Author: Anish Desai
Most people who walk into my clinic apologetically say the same thing: “I think I’m just tired.” What follows is rarely ordinary fatigue. It is months of exhaustion that sleep does not fix, a body that feels heavy without reason and a mind that slows at the very moment clarity is needed. This condition is called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, medically termed Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. It is a recognised medical illness that affects multiple systems in the body. It is not a character flaw. It is not laziness. And it is not simply stress wearing a medical mask. The defining feature is…
India’s mental health conversation has entered a new era. In 2026, the discussion is no longer limited to awareness; it is about access, digital transformation, Gen Z vulnerability, AI-driven care, and the urgent need to bridge widening gaps. Mental health today is shaped by hyper-connectivity, academic and career competition, economic uncertainty, and constant digital comparison. At the same time, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and online platforms are reshaping how support is delivered. Latest Reality Check India recorded over 171,000 suicides in 2023, with a suicide rate of 12.4 per 100,000 population, the highest in decades. Young adults aged 15-29 represent a…
Artificial intelligence has entered Indian healthcare not with spectacle, but with consequence. It now reads scans in district hospitals, flags strokes within minutes, screens diabetic eyes in primary-care clinics and guides surgeons inside operating rooms. For patients, the change is no longer theoretical. It is measurable in time saved, errors avoided and disabilities prevented. India’s experience is increasingly being studied as a case of how to deploy medical AI at scale without surrendering human judgment. India is among the most demanding test beds for medical AI anywhere in the world. A population exceeding 140 crore, a rapid rise in non-communicable…
India is witnessing a marked rise in respiratory and lung diseases. This rise is being fuelled by recurrent seasonal viral outbreaks, persistently hazardous levels of air pollution, a substantial underlying burden of chronic respiratory disease, and the enduring pulmonary sequelae observed in patients recovering from COVID-19. This article explains the causes, warning signs, diagnosis, management and prevention of lung disease in clear, accessible language, supported by scientific evidence from Indian studies. Why Lung Diseases Are Increasing in India 1. A High Background Burden of Chronic Disease Indian data show that chronic respiratory illness already represents a substantial health burden. A…
What is Brain Fog? Brain fog is a common condition in which thinking feels slow, unclear, or mentally exhausting. In India, long working hours, chronic sleep deprivation, widespread nutritional deficiencies, rising diabetes, and post-viral fatigue have made brain fog increasingly prevalent across age groups. Brain fog refers to a cluster of cognitive symptoms that include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slowed thinking, mental fatigue, and problems with word retrieval. It is usually reversible and reflects functional rather than structural changes in brain function. Why does Brain Fog Occur? Brain fog occurs due to low-grade inflammation, reduced brain energy production, imbalance of neurotransmitters,…
Weight loss supplements occupy a booming corner of India’s wellness market, marketed as shortcuts in a country grappling with rising obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease. Yet the reality is more restrained than the advertising suggests. This patient-focused guide presents a clear, evidence-based account of what supplements can and cannot do for Indian patients, while keeping diet and lifestyle at the centre of long-term results. Why Weight Gain Hits Indians Harder Obesity in Indians behaves differently from that seen in many Western populations. Metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and fatty liver often appear at lower body…
Winter is associated with a seasonal rise in childhood illnesses due to cold temperatures, dry air, indoor crowding, and the development of immunity. Most winter illnesses are viral and self-limiting, but early recognition and appropriate care are essential to prevent complications. 1. MOST AFFECTED AGE GROUP: INFANTS, TODDLERS, PRESCHOOL CHILDREN Scientific background: The common cold is caused by respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses, RSV, adenoviruses, and seasonal coronaviruses. Cold air reduces nasal mucosal defence and mucociliary clearance, allowing viral entry. Symptoms: Runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, mild fever, irritability, and feeding difficulty in infants. Prevention: Hand hygiene, saline nasal…
As men grow older, changes in urinary habits are common. One of the most frequent reasons for these changes is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), popularly known as prostate enlargement. BPH is a non-cancerous condition and does not mean a man has prostate cancer. However, it can significantly affect daily comfort, sleep and quality of life if left untreated. Understanding BPH helps men recognise symptoms early and seek timely medical care. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most men can manage their symptoms effectively and continue to lead a normal life. What is the prostate? The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland…
Type 2 diabetes remission is defined as HbA1c <6.5% for at least 3 months without glucose-lowering medication. It is not considered a cure, as relapse can occur, and lifelong monitoring is required. Is Diabetes Reversal Possible? Clinical evidence shows that remission is achievable in a significant proportion of patients, especially when diabetes duration is short (<5–6 years), insulin is not required, and substantial weight loss is achieved. Indian populations demonstrate comparable remission rates when structured interventions are applied. Mechanism of Reversal Excess caloric intake leads to fat accumulation in the liver and pancreas, causing insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Weight…
India today faces a silent yet rapidly escalating obesity epidemic, unfolding alongside persistent undernutrition, creating a dual burden unique to many low and middle income countries. Obesity in India is not merely an aesthetic concern, it is a major clinical and public-health driver of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), infertility, osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea and several cancers. Crucially, this crisis is shaped far more by biology and environment than by individual failure. The Facts: India-Specific Reality According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019–21), approximately 24 per cent of Indian women and 23 per…
