Who Should Lose Weight?
For individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, gout, and those with abdominal obesity, weight loss is often necessary. Obesity and overweight significantly increase the risk of various diseases, affecting different systems and organs in the body.
1️⃣ Obesity and Overweight
Definition of Obesity and Overweight:
According to the Body Mass Index (BMI) – weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).
- Obesity = BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²
- Overweight (pre-obesity stage) = BMI ≥ 23 kg/m²
Example: For an adult who is 160 cm tall:
- Weight 55 kg = Normal (BMI 21.48)
- Weight 60 kg = Overweight (BMI 23.44)
- Weight 65 kg = Obese (BMI 25.39)
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of diseases related to metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers. When a person gains weight, the body’s normal metabolic processes are disrupted, leading to an overproduction of insulin, a hormone that is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. The accumulation of fat, especially around the abdomen, triggers inflammation, which in turn plays a key role in the development of insulin resistance.
2️⃣ Abdominal Obesity
Definition of Abdominal Obesity:
Based on waist circumference, which is the smallest part of the torso just above the belly button.
- Adult women: Waist circumference ≥ 85 cm (34 inches)
- Adult men: Waist circumference ≥ 90 cm (36 inches)
Abdominal obesity is particularly concerning because visceral fat (fat surrounding internal organs) is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders. Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is located under the skin, visceral fat releases inflammatory substances that contribute to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. This central fat is often referred to as “toxic fat” due to its harmful effects on the body.
3️⃣ People Diagnosed with Chronic Diseases
People diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, gout, or low back pain, among others, are encouraged to lose weight to mitigate the risks associated with these conditions.
Why Should You Lose Weight if You Don’t Feel Particularly Uncomfortable?
Even if you don’t feel overtly uncomfortable, obesity can silently contribute to a range of diseases and complications that affect your long-term health. Weight gain, especially abdominal fat, triggers a variety of biological changes that disrupt normal body functions. Below are some reasons why losing weight, even without feeling immediate discomfort, is crucial for your overall health.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. Here’s why:
- Increased Fat Deposits: Excess fat in the body, particularly around the abdominal region, leads to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrower, restricting blood flow, and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries). This condition can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Higher Blood Pressure: As excess body weight places additional stress on the heart, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to higher blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Inflammation: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which damages blood vessels and contributes to the development of plaque in the arteries, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Fatty Acids: Obesity results in elevated levels of free fatty acids in the bloodstream, which can increase the likelihood of heart disease by affecting the function of the heart muscle and causing irregular heart rhythms.
Diabetes
Obesity is one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes, and here’s how it directly impacts the body:
- Insulin Resistance: Obesity leads to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Insulin resistance means glucose stays in the bloodstream rather than being absorbed by the cells, leading to higher blood sugar levels and eventually, type 2 diabetes.
- Abdominal Fat: Visceral fat, which is fat stored in the abdominal region, is particularly harmful. It releases hormones and inflammatory substances that make it difficult for the body to manage blood sugar properly, increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation from obesity affects the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin. It also alters how the liver processes glucose, further exacerbating the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Fatty Liver
Excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, leads to fatty liver disease by:
- Liver Fat Accumulation: When you gain weight, fat cells accumulate not only beneath the skin but also around the liver. The liver, which is responsible for metabolizing fats and glucose, becomes overwhelmed with fat, reducing its ability to function properly. This leads to fatty liver disease, which can result in cirrhosis or liver failure if left untreated.
- Increased Insulin Resistance: Fatty liver contributes to insulin resistance, which can further worsen obesity-related metabolic conditions such as diabetes. The liver plays a crucial role in managing glucose, and when it becomes fatty, this process is impaired, making blood sugar control more difficult.
- Chronic Inflammation: The fat buildup in the liver also promotes inflammation, which damages liver cells and accelerates the progression of fatty liver disease. Over time, this inflammation can lead to scarring and permanent liver damage.
Gout
Obesity plays a significant role in the development of gout, a form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe pain and swelling in the joints, typically in the big toe.
- High Uric Acid Levels: Obesity leads to increased production of uric acid in the body, a substance that forms crystals in the joints, causing gout. The excess fat in the body accelerates the production of uric acid, leading to higher levels in the bloodstream.
- Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance associated with obesity reduces the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid, leading to its accumulation in the body and the formation of urate crystals in the joints.
- Inflammation: Just like in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the inflammation caused by obesity exacerbates the symptoms of gout. Inflammatory substances released by fat cells make the joints more prone to pain and swelling.
Respiratory Diseases
Obesity, especially in the abdominal region, is a risk factor for several respiratory problems:
- Sleep Apnea: Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Fat deposits around the neck and throat contribute to airway obstruction, which can disrupt sleep and cause snoring and difficulty breathing.
- Breathing Difficulties: Excess weight compresses the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder for the body to take in sufficient oxygen. This leads to shortness of breath and other complications in breathing.
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Obesity can make asthma and COPD worse by causing inflammation in the airways. Obesity can also exacerbate the symptoms of these chronic respiratory conditions.
Conclusion
Even if you’re not experiencing overt discomfort, excess weight, particularly in the form of abdominal obesity, can have a profound impact on your long-term health. It significantly increases the risk of a range of diseases including cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, fatty liver, gout, and many others. The underlying mechanisms of these diseases are often triggered by the inflammatory substances released by excess fat, which disrupt the body’s normal functions.
Losing even a small amount of weight, such as 5-10% of your current body weight, can greatly reduce the risks associated with these conditions. It improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, enhances insulin sensitivity to prevent and manage diabetes, alleviates joint pain, and even improves liver function.
Starting your weight loss journey today, even without visible symptoms, can help mitigate the effects of obesity and lead to a healthier, longer life. The sooner you begin, the better your chances of avoiding the complications linked to being overweight or obese. Taking control of your weight not only improves your appearance but also safeguards your health, ensuring you live a longer, more fulfilling life.