Recent beach photos of actor Leonardo DiCaprio have reignited the "dad bod" debate — and raised questions about whether carrying a little extra weight around the middle can pose hidden health risks.

The popular term generally describes a softer physique with extra weight around the midsection.

While appearance alone isn’t an indicator of health, excess abdominal fat — particularly visceral fat surrounding the organs — has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other medical conditions, according to Cleveland Clinic.

YOUR WAISTLINE COULD REVEAL A HIDDEN HEART RISK YOUR BMI MISSES, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

Marfred Suazo, a New York City-based personal trainer known as Fonz the Trainer, spoke with Fox News Digital about the potential risks associated with excess abdominal fat and ways to reduce it.

Suazo, who has not trained DiCaprio, defines a dad bod as a "loss of structure," an increase in waist circumference and a loss of muscle mass.

"Maybe you're losing structure in your day-to-day eating … moving a lot less, taking fewer steps per day," he said of potential causes.

"And typically you're eating and drinking more than you're moving. And the body just starts showcasing that stuff."

BEST FOODS FOR REDUCING DANGEROUS BELLY FAT AND PROTECTING HEART HEALTH

An expanding waistline can be an important indicator of health risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches have a higher risk of developing health problems, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Visceral fat — which lies deep within the abdomen and surrounds internal organs — has also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Cleveland Clinic states.

"We want to try to mitigate these things as best as possible before they become an issue," Suazo said.

Reversing a "dad bod" starts with getting nutrition in check, according to Suazo.

That includes understanding daily calorie intake and getting an appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

He recommends pairing that strategy with full-body strength training two to three times per week, focusing on compound movements such as squats, stiff-leg deadlifts, back rows, push-ups and chest presses.

Also among his favorite exercises are pull-ups. "It’s a tremendous exercise that targets the stomach, the biceps and the back," he said, noting that working larger muscle groups can help build overall strength.

Suazo also recommends incorporating cardio into a well-rounded routine that includes nutrition, strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Federal physical activity guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening exercise on at least two days.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The trainer noted, however, that exercising the abdominal muscles alone won't eliminate belly fat.

"When it comes to belly fat and any fat on the body, we can target our exercises through isolated movements … but we can only reveal it through a loss of body fat throughout the whole body," he said.

Suazo said people who improve their nutrition may begin noticing changes within several weeks, although results can vary based on factors including diet, activity level and starting body composition.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Upon four weeks of dialing in your nutrition, you will see a tremendous change in the body," he said.

Nutritional improvements can also boost energy and confidence, the trainer noted, which may help people become more consistent in the gym.

Better nutrition can also support sleep and exercise recovery, he said.

Combining those dietary changes with a smart exercise routine and cardio can create a "recipe for success," according to Suazo.

A rare fungal infection that can strike healthy people is rising across the U.S., prompting calls from public health officials for heightened awareness and national tracking.

Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana) is a black yeast-like mold that can infect the brain and contains a dark pigment called melanin, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Data from a microbiology laboratory at the University of Washington shows that detection of the fungus nearly quadrupled between 2023 and 2025.

LOUISIANA GIRL, 8, DIES AFTER CONTRACTING SUSPECTED BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA LINKED TO LAKE SWIM

Between January 2009 and July 2026, researchers identified 48 confirmed cases and one probable case of C. bantiana in tissue samples from 21 states and the District of Columbia. The median patient age was 68 years old.

Unlike many fungal infections that mainly affect people with weakened immune systems, about half of C. bantiana infections occur in otherwise healthy people.

Researchers believe the mold enters the body when it is inhaled or through a skin wound, then travels through the bloodstream to the brain.

The CDC report states that 88% of cases were detected in brain tissue samples and 12% were identified in lung tissue, supporting the theory that respiratory inhalation is one of the main transmission mechanisms.

DEADLY ‘FOX TAPEWORM’ LINKED TO LETHAL DISEASE DETECTED IN WEST COAST WILDLIFE

The fungus causes a severe infection associated with a 60% to 70% fatality rate, even with aggressive medical intervention, according to a systematic review published in Medical Mycology.

The pathogen has historically been rare, with the University of Washington laboratory identifying only one to five cases per year between 2009 and 2023. However, the CDC says annual cases surged to eight in 2024 and reached 14 in 2025.

To make sure the increase wasn’t simply due to more testing, researchers compared the number of infections with the total number of brain tissue samples tested for fungi.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

They found that detections rose from 8.4 cases per 1,000 specimens during 2017–2023 to 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025.

"Reasons for the apparent increase are unknown," the CDC report stated, calling for systematic national reporting mechanisms to better track the pathogen.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Cases were reported across a wide geographic range, with the highest counts originating in California (six), Florida (five), Texas (five) and Pennsylvania (four).

Because C. bantiana typically manifests as a brain abscess without clear external signs of infection, experts say early diagnosis is challenging.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

In one documented fatal case at the University of Washington Medical Center, spinal fluid PCR tests returned negative results both one month prior to and at the time of a brain biopsy, highlighting the difficulty of detecting the mold.

Public health experts advise clinicians to consider C. bantiana when evaluating patients who have signs of a brain abscess.

Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the infected tissue, along with multiple antifungal medications.

Pope Leo XIV is up and moving after having part of his lung removed.

After undergoing thoracic surgery Tuesday, during which surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, or lung cancer, according to the Vatican.

The pope, 71, has spent four days recovering at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after the successful procedure.

DR MARC SIEGEL: POPE LEO'S LUNG SURGERY PUTS MODERN MEDICINE ALONGSIDE FAITH

On Friday, the Vatican released the first photos of Pope Leo after the operation.

The pope is pictured standing at an altar in green vestments, celebrating Mass in a makeshift chapel at the hospital where he distributed communion.

According to a Holy See Press Office statement, several members of Gemelli’s medical and nursing staff and members of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps attended the service.

POPE LEO'S LUNG TUMOR RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER RISK FOR NONSMOKERS

"In his homily, the pope thanked all the staff — doctors, nurses and orderlies — for the work they do every day caring for patients in their frailty and especially for what they have done and continue to do for him," the statement said.

The Vatican also confirmed on Friday that the pope’s recovery continues with "steady improvement in his overall condition."

Dr. Luigi Carbone and professor Stefano Margaritora added that the pope’s "post-operative recovery allows him to carry out normal daily activities entirely independently."

Pope Leo plans to make his first public appearance since the procedure on Sunday during the noon Angelus, which he normally leads.

NEVER SMOKED A CIGARETTE? YOU COULD STILL BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR LUNG CANCER

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said the pope’s procedure included a small incision with VAT (video-assisted thoracoscopy), which involves less pain and has a quicker recovery.

The pope has been in good health "to begin with" and is highly active, which plays a "major role in recovery," Siegel told Fox News Digital.

"Since he wasn’t a smoker and likely had very good underlying lung function, loss of a lobe, when there are three total on the right, shouldn’t have a major impact on daily activity, especially with pain controlled," the doctor added.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

In a separate Fox News Digital interview, Lary Robinson, an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the pope’s health status.

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers, including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"But [the pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a Stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the pope’s cancer is Stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90% — depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

The pope’s anticipated trip to South America in November is reportedly still on schedule, though his participation remains in question based on recovery.

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after a scheduled surgery, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

After undergoing thoracic surgery, where surgeons removed the lower lobe of the pope’s right lung, examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

The diagnosis had been suspected based on testing conducted before the procedure, according to the Holy See Press Office.

POPE LEO DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER AFTER SURGEONS REMOVE PART OF RIGHT LUNG, VATICAN SAYS

The pope reportedly does not smoke and does not have a known history of smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that most lung cancer deaths (80%) are caused by smoking.

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer, representing about 40% of all lung cancers in the U.S., according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. It is also the most common type among non-smokers.

NEVER SMOKED A CIGARETTE? YOU COULD STILL BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR LUNG CANCER

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Lary Robinson, M.D., an oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, shared his surprise regarding the pope’s health status, as the lung nodule was "felt to be malignant."

About 80% of lung cancers occur in people who smoke or have smoked, said Robinson, who has not treated the pope. However, he noted that lung cancer also occurs among never-smokers — including an estimated 10% of male patients and 25% of female patients.

"But [the pope] had surgery and had a lobectomy, so this is usually only done with people who have localized disease, and presumably he had localized disease. And hopefully that's a stage 1 cancer," the doctor added.

If the pope’s cancer is stage 1, there is a "high chance" of cure — about 90%, depending on the size of the tumor, the oncologist said. The fact that he went straight to surgery suggests there was likely no evidence that the cancer had spread.

HEALTHY DIETS SPARK LUNG CANCER RISK IN NON-SMOKERS AS PESTICIDES LOOM

"We'll have to wait for the pathology to determine … whether he had a stage 1 cancer and whether he needs any additional treatment afterward," Robinson said.

"Size matters in lung nodules and lung cancer – the larger the cancer, the worse outlook it is, because it's more likely to be advanced and have spread."

Not all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Other factors like family history and genetic predisposition can play a role, experts say.

Recent research discovered that a rare genetic mutation in the gene EGFR T790M increased lung cancer risk by 25 times compared with people who did not have the mutation, according to findings published in the journal Science.

Among people who had never smoked, carriers of the mutation had about 62 times the odds of lung cancer compared with never-smokers who were not carriers.

Robinson added that other types of smoking, like pipes and cigars, can increase the risk of lung cancer, as well as heavy use of marijuana.

Another risk factor is exposure to environmental toxins, such as diesel exhaust and radon, according to the oncologist.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Unfortunately, probably over half of the people who are never-smokers with lung cancer come into stage 4 disease," Robinson said. "And that's higher than people who are smokers or former smokers, so they start out at a worse stage in general."

In most cases, early-stage lung cancer will not come with any symptoms, according to Robinson. In those who do have symptoms, however, the most common are related to the lungs, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Unexplained weight loss can result from any form of cancer, the oncologist noted. Neurological symptoms, like persistent headaches, may also warrant seeing a doctor.

Lung cancer is rare in younger adults, which is why annual CT screening is generally recommended starting at age 50 for those at high risk, the doctor said.

People considered at high risk include current smokers with at least a 20 pack-year history, as well as former smokers who quit within the past 15 years.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Only about 15% of the people who are eligible get screened, unfortunately," Robinson said.

"I'm hoping that within four or five years, a screening CT scan will only be confirmatory after they have a positive blood test done at your doctor's office." That approach could make screening easier and potentially help detect more lung cancers, according to the doctor.

An experimental skin cream altered molecular markers associated with aging and inflammation in an early human trial, according to preliminary data released by its developer this week.

Rubedo Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California, tested its investigational treatment, RLS-1496, in patients with eczema and other skin conditions.

In an analysis of 11 paired skin samples from patients with atopic dermatitis, researchers reported that four weeks of treatment was associated with an average 2.1-year decrease in measured epigenetic skin age, an estimate based on age-related changes in DNA.

3 COMMON FACTORS MAY BE SECRETLY SPEEDING UP THE AGING PROCESS, EXPERT SAYS

Rubedo CEO Dr. Frederick Beddingfield said the "significant" early findings warrant further investigation.

"This is one of the few drugs developed for aging in general and with AI to show positive data in humans in multiple indications and to show a reduction in skin age," Beddingfield told Fox News Digital.

He believes the early results will translate into "clinical improvements with longer-term treatment."

The latest skin-aging findings have been presented at a scientific conference but have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

SCIENTISTS UNVEIL 'LIVING BANDAGE' THAT COULD DRAMATICALLY SPEED WOUND HEALING

RLS-1496 is designed to target senescent cells, aging or damaged cells that have stopped dividing but can release substances that promote inflammation.

The drug targets a protein called GPX4, which helps cells respond to stress. Researchers are studying whether blocking it can clear away damaged, aging cells while helping healthier cells survive.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Beddingfield described the approach as targeting cellular aging rather than simply treating its outward effects.

"It's a bit like 'what does not kill you makes you stronger' for those surviving cells," he added.

Skin samples showed a 10% increase in a type of collagen that helps support the skin, according to the company. Blood tests also showed lower levels of several markers linked to inflammation, although it is not yet clear what those changes mean for patients' health.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The preliminary findings come with several limitations. The skin-aging analysis included just 11 paired samples and measured biological signs of aging in the skin rather than whether the skin actually looked younger or functioned better.

Treatment lasted only four weeks, so it is not known whether the changes will persist. The studies were sponsored by Rubedo, and the latest skin-aging findings have not yet been published as a full peer-reviewed study.

"Our next trial will treat for several months," Beddingfield said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The treatment is also being tested for other skin issues. In a separate early-stage study of 22 patients with actinic keratosis, rough, precancerous skin patches caused by sun exposure, the company reported a 49% average reduction in lesions after 28 days of treatment.

The open-label study compared treated forearms with untreated forearms rather than a placebo cream.

The cream caused minimal skin irritation, and the drug was detected in the blood of very few participants, according to the company.

"With topical application, we have seen very little risk," Beddingfield said. "Local irritation is rarely seen and generally mild when it occurs, and no one has discontinued treatment to date. Very few subjects show any drug in their blood after skin application."

Rubedo is also beginning an early-stage trial of RLS-1496 for androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss.

Beddingfield estimated that potential FDA approval remains three to four years away, pending larger clinical trials.

GLP-1 medications may provide health benefits that extend beyond weight loss, according to a growing body of research.

From reducing cardiovascular risks to potentially easing joint pain and inflammation, studies suggest these drugs may affect multiple systems throughout the body.

Here are seven potential benefits beyond shedding pounds.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS STRATEGY SHOWS SURPRISING POTENTIAL FOR CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF

Research suggests semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy — may provide cardiovascular benefits beyond those associated with weight loss.

A major study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular death among people with existing cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity. The benefits were observed across different body weights and were not fully explained by weight loss.

GLP-1 medications have been linked to reduced joint pain, although researchers are still investigating how much of the benefit comes from weight loss versus other effects.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The STEP 9 clinical trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that semaglutide significantly reduced knee osteoarthritis pain and improved physical function among adults with obesity.

GLP-1 medications may help protect kidney function through several mechanisms, including improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation.

GLP-1 BOOM COULD RESHAPE RESTAURANT BARS AS DINERS CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL

In the landmark FLOW trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, semaglutide reduced the risk of major kidney-related complications and cardiovascular death by 24% among patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

MASH, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is a more severe form of fatty liver disease involving inflammation and liver cell damage.

Research suggests GLP-1 medications may help improve liver health, although the extent to which these benefits occur independently of weight loss remains under investigation.

A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide improved liver tissue findings among patients with MASH, including reductions in inflammation and liver scarring.

Researchers found that 62.9% of semaglutide recipients experienced resolution of MASH without worsening liver fibrosis, compared with 34.3% receiving placebo.

Real-world research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress has linked GLP-1 medications to fewer asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups.

Researchers believe the drugs' potential anti-inflammatory effects may play a role, although additional studies are needed to determine whether the medications directly improve respiratory health.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The brain contains GLP-1 receptors in regions involved in regulating appetite, emotions, motivation and responses to rewards.

Emerging research suggests semaglutide may have potential benefits for mental health and addiction.

An observational study published on the preprint server medRxiv linked semaglutide use to lower rates of substance-related and mood disorders. However, the findings have not been peer-reviewed and do not establish that the medication caused the reductions.

GLP-1-based medications are also being investigated for their potential benefits in inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis.

A clinical trial published in JAMA Dermatology found that adding tirzepatide to an existing psoriasis treatment improved skin clearance among adults with moderate to severe psoriasis and overweight or obesity.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Researchers are continuing to investigate whether these benefits result from weight loss, reduced inflammation or a combination of factors.

The effects of GLP-1 medications can vary by drug and individual, and patients should consult a healthcare provider about potential risks and benefits.

A Maryland man claims that a popular weight-loss drug caused his total vision loss, leaving him legally blind.

Todd Engel, 63, was first prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his diabetes. The GLP-1 medication, which is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, is also commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Approximately four months after starting the medication, Engel was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS FACE NUMEROUS LAWSUITS OVER RARE ‘EYE STROKE’ LINKED TO VISION LOSS

The condition, in which reduced blood flow damages the optic nerve, can cause sudden and permanent vision loss.

"I first noticed it on New Year's Eve, 2024. I had just gotten out of the shower, was getting ready to go to work. And I said to Shelley, ‘I can't see in my right eye. It's totally black. It's totally dark in my right eye,’" Engel told Fox News Digital during an on-camera interview.

"I was horrified. I was very, very upset that I couldn't see."

DOCTORS REVEAL HIDDEN DANGER FOR SOME OZEMPIC, WEGOVY USERS WITH BRAIN DISORDERS

Engel was referred for further testing, including at Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute. He was told he had suffered an "eye stroke," another term used for NAION.

"The blood work came back in the normal range for me. My blood pressure was fine. They said, ‘You can go back to work,’" he said.

Engel continued taking Ozempic because, according to the family's account, neither he nor his doctors knew of a possible association between semaglutide and NAION.

About 10 months later, vision loss suddenly occurred in his left eye.

"At that point in time, losing sight in both eyes, there was a tremendous amount of concern," he said.

RAPID WEIGHT LOSS ON POPULAR DRUGS COULD ‘STARVE’ THE BRAIN, EXPERT WARNS

Doctors told Engel there was no medication or surgical procedure that could restore his vision.

Shelley Engel said that medical testing did not identify another common factor beyond Ozempic. Her husband immediately stopped taking the drug after losing vision in his second eye.

"I didn't go blind — I had my vision taken from me, which was catastrophic to me and to my family," he said.

Engel has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based manufacturer of Ozempic, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the potential risk of vision loss.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS LINKED TO 'OZEMPIC EARS' AND OTHER COSMETIC COMPLAINTS, SURGEONS SAY

He is among hundreds of patients currently pursuing legal action against makers of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, over claims that the drugs caused NAION.

The lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks, although a causal relationship between the medications and the condition has not been definitively established.

At the time of his vision loss, Engel was working for Howard County Highways as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.

He had worked in the field for about 40 years and held a commercial driver's license for nearly as long.

"I was extremely mechanically inclined with my hands and in my mind. I can't do that anymore, which is extremely upsetting to me," he said.

"People want to be able to retire on their own accord when they want to, not when a medical catastrophic injury such as this ... takes away your livelihood."

PEOPLE ON WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS REPORT FINGERNAILS FALLING OFF AS RESEARCHERS UNCOVER SURPRISING LINK

Beyond losing his career, Engel said even ordinary activities he once took for granted have become difficult.

An avid reader before his vision loss, Engel said he can no longer read newspapers, magazines or books. Inside his home, he has learned to count steps to help navigate familiar spaces.

7 EVERYDAY MISTAKES COULD BE QUIETLY DAMAGING YOUR VISION, EYE DOCTOR WARNS

"I know that coming in from our parking lot, there are 10 steps ... nine going down into our basement, 13 going up into our bedroom."

Engel said he now uses a white cane to navigate outside his home and relies on his family for help with everyday activities. His four grandchildren often guide him during family gatherings.

"They will take me by my hand and talk to me: ‘Pops, three steps straight. Then we're gonna turn right,’" he said.

"For me personally, it's embarrassing. I'm 64 years old. I shouldn't need ... my grandchildren or my wife to help me get from point A to point B."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

His wife, Shelley Engel, said her husband's vision loss has affected the entire family.

"It has completely changed every aspect of our lives," she said. "There is not one piece of our lives that hasn't changed or been touched by this throughout our whole family."

For Engel, some of the most painful losses involve the things he can no longer do with the people closest to him.

"I will never be able to see my wife's beautiful face again, be able to see children and grandchildren, be able to play ball with them," he said. "And that is very, very upsetting to me."

"I wake up in the dark, I go to sleep in the darkness."

Engel said that if he had been warned about a possible link between Ozempic and vision loss, he would not have taken the drug.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Had I known, had my doctor had any inkling that this could have happened ... I'm sure he would have asked me and I would have said absolutely not," he said. "I will deal with the diabetes ... I refuse to jeopardize my eyes."

The Engels said they are speaking publicly in hopes of preventing others from experiencing the same outcome.

"Do the research for yourselves to make sure that my catastrophic injuries do not happen to you or anybody else," Engel said. "If we can help one person, then that's a pleasure to Shelley and I."

The family's attorney, Jonathan Orent, said the legal team is seeking a warning on the U.S. Ozempic label similar to information provided to patients and doctors in Europe.

Orent is co-lead counsel in nationwide litigation involving GLP-1 drugs, including lawsuits alleging vision loss linked to Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"It's amazing what just a simple warning can do," he told Fox News Digital. "That's really what this case is about. It's about information."

Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based company that makes Ozempic, has disputed that the medication causes NAION, stating that the available evidence does not establish a causal relationship between semaglutide and the eye condition.

"A causal relationship between GLP-1RAs, including semaglutide, and NAION cannot be confirmed based on the totality of data," Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. Media and Stakeholder Relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital.

The company pointed to an analysis of its randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that found very few confirmed cases of NAION and no increased incidence among patients taking semaglutide.

Novo said it continues to monitor NAION as part of its routine drug-safety surveillance.

"Novo believes the personal injury lawsuits filed in the U.S. are without merit, and we are defending them in court," Skrbkova said.

Kai Trump has undergone another wrist surgery for a recent golf-related injury.

President Trump’s eldest grandchild, 19, posted an update to Instagram Wednesday, announcing that the procedure was a success. She included a selfie from her hospital bed showing her left arm in a cast and sling.

According to the statement included in the post, Trump, who is a competitive golfer on the University of Miami women’s golf team, underwent surgery to repair a wrist injury sustained during her first tournament of the season.

KAI TRUMP RECALLS ‘A LOT OF CRYING’ WITH MOM VANESSA BEFORE COLLEGE AMID BREAST CANCER BATTLE

"While I had hoped to avoid surgery, after talks with my family, coaches and athletic training staff, I know I made the best decision for my long-term health and my future in the game I love," she said.

"It’s certainly not how I envisioned the next few months, but sometimes the journey takes an unexpected turn, and I’m choosing to embrace this one with patience, and a whole lot of determination."

KAI TRUMP REVEALS HOW FAMILY RALLIED AROUND MOM VANESSA AMID BREAST CANCER BATTLE: ‘IT’S A LONG JOURNEY’

The statement continued that recovery will "take time," but the young athlete acknowledged that she’s "incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people who continue to lift me up, encourage me, and remind me that every challenge is an opportunity to grow."

"Having the right people by your side makes all the difference, and I couldn’t be more grateful," she added.

The social media influencer also shouted out her doctors at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, where she was treated.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"A special thank you to Dr. Carlson and the incredible team at HSS in New York for taking such great care of me, and to my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who has supported me along the way," Kai Trump said.

"For now, it’s all about healing, and trusting the process. I can’t wait to be back with my team, doing what I love. I’ll be back before you know it, stronger and more grateful than ever! Go Canes!"

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends" in July, the president's granddaughter said she had undergone wrist surgery six months earlier.

She also admitted to being "a little nervous" about starting her freshman year and Division I golf career at the University of Miami.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"[I'm] a little nervous, I'm not gonna lie, but I'm ready for the next chapter," she said. "And I love my siblings. I am not far away from them, like an hour and a half away."

When asked where she gets her "competitive edge," Trump pointed to her mother and the president as two likely influences.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"My mom's competitive, too, but definitely Grandpa's very competitive," she said.

Fox News Digital’s Taylor Penley contributed to this report.

Certain medical conditions may signal early-onset Alzheimer’s disease several years before diagnosis, a new Finnish study suggests.

Researchers found that depression, vertigo, headaches and other conditions were more common during the five years preceding diagnosis, potentially offering clues for earlier detection.

The researchers analyzed medical records from 407 people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and 4,035 people of similar age and sex without the diagnosis, focusing on the 15 years prior to diagnosis.

SUBTLE CHANGE IN HOW YOU SPEAK COULD BE EARLY SIGN OF DEMENTIA RISK, NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS

The average age at diagnosis was 60. Early-onset disease is diagnosed in people under 65.

The findings were published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

The following conditions were found to be significantly more prevalent among those who were ultimately diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Differences in medical conditions were most pronounced in the five years before an early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, the study showed.

3 THINGS TO AVOID IN MIDDLE AGE COULD MEAN 13 MORE YEARS WITHOUT DEMENTIA, STUDY FINDS

The researchers also found that healthcare visits increased substantially among early-onset Alzheimer’s patients immediately before and during the time of diagnosis, which may indicate emerging symptoms.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"It is well-known that the neuropathological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease begin at least 15 to 20 years before clinical cognitive symptoms appear," Suvi-Johanna Krüger, M.D., Ph.D., study co-author and clinical lecturer at University of Oulu, said in a press release.

"Most previous studies have focused on late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and considerably less is known about early-onset Alzheimer’s disease."

Because the study was observational, it only establishes associations and cannot demonstrate that these conditions can reliably predict Alzheimer's disease.

"Our study cannot determine whether these conditions cause early-onset Alzheimer’s disease or whether they are consequences of the underlying disease process," Krüger noted.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Some conditions may represent risk factors, while others may reflect early symptoms or changes occurring during the prodromal phase of the disease."

It is also possible that genetics, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors played a role in the patients’ outcomes.

Also, the researchers could not independently verify all medical diagnoses or assess the severity of the patients’ disease. Additionally, the findings may not apply to populations outside Finland.

Larger studies looking at disease biomarkers, genetics and clinical assessments could help determine whether there is a casual relationship between the medical conditions and Alzheimer’s incidence and whether these medical patterns could be used to improve early detection.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

For people experiencing any persistent medical symptoms, including issues with memory or cognition, experts say it’s important to see a healthcare provider.

"Early diagnosis is important because more treatment and support options are available in the early stages of the disease," Krüger advised.

"Early diagnosis also gives individuals and their families more time to plan for the future and access appropriate support services."

Selma Blair’s recent in-flight arrest has raised questions about the potential effects when a person with multiple sclerosis misses prescribed medication.

The actress, 54, was arraigned Monday on two counts of second-degree assault after allegedly attacking a police officer and nurse following an altercation with flight attendants aboard a Delta flight into New York City, The Associated Press reported.

In court, Blair’s attorney, Shawn Barnes, said that Blair had missed several doses of Nuedexta, "a powerful medication that controls severe neurological symptoms," according to multiple outlets.

SELMA BLAIR ACCUSED OF KICKING NURSE HOURS AFTER JFK PLANE ARREST

The attorney added that Blair hit her head during the flight, which departed from Los Angeles, and was in "a state of severe confusion and disorientation." He also suggested the altitude may have been a factor.

The incident was the result of a "medical emergency" and not criminal misconduct, he claimed.

Blair was diagnosed with MS in 2018.

Fox News Digital reached out to Blair's representatives requesting comment.

There are three primary treatment approaches for multiple sclerosis, according to Dr. Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist practicing in Jackson, Tennessee, at West Tennessee Healthcare.

"The first-line treatments we utilize try to prevent recurrent inflammatory attacks," Murray, who has not treated Blair, told Fox News Digital.

'HELICOPTER BRAIN' COULD BE MAKING YOU FEEL SICK: HOW TO SPOT IT AND WHAT TO DO

These medications often involve IV infusions, but they can be in the form of pills or injections the patient gives themselves.

"These are oftentimes medications folks take for several years," Murray said. "The hope of that is to keep the MS suppressed, to keep [the patient] from having MS attacks."

When patients experience an MS relapse, doctors may prescribe high-dose steroids, either orally or intravenously, to reduce inflammation and help speed recovery, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Patients with multiple sclerosis often have other health issues, Murray noted.

"For instance, patients with MS may have bladder difficulties, or they’ll develop depression or neuropathic pain," he said. "And so we prescribe medications that don't treat the MS itself, but they deal with the symptoms related to MS."

Dr. Yoshua Quinones, board-certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, reiterated that there are different classes of MS medications.

PARKINSON'S PATIENTS MAY PROTECT MEMORY AND MOVEMENT WITH ONE SIMPLE HABIT

"Disease-modifying therapy reduces relapses, new MRI lesions and long-term disability accumulation," Quinones, who also did not treat Blair, told Fox News Digital.

Other medications are used to treat acute relapses or manage symptoms such as fatigue, walking difficulties, spasticity and bladder problems.

Disease-modifying therapies themselves fall into several categories, according to the doctor.

Immunomodulators help regulate the immune system, while anti-trafficking drugs prevent certain immune cells from reaching the brain and spinal cord. Cell-depleting therapies, which are generally considered highly effective treatments, target and remove specific immune cells.

It’s essential for patients to be compliant with their MS medications, according to Murray.

"If an MS medication dosage is missed, the patient runs the risk of having an MS relapse, which can result in acute or new changes neurologically," he said. "There's a host of different symptoms that can occur."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Potential effects of a relapse may include balance difficulties, vision loss, dizziness, bowel or bladder dysfunction, or weakness, numbness or tingling on one side.

In Blair's case, Murray said, "If the Nuedexta was being used to treat pseudobulbar palsy secondary to her MS, missed doses could result in uncontrolled crying or laughter and emotional lability (rapid or unpredictable changes in emotion or mood)."

"I have never seen a missed dose of Nuedexta cause physical aggression," he added.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

If a patient with multiple sclerosis has missed doses of medication and begins to develop new neurological deficits, they should seek medical attention to determine whether they are in an active MS flare, the neurologist advised.

"Recognizing that and being able to quickly get on high-dose steroids can reverse some of the symptoms the patient may be experiencing," he said.

Although steroids can speed recovery from an MS relapse, they have not been shown to improve long-term outcomes, according to the MS Society.

Quinones agreed that skipping medications will reduce disease control.

"Poor compliance will increase the risk of relapse and MS-related hospitalizations," he said. "For example, if you stop any anti-trafficking medication, it carries a high risk of rapid disease reactivation. Abrupt cessation of this class can even trigger a rebound worse than baseline."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Cell-depleting agents can act over months, so a single missed or delayed dose is less immediately impactful, Quinones added.

"A single dose of disease-modifying therapy is not catastrophic — however, if constantly missed, it can raise a relapse risk."

The risks of missing medication depend on the specific drug, how long treatment is interrupted and the patient's individual circumstances, according to doctors.

Fox News’ Tracy Wright contributed reporting.

Researchers in Italy have discovered a potential association between the common erectile dysfunction drug Cialis (tadalafil) and muscle regeneration.

The study, published in the journal Molecular Biology Reports, tested the drug on mouse muscle cells in a laboratory.

Over a seven-day period, the researchers looked at how the drug affected muscle cell growth, survival and development.

VIAGRA COULD DO MORE THAN ADVERTISED AS STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING HEALTH SUPERPOWER

Tadalafil was found to increase the number of muscle precursor cells, which are involved in the early stages of muscle formation, and helped more of them survive.

The drug also showed signs of helping muscles repair themselves by encouraging growth and reducing cell death.

Despite these positive outcomes, the research found that tadalafil delayed the development of fully mature muscle cells.

This suggests that the drug could create and maintain more cells involved in muscle regeneration but does not indicate an increase in muscle size and function in humans.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Because the study was conducted in mouse models, the results may differ when applied to humans, posing a limitation to the study findings.

The study lasted just seven days, so more research is needed to understand the drug's long-term effects, the researchers acknowledged.

Study co-author Dr. Cristina Antinozzi, a researcher in the Endocrinology Unit at the University of Rome Foro Italico, said these findings represent an "encouraging look at how tadalafil might be repurposed to support muscle tissue repair and regeneration."

"While more work is needed, this research opens up exciting new possibilities for future therapeutic strategies in muscle recovery, though it also highlights the need to monitor how such mechanisms might be viewed or misused in sports and performance contexts," she told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Kien Vuu, a radiologist and founder of VuuMD Performance and Longevity in Los Angeles, who was not involved in the study, agreed that this is an "intriguing early finding."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"In mouse muscle cells studied in a laboratory, tadalafil — the active ingredient in Cialis — helped muscle precursor cells grow and survive, but also delayed their maturation into muscle fibers," he told Fox News Digital.

"That's a fascinating biological signal, but it's far from proving that Cialis builds muscle or improves recovery in people.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"Successful regeneration ultimately requires those cells to mature and form functional muscle tissue. This experiment didn't establish that outcome."

Vuu said this is "worth studying" from a longevity perspective because age-related muscle loss contributes "significantly" to frailty, metabolic dysfunction and loss of independence.

"However, this was a laboratory cell study, not a clinical trial," he said. "We need animal studies and eventually human trials examining actual muscle mass, strength, physical function and safety before drawing conclusions about clinical use."

Lifestyle practices such as resistance training, adequate protein and quality sleep remain the "most reliable ways" to protect muscle with age, Vuu added.

The expert noted that tadalafil also carries "meaningful risks," including dangerous blood pressure reductions when combined with nitrates.

"So, people should not take it for muscle-building based on these findings," he said.

A new global definition of childhood obesity is reframing how doctors evaluate youth health, looking past traditional body mass index (BMI) measurements to focus on actual physiological impacts.

According to research from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Australia, just 2.1% to 4.9% of children and adolescents qualify as clinically obese under the revised standard, compared to 7% to 10.8% under standard BMI calculations.

Dr. Danielle Longmore, a pediatrician at the Melbourne institute, outlined the shift during an appearance on "Fox & Friends."

YOUR WAISTLINE COULD REVEAL A HIDDEN HEART RISK YOUR BMI MISSES, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

"There's a push to really understand the impact of body fat on health," Longmore said. "BMI is really just measuring size. So, it doesn't really have a way of capturing whether somebody is well or unwell."

The traditional BMI measurement calculates a person's weight relative to their height.

The new definition, developed by an international panel of medical experts convened by the medical journal The Lancet, requires evidence of both excess body fat and related health problems or limitations in daily activities.

WEIGHT GAIN IN CERTAIN DECADE OF LIFE MAY BE MORE DANGEROUS, STUDY SUGGESTS

These indicators can range from elevated blood pressure and abnormal blood sugar to impaired mobility or poor sleep.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Longmore noted that many children defined as obese by BMI metrics are active, sleeping well, attending school and otherwise healthy.

"I think this definition just really clarifies what people have been doing in actual clinical practice," Longmore said, noting that physicians typically evaluate patients for underlying complications rather than relying strictly on scale weight.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

While clinical obesity appears to be significantly less prevalent in youth under the new model, the trajectory reverses dramatically later in life.

The study, which analyzed nearly 800,000 individuals across their lifespan, found that clinical obesity rates climbed through adulthood.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Among adults ages 65 to 74, the rate of clinical obesity reached 52%, as health problems linked to excess body fat became more common with age.

The findings come at a time when prescription weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, are gaining in popularity.

However, Longmore cautioned that the study's dataset reflects pre-GLP-1 records, making the long-term impact of these treatments an open area for future study.

"This is really just the start of understanding what this new diagnostic entity means, and we really need more research," Longmore said, emphasizing that while the definition refines clinical diagnoses, early health interventions and lifestyle prevention remain critical for children at risk.

Americans are spending more on health and wellness, research shows — and for some home gym enthusiasts, the cost can quickly climb into the thousands.

A YouGov poll conducted in September 2026 found that 31% of Americans are spending more on health and wellness than a year ago, while 20% expect to spend more in the coming year.

Meanwhile, a 2026 poll by Garage Gym Experiment, an online community for home fitness enthusiasts, found that 44% of respondents expected to spend at least $1,000 on their home gyms this year.

FITNESS EXPERT REVEALS 6 THINGS PEOPLE OVER 35 SHOULD DO AFTER WORKOUTS TO STAY STRONG

But building an effective home gym doesn’t have to break the bank, according to New York-based fitness coach Jacob Zemer.

The biggest home gym money-waster may not be a particular piece of equipment, he said, but rather anything that takes up significant space and is difficult to set up or use consistently.

Zemer spoke with Fox News Digital about the most worthwhile investments for working out at home — and which equipment may not deliver enough bang for the buck.

"A lot of people think building a home gym requires an elaborate setup, and it doesn't," Zemer said.

If someone is building a home gym from scratch, the fitness pro recommends starting with a few affordable pieces and adding equipment over time.

10-MINUTE FITNESS HABIT CAN HELP ADULTS OVER 40 MAINTAIN MUSCLE AND STAY STRONG

"You can accomplish everything for every muscle group with just three items," he said.

Exercise bands are a good first investment, Zemer said, "just because they're so incredibly affordable."

They’re also very effective, he said, especially for those who are new to strength training.

"You can do everything you need to with just those pieces of equipment — and you can travel with them, bring them on a plane and to a hotel, which makes them very versatile," Zemer said.

When choosing dumbbells, it’s important to consider how much floor space they’ll take up — especially if the home gym is in a room with multiple purposes, according to Zemer.

"With adjustable dumbbells, you can have a very small floor print — however, they are a little bit more costly, and some of them are slightly fragile, so just be mindful of that," he advised.

4 SIMPLE HABITS CAN HELP SLOW MUSCLE LOSS AS YOU AGE, FITNESS EXPERT SAYS

Beginners should first focus on learning the proper form and choosing a weight that makes the final repetitions challenging, according to Zemer.

Progress doesn’t always mean moving to heavier dumbbells, he noted.

"Pushing yourself doesn’t mean adding 20 pounds — it could mean doing one more rep," Zemer said. "You need to progressively get stronger, because your body will adapt to the stimulus you’re using."

Once it becomes easy to complete a high number of repetitions, it may be time to increase the weight.

With some exercises, it can be limiting if you have to lie on the floor or stand, Zemer said.

"You can get quite an affordable bench online," he said. "I would look for one that both declines and inclines, maybe even perhaps sits completely upright. That will give you a lot of versatility."

Before buying a piece of home gym equipment, Zemer recommends considering how much space it requires, how many exercises it supports and whether it will be easy to use consistently.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Equipment that is bulky or difficult to move, or requires too much setup, may end up becoming an expensive waste of money.

"The most important thing is that it’s quick and easy to set up, easy to grab and therefore more likely to be used," he said. "The more setup it requires, the less likely you will to be use it."

Zemer learned that lesson after buying lever arms, attachments that connect to a power rack and move up and down for exercises such as presses, rows and squats. Because the equipment was cumbersome to move, he eventually sold it secondhand.

"The secondhand market of gym equipment is brutal, so if you buy something, and you don't use it, the resale value is next to none," Zemer cautioned.

He recommends prioritizing items that serve multiple purposes, rather than devices designed to target just one body part.

"I always look for equipment that can do multiple things," he said.

Cardio equipment is not essential for everyone, according to the trainer, especially for those who are mobile.

Many people can also raise their heart rate through activities such as walking, running or strength-training workouts performed at a faster pace, he said.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

For those who prefer a cardio machine, Zemer recommends choosing an option that is versatile and less likely to aggravate the knees or back, such as a stationary bike or ski erg (an indoor exercise machine that simulates the motion of cross-country skiing).

A common neurodevelopmental disorder could be linked to dementia risk, a new study suggests.

Research led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, involving more than 187,000 adults aged 50 and older, found that ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) was associated with a substantially increased risk of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

The observational study looked at electronic health records and genetic information of participants who were enrolled in the U.S. National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program.

7 NEW DEMENTIA RISK FACTORS REVEALED — INCLUDING ONE MILLIONS STRUGGLE WITH

Cognitive impairment was observed in 6.7% of participants with ADHD versus 3.4% without the disorder — nearly twice the rate.

After researchers adjusted for age, gender and other health conditions, those with ADHD had more than four times the risk.

The findings — which were published Oct. 7 in JAMA Psychiatry — only show an association and cannot determine that ADHD increases dementia risk, the researchers acknowledged.

"This doesn’t prove that ADHD causes dementia, but seeing the same pattern show up independently in medical records and in people’s genes gives us greater confidence that the association is not simply an artifact of how ADHD gets diagnosed," said senior author Tharick A. Pascoal, associate professor of psychiatry and of neurology at Pitt, in a press release.

"Two different kinds of evidence are pointing in the same direction."

3 THINGS TO AVOID IN MIDDLE AGE COULD MEAN 13 MORE YEARS WITHOUT DEMENTIA, STUDY FINDS

Meanwhile, those with the highest genetic susceptibility to ADHD were found to have a 35% greater risk of dementia than those with the lowest susceptibility.

"Analyzing genetic information alongside years of health records allows us to identify patterns that might not be visible in a smaller or more traditional study," said Guilherme Bauer-Negrini, co-first author and postdoctoral associate in biomedical data science at Pitt, in the release.

"With this kind of data, we can start to investigate what may be driving this association and whether any of those factors could be modified to support healthier cognitive aging."

Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, a geriatric medicine and dementia expert with over 20 years of experience treating patients with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, noted that people with ADHD can have more difficulty with organization, which could contribute to the higher risk of cognitive impairment, although neurological differences may also play a role.

"It might [be] that keeping on top of health issues and getting to the doctor is more difficult for them," Landsverk, a California-based doctor who is not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

The study also found that people with ADHD had a 20% higher incidence of utilizing health resources, she pointed out.

"Having just signed up for Medicare, I know that it's really complicated — if you have trouble with focusing and getting things done, you may not be able to get the resources that you need," Landsverk said. "You may not be able to go to the doctor. You may not get your blood pressure taken care of. So there's probably a correlation."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"It goes back to nature versus nurture — particularly if we're starting at age 50, as opposed to starting at 20."

It can be challenging to distinguish between ADHD and cognitive decline, as some of the symptoms may overlap, according to Landsverk.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"I imagine it can look similar," she said. "You know, you don't remember why you went into a room. You don't know where your keys are, you don't remember the name of an actress."

It is cause for concern if the individual struggles to take care of day-to-day tasks, the expert noted.

"You can't pay your bills, you can't get your medications right, you can't get to your appointments, you tell people that you're going to do stuff and then you don't — that's when you need to get checked."

Changes in judgment, mood or social behavior may be more suggestive of dementia than ADHD, Landsverk noted.

Although the study found an association between ADHD and cognitive impairment, Landsverk emphasized that some lifestyle behaviors can help people reduce their overall dementia risk.

She pointed to maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and staying physically active as important modifiable factors, along with controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"There's a lot we can do," Landsverk said, recommending a largely plant-based diet and at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Physical activity can also help improve mood and focus, she added.

Anyone experiencing persistent problems with memory, focus, organization or managing everyday tasks should consider seeing an expert for an evaluation, Landsverk advised.

Getting a shredded physique is apparently all about balance.

Last week, longtime "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest showed off his flawless physique in an Instagram post, highlighting what a typical "day off" looks like for him.

The viral post, which showed him shirtless next to his bike, was met with applause and celebrity feedback. "Dancing with the Stars" pro Gleb Savchenko commented, "Let’s goo!!! Shredded."

NIGHTLY GLASS OF WINE MAY NOT BE AS HARMLESS AS MANY PEOPLE THINK, STUDY SUGGESTS

Actor and singer Nick Rashad Burroughs wrote, "This is what Ryan Seacrest looked like with a shirt off the whole time?!?"

In a response on Sunday, Seacrest posted a video to social media with the text, "What’s your idea of a perfect day?"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

The video shows Seacrest gearing up for a scenic bike ride on the beach, featuring music and coffee. He then stops to curl and squat heavy rocks on the route.

After his morning workout, Seacrest visits a local bakery, commenting that cinnamon buns are "kind of my weakness."

Seacrest wrote in the caption of the post, "When I get free time away from work, it looks a lot like this. It’s health and enjoyment wrapped into one."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

The radio host shared how he aims to strike a balance in his lifestyle, like cycling 30 miles and stopping at the bakery on the way home.

"It’s gardening the produce and homemaking the pizza," he said. "It’s drinking the wine, and still making my workout the next day. Balance is not always a given, but it’s created."

Seacrest has previously shared his affinity for wellness and fitness, often posting photos and videos at the gym and on a bike.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Last month, he shared a video of himself working out with a variety of dumbbells and weight plates during a beach vacation.

The video featured resistance training combos, like squats paired with overhead dumbbell presses, and another including skull crushers with a barbell and reverse crunches.

Seacrest has shouted out his personal trainer, Dodd Romero, who famously trains other A-list celebrities like Lenny Kravitz and Jennifer Lopez.

Fox News Digital reached out to Seacrest and Romero for comment.

A new analysis of 44 studies has linked "doomscrolling" to higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress — but for some, information overload may also contribute to a phenomenon one neurologist calls "helicopter brain."

The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, found associations between excessive consumption of negative online content and poorer mental health, although it did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Steven Resnick uses the term "helicopter brain" to describe a nervous system that remains constantly on high alert, much like a "helicopter parent" who constantly hovers over a child to protect them from harm.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE EXPERT WARNS EVERYDAY HABITS MAY ACCELERATE CELLULAR AGING

"Imagine your own helicopter — that is your nervous system," Resnick, chief of the Division of Neurology and medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, told Fox News Digital. "Your nervous system’s job is to protect you from harm."

Information overload, overstimulation and uncertainty can keep the brain on high alert, activating the autonomic nervous system, the neurologist said.

"The brain is scanning for danger," Resnick said. "When it scans for danger, then you have that autonomic nervous system pushing the accelerator."

NEARLY 3 IN 4 AMERICANS ARE BATTLING THE SAME EXHAUSTING HEALTH PROBLEM, CDC REVEALS

The neurologist, who also hosts "The Healthy Mind" podcast, said he often sees patients experiencing symptoms they struggle to explain, including headaches, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, sleep problems, tingling and dizziness.

In some cases, patients undergo evaluations by multiple specialists before identifying a potential explanation.

"They end up going to see a neurologist, who sends them to the gastroenterologist, who sends them to the cardiologist, then the rheumatologist," he said.

"They don't understand what they're feeling is actually authentic, it's real — it's the nervous system that is actually activated."

THINK YOUR CORTISOL IS TOO HIGH? EXPERT REVEALS THE TRUTH BEHIND VIRAL WELLNESS CRAZE

Although constant information overload can contribute to this heightened state of alertness, Resnick said the same patterns can emerge in response to everyday stressors and deeply ingrained habits.

The neurologist outlined the following five strategies for recognizing these patterns, calming the nervous system and developing healthier responses to stress.

When seeing patients, Resnick said his first step is to listen to them, to ensure that he understands what they’re feeling.

"I hear patients say, ‘I'm scared, I'm fearful, I'm concerned, I'm worried,’ and then you start to realize what their nervous system is telling you," he told Fox News Digital. "I would never have done that by just fixing the problem right away."

The nervous system can begin to calm when patients feel truly heard, safe, secure and connected, the neurologist said.

"The solution can be done later," Resnick said. "And we have to stop using the word ‘fixing,’ because a lot of things cannot be fixed — but over time, you can start feeling better."

Recognizing recurring patterns — in thoughts, behaviors and reactions — is an important first step toward changing them, Resnick said.

"Mindfulness is not just about meditation; it's about noticing," he said.

That could mean recognizing the same conflict happening repeatedly with a co-worker, lying awake each night with racing thoughts, or turning to food or cigarettes during periods of stress, according to Resnick.

THIS ONE QUESTION MAY REVEAL WHETHER YOUR BODY IS GETTING THE REST IT NEEDS, STUDY FINDS

When those behaviors repeat, people can begin operating on "autopilot," he said.

"The brain wants to resort to what is familiar, what is safe and what is known," Resnick said. "It keeps going back to that because the brain understands it, retrieves it and does the same thing over and over again."

Breaking that cycle requires recognizing the pattern and making a conscious effort to respond differently, he added.

Next, the neurologist said it’s important to "catch the cue," or trigger, that kick-starts the pattern.

"It's a stimulus," he said. "It's something that is very sneaky. It goes under your level of consciousness."

"It could be your boss' face. It could be a telephone. It could be a chair or a couch in a room. It could be a smell or a feeling."

That cue can trigger an almost automatic behavior, Resnick said, such as procrastinating, eating, reaching for a drink or lashing out.

If the behavior provides pleasure or helps someone avoid an uncomfortable feeling or situation, the brain can become more likely to repeat it.

Even worrying can become part of that cycle. If the feared outcome doesn’t happen, Resnick said, the brain may interpret the worry as protective, reinforcing the habit.

ONE TYPE OF SLEEP LINKED TO DRAMATICALLY LOWER RISK OF DEMENTIA, PARKINSON'S AND 81 OTHER DISEASES

Breaking the pattern starts with identifying the specific cues that set it in motion, according to the neurologist.

Rather than viewing anxiety or overthinking as something that happens "all the time," Resnick encourages patients to pinpoint a specific episode, consider what triggered it and recognize the behavior and potential reward that followed.

The next step is replacing the unwanted behavior with a healthier habit that provides a noticeable reward, Resnick said.

"Give your new habit a reward you can feel," he advised.

DIETITIAN REVEALS SIMPLE EATING STRATEGY FOR BETTER SLEEP — AND ONE HABIT TO AVOID

That reward does not have to be significant. After an early-morning workout, for example, it might be a sense of accomplishment or an improved mood. A healthy shake after the workout could provide another small reward.

"Even checkboxing something on a piece of paper feels good," Resnick said.

These immediate, positive reinforcements can help the brain begin associating the healthier behavior with something rewarding.

"Rewards are very important," the neurologist said. "Even the small ones are important."

Finally, when anxiety or panic strikes, Resnick recommends taking a counterintuitive approach: "Float instead of fight."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

In many cases, he said, people are not only afraid of a particular situation, but of the anxious feelings that may result.

Someone with claustrophobia, for example, may fear getting an MRI because they anticipate the physical sensations of anxiety that could arise inside the machine.

"Don’t fight it," Resnick advised. "You want to allow it. You want to feel it."

Avoiding a situation can reinforce the brain’s perception that it poses a threat, he said, while safely experiencing it can help create a new association.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"After you have that experience where you felt safe, and you went toward it, then your brain and body … pair it as being safe," Resnick said.

The goal, he added, is "to teach the brain safety through your body and through your brain and mind."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

While these strategies may help people better manage stress and anxiety, Resnick emphasized the importance of recognizing the patterns behind the symptoms.

People experiencing persistent or unexplained physical symptoms should seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying health conditions.

Early human trials of an experimental injection called CBL-514 have shown the potential for reducing deadly visceral fat.

Visceral fat, which sits deep inside the abdomen wrapped around internal organs, affects metabolism and influences insulin resistance. It can impact the development of type 2 diabetes.

Research published in March by the American Heart Association found that visceral fat had a stronger association with the risk of heart failure than body mass index (BMI).

YOUR WAISTLINE COULD REVEAL A HIDDEN HEART RISK YOUR BMI MISSES, MAJOR STUDY FINDS

The trials tested whether the injection could diminish visceral fat deposits. They were conducted by Dr. W. Timothy Garvey of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Yu-Fang Ling of Caliway Biopharmaceuticals in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Previous phase 2 trials had already shown that the drug could reduce subcutaneous fat, the layer of fat directly beneath the skin.

MRI scans from two phase 2 trials exhibited a decrease in visceral fat in participants who received the CBL-514 drug, while the visceral fat increased in those who received a placebo drug.

Participants who were given CBL-514 received injections into their lower abdomen every three weeks for up to 12 weeks, with doses of up to 600 milligrams.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The number of injections given to participants depended on the thickness of their abdominal fat.

As the fat layer decreased in volume, the number of injections also decreased.

The CBL-514 injection selectively sparks apoptosis — a process that causes cells to self-destruct — but only in fat cells, leaving nearby cells unharmed.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS

Four weeks after the final treatment, the average volume of fat had lowered by 12.01% in the group given CBL-514, while it had increased by 5.68% in the group that received a placebo, SciTechDaily reported.

The potential cosmetic effects, such as a flatter stomach due to subcutaneous fat loss, are appealing to patients, Garvey acknowledged.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

What’s even more important, he noted, however, is the decrease in body weight, improved blood pressure and cholesterol, and the loss of visceral fat that the injection can cause — as these factors impact overall health.

Liposuction, a common surgical cosmetic procedure, cannot remove visceral fat, and thus cannot reduce the health risks caused by a high amount of visceral fat.

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool could help doctors predict a woman's risk of developing breast cancer years in advance, according to new research.

In a new study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, researchers at NYU Langone Health and its Perlmutter Cancer Center tested an AI model designed to estimate a woman's risk of developing breast cancer within five years.

The tool looks at several years of a woman's 3D mammograms to track changes in breast tissue over time, rather than looking only at the latest scan, according to the researchers.

NEW ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TEST PREDICTS WHO IS LIKELY TO DEVELOP DEMENTIA IN 5 TO 10 YEARS

The model was developed using more than 313,000 mammograms from more than 161,000 women, according to the study.

Connie Lehman, a Massachusetts-based breast imaging specialist and professor of radiology at Harvard Medical School who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that AI could help identify women whose increased risk might otherwise go unnoticed.

"For decades, as a doctor and breast imaging specialist, I have cared for women who were shocked by a breast cancer diagnosis," Lehman said. "Again and again, I heard: 'How can this be? No one in my family has had breast cancer.'"

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Traditional risk assessments can consider factors such as family history and genetic mutations, while AI can look for additional clues within a woman's breast tissue, according to Lehman.

"A mammogram can tell us more than whether cancer is visible today — it can also provide information about a woman's risk of developing cancer in the years ahead," she said.

That information could eventually help doctors tailor breast cancer screening to a woman's individual risk, Lehman said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Women identified as being at increased risk could discuss additional screening, such as MRI, with their health care providers, while women at average risk may continue with routine mammograms, according to Lehman.

The technology could also analyze mammograms a woman has already had, meaning the added risk information would not require another imaging exam or additional radiation, she noted.

Lehman cautioned that an AI risk score is not a cancer diagnosis and cannot predict with certainty whether a woman will develop the disease.

"A higher score can prompt a conversation with your health care provider about additional screening and risk-reduction options," she said. "A lower score does not eliminate risk or replace regular mammography."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The NYU model remains a research tool and is not FDA-authorized for clinical use, according to Lehman.

The researchers also noted that more testing is needed. The study used mammograms from NYU Langone hospitals and imaging equipment from one manufacturer.

The team plans to test the model using data from other medical centers and different 3D mammography systems, according to NYU Langone.

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can pose a health threat, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Over time, chronic inflammation can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease.

Keeping the condition in check can help protect healthy tissues and support overall health, experts say.

POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS MAY HELP PROTECT AGAINST A DEADLY DISEASE, DOCTOR SAYS

Jim LaValle, a clinical pharmacist and metabolic medicine expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital that inflammation can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond injury or infection.

LaValle first pointed to the gut-immune-brain connection — the communication between gut microbes, the immune system and the central nervous system — as one pathway that can influence the body's inflammatory response.

Beyond gut health, he said several everyday lifestyle factors can play a role in preventing chronic inflammation.

DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE

Managing stress and anxiety can help support the gut-brain connection and keep inflammation in check, according to LaValle.

He pointed to cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, which he said can "wreak havoc on your chemistry" when levels remain elevated.

Chronic stress can also affect the intestinal barrier, potentially allowing substances that would normally remain inside the gut to pass through more easily, LaValle said.

This increased intestinal permeability is sometimes called "leaky gut."

ZERO SUGAR, MORE PROBLEMS? STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING GUT HEALTH EFFECTS

"So, it turns out that if I'm stressed out a lot, I can be more prone to irritable bowel," LaValle said, as stress can trigger or worsen digestive symptoms in some people.

Diets high in sugar, fat and ultraprocessed foods can also affect gut health.

Paying attention to which foods trigger certain symptoms may help identify potential food sensitivities or intolerances, LaValle noted.

Symptoms such as bloating, rashes or discomfort after eating certain foods may signal a food-related reaction, although they can have other causes.

Certain medications, including antibiotics, may also alter the gut microbiome, but their effects vary depending on the drug and the individual, the expert said.

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is another important factor in managing inflammation, according to LaValle.

LaValle noted that conditions such as diabetes and insulin resistance are often associated with chronic inflammation.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Research suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects, while scientists are investigating other potential benefits beyond weight loss and blood sugar control.

The "exposome," or the environmental exposures people experience throughout their lives, can influence inflammation and the risk of chronic disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.

LaValle pointed to emerging research on how environmental exposures — including "forever chemicals," microplastics, metals and pesticides — may affect weight, blood sugar regulation and other aspects of health.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"A lot of us don't think about that kind of impact on our health and how that could trigger inflammation signaling," he added.

Regular exercise supports overall health, but intense workouts without adequate recovery time can put additional stress on the body, LaValle cautioned.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"You’re not getting a good enough recovery," he said. "You’re training hard. And, in fact, you might be training hard every day to lower that cortisol, but you're not getting good recovery. And that could lead to silent inflammatory signaling as well."

Anyone who is concerned about chronic inflammation or is experiencing persistent symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

A highly contagious gut infection that can spread during sex is becoming harder to treat as antibiotic-resistant strains become more common.

An April report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked nearly 17,000 shigella samples, which causes shigellosis that can bring on diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, collected between 2011 and 2023. 

In 2023, 8.5% of shigella samples with resistance data were classified as extensively drug-resistant, or XDR — resistant to all five antibiotics in the CDC’s definition — compared with none from 2011 to 2015.

The findings point to a growing resistance problem, not a surge in overall infections, noted Dr. Tyler Evans, a California-based infectious disease physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance.

HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS STOMACH BUG SPREADS FAST, HITTING CERTAIN PATIENTS HARDEST

"The infection is not surging. The bacteria are changing," Evans told Fox News Digital. "Case counts can hold steady while the treatment options quietly disappear."

There is no FDA-approved oral antibiotic for XDR shigella, he said.

Shigella bacteria can spread when tiny amounts of stool reach someone's mouth, including through contaminated food or water, unwashed hands or sexual activity.

DANGEROUS DRUG-RESISTANT FUNGUS SPREADS ACROSS US, REACHING 27 STATES

"Shigella is not considered to be a typical sexually transmitted infection," Dr. Andi Toufexis, a Texas-based family medicine physician who specializes in sexual health, told Fox News Digital. 

"However, this gastrointestinal bacteria can be spread through sex when one partner comes into contact with the other's fecal matter."

Shigella is not new, and sexual transmission has been documented since the 1970s, Toufexis said. What is changing is the growing share of tested samples classified as XDR.

MICHIGAN REPORTS 2 DEATHS IN RARE PARASITE OUTBREAK THAT HAS SICKENED MORE THAN 11,000

The CDC report found that most people with XDR shigella were adult men. Sexual exposure data were not routinely collected, so the report could not establish exactly how each infection was contracted. But previous research has found sexual contact among men who have sex with men as an important transmission route.

Eighty-six percent of XDR patients were men with a median age of 41, and of those with a known HIV status, nearly half were living with HIV, Evans noted. People experiencing homelessness and those with weakened immune systems may also face heightened risks, he said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Children younger than 5 are especially likely to get shigella, according to the CDC, and many outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to childcare and schools. Earlier U.S. outbreaks primarily affected children and involved strains that were susceptible to antibiotics.

According to the CDC report, 37.6% of patients with hospitalization data were hospitalized for the antibiotic-resistant infection. The CDC reported no deaths among the XDR cases analyzed and said infections may be undercounted because not all positive specimens were cultured or tested for resistance. Most patients with available travel histories reported no recent international travel, though travel information was missing for many.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Evans said Americans should be "concerned, not panicked" about the infection.

Most shigella infections resolve on their own, Toufexis added, but severe illness may need treatment.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and author of "The Perfect 10 Diet" and "The Ageless Revolution," urged people who suspect shigella to seek medical advice before taking antidiarrheal medicine such as Imodium. 

"You want to flush out the bacteria, you want to get it out of your system," Aziz told Fox News Digital.

To reduce the chance of infection, doctors recommend washing hands, genitals and the anal area before and after sex, using condoms or dental dams and cleaning sex toys after each use. If you or a partner has diarrhea, avoid sex and wait at least two weeks after symptoms end before resuming, Toufexis said.

"Feeling better does not always mean that an infection is completely gone," she said.