LifestyleNews

Gen Z men, fathers, and emotional silence: Why ‘I love you’ feels hard

Since decades, the walls in the Indian home echo with a certain kind of silence. It’s not a silence born of lack of love but of a limited love vocabulary. It’s a silence that was born out of survival. Fathers who saw their emotions as luxuries, and sons who were taught their value was measured by “carrying”, rather than “feeling”. Although Gen Z men try to break this pattern, I found it difficult to get them to open up to me for this story. This hesitation was not an accident, but the story. Even though young men today use the language of therapy and self-awareness and document their journeys on social media to self-teach, there is a pause whenever the conversation turns inward. Words are not easy to come by. It’s not that feelings don’t exist but because they’ve never been given a language. However, when comedian Samay Raina talked about a fact so commonplace that most Indian men do not say “I love” to their fathers or vice versa, a number of men and women found it resonant. In Indian homes, affection is often expressed through sacrifice and responsibility. Fathers work long hours and wake up early, so that’s their language of affection. In the process, emotional expression is left out. This is why Samay’s Still Alive video was a cultural phenomenon. It was a cultural moment when he encouraged men to learn emotional intelligence and open up. In the Instagram videos that followed, Gen Z men awkwardly and hesitantly told their dads “I love you”. Many laughed off this. Some were met by confusion. Some were met with confusion. In almost every case something changed. Love was always there but not spoken. Anupam Dwivedi is a content creator who shares that in his family, love was always meant to remain silent. Growing up, I understood that you couldn’t express everything to your parents. He tells indianexpress.com that he was raised in a home where emotional restraint was not enforced, but simply understood. His father stressed that a man’s value is based on his actions and the service he provides without expecting anything in return. “Love is expressed by actions, not through words.”
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This belief shaped the relationship between him and his father. Even today, telling my father ‘I love’ feels awkward… very, very uncomfortable. Story continues below this advertisement. “I said it quickly… my heartbeat was incredibly fast before I said it because it was the first time. After I said it, however, I felt a sense peace. Anupam remembers being dismissed when he was a child. How Gen Z weddings swapped traditional grandeur for a dancing gorillaHowever, Anupam is incessantly trying to unlearn one habit that every Indian man is fed with: “Don’t cry or express.” “I am trying to be more expressive. I don’t want my tears to be held back anymore. I don’t like to pretend that I’m fine when I’m not. “The understood love of ‘desi’ households” For Sudhanshu Mishra a journalist the story captures a deeply embedded Indian family dynamic. The idea that love doesn’t need to be expressed in order to be real. Story continues below this ad. “For me, emotional expression has always been a given ….That i still hold ….. However, in general …… my father left home town when he was young, so he had and still does have a vulnerability factor. “Be strong and built” was the default setting,” he says. But even within this space, there were limits. “Saying it loud? It’s still a little awkward, but I can hug him when I feel that saying it out loud would be a bit cliche. In a desi family like ours, it’s more of an understood thing rather than something we say. The relationship is solid but actions are more important than words. “Respect takes up more space than love ….. because it’s often seen as the same meaning word,” Sudhanshu explains. He has tried to push these boundaries in small ways. “Not in a radical way, but here, there… trying more to open up, check in emotionally. Sometimes it works and sometimes it becomes ‘chhota mh badi baat’or ‘batameezi ‘. Garvit Joshi, an online content creator, believes that this shift is a matter of emotional awareness and self-assurance. “It wasn’t at all easy. I was afraid I would be scolded, or even slapped. He did slap me, but I knew he loved me deeply, and that was what mattered to me. Story continues below this advertisement. “I’m trying unlearn my habit of holding emotions back, especially when it comes to family. Garvit says that there is still a pressure to act in a certain manner as a man. However, I feel that our generation is slowly redefining this and making room for more authenticity.
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Ashutosh kapoor, an Indian content creator, experienced a different life when he lost his dad at a young, impressionable age. “My father passed away just as I finished my schooling. I remember that he listened to me without judging my personal issues. If I had the chance, I would tell him this. Ashutosh is trying to break the habit of ignoring his personal emotions because of societal or familial expectations. Reflecting on his understanding of masculinity, he believes that embracing a sense of purpose and emotional/mental/physical strength is crucial.”For most of my life, masculinity was what I saw on TV/SM or what men around me looked like,” he says. “I tried yoga and meditation, and I felt my masculinity was also about accepting and improving my flaws without blaming anyone or anything external. These experiences are systemic, generational and deeply conditioned. Arouba Kabir is a Bengaluru based mental health expert. She believes that emotional suppression in boys starts much earlier than people realize — usually around the age of five to seven during primary school. By adolescence boys have already learned that anger is acceptable. Pride is acceptable. Achievement is celebrated. Fear, sadness, insecurity and vulnerability are pushed to the background. “Around the age of five to seven, emotional narrowing begins… not through one incident, but hundreds of small moments,” she says. The rise of cleanfluencers in India: How content creators are redefining civic senseDr Munia Bhattacharya, senior consultant-clinical psychologist, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurgaon, puts it succinctly. “We did not raise emotionally weak men. We raised emotionally restricted men.” They are more comfortable with saying “I’m okay” or “I need assistance”, which was rare among older generations. There is also confusion. She explains that small, intentional changes in families can create a safer emotional space for men. She says that instead of asking boys about their accomplishments, it’s important to ask them how they feel. Instead of rushing to solve their problems, she suggests that you listen. And instead of only praising their toughness, she suggests that you also value honesty and transparency. She also says that the way women respond to men who are vulnerable, showing the same respect and affection, is important. The story continues below this adGeneration Z men face pressure. The pressure to be strong, stable and composed is still there. Most importantly, showing emotion is not a sign of weakness, but a way to unlearn and create a better life for themselves and their family.

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Weight loss drugs: Why experts worry about muscle loss instead of just fat

Weight-loss medication has quickly become a hot topic in discussions about obesity management and metabolism health. While the number on the weighing scale may go down, not all weight loss will be the same. Some of the weight loss may be from fat, while some may also be from lean muscles, which play a crucial role in strength and metabolism. This has led to a growing concern over how these drugs will affect body composition. This article is based solely on information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Factors such as diet, protein intake and resistance training can also affect how the body reacts to these medications. Dr (Prof) Raju Vasishya, senior orthopaedic consultant at Indraprastha Hospitals in New Delhi, told indianexpress.com that with modern weight-loss medications, such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, most weight loss is fat. However, a significant share of weight loss is lean mass, which includes muscle, water, and organ tissue. Clinical studies indicate that between 65-85% of fat is lost and 15-35% of lean mass, although individual variations are wide. Learn how weight loss medications affect your muscle mass. (Source: Freepik). “Age and hormonal status are also important, with older adults being more susceptible to muscle loss. These drugs suppress appetite, which can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake and protein intake. This can unintentionally increase lean mass loss. The balance of lean mass loss is largely determined through protein intake, physical activity, particularly resistance training, baseline mass, and overall calorie deficit. Individuals who do not actively support muscle preservation through diet and exercise tend to lose a higher proportion of lean mass.”Do weight loss drugs accelerate muscle loss vs diet/exercise?”Weight-loss drugs do not inherently cause more muscle loss than traditional calorie restriction–the key driver is the calorie deficit itself,” says Dr Vaishya, adding that when people lose weight through diet alone, lean mass loss typically falls in a similar range (about 20-30%). “With medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide the proportion of lean weight loss can appear higher in certain studies, but that is because the total weight loss is faster and greater, not because the drug directly breaks down muscle. In fact, when combined with structured exercise and adequate protein, muscle preservation can match–or even outperform–diet-only approaches,” suggests the expert.Compared to structured weight loss through diet and exercise, Dr Reddy stresses, where protein intake and resistance training are typically emphasised, medication-driven weight loss can sometimes be less controlled. If not managed carefully, this can lead to a higher proportion of lean body mass loss, especially in individuals who aren’t physically active. Dr Vaishya says, “The concern arises if patients rely on medication alone without lifestyle measures leading to a reduced protein intake and minimal training.” Drugs are best viewed not as selective drivers of muscle losses, but as amplifiers of weight-loss. The outcome is largely dependent on how they are used, and not just the pharmacology.Prioritise protein intake – generally 1.2-1.6g/kg/day (adjusted for age and kidney function)– to support muscle protein synthesizing.

-Incorporate resistance exercises (2-4 sessions/week), as this is the best way to signal your body to retain muscle when you are in a calorie deficit. Even simple strength exercises that are progressive can make a big difference.

Avoid rapid weight loss. A gradual pace will help preserve lean tissue.

-Maintaining adequate micronutrients and hydration (vitamin D, Calcium) is important. Regular monitoring of body composition can guide adjustments. In some cases, doctors may prescribe adjuncts such as protein supplements or tailored exercise prescriptions. The combination of pharmacotherapy, structured nutrition, and strength training can transform weight loss from a merely lighter weight into a healthier body composition,” concludes Vaishya. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

LifestyleNews

This is what happens if a non-diabetic person takes Metformin daily

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for Type 2 Diabetes. In recent years it has gained attention for its potential benefits beyond diabetes, such as weight-loss and even longevity. Is it safe for those without diabetes to take it on a regular basis? According to Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD – Diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, the answer is not so straightforward.”Even for someone without diabetes, daily use isn’t routinely recommended,” says Dr Negalur. Metformin, when prescribed correctly, is generally safe. However, it is only meant to treat specific medical conditions. “Taking it without a need for it can disrupt normal glucose levels and may not provide meaningful benefits,” he says.DISCLAIMER This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Metformin can have side effects even though it is widely used. This is especially true when taken for a long time without need. Dr Negalur explains that “common side effects” include nausea, loose bowel movements, stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. He warns that the drug can also lead to vitamin deficiency over time. In rare but serious cases complications can escalate. Metformin’s popularity is partly due to claims that it can help with weight loss or slow down ageing. While these claims may have some truth, Dr Negalur urges caution. Story continues below this advertisement. He is quick to point out that the research is still in its early stages. Who should avoid it completely? “People with kidney and liver problems, heavy drinking, or certain heart conditions shouldn’t take it lightly,” Dr Negalur warns. He also adds that “pregnant women and those on multiple medications should avoid self-use.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Shoaib Ibrahim shares Dipika Kakar’s latest reports; says two ‘dots’ have been found in MRI, will start with immunotherapy: ‘Will have to do close scans’

Shoaib Ibrahim shares an update on Dipika Kakar’s health (Photo: Dipika Kakar/Instagram)After a whole week, Shoaib Ibrahim took to his YouTube vlog to share an update on the health of actor and wife Dipika Kakar amid treatment for the ongoing cyst recurrence. “MRI me iss bar phir se chote chote spots nikle hai” (MRI has detected two tiny dots). Dipika was by his side. “But they are very tiny,” he said. Doctors said that it wouldn’t make sense. This will become a regular procedure when we repeat the scan after a few months…we will need to do close scans.” Shoaib continued, “Those were so small that a CT scanner couldn’t even detect them…since MRI was sensitive, they were visible.” Close scans are necessary so that if anything recurs it can be treated easily. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. During the vlog Dipika said: “We need to perform an MRI every single month.” We have been told that it is a much safer scan than other scans. There are no side-effects on the body. I have been preparing myself mentally for it. “Many doctors have recommended it. She has to go to the hospital…it will be a 4-5 hour process. Here’s what doctors told Dipika Kakar. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). “MRI is a sensitive test and can detect changes which may not be visible on a CT scan. When doctors say that they are too small to act upon, they mean they are not large enough or clear enough to confirm an active disease or to require immediate treatment,” explained Dr Pandrowala. Story continues below this adIn these cases, the expert stressed that size and clarity are important. “Acting on small findings can lead to unnecessary procedures.” Doctors prefer to monitor closely with repeated scans. This allows doctors to track whether the spots change or grow over time, before deciding on the next step. If there is a slight increase, the treatment can be adjusted immediately. This approach allows timely intervention while avoiding overtreatment.”Should patients be worried about these findings?It is natural to feel anxious, but very small findings do not always mean active disease, described Dr Pandrowala. “The focus should remain on regular follow-ups and completing the treatment as prescribed, while maintaining overall strength. Shoaib Ibrahim says wife Dipika Kakar’s latest blood test reports are normal, doctor has asked her to eat fresh food”Starting it even when the disease burden is low can improve control and reduce the chance of progression. It is usually given in cycles and may take a few hours per session in a hospital setting,” said Dr Pandrowala.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Why this spider feeds its babies ‘milk’

Spiders are the last creatures we think of when we think about milk. Spiders are notorious for abandoning their newborns shortly after birth. One tiny species has completely rewritten this idea.Most spiders have a simple pattern.They lay eggs, guard the eggs briefly, then move on. This spider doesn’t stop at that. A surprising nurturing spiderInstead leaving her spiderlings to fend on their own, the mother spider produces an nutrient-rich milk-like fluid that she feeds directly to them. For the first few days, this becomes their main source of nutrition.Researchers have found that this fluid contains proteins, fats, and sugars–much like mammalian milk. Spiders (allegedly) keep this animal as a glowing prisoner to draw more prey to their websWhat’s even more unusual is that this care doesn’t end quickly. The spiderlings remain with the mother for at least 38-40 day, returning to her to feed and protect them as they grow. Even after reaching sexual maturity, female offspring can continue to return to the mother for lactation. This extended parental care is rare in spiders. Most species rely more on numbers than nurturing. By focusing her energy on fewer offspring the mother increases the chances of their survival in unpredictable environments. She gives her young a better start, rather than relying on luck. Story continues below this advertisement. This discovery has also changed the way scientists think about “milk”. This fluid is not identical to mammalian “milk”, but it serves the same purpose: direct nourishment of offspring by parents during early development. This spider milk contains fats, sugars, and protein in a concentration four times greater than cow’s.
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LifestyleNews

Trainer shares glimpse of Hardik Pandya doing Pilates, says ‘most men think it is easy’

Hardik Pandya shows his Pilates strength (Photo: Hardik Pandya/Instagram; Yasmin Karachiwala/Instagram Stories)Trainer Yasmin Karachiwala recently shared a glimpse of Hardik Pandya doing Pilates on the reformer. This article is based upon information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Goyal said that the kind of strength Pilates requires is deep, internal and brutally honest. Hardik is working here on core control, muscle coordination, and stability. “Pilates does not just target your visible abs, it activates deeper core muscles that support posture, overall movement, and your spine. Goyal shared that even elite athletes incorporate it into their routine. The biggest shock for men is how Pilates exposes their weak points. “Tight hips and poor balance, a weak lower back and lack of flexibility… all this is revealed within minutes.” Since the movements are controlled and slow, you cannot cheat to get more reps,” Goyal added. Unlike high-impact routines or heavy weight-lifting, Pilates emphasizes controlled movement and alignment. Over time, it strengthens deep muscles in the back and pelvis. It also helps improve posture, correct movement, and reduces compensatory stress which aggravates pain. From a fitness and performance perspective, Pilates improves flexibility, reduces injury risks, and enhances performances. ‘Stretching your body is the gold standard for longevity’ says Preity Zinta as she uses a Pilates reformerSo, Pilates is not easy. “It is just a different type of hard. This article is based upon information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.