Managing your body weight becomes important to keep your body healthy. If obesity is not managed it can give rise to various health conditions like diabetes. The connection between obesity and diabetes is profound, and the risks associated with these conditions are extensive. To understand this connection, we spoke to our expert Dr L Sudarshan Reddy, Senior Consultant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained obesity and how it can lead to diabetes.
How Does Obesity Lead To Diabetes
Obesity is not just about having a few extra pounds; it is a complex, chronic medical condition that impacts nearly every facet of an individual's health and well-being. Dr Reddy said, “Obesity involves the accumulation of excessive fat in adipose tissues, triggering the release of inflammatory substances and oxidative stress. This inflammation is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, coagulation issues, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance, ultimately leading to diabetes.”
Connection Between Obesity And Diabetes
According to the Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal, obesity is connected to various health, mental, and social issues, with one of the most severe being the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is closely connected to the risk of having diabetes and problems with insulin. If your BMI is high, you're more likely to have these issues.
Also Read: From Challenges To Parental Mindset: Here’s What The Doctor Says On Childhood Obesity
Complications Of Obesity
Dr Reddy highlighted, “Obesity as a major health concern of recent times, virtually affecting every aspect of health and leading to chronic ailments, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and impacting social interactions. However, the good news is that it is not a permanent condition and can be reversed or controlled through diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyles.”
He added, “Obesity is linked to non-cardiovascular conditions, such as cancer, skin disorders like psoriasis, depression, and sometimes renal disorders. Reducing obesity can help minimise inflammation and improve overall health.”
Other Risk Factors For Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes are as follows:
- People with prediabetes
- People who are aged 45 or more
- Having a family member with diabetes
- Having gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing over 9 pounds
Management Strategies
Dr Reddy noted, “The treatment of obesity should be multidisciplinary, with diet, exercise, and behavioural modifications as the mainstay of intervention. Anti-obesity medications can be helpful for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 30 when combined with diet and exercise.”
He added, “For those who are morbidly obese, with a BMI over 40, bariatric surgery is an option to consider.”
According to a study published in StatPearls, lifestyle modifications such as modest weight reduction (5-10% of baseline weight) and increased physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week reduced the incidence of diabetes by more than 50%. Likewise, bariatric surgery resulted in a five-fold decrease in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes over a span of seven years.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet: A balanced, calorie-controlled diet that focuses on nutrient-rich foods can help with weight management and blood sugar control.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, can help improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss.
- Behavioural modifications: Techniques to address emotional eating, stress management, and establishing healthy habits are crucial.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are obese to avoid health complications.]
