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BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Extreme heat is starting to change the way we holiday
It was the summer of 2023, and Katie Piercefield-Holmes from Suffolk travelled to the Greek island of Rhodes with her husband and two children for a 10-day booked a room with air conditioning at a resort, intending to spend the time relaxing in the swimming pool and sightseeing – but this wasn't possible because of the searing heat. "Even after breakfast, a five-minute walk would be unbearable," she came the wildfires, which swept across the island. "With the heat from the wildfires, it felt over 40C," she all, some 19,000 people were evacuated from their homes or holiday accommodation in Rhodes that July. Pictures of tourists fleeing the island were splashed across newspaper front pages and one newlywed couple from Glasgow described it as like "being thrown into a disaster film". Katie's family was advised to evacuate their villa, but chose to stay, believing it would be experience has, she says, changed the way she and her family have holidayed for good. The summer heatwave of 2023 gripped much of Europe, particularly countries around the Mediterranean including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Cyprus. Temperatures reached 40-45C by day in some regions. In all, there were more than 47,000 heat-related deaths throughout Europe in 2023, according to the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) – most were in southern previous year had also seen multiple heatwaves across Europe, including the first recording of 40C in the UK. More than 68,000 people died on the continent, according to the 2024 season in Europe wasn't as extreme, scientists are clear that human-induced climate change is leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves around the along with this change in summer weather comes other changes too. In all, 81% of Europeans say they have tweaked their holiday plans because of factors related to climate change, according to a report published in April by the European Travel Commission (ETC).Almost a third are choosing destinations where the weather is Piercefield-Holmes is among them. She has returned to Greece with her family since 2023, but only during the cooler months of October and May - during the summer, the family still travel but take a different approach. "We go [somewhere] where it isn't as hot and can plan different activities like hiking and sightseeing," she family are not along. Simon Calder, a journalist and broadcaster on BBC's The Travel Show, says that a number of travel agents have observed some families choosing to take their main holiday over Easter, rather than during the summer. And this could well be a growing trend: Bas Amelung, a professor in environmental systems analysis at Wageningen University, says that certain parts of Europe might become too hot for many in the future. "Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," he he also believes that even if temperatures don't go up much in the short term, the perception may still stick."People take decisions based on their perceptions," he explains. "So if a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season."Which all begs the question, what does that mean for holiday resorts across the Mediterranean, in particular those that have come to rely on summer tourism trade? And if the idea of "high season" changes, what does that mean for the tradition of a seaside summer holiday? Extreme weather in the Med It's not just heatwaves - climate change is affecting tourism in other ways level rises are projected to increase by around 0.8-0.9m by 2100. This could lead to a long-term threat to some beachside resorts, including a number in the Caribbean, which are typically less than 1m above current sea islands, meanwhile, are vulnerable to storm surges – these could also be threatened by rising sea levels, as well as changing weather patterns. Cyclones in the region could become more intense too, according to Australia's Bureau of is Europe, though, that will most affect British holidaymakers. Currently it is their top destination - and according to the World Meteorological Organisation, Europe is also the fastest-warming continent on Earth. Beaches, in particular, could be at risk. One study suggests that a fifth of the sandy coastline of the Mediterranean could face severe loss by 2050, under the middle of the IPCC's five climate projections Italy and the Iberian peninsula are also identified as being at high risk due to climate Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told a cabinet meeting in 2023: "We are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, and we know that things will probably get worse, not better, with higher temperatures, more drought and strong winds." The resorts that are adapting Already, there are some small signs that indicate more people are holidaying outside the traditional peak season. In all, 8% fewer people plan to travel to the Mediterranean this summer compared to last year, according to Teodora Marinska, chief operating officer of the more people appear to be travelling to the region outside the traditional months: Greece saw a 20% increase in spring tourism in 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, according to analysts from the National Bank of foreign arrivals to Spain exceeded 10 million in January and February of 2025 – almost a 20% increase versus 2019 levels."These are increases on small numbers, because these nations are usually quite empty in the winter, but we can already see that the growth is concentrated there," explains Ms has been welcomed by authorities in some places. "We've seen destinations increasing investment in connectivity in the winter months – for instance, adding flights to the winter schedule."Rather than destinations emptying out in the summer months, Ms Marinska sees it as more a levelling of the peak to a gentle curve – which could boost economies of tourist hotspots, instead of damaging them."Tourist boards have been investing heavily in fighting the seasonality trend, not only because of overtourism, but because it's much more sustainable for a hotel to stay open all year round [and] jobs are more stable," she example the German highland region of Spessart, in Bavaria and Hesse, is shifting its focus to year-round tourism by developing new trails and promoting activities such as hiking, biking and wellness. Certain places on the Med popular with tourists are also starting to adapt what they offer."Countries, such as Spain, are starting to wake up to the consequences of climate change and the reality of the need to adapt," says Prof Amelung. "Things are starting to change slowly, but surely."A number of towns are, for example, offer evening markets and indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Mr Calder recalls going on a walking tour of the Italian Adriatic city of Grado that began at in some areas there are cost implications. In 2024, Greece replaced its accommodation tax with a new "climate crisis resilience tax" that aims to support rebuilding efforts after climate related disasters. It means that for a week's holiday in Greece between April and October, travellers could be charged up to £88 extra per room. From staycations to summers in Scandinavia All of this could lead to some new patterns in the way people spend their vacations - and where they go. Staycations, for example, could become even more popular. More than half of UK holidaymakers say they are likely to choose to holiday at home rather than abroad for climate-related reasons, according to 2024 research by Mintel. Some 28% say warmer UK temperatures are encouraging them to take domestic remains to be seen is how this could affect the price tag. "A significant shift in holiday habits could push up the cost of a domestic holiday," says Mr Calder. "If more people decide to stay in the UK, and others come to Britain because it is more climatically appealing, the rise in demand would trigger price increases. But there are always locations where you can get reasonable deals." Industry experts have also noticed a growing trend of holidaymakers choosing different, less traditional destinations in Europe too for their summer breaks."There is an increased emphasis on travel to northern destinations, with more routes to Iceland, Norway and Finland than ever… spreading tourism more evenly," according to Mr Calder."Destinations such as Scandinavia that weren't hugely popular in the past are also becoming a bit more fashionable due to Instagram trends," agrees Sean Tipton of the Association of British Travel Agents.A number of alternative European beach destinations are becoming more popular: places like Albania, Montenegro or Bulgaria are growing at a much faster pace than traditional destinations, observes Ms Marinska."The beach holiday is still by far the more popular type," she stresses. "But there's a shift in behaviour, and people are choosing different destinations for their beach holidays." The school holidays factor Although many experts are predicting that holiday patterns will shift, it doesn't appear to be happening on a large scale. And, there are limits to these shifts. While certain groups can be more flexible about when they holiday, such as retirees or those without young children, this may not be possible for those with children of school age who want to break up the long summer period, points out Prof some people I spoke to who have been caught up in extreme situations on holiday aren't deterred from seeking out sunnier climes during the summer. Daniel Rolfe, who was on honeymoon in Rhodes during the 2023 wildfires, is one of them. "We wouldn't necessarily change holiday plans or habits because of climate change and hot weather [but] we'd look at how likely wildfires might be before going anywhere".But, warns Prof Amelung, if there are many more very hot summers, holiday patterns may yet change."If we have major heatwaves and wildfires all across the Med in three or four out of the next five summers, this may well be a tipping point in public perception, going from 'the Mediterranean climate is ideal for summer holidays' to 'the Mediterranean is just unbearably hot in summer; let's go somewhere else'." Top picture credit: Mizina/ Getty Images BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health experts issue stark warning about a disease that's silently killing millions: Are you at risk?
Global health experts are urgently calling for increased awareness and early detection of chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH, which silently affect millions worldwide. A recent meeting in Barcelona highlighted the need for improved diagnostic rates, person-centered care, and concrete actions like routine screening to combat the growing public health threat. A silent health crisis is sweeping across the globe, affecting millions, yet most people are unaware whether they have it. Now, leading health experts are calling for immediate action, warning that without early detection and a shift in medical priorities, the consequences could be devastating. Chronic liver disease is growing silently, and the experts have warned about the urgent need to improve detection to prevent its impact globally. In a global meeting held in Barcelona, Spain earlier this week (Jun 2025), 100 international experts issued a stark warning: millions of people will continue to go unseen by healthcare systems unless early detection and person-centred care for liver disease are prioritised without delay. The article is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe . A common but silent disease Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects around 33% of adults across the world. Its more aggressive form - metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), affects an estimated 5% of the general population. Those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or other cardiometabolic risk factors are at significantly higher risk. What increases the severity of MASH is that, it often shows no symptoms, until it reaches an advanced stage, where it can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. What are the experts saying The leading hepatology and metabolic health experts have urged the healthcare systems to double the MASH diagnosis rate by 2027, because this advanced disease affects millions silently, yet is rarely detected early. Lack of early detection worsens outcomes and also increases the healthcare burden globally. The experts have emphasized about using non-invasive tools and AI-based technologies to identify at-risk patients in primary care. They also noted that effective treatments must go hand in hand with better diagnosis. They also proposed that concrete actions such as routine screening for at-risk groups, integrating liver testing into regular health check-ups, updating reimbursement policies, and fostering collaboration across primary care, endocrinology, cardiology, and patient organisations, should be taken to eliminate the growing public threat by 2030. 'The future of the fight against MASH lies in anticipation: not only treating advanced patients but also identifying those without fibrosis early on. This shift towards preventive hepatology is key to improving the metabolic health of millions around the world,' Jeffrey Lazarus, Head of the Public Health Liver Group at ISGlobal, and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Need for a new perspective At the same time, over 40 experts have released the People-First Liver Charter in Nature Medicine , calling for a change in how we talk about and treat liver disease. They emphasized the need to end the stigma that often delays diagnosis and care. The Charter urges using respectful, person-first language and care that focuses on the patient, not just the disease. This shift is meant to increase empathy, reduce unfair treatment, and support global efforts to use more inclusive terms for liver diseases. Over 70 organisations have backed this initiative. Chronic liver disease rising in Spain Fatty liver A policy brief on Spain presented during the meeting revealed alarming trends. Approximately eight million people in Spain were living with MASLD in 2021. This is expected to increase to 12.7 million (27.6% of the population) by 2030. An estimated 1.8 million cases of MASH were reported in 2016. MASH-related mortality is expected to double, reaching around 7,590 by 2030. The healthcare burden could become more than double, from $1.48 billion in 2021 to $3.5 billion in 2040. 'We recommend a national strategy led by the Ministry of Health and in close collaboration with all autonomous communities that includes a MASLD registry, its inclusion in key health indicators, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, automated diagnosis in primary care, and strengthened community-based services,' Lazarus warned. 7 Ways to check for fatty liver at home Despite affecting more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, chronic liver diseases remain largely excluded from global non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies. As the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is set to take place in Sep. 2025, the experts have urged for immediate action. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 2 key eating habits to trigger weight loss revealed – and you don't even need to change what you eat
Katrina Turrill Published: Invalid Date, THE key to weight loss might not be what you eat, but in fact WHEN you eat. When you eat breakfast and dinner could lead to a healthier body weight over time, say scientists. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) found eating breakfast early and extending your overnight fast by also eating dinner early can help you keep your weight in check. The study tracked more than 7,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 65. Back in 2018, they answered detailed questions about their diet, lifestyle, meal times, and body measurements. Five years later, more than 3,000 of them returned for a follow-up to provide updated health information. 'Our results, in line with other recent studies, suggest that extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and an early breakfast, explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, researcher at ISGlobal at the time of the study. "We think this may be because eating earlier in the day is more in line with circadian rhythms and allows for better calorie burning and appetite regulation, which can help maintain a healthy weight. "However, it is too soon to draw definitive conclusions, so recommendations will have to wait for more robust evidence." The researchers found notable differences when looking at the data by gender. On average, women had lower BMIs than men and were more likely to follow the Mediterranean diet - a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasising plant-based foods and healthy fats, and recommended for its health benefits. They also tended to drink less alcohol and take on more household or care giving responsibilities. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry Restricting your eating window to a specific time each day or week and abstaining from food for the rest of the time is known as intermittent fasting. Emerging evidence suggests it goes beyond weight loss, offering potential benefits for metabolic health, athletic performance, and even slowing the progression of certain diseases. But fasting and skipping breakfast could have a detrimental impact on health. Looking at the results of their analysis, the researchers were struck by a small group of men whose first meal of the day was after 2pm and who, on average, fasted for 17 hours. Compared to other participants, this group of men tended to have less healthy lifestyles (were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, do less physical activity, and had less adherence to the Mediterranean diet). 'There are different ways of practising what is known as 'intermittent fasting' and our study relates to one of them, which is overnight fasting, says Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author of the study. "What we observed in a subgroup of men who do intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast is that this practice has no effect on body weight. "Other intervention studies in participants with obesity have shown that this tactic is no more effective than reducing calorie intake in reducing body weight in the long term." When practising intermittent fasting, remember to prioritise staying hydrated, choose a suitable approach for your lifestyle, and focus on healthy eating during your eating window. Consider starting with a 12-hour fast and gradually increasing the duration as needed. It's also important to be mindful of potential side effects like fatigue and dizziness, and to consult with a doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. What are the health benefits of fasting? Weight loss Fasting can promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and potentially increasing fat burning. Improved blood sugar control Fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes Fasting can alter metabolic processes, making the body more efficient at utilising fuel and potentially improving lipid profiles (cholesterol). Improved cognitive function Some studies suggest that fasting may enhance cognitive function, learning, memory, and alertness. Neuroprotective effects Fasting has been linked to neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Potential for increased longevity Research suggests that fasting may be associated with increased lifespan and a delay in age-related diseases. Heart health Fasting may positively impact heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular function. Improved gut health Fasting can influence gut microbiota, potentially improving gut health and immunity.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Study links early breakfast and fasting to lower BMI in middle-aged adults
The research indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. PHOTO: SCITECH DAILY Listen to article The timing of meals — not just their content — could play a significant role in maintaining a healthy body weight, according to a new five-year study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). Researchers found that middle-aged adults who ate breakfast early and extended their overnight fasting period tended to have lower Body Mass Indexes (BMIs). The findings, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, are part of a growing field known as chrononutrition, which explores how eating schedules align with the body's natural circadian rhythms. The study tracked over 7,000 adults aged 40 to 65, all part of the GCAT | Genomes for Life project in Spain. Participants first provided information on diet, lifestyle, and meal timing in 2018. After five years, more than 3,000 returned for a follow-up with updated health data. The results indicated that those who started their day with an early breakfast and had a longer overnight fast generally had lower BMIs. 'Extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and breakfast,' explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, an ISGlobal researcher at the time of the study. 'This may align better with circadian rhythms and support appetite regulation and energy expenditure.' The study also found significant gender-based patterns. On average, women had lower BMIs, consumed healthier diets, and drank less alcohol, though they reported worse mental health. Women were also more likely to take on caregiving and domestic responsibilities. In contrast, a small subgroup of men who delayed their first meal until after 14:00 — effectively skipping breakfast and fasting for around 17 hours — exhibited less healthy behaviours. These included higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, lower physical activity, and poorer diet quality. This group also had lower educational levels and higher unemployment rates. 'These men practiced a form of intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast, but we found no association between that habit and improved weight outcomes,' said Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author. 'Other studies in people with obesity have shown similar findings — skipping breakfast isn't necessarily an effective weight-loss tool.' The research adds to ISGlobal's growing body of work in chrononutrition. Previous studies have linked early dinner and breakfast habits with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. 'Chrononutrition looks at not just what we eat, but when and how often,' said Anna Palomar-Cros, who co-authored the study. 'Disrupting eating patterns can conflict with the circadian system — the body's internal clock — potentially affecting weight, metabolism, and overall health.' While the study suggests a potential link between meal timing and body weight, researchers caution that more evidence is needed before making broad dietary recommendations. Nonetheless, the findings underscore the importance of aligning eating habits with the body's natural rhythms to support long-term health.
Gizmodo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Lung Power Peaks in Our 20s—and It's a Steady Decline From There, Study Finds
Our lungs may start to lose their steam earlier in life than we thought. Research out today suggests that lung function tends to peak in young adulthood and only gets worse from there. Scientists at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) led the study, published Thursday in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. After analyzing data from earlier population studies, the researchers found that peak lung function is usually reached by our early 20s and—contrary to current wisdom—continues to steadily decline as we age. According to lead author Judith Garcia-Aymerich, co-director of the Environment and Health over the Life Course program at ISGlobal, it's been assumed that our lungs follow a specific trajectory: they gradually get stronger until our mid-20s, reach a steady plateau over the next few decades, then decline as we reach middle age. But this assumption was based on studies that only examined lung function at certain time periods, rather than over the course of an entire life. To bridge this knowledge gap, Garcia-Aymerich's team combined and analyzed data from eight different population studies in Europe and Australia. These studies collectively involved around 30,000 people from the ages of four to 82, and lung function was measured through forced spirometry, a test where people blow out as much air as possible after taking a deep breath. The researchers first identified two broad stages of lung development: a phase of rapid growth in early childhood, followed by slower, steady growth through the early 20s. On average, this peak was reached around age 20 for women and age 23 for men. Unlike other research, they failed to find any evidence of a steady period of lung function following this peak. 'Previous models suggested a plateau phase until the age of 40, but our data show that lung function starts to decline much earlier than previously thought, immediately after the peak,' said Garcia-Aymerich in a statement released by ISGlobal. The findings, somber as they are, might help improve how respiratory health is tracked and maintained, the researchers say. They found that certain risk factors for poor lung health, such as asthma and smoking, might affect lung function a bit differently than suspected, for instance. Chronic asthma appears to weaken lung health at an early age, a weakness that then persists throughout a person's life. Smoking, on the other hand, seems to rapidly worsen a person's lungs starting in the mid-30s. Equipped with this knowledge, it might be possible to intervene early on, the researchers say. 'Early detection of low lung function may allow interventions to prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood,' said Garcia-Aymerich. While our lungs might not stay in tip-top shape as long as hoped, there are things most anyone can do to keep them as healthy as possible, such as regular physical exercise.
