Health

Ever noticed how some people can eat a proverbial truckful of food and stay skinny as a rail while others pack in kilos just watching food shows? Science, common sense and Mr Spock tell us it’s illogical, but it happens. Here’s how. The textbook explanation is that you gain or lose weight depending on the amount of energy you extract from food and the amount you burn, depending on how active you are throught the day. The body stores unspent calories adipose (fat) tissue for use as an energy source when food is scarce, but living as many of us do with refrigerators stocked with high-calorie foods, we very often eat more than our body needs to function. The result is widening waists, frustrating bellies and a relentless pressure to lose weight. Read: Scientists identify the unexpected benefit of weight-loss surgery New research shows that factors other than the types and amount of food you eat influence weight gain. Of course, accepted wisdom works to a large extent and … [Read more...] about Want to lose weight? Boost gut health for effective results

        Chinese and Canadian researchers have found evidence to suggest that a healthy gut could be linked to healthy ageing. Carried out by researchers from Ontario’s Western University and Lawson Health Research Institute as well as from Tianyi Health Science Institute in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, the research is one of the largest microbiota studies conducted in humans, looking at a cohort of more than 1,000 Chinese participants. Previous research too has shown that gut bacteria can slow down ageing.The researchers studied the gut bacteria in individuals, who were aged 3 to over 100 years old and self-reported as being “extremely healthy” with no known health problems and no family history of disease. The team observed a direct correlation between health and the microbes in the intestine, finding that the overall microbiota composition of the healthy elderly group was similar to that of people decades younger, with little difference … [Read more...] about Pay attention to your gut health. It could be the key to ageing well

Mumbai: Homegrown private equity fund True North Capital is set to purchase a 51% stake owned by Max Group in Max Bupa Health Insurance Co for ₹1,100 crore, said two persons with knowledge of the plan. The deal is in the final stages and may be discussed by the Max Bupa board, which is scheduled to meet soon. “The board is likely to approve the transaction later this week,” said one of the two persons. “Max India will exit the venture.” Max India declined to comment on the development. True North did not respond to queries. “We don’t comment on market speculation,” said a Bupa spokesperson. “We are committed to the Indian health insurance market and see opportunities for growth over the coming years.” The deal will see the exit of Indian billionaire Analjit Singh-owned Max India, while the British partner will keep its 49% stake. KPMG Corporate Finance is the exclusive adviser on the deal. The market is attracting private … [Read more...] about True North to acquire 51% in Max Bupa Health

MUMBAI: Foreign promoter Bupa will raise its stake in the standalone health insurance joint venture Max Bupa Health Insurance to 49% from 26% once the Insurance Laws Amendment Ordinance 2014 gets approved during the Budget Session of Parliament 2015, becoming the first company to do so. Bupa, the international healthcare group, will submit formal applications to the relevant authorities for the regulatory approvals required in order to increase its stake, the company said in a release. "This decision underlines Bupa’s commitment to the Indian health insurance market and represents a major milestone in the development of Max Bupa. With our partners Max India, we are committed to supporting Max Bupa’s growth and helping Indian consumers live healthier and more successful lives," said David Fletcher, managing director of International Development Markets at Bupa. "As Max Bupa prepares itself for its next wave of growth, it will stand to benefit from Bupa’s expertise in … [Read more...] about Bupa to raise its stake in insurance joint venture Max Bupa Health Insurance to 49%

        Turns out, better fitness in before pregnancy, reduces the risk of gestational diabetes in women. According to a University of Iowa-led study, expectant mothers who were fitter before pregnancy, are at lower risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes, a condition in which women develop diabetes during the last half of pregnancy, affects up to 14 percent of pregnant women in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type-II diabetes after giving birth.People interested in becoming more fit can do so by engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week (30 minutes per day, five days per week), said Kara Whitaker, corresponding author on the study. Brisk walking would constitute moderate physical activity; jogging would be considered vigorous physical activity. “Women are very careful during … [Read more...] about Ladies, get fit. Good health before pregnancy reduces gestational diabetes risk