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Published on: Dec 23, 2023
2 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

How Worried Should You Be About The JN.1 COVID-19 Variant?

As the JN.1 kind of COVID-19 spreads around the world, people are wondering how much it might affect us. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently called it a "variant of interest," making many pay attention. In this article, we'll talk about what we know about the JN.1 kind, look at how serious it might be, and understand more about COVID-19 in general.

Current Global Landscape:

Right now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is saying that the JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 is spreading a lot in many countries. They're still trying to figure out exactly how it might affect people's health. But for India, it seems like the impact is not so strong. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who used to be in charge of the Indian Council of Medical Research, says there's no clear evidence that this JN.1 variant is making people more sick or causing more deaths. So, for now, things seem to be okay in India.

Vaccine Efficacy:

It's important to know if the current COVID-19 vaccines work well against the JN.1 subvariant. According to Maria Van Kerkhove from the World Health Organization (WHO), all the approved vaccines still help protect against severe illness and death, including fighting off the JN.1 variant. The WHO also says that specific vaccines, like XBB.1.5, are probably good at working against the JN.1 subvariant.

Factors Heightening Concerns:

The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 is mostly mild, but there are important things to consider:

1. It spreads easily: The JN.1 variant quickly spreads in many places and becomes the main type of the virus in some countries.

2. It might avoid the immune system more: There's a chance the JN.1 variant could be better at escaping our immune defenses, depending on the people tested.

3. Winter brings extra risks: As winter comes, there's a worry that having both the JN.1 variant and other respiratory illnesses might make breathing problems worse.

When to Consider COVID-19 a Serious Concern:

Experts like Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya and healthcare professional Sabine Kapasi point out five signs that show COVID-19 is getting serious:

1. New Mutations and Clustering Cases: If new changes in the virus and many cases happen in one place.

2. Increased Severity: If the sickness becomes more serious.

3. Shift in Symptoms: If the signs of COVID-19 change.

4. Hospitalization Rates: If more people need to go to the hospital because of COVID-19.

5. Mortality Rates: If more people are passing away because of the virus.

Current Scenario in India:

Even though more people are getting COVID-19 due to the JN.1 variant, Health VK Paul from NITI Aayog says we don't need to panic. He wants everyone to know that in India, most people with the virus have mild symptoms like a cough and fever. It's important to understand that while more people are getting sick, it's not turning into a lot of serious illnesses right now.

Expert Recommendations:

Health experts say don't worry too much, and they appreciate the efforts of the Indian government in watching and controlling the virus. Some states and local leaders are advising people to be careful by wearing masks and avoiding going out too much, especially during festivals.

In summary, dealing with the JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant means we need to understand it well. Right now, it's important to pay attention and keep checking what's happening, but there's no need to get overly worried. To stay safe, make sure you know what's going on, follow the advice to stay healthy, and get vaccinated. As things change, researchers and people around the world working together will help us face the challenges of new virus versions.

Stay tuned for updates on JN.1 COVID-19. Stay informed and stay safe!

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Is Skipping Breakfast Harming Your Metabolism? Here’s What You Need to Know

Introduction

We've all heard the saying: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But in our fast-paced lives, skipping breakfast has become a common habit. Whether it's due to running late, following a weight-loss plan, or simply not feeling hungry, many people routinely skip their morning meal. But have you ever stopped to think — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind breakfast, its impact on metabolism, and whether missing this meal can actually do more harm than good.

What is Metabolism?

Before we dive into the breakfast debate, let’s first understand metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in your body that convert food into energy. This energy fuels every function in your body — from breathing and digesting to moving and thinking.

A healthy metabolism is essential for:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Proper digestion
Regulating body temperature
Hormonal balance
Cellular repair

Your metabolic rate — how fast your body burns calories — can be affected by age, genetics, physical activity, and diet.

The Role of Breakfast in Metabolism

Breakfast literally means "breaking the fast." After a night of sleep, your body has gone hours without food. Eating in the morning gives your metabolism a kickstart. It signals your body that it's time to get moving, burning calories and using energy.

Here’s how breakfast helps your metabolism:

Boosts metabolic activity early in the day.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Reduces the likelihood of overeating later.
Supports muscle mass and overall energy levels.
Helps in maintaining a healthy weight over time.

Skipping Breakfast: Common Reasons

People skip breakfast for several reasons:

Time constraints during busy mornings
Lack of appetite in the morning
Belief that skipping breakfast leads to weight loss
Following intermittent fasting diets

While skipping a meal occasionally isn’t dangerous, making it a regular habit can have long-term effects on your health and metabolism.

What Happens When You Skip Breakfast?

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter — is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?

Here's what science and experts suggest:

1. Slower Metabolism

When you skip breakfast, your body stays in "fasting mode" for longer. This may slow down your metabolism as the body tries to conserve energy.

2. Increased Cravings & Overeating

People who skip breakfast often report stronger hunger pangs later in the day. This can lead to overeating during lunch or snacking on unhealthy foods — both of which can negatively impact your metabolism.

3. Insulin Resistance

Skipping breakfast regularly may cause insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to process sugar. This increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, both of which are linked to a sluggish metabolism.

4. Poor Energy & Concentration

A lack of morning fuel can make you feel sluggish, tired, and unfocused. Low energy levels can lead to reduced physical activity, which also slows down metabolism.

5. Disrupted Hormonal Balance

Your hormones — especially those that control hunger and metabolism like cortisol, ghrelin, and insulin — get affected when you skip meals. This imbalance may reduce your body's metabolic efficiency.

What Do Studies Say?

Research offers mixed results. Some studies show that skipping breakfast is associated with weight gain and metabolic issues, while others say it depends on the person’s overall diet and lifestyle.

However, most nutritionists agree: a balanced breakfast supports metabolic health and can help in managing weight more effectively.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Boost Your Metabolism

If you’re convinced to bring back breakfast into your routine, here are a few healthy and metabolism-friendly options:

Oats with nuts and fruits
Greek yogurt with berries
Boiled eggs and whole grain toast
Smoothie with spinach, banana, and protein powder
Upma or poha with vegetables
Dalia or khichdi with ghee

These meals are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats — all of which keep you full and help your body burn calories more efficiently.

Tips to Never Skip Breakfast Again

Plan Ahead: Prep your breakfast the night before.
Keep It Simple: A banana and peanut butter toast is better than nothing.
Set an Alarm: Wake up 10 minutes early to make time for a quick meal.
Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, drinking water first thing in the morning can stimulate appetite.
Listen to Your Body: Eat when you're hungry, but don’t wait too long after waking up.

Conclusion

Skipping breakfast may seem like a harmless or even helpful habit, especially for those trying to lose weight or save time. However, over time, this can lead to reduced energy, poor concentration, increased cravings, and — most importantly — a sluggish metabolism.

So if you’re still asking yourself, "Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?", the answer is: very likely, yes.

Make time for a nutritious breakfast and give your body the healthy start it deserves. Your metabolism will thank you!

CTA:
Start your day right and give your body the fuel it needs — because “Is skipping breakfast harming your metabolism?” isn’t just a question; it’s a health wake-up call. Don’t skip it. Fix it!

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