Gardening can help reduce cancer risk, boost mental health: Study
Funded by the American Cancer Society, the first-ever, randomized, controlled trial of community gardening found that those who started gardening ate more fiber and got more physical activity
While getting more exercise, eating right, and making new friends are all good habits, new CU Boulder research suggests the addition of gardening can have a powerful impact.
Funded by the American Cancer Society, the first-ever, randomized, controlled trial of community gardening found that those who started gardening ate more fiber and got more physical activity--two known ways to reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases. They also saw their levels of stress and anxiety significantly decrease. The findings were published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health.
"These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases, and mental health disorders," said senior author Jill Litt, a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder.
Filling the research gap
Litt has spent much of her career seeking to identify affordable, scalable, and sustainable ways to reduce disease risk, especially among low-income communities.
Gardening seemed an ideal place to start.
"No matter where you go, people say there's just something about gardening that makes them feel better," said Litt, who is also a researcher with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.
But solid science on its benefits is hard to come by. Without evidence, it's hard to get support for new programs, she said.
Some small observational studies have found that people who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and have a healthier weight. But it has been unclear whether healthier people just tend to garden or whether gardening influences health.
Only three studies have applied the gold standard of scientific research, the randomized controlled trial, to the pastime. None have looked specifically at community gardening.
To fill the gap, Litt recruited 291 non-gardening adults, an average age of 41, from the Denver area. More than a third were Hispanic and more than half came from low-income households.
After the last spring frost, half were assigned to the community gardening group and half to a control group that was asked to wait one year to start gardening.
The gardening group received a free community garden plot, some seeds and seedlings, and an introductory gardening course through the nonprofit Denver Urban Gardens program and a study partner.
Both groups took periodic surveys about their nutritional intake and mental health, underwent body measurements, and wore activity monitors.
A fibre boost
By fall, those in the gardening group were eating, on average, 1.4 grams more fibre per day than the control group--an increase of about 7 per cent.
The authors note that fibre exerts a profound effect on inflammatory and immune responses, influencing everything from how we metabolize food to how healthy our gut microbiome is to how susceptible we are to diabetes and certain cancers.
While doctors recommend about 25 to 38 grams of fibre per day, the average adult consumes less than 16 grams.
"An increase of one gram of fibre can have large, positive effects on health," said co-author James Hebert, director of the University of South Carolina's cancer prevention and control program.
The gardening group also increased their physical activity levels by about 42 minutes per week. Public health agencies recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, a recommendation only a quarter of the U.S. population meets. With just two to three visits to the community garden weekly, participants met 28 per cent of that requirement.
Study participants also saw their stress and anxiety levels decrease, with those who came into the study most stressed and anxious seeing the greatest reduction in mental health issues.
The study also confirmed that even novice gardeners can reap measurable health benefits of the pastime in their first season. As they have more experience and enjoy greater yields, Litt suspects such benefits will increase.
Blooming relationships
The study results don't surprise Linda Appel Lipsius, executive director of Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), a 43-year-old nonprofit that helps about 18,000 people each year grow their own food in community garden plots.
"It's transformational, even life-saving, for so many people," Lipsius said.
Many DUG participants live in areas where access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables is otherwise extremely limited. Some are low-income immigrants now living in apartments--having a garden plot allows them to grow food from their home country and pass on traditional recipes to their family and neighbours.
The social connection is also huge.
"Even if you come to the garden looking to grow your food on your own in a quiet place, you start to look at your neighbour's plot and share techniques and recipes, and over time relationships bloom," said Litt, noting that while gardening alone is good for you, gardening in the community may have additional benefits. "It's not just about the fruits and vegetables. It's also about being in a natural space outdoors together with others."
Litt said she hopes the findings will encourage health professionals, policymakers and land planners to look to community gardens, and other spaces that encourage people to come together in nature, as a vital part of the public health system. The evidence is clear, she said.
Almost 600 premature deaths are expected to occur during the ongoing heatwave affecting England and Wales, according to a new rapid analysis by leading scientists. The majority of fatalities are projected among older adults, with London and the West Midlands likely to be the worst-affected areas.
Climate change driving deadly temperatures
Researchers say the extreme temperatures, which have reached 32°C in parts of south-east England, would have been nearly impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change. Pollution from burning fossil fuels has raised the likelihood of such heatwaves by around 100 times, experts say.
The scientists estimate that human activity has increased the temperatures experienced during this heatwave by 2°C to 4°C, pushing the mercury beyond safe levels for many, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr Garyfallos Konstantinoudis from Imperial College London, who helped conduct the analysis, said: “Heatwaves are silent killers – people who lose their lives in them typically have pre-existing health conditions and rarely have heat listed as a contributing cause of death. This real-time analysis reveals the hidden toll of heatwaves, and we want it to help raise the alarm.”
Deaths concentrated among older adults
The analysis, based on decades of UK temperature and mortality data across more than 34,000 locations in England and Wales, projects around 570 excess deaths between Thursday and Sunday. Of these, approximately 129 are expected in London. Scientists believe the figure may be underestimated, as early summer heatwaves often catch people unprepared.
Around 85% of the projected deaths are likely to involve people over the age of 65, who are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Other at-risk groups include infants, pregnant individuals, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Dr Malcolm Mistry from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), who contributed to the study, warned: “Exposure to temperatures in the high 20s or low 30s may not seem dangerous, but they can be fatal, particularly for people aged over 65, infants, pregnant people, and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Health and emergency services under pressure
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert on Thursday, which is set to remain in effect until 9 am on Monday. The warning highlights a risk of increased deaths and severe impacts on health and social care systems.
Medical professionals have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses. Dr Lorna Powell, an urgent care doctor in East London, said: “We are seeing cases of heat exhaustion rising. It can quickly trigger more serious illnesses, as dehydration sets in and the cardiovascular system becomes overwhelmed.”
The UKHSA advises people to stay out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, drink plenty of fluids, keep indoor spaces cool, and check in on vulnerable neighbours and family members. Data from a recent study indicates that approximately 80% of UK homes overheat during summer, further exacerbating health risks for residents.
Urban areas face greater risk
City dwellers, especially those in poorly ventilated flats, face higher health risks during heatwaves. Heat becomes trapped in buildings, leading to prolonged exposure, especially at night when outdoor temperatures remain high.
Professor Antonio Gasparrini of LSHTM, another contributor to the analysis, said: “When temperatures push past the limits populations are acclimatised to, excess deaths can increase very rapidly. Every fraction of a degree of warming will cause more hospital admissions and heat deaths, putting more strain on the NHS.”
Poor preparedness criticised
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 10,000 people died in the UK due to heatwaves, according to UKHSA data. Yet in April 2025, the government’s climate advisers criticised the UK’s readiness to deal with extreme heat, calling preparations “inadequate, piecemeal and disjointed”.
Despite growing awareness of climate-related risks, systemic changes to improve resilience, such as retrofitting homes and bolstering healthcare capacity, have been limited.
Government removes barriers to home EV chargers
As part of broader environmental measures, the UK government recently eliminated the requirement for planning permission to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at homes and businesses. This change is estimated to save an average of £1,100 per installation, according to the Department for Transport, and may aid the shift to low-carbon transport. While unrelated to heatwave policy, the move reflects the government’s push for green infrastructure.
Air quality worsens amid heat
Alongside the heat, a spike in air pollution has raised additional concerns. London has been issued a high ozone pollution alert, with people suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma advised to avoid outdoor exercise.
Heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense
Global data shows that extreme heat causes more deaths than floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes. According to insurer Swiss Re, heatwaves are responsible for about 500,000 deaths globally each year. “Extreme heat events are more dangerous than natural catastrophes in terms of human lives lost, yet the true cost is only starting to come to light,” said Nina Arquint, chief executive of corporate solutions at Swiss Re.
In 2024, the planet recorded its hottest year on record, driven by climate change and rising emissions. Carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuels continue to increase, pushing the world closer to dangerous temperature thresholds.
A recent report by the UK Climate Change Committee estimates that if global temperatures rise by 2°C above pre-industrial levels, annual heat-related deaths in the UK could exceed 10,000 by 2050.
The scientists behind the current analysis hope that quantifying the hidden human cost of heatwaves will prompt more urgent action to reduce emissions and prepare the UK for a hotter future.
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In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity
AS Pride Month sweeps across the world in a blaze of colour, protest and celebration, one Indian voice continues to rise with unwavering authenticity. Ella D’Verma is reshaping narratives as a transgender model, fearless LGBTQ+ advocate and digital content creator with a powerful global following.
In a world still catching up with the truths of trans identity, her visibility has become vital – the embodiment of pride in action. In this exclusive conversation with Eastern Eye, she speaks about her journey, the importance of visibility, self-expression, navigating the fashion industry as a trans model, representation, and her vision for the future.
Pride is about honouring those who came before us and ensuring our stories are not lostInstagram / elladverma
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Given the struggles and hardships the LGBTQ+ community has faced, it is only fair that we take this time to honour our stories. For me, the best part of Pride is the conversations and representation it brings. Even if
it is sometimes reduced to marketing or tokenism, the community is being acknowledged. That visibility helps those who may not have the courage to come out yet feel represented. Pride is about honouring those who came before us and ensuring our stories are not lost.
How did lockdown influence your decision to embrace your identity and share it publicly?
Those were difficult times for everyone, but I was fortunate to have my family around and healthy. Lockdown made me realise the fragility of life. It helped me understand that I no longer wanted to live a lie. Being at home kept me away from school, relatives and opinions – that gave me the space to start expressing myself on social media.
Lockdown made me realise the fragility of lifeInstagram / elladverma
Was there a pivotal moment when you realised the importance of being visible and authentic?
The arts were my escape. Whenever I got on stage, I told myself I was good at what I did, even if I was being bullied or felt uncomfortable at home. But one day, the discomfort with myself became overwhelming – I got on stage and forgot my lines. That had never happened to me before. In that moment, it hit me that hiding my identity was costing me too much. That was the moment I came out to my mum.
What challenges have you faced in the fashion industry as a trans model?
Honestly, a lot of garments are not designed for the average cisgender woman, let alone a transgender woman. With my body type, it is often difficult to find clothes that fit well or make me feel comfortable. It has been a journey of accepting that my body is different and not everyone caters to it. I have had to embrace that as part of my story.
How have you learnt to navigate that space?
It is about trusting yourself, knowing your body and what suits it. I have learnt to speak up when something is not working, whether it is makeup or styling. I know what enhances my features, and that confidence makes a shoot successful. Over time, I have stopped mincing words on set. Feeling confident in how I look is 90 per cent of the job.
How do you feel about being recognised as a model who is transgender versus being labelled a transgender model?
My identity is not something I hide or feel ashamed of – I take pride in it. But I am also aware that it is sacred. I do not feel the need to bring it up unless it is relevant. If a job or campaign centres on that identity, I am happy to speak about it. But when my gender is unnecessarily
highlighted, I draw the line. I am a model who happens to be transgender, not a “transgender model”. Orientation should never come before occupation.
You cannot make meaningful change without representation in mainstream mediaInstagram / elladverma
What can the fashion and content industries do to better support transgender individuals?
Ideally, we need new rules and inclusive product design. But realistically, the most important first step is representation. You cannot make meaningful change without representation in mainstream media. That is how you create space, shift narratives, and make inclusion more than a trend.
How do you take care of your mental well-being in the face of challenges like rejection?
It is an ongoing process – none of us is immune to the pain of rejection. But it is about reminding yourself that your worth does not lie in booking a show, securing a deal, or finding a partner. You are whole in yourself, not in your achievements.
How do you hope transgender representation evolves in the future?
Representation is improving, but often it is still tied to a sense of shock, as if having a trans character is automatically a plot point. What I would love to see is
trans stories being told as simply human stories, not with a “transgender” label attached. The long-term goal is for trans identities to be treated as standard, not sensationalised.
Instagram: @elladverma
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'The Lancet' and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025
A new weight-loss drug, amycretin, has delivered the most significant results yet for appetite-suppressing GLP-1 medications, according to two newly published studies in The Lancet and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Record weight loss from Amycretin injections
Researchers found that participants receiving high-dose weekly injections of amycretin lost 24.3 per cent of their body weight over 36 weeks. This outcome surpasses the results seen in longer trials involving other GLP-1 drugs such as tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro), which previously led the field with an average weight loss of 20 per cent over 72 weeks.
Amycretin, developed by Novo Nordisk, the same pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy and the Type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic, works by targeting both the GLP-1 and amylin receptors. These receptors help control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.
Strong results for oral version
In addition to the injectable form, a parallel study explored amycretin in tablet form. Conducted over 12 weeks and involving 144 adults, the trial showed those on the highest daily dose (100mg) lost 13.1 per cent of their body weight – a substantial result for an oral medication over such a short period.
Both studies also reported improvements in metabolic and glycaemic health. The authors wrote that amycretin “effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity”. They called for longer and larger trials to assess long-term safety and optimise the dosing regimen.
Pills could overtake jabs in the future
While the injectable version delivered record weight loss, the promising results from the pill suggest oral treatments could soon rival or even surpass jabs in convenience and effectiveness.
Health experts have described the development of an effective pill as a potential “game-changer” in tackling obesity. Professor Jason Halford, former president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: “They will be easier to produce, store and use, and this should mean they could become more widely available. That would produce a significant impact on the nation’s health.”
Limited NHS rollout as private demand surges
Obesity remains a major issue in the UK, with around two in three adults considered overweight or obese. The NHS is set to begin prescribing GLP-1 injections from late June 2025, although the initial rollout will be limited. Around 220,000 people are expected to be treated through the NHS within the next three years.
Eligibility criteria are strict, covering only the most obese patients with at least four chronic health conditions linked to excess weight. Meanwhile, private use of these medications has surged, with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK having already purchased jabs like Wegovy.
Wegovy also shows promise at higher doses
Separately, another study presented at the ADA meeting focused on Wegovy (semaglutide), examining the effects of a higher weekly dose of 7.2mg. This led to average weight loss of 20.7 per cent over 72 weeks, up from 13.7 per cent at the standard dose used in earlier trials.
As competition intensifies in the weight-loss drug market, amycretin’s early results, particularly in tablet form, suggest it could play a major role in the future of obesity treatment.
I recently joined the incredible team at the Asian Sports Foundation. It is an honour to work alongside passionate individuals such as Shazia Ali, Harleen Kaur and Angus Martin. Since it was founded by Jug Johal, the Asian Sports Foundation has worked to transform inactivity into active living, promoting better wellbeing and greater representation of Asian communities in sport and physical activity.
This is a cause close to my heart. The undeniable power of sport and movement to improve both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. It is a message I have consistently championed, alongside a commitment to equity and inclusion, which is why I am so excited to contribute to a charity that truly embodies this ethos.
In recent weeks, my conversations with Parkinson’s UK and various Asian community groups about boosting wellbeing through activity have shed light on a critical issue: Parkinson’s is on the rise, yet awareness and support remain limited, especially within South Asian communities. The stories I have heard have been deeply moving and point to a pressing need for change.
One person told me about their family’s experience. “We didn’t know much about Parkinson’s at the time,”
They said – a sentiment echoed by many. There is little information about the condition within the community, and it is often shrouded in stigma. In some circles, it is even viewed as a ‘curse’. The diagnosis came as a devastating blow. “We were shocked. All our dreams and plans to see the world came crashing down.” Their honesty reflects the profound emotional impact and isolation many families face.
For those unfamiliar, Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms – ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety – and no known cure, the challenges are immense. But staying active and connected can make a real difference.
Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain conditionInstagram/ itsmitamistry
This is where organisations like Parkinson’s UK are so vital. They support people at every stage of the Parkinson’s journey, and their efforts to raise awareness in marginalised and ethnic communities are commendable. Their work builds on a strong foundation, which includes local events, essential support services and a pioneering Race Equality in Research programme, aimed at improving understanding and treatment across all communities.
My aim – and a key focus for the Asian Sports Foundation – is to amplify these efforts through inclusive, impactful programmes. We want to act as a bridge, connecting communities with the support and information they need. If you or someone you know is
experiencing symptoms, please know that you are not alone. The journey can be overwhelming, but there are people who care and resources that can help.
I would genuinely love to hear from you. Share your experiences, tell me how we can help, and if you are part of a grassroots community group, let us work together to break the silence and build a more informed, supportive environment for all.
Whoever said you need moonlight to find magic clearly has not stepped onto the spectacular, LED-lit dance floor at this daytime Bollywood bonanza.
From the moment the doors opened at Popworld in London, Bollyday fizzed with the kind of unfiltered joy usually reserved for weddings or late-night parties – except here, you still get home in time for a proper night’s sleep (and Sunday roast prep).
The 4pm to 9pm window is sheer genius. No frantic dash for the last tube, no overpriced taxis, and no bleary-eyed ‘never again’ mantra the next morning.
Parents can drop in after football practice, dog owners can pop out without fretting about late-night walks, and early-rising professionals can toast the weekend without sacrificing their productivity.
Daytime parties are not new – but Bollyday bottles the concept, shakes it with Bollywood sparkle, and serves it ice cold.
If British Asian DJ royalty had a throne, Shai Guy would be polishing the crown. His reputation precedes him – yet he still managed to overdeliver.
He slid through an eclectic mix of 70s and 80s disco-era anthems, noughties earworms and today’s stadium-shaking hits.
Just when you thought you had the set figured out, he dropped slick western house cuts and Afrobeat flourishes that sent hands skyward.
Bollyday
The dance floor never emptied – not once. Even the self-confessed two-left-feet brigade found themselves belting out choruses they did not know they knew.
Cross-generational Bollywood adventurers shared the space in perfect, sweat-soaked harmony.
It is rare to see Gen Z TikTokers trading moves with aunties reliving their early 90s bhangra gig glory – but Bollyday makes that collision feel entirely natural.
Non-Asian guests turned up out of curiosity and left draped in imaginary chiffon, convinced they had stumbled onto the set of a Karan Johar epic.
Set in the heart of London, the venue is as convenient as it is atmospheric.
The retro-futuristic dance floor glowed underfoot – think Saturday Night Fever meets Dil Dhadakne Do.
Scenic photo ops were practically compulsory; birthday crews made full use, balloons in tow.
British Asian nights out have come a long way since the daytime bhangra circuits of the 80s and 90s.
Bollyday is the next leap: an inclusive, wellness-friendly, rhythm-heavy celebration that proves you do not need darkness to turn up the heat.
With the mental health benefits of dancing well documented, this matinee rave feels as good for the soul as it does for the step count.
Bollyday
Uniqueness, practicality, cross-generational appeal and a stellar soundtrack make Bollyday an instant classic – expect copycats soon.
But for now, mark your diaries: the next Bollyday returns to London on Saturday, 6th September, with plans to go nationwide shortly afterwards.
Tickets will evaporate faster than a filmi teardrop.
For its trailblazing timetable, sublime venue and Shai Guy’s pitch-perfect DJing, Bollyday earns a full, unreserved five stars.
Go once and you will wonder why we ever surrendered our sleep to nightlife in the first place.