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Weight loss advice can be found everywhere. Weight loss advice is everywhere. On social media, during gym conversations, or even by friends and family. Not all of it is true. Many commonly held beliefs can be misleading, oversimplified or even counterproductive. These ideas, from rigid diet rules to quick fixes, can create unrealistic expectations, and make it difficult for people to develop sustainable habits. We spoke to an expert about some of the most common fitness and weight-loss myths. This article is based solely on information that we obtained from public sources and/or experts. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Sadhna Singh is a senior fitness and lifestyle advisor at HereNow Official. She told indianexpress.com that “Weight loss myths persist because they provide quick, simple solutions for what is actually a long-term, complex process.” People are drawn to shortcuts which promise quick results with minimal effort. Social media plays a large role in amplifying the myths. Singh says, “Influencers share anecdotal stories of success without scientific backing. This can be more appealing than evidence based advice which requires patience and consistency.” Singh says that people often fall into the traps of popular but false weight loss beliefs. She says that the most common lies are:Story continues below the adYou have to starve yourself in order to lose weightSevere caloric restriction slows the metabolism and causes muscle loss, which makes weight loss unsustainable.Carbohydrates is the enemyCarbohydrates provide energy. Carbohydrates are not the problem, but rather excess and low-quality carbs. More sweat equals more fat lossSweat is a reflection of fluid loss, not fat loss. You can target fat loss in specific areas with exercise. This is a myth. Story continues below this advertisement. Skipping meals will help you lose weight faster. This often leads to overeating and disrupts metabolism. Healthy fats should be avoided. Eliminating them can be counterproductive.Cardio is the only way to lose weightStrength training is equally important as it builds muscle and boosts metabolism.Supplements and fat burners are necessaryMost results come from diet, training, and consistency, not shortcuts.Story continues below this adWeight loss is always linearFluctuations are normal due to water retention, hormones, and other factors.The weighing scale tells the whole storyBody composition, measurements, and overall health matter more than just scale weight.”These myths create unrealistic expectations and often lead to frustration or unhealthy habits,” states Singh. These myths are perpetuated, even though they are not supported scientifically. Story continues below this advertisement. What to look for when seeking advice on weight lossSingh states that “consistency with established principles of fitness and health is the first step.” Any approach which promotes extreme restrictions, eliminates whole food groups without medical reason, or promises a rapid transformation should also be viewed with caution. It is usually backed by professionals, such as certified dietitians, nutritionists, or fitness experts, rather than unverified sources online. It is unlikely that a method will be sustainable if it feels too restrictive, difficult to maintain or depends on specific products or hacks. Consistency is the key to a sustainable weight loss, Singh says. Disclaimer: This article was based on public domain information and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Sunaina, 54, revealed she chose strength-training after being diagnosed with jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing on the skin due to underlying liver and bile problems. Strength training isn’t just about muscles. Since I’ve barely trained, simple tasks felt harder before jaundice. I was unable to move and my energy level was low. It was then that I realised how you feel is more important than how you look. I began strength training. Not for muscles, but to build strength, to move better, to support my joints, and to feel stable again,” she said in a post on Instagram.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. Sunaina said that her energy has improved. “My posture improved. Even the everyday felt easier. It also boosted metabolism and kept bones strong. Strength training is not about looking strong. It’s about being strong throughout your life,” said Sunaina. Do you strength train? We asked an expert to share her experience on how strength-training can help with post-medical issues such as jaundice. This is because the liver controls metabolism and energy. Rebuilding strength is important not only for fitness, but also for overall function. Strength training improves energy, posture, and joint stability, while also helping to regain muscle mass. Strength training helps the body gradually return to its pre-illness capability in a safe, structured manner,” said Dr Deshpande. Strength training does more than just build muscles. Strength training improves circulation which helps to deliver nutrients more efficiently throughout the body. This is especially true after a systemic illness. It also increases joint health and bone density, reducing the risk of injury during recovery. It can also improve mental health by helping people feel more in charge of their bodies after being sick. The key is to remain consistent, rather than intense,” explained Dr Deshpande.
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Timing is important. Experts say that you should only begin strength training after a medical clearance and when your energy levels are restored. “Starting too soon or pushing yourself too hard can delay your recovery. The focus should be on gradual progress rather than quick results. Shoaib Ibrahim returns to the treadmill, talks about getting a blood test before restarting gym routine: ‘Main line par aa gaya hun waapis’What precautions should one take?Hydration, proper nutrition, and adequate rest are just as important as the workout itself. Overdoing the workout can cause fatigue and setbacks, as the body is still in the healing process. Listening to your body is essential. It is important to not ignore persistent tiredness, dizziness or discomfort. Working with a professional ensures that the exercises are tailored to the individual and their recovery stage,” said Deshpande. Story continues below this adDISCLAIMER This article is based upon information in the public domain or from experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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World Earth Day 2026 Date & Theme, Poster : Earth Day is celebrated every year on the 22nd of April. It focuses on raising public awareness about environmental issues, such as climate changes, pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss. World Earth Day Theme: The Earth Day theme for 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet”. This theme focuses on leveraging community action, speeding up the transition to renewable energies, and increasing accountability for environmental damage in order to tackle the climate crises. Earth Day History: The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 70, marking the beginnings of the modern environmental movement. Gaylord Nelson was the U.S. Senator who initiated the event. After witnessing the effects of a massive oil leak, Nelson wanted to raise public awareness about pollution. Let’s celebrate Earth Day with a little bit more care, waste a little less and love our planet. Earth Day is celebrated globally today, with more than 190 countries participating in efforts to protect the planet and promote sustainability. It draws attention to urgent environmental problems such as climate changes, pollution, deforestation and loss of biodiversity and encourages people to adopt sustainable habits. It is also an educational platform that helps people understand the impact of their everyday choices on the environment.

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Is it concerning when HbA1C increases and fasting blood glucose, or FBS, decreases? Quora asked the same question: Why are my FBS results 121 but HbA1C 4.0? We consulted an expert after receiving the first test results of 4.3 and 111. Dr Pranav Ghody is a consultant endocrinologist, and diabetologist, at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central. He said that this may seem contradictory at first, but it’s possible. “HbA1c is your average blood glucose over the last 2 to 3 month, while fasting sugar is only one reading at a particular time.” This article is based solely on information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts. Should this be a concern? An FBS of 121mg/dL falls into the prediabetes category, so it should not be ignored. Even if the HbA1c appears to be reassuringly low, a consistently high fasting sugar can signal a glucose imbalance. It’s important not to rely solely on one measurement. Both readings will give you a more accurate picture. Dr Ghody said that this can result in higher fasting levels, even if daytime sugars are normal. This keeps HbA1c at a lower level. There are several possible reasons for this mismatch. “Lab variation and pre-test factors such as stress, late-night eating, poor sleep or illness can temporarily increase fasting glucose. In some cases, conditions affecting red blood cells like anemia or blood loss can falsely lower HbA1c. This makes it appear better than it is. It’s important to understand the numbers in context,” explained Dr Ghody. Here’s what you need to consider (Photo: Qora). What to do?Repeat the tests to confirm patterns. ‘Can diabetics consume small amounts of sugar occasionally without causing harm to their blood glucose levels?'”Focus on lifestyle basics: balanced meals, early dinners, good sleep, and stress management, as these can greatly affect fasting glucose. If the pattern persists, a detailed analysis can help determine the root cause and guide you to the best approach,” said Dr Ghody.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.

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Smriti’s latest trip to Europe’s winter wonderland, aka Switzerland, is every travel enthusiast’s dream. The stifling heat of the city can be replaced by the beauty of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. If you are planning a summer getaway, take note of these destinations that offer breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences for every nature lover and wanderer.GornergratWith its sunny observation platform accessible all year, the Gornergrat, at an altitude of 3,089 m, has been one of Switzerland’s top excursion destinations since 1898. The adventure begins on the Gornergrat Railway which offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn. The panoramic views are stunning: mountains and glaciers all around. In summer, enjoy scenic hiking trails that lead to the Alpine Garden and the famous Valais Blacknose sheep. Winter offers a beautiful tobogganing path from Rotenboden up to Riffelberg. The lake is shared by Switzerland and France and is a popular destination because of its many sights and activities. The picturesque mountain lake empties directly into the Rhone. The winegrowing region of Lavaux, with its charming winegrowing towns, is well-known as are the mountains Mont-Pelerin, and Rochers-de-Naye. You can spend a day sailing, skiing or hiking on and around Lake Geneva. In the evening, enjoy the sunset along a lakeside promenade. Smriti Mandhana visited Switzerland. Old TownZurich’s historical center is an interesting mix of old and modern. It is home to iconic churches such as the twin towers Grossmunster and Fraumunster which are famous for their stained glass windows. The Old Town of Geneva is the largest historic city centre in Switzerland, located on a left bank hill. It is characterized with cobbled streets and 16th-century architecture. Key landmarks include the St. Peter’s Cathedral, Place du Bourg-de-Four and Maison Tavel. It is a popular spot for dining,, shopping, and experiencing Geneva’s history.MatterhornRecognised worldwide as the mountain on the Toblerone chocolate bar, the Matterhorn sits on the Switzerland-Italy border. It is a popular spot for dining, shopping and experiencing Geneva’s history.MatterhornThe Matterhorn is the mountain on the Toblerone chocolate bar. It sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Mount Rigi Known as the “Queen of the Mountains”, Mt. Rigi is a great day trip from Lucerne. You can visit a dairy farm, hike, visit the Kanzeli view point, or go skiing or sledding during the winter.