Winter's cozy appeal often tempts us to indulge in comfort foods and stay indoors, making it harder to keep the extra kgs off. With colder weather and lower motivation to stay active, cravings for rich, hearty meals increase. However, winter doesn’t have to mean weight gain—by following simple, effective strategies, you can maintain or even improve your fitness throughout the season. Why is it Difficult to Lose Weight in Winter? Unlike summer, people love to stay indoors during the colder months. Winter lifestyle often leads to the ignoring of regular exercise and diet. Let’s consider the key reasons why it is hard to maintain or lose weight during the winter season. Lower Activity Levels Shorter days and colder weather often reduce outdoor activities. For many people, winter means fewer walks, less jogging, and a reduction in sports or activities that require leaving the warmth of home. This drop in activity naturally affects calorie expenditure, leading to a slower metabolism and, consequently, potential weight gain. Read more: 10 Delicious Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss Comfort Food Cravings During the colder months, we crave warm, filling foods high in calories, fats, and carbs. These cravings are not just psychological—your body uses more energy to keep you warm, which can cause you to crave denser, more energy-rich foods. Reduced Sunlight Exposure Winter’s reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, affecting mood and leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some. SAD often causes fatigue, sadness, and carb cravings, reducing motivation to exercise and eat well. Low energy and mood make it harder to maintain fitness and balanced nutrition during the season.  Changes in Metabolism Colder weather triggers the body to maintain its internal temperature, which can slightly increase the human body’s metabolic rate. However, this increase is inadequate to offset higher calorie intake from comfort foods. Instead, our bodies may go into a mild "hibernation mode," where metabolism slows as activity decreases, making weight loss a bit more challenging. Read more: Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss Tips to Avoid Winter Weight Gain Though people want to live a more relaxed lifestyle during the colder months, following some strategies can prevent gaining extra pounds. Stay Active Indoors When outdoor exercise feels less appealing, find ways to keep moving indoors. There are countless ways to stay active at home, from following online workout videos to using home fitness equipment. You can try online classes in yoga, dance, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).  Create a home gym setup with resistance bands, dumbbells, or kettlebells. You can also incorporate bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups that require minimal space. Staying active at home burns calories and keeps your mood and energy up during those winter days. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Set Winter Fitness Goals Sometimes, all it takes is a goal to keep you focused. Setting specific, achievable goals like improving strength, running a certain distance, or completing a workout challenge can provide motivation. Winter is a perfect time to work on endurance, flexibility, or strength, as these can be developed indoors with minimal equipment. Embrace Seasonal Vegetables and Light Comfort Foods Winter foods do not have to be heavy to be comforting. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, along with leafy greens like cabbage and spinach, are winter staples that are both nutritious and satisfying. Try making lighter versions of classic comfort foods, like soups and stews with plenty of veggies, lean proteins, and low-sodium broths. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is all about slowing down and truly savouring each bite, which can help reduce overeating. In winter, many people tend to eat more out of boredom or to seek comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to hunger cues and avoid eating in front of screens. Try to focus on each meal, chew thoroughly, and consider portion sizes. Read more: Healthy Weight Gain Strategies: Add pounds fast safely, naturally Choose Snacks Wisely Smart snacking can prevent winter weight gain by curbing cravings and stabilizing energy. Choose high-protein, high-fibre options like yoghurt with apple slices with peanut butter. These snacks keep you full and help avoid unhealthy choices later. Stick to small portions and avoid sugary snacks that lead to quick energy spikes and crashes. Control Your Stress Managing stress, especially during the winter season, can help prevent weight gain. High stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain and cravings for junk food. To keep stress levels low, try techniques like exercise, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. These methods help control cortisol and reduce the likelihood of overeating unhealthy foods. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Lower sunlight exposure in winter can lead to a drop in vitamin D, which plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system and mood. You can boost vitamin D by spending a few minutes outside when the sun is out, even on colder days. Try including vitamin D-rich foods like fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy. Consider discussing supplements with a healthcare provider. Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy Stay Hydrated It is common to drink less water in winter because the cold weather may make you less thirsty. However, hydration is just as essential in winter as in summer. Water helps keep metabolism running efficiently and prevents overeating, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. You should carry a water bottle around, and drink herbal teas for warmth and hydration without added calories. Prioritize Sleep Adequate sleep is essential for weight management because it regulates hormones that control hunger and appetite. Short winter days may disrupt sleep cycles, but try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to keep energy levels balanced and reduce cravings for sugary or high-carb foods. Make Exercise a Social Activity Staying active can be more fun with friends or family. Look for local winter sports or try virtual workout challenges with friends. Many gyms also offer winter workout programs or challenges that can help you stay consistent. Making fitness a social commitment adds accountability, increasing the likelihood of sticking to your routine. Read more: 5 Healthy Winter Soup Recipes for Weight Loss Plan Your Meals Ahead Meal planning can help you avoid impulsive food choices that are high in calories. Prepare meals for the week, focusing on balanced nutrition and portion sizes. If you have healthy, ready-made meals at hand, you are less likely to reach for high-calorie options. Keep Meals Balanced with Protein and Fiber Winter meals often have plenty of carbs but lack protein and fiber, both essential for feeling full and managing weight. Protein boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, so aim for 25–30 grams per meal from sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and quinoa. Fiber also supports fullness and prevents overeating. Include fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts to help maintain balance and control calorie intake during festive meals. Do not Skip Workouts It can be tempting to skip workouts when it is dark and cold outside, but consistency is key. Even short workouts, such as a 20-minute HIIT session, can be effective. Maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep your metabolism running and help offset any extra calories from winter foods. Read more: How to Lose Weight without a Strict Diet or Heavy Exercise Final Words Winter weight gain is avoidable with proactive habits. By recognizing winter’s triggers and making mindful choices, you can stay active, eat well, maintain balance, and lose extra pounds. Relish seasonal treats without derailing your health goals. With the right approach, you can enjoy the cold season feeling energized and motivated. Embrace winter, stay mindful, and prioritize your health throughout the season. Read more: How Does Fat Leave the Body When We Lose Weight?

Cerebral haemorrhage is often referred to as intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) or hemorrhagic stroke. It is a critical medical condition characterised by bleeding within the brain tissue. This condition requires immediate medical attention. This article delves into some basic knowledge about ICH to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.  What is Cerebral Haemorrhage? Cerebral haemorrhage or ICH, is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding disrupts the blood supply to the brain and damages brain cells. According to research, cerebral haemorrhage is the second most common cause of stroke. Research also shows that ICH is the deadliest type of stroke, with a mortality rate of around 40%-50% within the first month.  Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men? Types of Cerebral Haemorrhage . Intraparenchymal Haemorrhage Intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH) is a type of bleeding that occurs within the brain tissue. According to Wikipedia, IPH is the most common type and accounts for around 8-13% of all strokes and can arise from various underlying conditions. IPH may lead to death or significant disability This is why it is an urgent medical situation requiring immediate attention. Intraventricular Haemorrhage Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is caused by bleeding in the ventricles, which are fluid-filled cavities in the brain. These produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid, a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord. It can arise from physical trauma or as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke. According to Wikipedia, around 30% of IVH cases are primary, while 70% are secondary. It has been observed that IVH occurs in approximately 35% of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Consequently, IVH typically accompanies extensive associated damage, leading to unfavourable outcomes in most cases. Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting What Causes Cerebral Haemorrhage . Head Trauma Head injuries from accidents or falls can damage blood vessels in the brain. It may lead to brain haemorrhage in individuals under the age of 50. High Blood Pressure Untreated hypertension can weaken blood vessel walls. It increases the likelihood of a brain haemorrhage.  Aneurysm  Abnormal bulges in blood vessel walls are known as aneurysms, which occur when blood vessel walls weaken and swell. It potentially leads to a burst and subsequent brain bleeding and can result in a stroke. Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety Blood Vessel Abnormalities Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) cause weakness in blood vessels in and around the brain, often only detected when symptoms arise. Amyloid Angiopathy  This blood irregularity is typically seen in older adults with high blood pressure. It can lead to small unnoticed bleeds that may eventually result in a larger brain haemorrhage. Blood Disorders  Conditions like haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia contribute to lower blood platelet levels and clotting. These increase the risk of brain bleeds.  Blood Thinner While essential for some conditions, blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding, including cerebral haemorrhage. Read more: Good Stress: What Are the Benefits of Eustress? Liver Disease People with liver conditions have an elevated risk of bleeding issues, including brain haemorrhage. Brain Tumours  Individuals with a history of brain tumours are at a heightened risk of developing cerebral haemorrhage. Symptoms and Signs of ICH Key symptoms of cerebral haemorrhage may include: - Sudden and severe headache- Nausea and vomiting- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech- Vision problems- Loss of consciousness- Seizures- Dizziness- Loss of coordination- Difficulty balancing- Abnormal sense of taste- Difficulty swallowing- Difficulty writing or reading- Loss of fine motor skills. Read more: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women? How to Diagnose and Treat ICH  To diagnose a brain bleed, a healthcare provider conducts an immediate physical and neurological examination, alongside reviewing the patient's medical history and symptoms. Following this, they may order imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or MRA to assess the location, extent, and potential cause of the bleeding.  Additional tests, including an electroencephalogram, chest X-ray, urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), eye exam, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), or angiography, may also be utilised to detect underlying causes.  The treatment for a brain bleed varies depending on the severity and location of the bleed. Healthcare providers strive to halt the bleeding and tackle the root cause. Treatment options may encompass surgery and medication.  Prompt medical intervention can minimise brain damage, enhancing the prospects of recovery. Additionally, patients may receive supplemental oxygen through a ventilator, nutrients and fluids intravenously or via a feeding tube, and close monitoring in an intensive care unit to ensure stable vital signs.  Read more: How to Improve Focus by Training the ‘Attention Muscle’

In the Indian state of Assam, police officials are being told they either need to lose weight over the next few months or find another profession. A senior member of the state police has said that beginning in the middle of August, all officers' BMIs will be “professionally recorded,” the BBC reports. Those officers who are deemed “obese” will be given until the end of the year to either lose weight or retire willingly. GP Singh, the director general of police in Assam, has stated that anyone with legitimate health concerns will be excused. Read More: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You?  Singh tweeted that he will be the first police officer to have his body mass index (BMI) taken. Assam's chief minister said a few weeks ago that roughly 300 police officers in the state will be compelled to retire early due to being “habitual drinkers” and “physically unfit.” According to research, Indian police personnel frequently work overtime without receiving adequate rest or meal breaks. Doctors, health care providers, and insurance companies all around the world utilise Body Mass Index (BMI; computed by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height) to classify individuals as either healthy, overweight, or obese. Read More: Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness Nevertheless, it is also very contentious, with many experts arguing that BMI is an unreliable indicator of health because it was developed primarily with white European males in mind.

New York, Aug 31 (AP/UNB) — Red, yellow, green. It's a system for conveying the healthfulness of foods, and at the center of a debate about how to approach weight loss for children.