, and that a larger, more diverse cohort may have captured broader population trends. The study also did not include cognitive assessments, though higher NfL levels were observed and has been associated with cognitive decline in non-demented adults in previous research, the team added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 December,2025 11:56 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIWhile obesity is growing as a global health challenge contributing to millions of preventable deaths each year, the World Health Organization (WHO), in a new report on Monday, said that medications like Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) alone will not solve the problem affecting more than one billion people worldwide. WHO defines obesity as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher in adults. It has approved GLP-1 therapies to treat obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medicines that help lower blood sugar, support weight loss, reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, and can even lower the risk of early death in people with type 2 diabetes. But the global demand for GLP-1 therapies has fueled the spread of falsified and substandard products, threatening patient safety and trust. In view of this, the WHO has released its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies, providing recommendations specifically for three agents used in the long-term treatment of obesity in adults: liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide. With the new guideline, the WHO has issued conditional recommendations for using these therapies to support people living with obesity in overcoming this serious health challenge, as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from health professionals. "Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it, effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care," WHO Director-General. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce its associated harms," he added. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a major driver of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. It also contributes to poorer outcomes for patients who have infectious diseases. In addition, the global economic cost of obesity is predicted to reach USD 3 trillion annually by 2030. The new guidelines can help efforts to reduce skyrocketing health costs associated with managing the condition and associated health complications. The new WHO guidance maintains that the GLP-1 therapies may be used by adults, but excluding pregnant women, for the long-term treatment of obesity. Individuals using the GLP-1 therapies must also be offered intensive behavioural interventions, including structured interventions involving a healthy diet and physical activity. "While GLP-1 therapies represent the first efficacious treatment option for adults with obesity, the WHO guideline emphasises that medicines alone will not solve the problem. Obesity is not only an individual concern but also a societal challenge that requires multisectoral action," the report said. It recommended creating healthier environments through robust population-level policies to promote health and prevent obesity; protect individuals at high risk of developing obesity and related comorbidities through targeted screening and structured early interventions; and ensure access to lifelong, person-centred care. The guidelines also emphasise the importance of fair access to GLP-1 therapies and preparing health systems for the use of these medicines. Without deliberate policies, access to these therapies could exacerbate existing health disparities. “Even with rapid expansion in production, GLP-1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10 per cent of those who could benefit by 2030. The guideline calls on the global community to consider strategies to expand access, such as pooled procurement, tiered pricing, and voluntary licensing, among others,” the report said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
02 December,2025 09:54 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSBetween 2010 and 2024, India achieved 48.7 per cent decline in annual new HIV infections, 81.4 per cent reduction in AIDS-related deaths and 74.6 per cent decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission, the government said on Sunday, ahead of the 'World AIDS Day 2025'. India continues to demonstrate substantial progress under the current phase of the National AIDS Control Programme. “HIV testing increased from 4.13 crore (2020–21) to 6.62 crore (2024–25); access to antiretroviral treatment rose from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh PLHIV; and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.90 lakh to 15.98 lakh in the same period,” said the Health Ministry. These outcomes surpass global averages and reflect India’s leadership, sustained domestic investment, evidence-based strategies, and robust community engagement. Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda will lead the national-level observance of ‘World AIDS Day’ at Vigyan Bhawan here on Monday, in the presence of senior officials — reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the national response to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and stigma elimination. The event, organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), will bring together government leaders, development partners, youth representatives, community advocates, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and frontline health workers, reflecting a united approach to accelerating India’s journey towards ending AIDS as a public health threat. According to the ministry, a youth-led flash performance will underscore the importance of awareness and responsible behaviour. This will be followed by the inauguration of a thematic exhibition, showcasing digital innovations, programme achievements, and community-led models implemented under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme. Beneficiary experience stories and an audio-visual presentation will highlight India’s progress under NACP-V, along with upcoming priorities, said the ministry. A major highlight of the observance will be the launch of a new campaign video series under NACO’s national multimedia initiative, centred around three core pillars — Youth and Awareness, Elimination of Vertical Transmission, and Stigma and Discrimination. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
01 December,2025 09:41 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe Indian wedding—a multi-day spectacle of colour, tradition, and family reunion, has by all means turned into a lavish production. From the dazzling decor to the multi-cuisine fare, every detail is significant and seemingly demands endless attention. But what happens when the pressure to deliver the 'Big Fat Indian Wedding' goes beyond the budget and starts taxing the bride's mental health?While every shaadi, as it is called India, is meant to be a joyous occasion, the reality of planning often feels more like navigating a high-stakes, social media-fuelled obstacle course. From family politics over the guest list to the paralysing pursuit of Instagram-perfect aesthetics, the modern Indian bride is often caught in a whirlwind of impossible expectations. Experts delve into the unique mental health challenges faced during the wedding planning process—from social media comparisons to post-wedding blues—and offer practical strategies for maintaining well-being.The social media mirage: Perfectionism and debtThe pressure of social media and the idealized portrayal of weddings can have a significant impact on a bride's mental health. Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya, consultant psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, details the emotional and financial strain caused by the pursuit of the 'perfect' event. "Social media is filled with highly curated images of 'perfect' weddings and luxurious honeymoons. This creates unrealistic expectations, making many brides-to-be feel like they must meet these impossible standards," he shares.This leads to significant distress. "Brides often compare their wedding planning, dress, decor, and honeymoon to influencers or celebrities, leading to feelings of inadequacy, comparisons and self-doubt. Many couples go into debt trying to create a wedding or honeymoon that looks as extravagant as what they see online. This financial burden can add significant stress, anxiety and relationship strain lasting even after the wedding is over," Ajinkya says. Beyond the cost, social media steals the joy of the moment, “The expectation to document every moment for social media creates 'performance pressure' and can take away the bride’s ability to truly enjoy her wedding and honeymoon. Instead of being present, she may feel the need to constantly take photos, worrying about her looks, and seeking validation through likes and comments."Cultivating self-compassion and boundariesTo combat these unrealistic demands, Dr Ajinkya emphasises authenticity and self-compassion. He says, "A successful wedding isn’t about trends or social media approval. It’s about joy, connection, and authenticity. Create a day that reflects your love story, not a social media reel. Remind yourself that a wedding is about celebrating love, not impressing others." His advice centres on self-protection:1. Limit exposure: Try to limit your social media exposure. Take breaks from social media platforms that make you feel pressured, anxious or overwhelmed. Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate.2. Practice self-talk: When you feel anxious about meeting expectations, talk to yourself in the way you would to a close friend. Remind yourself and engage in positive affirmative self-talk: I am doing my best, this is enough, and my worth is not determined by the aesthetics of my wedding.3. Set boundaries: If family, friends, or social media add to the pressure, establish clear boundaries. Politely but firmly say no to expectations that don’t align with your values or budget.Navigating family dynamics and cultural pressureDr. Ajit Dandekar, head of psychiatry and psychology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, addresses the unique cultural pressures faced by Indian brides, saying, "To-be brides preparing for their weddings, often face intense pressure from family and cultural expectations... In many cases, this can create stress, anxiety, and emotional strain."Balancing tradition and personal needsDr Dandekar’s guidance centres on communication and self-prioritisation, "Setting boundaries and balancing personal needs with traditions can help manage wedding stress. Brides who communicate openly with their families and partners about their expectations tend to experience less uncomfortable situations. Learning to say no to unreasonable demands is necessary for maintaining mental health."He adds that many brides find premarital counselling useful, as it provides tools to handle expectations and pressures.Managing family conflictUnderstanding the cultural context is key to managing family conflicts. "Many Indian families see weddings as a union of two families, not just two people. This can create conflict, as parents and relatives may impose their views on the bride’s choices. Brides must handle these conflicts with patience and clear communication. Talking openly with family members about personal choices helps reduce tension,” Dr Dandekar adds. He advises finding a middle ground, explaining, "It’s important to acknowledge family concerns while also standing firm on personal preferences. If disagreements become overwhelming, mediation can help. A neutral third party, such as a family friend or counsellor, can help find solutions that satisfy both sides."Ultimately, the city-based doctor concludes that focusing on well-being and mental preparation is paramount, "Brides who develop stress management skills before marriage cope better with post-wedding adjustments. Prioritising mental and physical well-being leads to a more positive wedding experience."Practical stress-reduction and mindfulnessAjinkya recommends specific mindfulness techniques to maintain calm during the chaos of planning and the wedding day itself, "Accept that not everything will go perfectly—and that’s okay! Set realistic expectations. Beware of decision fatigue. Break tasks into small, manageable steps. Set time limits on decision-making." He outlines three simple techniques to remain calm:1. Mindful box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 seconds, to instantly reduce anxiety.2. Grounding: On the wedding day, he suggests starting with the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (focusing on 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, etc.) to maintain presence.3. Presence over perfection: If something goes wrong (which it might), laugh it off. The wedding day is about love, not perfection. Practice gratitude. Remind yourself, 'I am grateful for this day, my partner, and the love surrounding me.'Coping with the post-wedding bluesAfter such an intense build-up, a "let-down" period is common. Dr Ajinkya describes the symptoms of post-wedding blues, "Some brides feel sad and empty, feeling a sense of void or a loss. Some may feel a sense of loneliness or disconnection since the excitement of planning and constant interaction with family, friends, or vendors is gone, making one feel a bit isolated. Some may lack purpose or direction, wondering, what’s next.” The mental health expert shares four ways to navigate post-wedding blues:1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings by reminding yourself that this feeling is normal and this too shall pass.2. Shift the focus to marriage: The wedding was just the beginning—now it’s about building a life together with your partner. Plan small, meaningful experiences with your spouse.3. Redirect energy: Redirect your energy into setting new personal goals, whether it’s a fitness goal, creative project, career ambition, or travel plans.4. Seek professional help: Take the help of a counsellor, if the blues still persist.When to seek professional helpWhile some stress is normal, Dr Dandekar outlines signs that a bride needs professional assistance, "Some stress during wedding planning is normal, but it becomes a problem when it affects daily life. Brides who experience constant anxiety, depression, or physical manifestations of the mental health like headaches and fatigue may need professional help. Stress can lead to sleep problems, loss of appetite, and mood swings."He warns that feeling overwhelmed, crying often, having panic attacks, or feeling hopeless are serious signs. "Seeking help early can prevent mental health problems from worsening," he concludes.
30 November,2025 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalResearchers in Australia have identified a drug that can help overcome treatment resistance in relapsed neuroblastoma -- the deadly childhood cancer. The discovery could improve neuroblastoma treatment -- the most common solid tumour in children outside the brain -- which currently claims nine out of 10 young patients who experience recurrence, Xinhua news agency reported According to Australia's Garvan Institute of Medical Research, the drug combination can bypass the cellular defences these tumours develop that lead to relapse. The team showed that the approved lymphoma drug -- romidepsin -- triggers neuroblastoma cell death via alternative pathways, bypassing blocked routes to improve chemotherapy-resistant cases in children. Researchers found standard chemotherapy drugs rely on the JNK pathway "switch" for cell death. In relapsed tumours, this switch has often stopped working, meaning treatments are no longer effective. The findings made in animal models showed that romidepsin combined with standard chemotherapy halts tumour growth via alternative cell-death pathways, bypassing the blocked JNK pathway common in resistant cases. The combo reduced tumour growth, extended survival, and allowed lower chemo doses, potentially reducing side effects for young children, according to the findings published in Science Advances. “Finding a way to overcome the resistant state of relapsed high-risk neuroblastomas has been a major goal for my lab,” said David Croucher, Associate Professor at the Garvan Institute. “These tumours can be highly resistant to chemotherapy – and the statistics once patients get to that point are devastating for families,” he added. Romidepsin is already approved for use in other cancers and has been tested for safety in children, which could potentially accelerate the development of the drug as a new treatment option for neuroblastoma. However, any clinical application requires further testing and clinical trials to establish the combination’s safety and efficacy in neuroblastoma, Croucher said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 November,2025 11:13 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
