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Frequently Asked Questions On Diabetes And Obesity

Introduction

Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are two closely related conditions. Obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and in cases where people have been able to achieve significant weight loss, their blood sugar control has been commendable/excellent.

Here are some frequently asked questions on diabetes and obesity in India. 

Q 1. I was always thin; now, all of a sudden, I am putting on weight. What Should I do?

Your body’s metabolism slows down with age, making it harder to stay thin as you grow older. Also, sedentary lifestyles with limited physical activity make even the thinnest of people put on weight at a surprising pace. The key lies in the lifestyle choices you make, so examining them will shed some light on your weight gain. If you are eating right, getting enough exercise and still gaining weight, you should consult a doctor as sudden unexplained weight gain can be due to thyroid disorder, hormonal derangements or as an adverse effect of an ongoing medicine.

Q 2. I do physical exercise and eat on time but I am not losing weight. What should I do?

The weighing scale doesn’t always tell you if your exercise and diet are working. Measure your waistline and see if you look leaner or if your clothes have become looser than before. In many cases, exercise makes people heavier due to increased muscle mass. Look more closely at the kind of exercise you are doing and the things you are eating. It may help to consult a nutritionist or trainer about moving forward. If it still doesn’t make sense, consult a doctor for a medical opinion.

Q 3. Does stress make you put on weight?

Research on diabetes and obesity has indicated that stress can make you put on weight faster. Stress causes the hormone cortisol to be released into the body and too much of it can make you hungry and lead to what is known as ”Stress eating”. Studies have also indicated that stress slows down metabolism, making it a two-pronged attack that packs on the pounds. Diabetes, obesity and metabolism are all closely related to stress; therefore, good mental health is as important to combat obesity and diabetes as healthy habits like exercise and diet.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In obese individuals, adipose tissue releases increased amounts of non-esterified fatty acids, glycerol, hormones, pro-inflammatory cytokines and other factors that are involved in the development of insulin resistance.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Q 4. Is the fat around my stomach bad for my health?

Belly fat and diabetes are closely related since belly fat is an indication of visceral fat or fat around important organs, which can be harmful. If your waistline is above 35 inches as a woman or 40 inches as a man, you are likely to have significant amounts of visceral fat, which is associated with a number of health complications. A healthy, balanced diet, along with regular exercise, can help you lose belly fat.

Weight loss (for people who are overweight/obese) can be one of the most effective ways of reducing your chances of getting diabetes-related complications and ensuring your blood sugar stays in control. It is important to prioritize your health and maintain good, healthy habits and timely medications. Consult a nutritionist to help you with weight loss, and reach out to your doctor for any questions.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Ref-

  1. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/45/Supplement_1/S113/138906/8-Obesity-and-Weight-Management-for-the-Prevention
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958156/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34986330/#:~:text=The%20accumulation%20of%20an%20excessive,prevalence%20of%20type%202%20diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions On Diabetes And Obesity

Introduction

Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are two closely related conditions. Obesity significantly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and in cases where people have been able to achieve significant weight loss, their blood sugar control has been commendable/excellent.

Here are some frequently asked questions on diabetes and obesity in India. 

Q 1. I was always thin, all of sudden am I putting on weight?

Your body’s metabolism slows down with age, making it harder to stay thin as you grow older. Also, sedentary lifestyles with limited physical activity make even the thinnest of people put on weight at a surprising pace. The key lies in the lifestyle choices you make, so examining them will shed some light on your weight gain. If you are eating right, getting enough exercise and still gaining weight, you should consult a doctor as sudden unexplained weight gain can be due to thyroid disorder, hormonal derangements or as an adverse effect of an ongoing medicine.

Q 2. I do physical exercise and eat on time but I am not losing weight?

The weighing scale doesn’t always tell you if your exercise and diet are working. Measure your waistline and see if you look leaner or if your clothes have become looser than before. In many cases, exercise makes people heavier due to increased muscle mass. Look more closely at the kind of exercise you are doing and the things you are eating. It may help to consult a nutritionist or trainer about moving forward. If it still doesn’t make sense, consult a doctor for a medical opinion.

Q 3. Does stress make you put on weight?

Research on diabetes and obesity has indicated that stress can make you put on weight faster. Stress causes the hormone cortisol to be released into the body and too much of it can make you hungry and lead to what is known as ”Stress eating”. Studies have also indicated that stress slows down metabolism, making it a two-pronged attack that packs on the pounds. Diabetes, obesity and metabolism are all closely related to stress, therefore, good mental health is as important to combat obesity and diabetes as healthy habits like exercise and diet.

Q 4. Is the fat around my stomach bad for my health?

Belly fat and diabetes are closely related since belly fat is an indication of visceral fat or fat around important organs, which can be harmful. If your waistline is above 35 inches as a woman or 40 inches as a man, you are likely to have significant amounts of visceral fat, which is associated with a number of health complications. A healthy, balanced diet along with regular exercise can help you lose belly fat.

Weight loss (for people who are overweight/obese) can be one of the most effective ways of reducing your chances of getting diabetes-related complications and ensuring your blood sugar stays in control. It is important to prioritize your health and maintain good, healthy habits, and timely medications. Consult a nutritionist to help you with weight loss and reach out to your doctor for any questions.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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11 Strange But True Health Tips

The very mention of health tips brings to mind the regular ideas – drinking hot water, avoiding junk food, sleeping on time and so on. But these are the conventional ones and are done to death. No, we are not saying that these are not effective anymore, they are! But in this article, let us look at health tips that are unconventional; tips that might seem counterintuitive to you, even funny! They may be strange health tips but super useful! The following health tips might leave you a little confused, but they do work:So, let us look at 11 strange-but-true health tips:cup-of-coffee-health-tipsHealth Tip #1 Want to nap better? Just drink coffee!According to the Japanese, they conducted a survey where people took coffee naps, i.e. by consuming 200 mg of coffee and then take a 20-minute power nap or rest. These people felt more alert and did well on their tests. But isn’t drinking coffee supposed to keep you wide awake? When one consumes coffee, the caffeine kicks in and clears the adenosine, a molecule in the brain that triggers alertness. So, when Adenosine levels increase, they make one more tired. Therefore, napping at this time helps to flush out the adenosine and drinking coffee, reduces the effect of the molecule further. This results in better naps!Health Tip #2 Want beautiful pearly whites? Don’t brush your teeth right after you eat!Au contraire to what people say, don’t brush your teeth right after you eat or drink. This holds true for when you have just had foods that are acidic – citrus fruits, health drinks, soda and tomatoes, etc. It softens the teeth enamel and brushing can chip it off. It may also erode the layer beneath it. It is best to wait for at least half an hour before brushing.Read More: 4 Simple Teeth Whitening Home Remedies  Health Tip #3 Want to be a size smaller? Put on weight!Befuddled? Well, putting on weight to get into a smaller size means merely to put on muscle weight. This is apparently possible because a pound of fat and a pound of muscles weighs the same, but muscle takes up less space. So, if you have bigger muscles, even though your weight may be the same, your clothes size may be smaller.Health Tip #4 To eat less, eat moreAre you someone who believes that eating a small packet of chips or pretzels or a tiny slice of cake will not affect their diet or harm their weight? But these sweet and salty snacks only make you hungrier and you end up eating more as the small amounts of carbs spike your blood sugars and leave you hungry. Therefore, it is essential to have a protein-rich snack or meal such as paneer chat or lentil soup. These may be higher in calories, but the quality of consumption becomes less as the protein and fat help you satiate hunger faster and feel fuller.Health Tip #5 Tired? Stay away from energy drinksThere are umpteen reasons why we reach out to grab an energy drink. What we don’t realize is that an energy drink has at least five times more caffeine than coffee. The energy boosts they give us are fleeting and pass soon. But these are not without side effects namely irritability, palpitations, increased heartbeats and nervousness. These drinks also contain very high levels of taurine – a stimulant for the central nervous system and 50 gms of sugar per can/bottle. The sweet juice or aerated drink will spike your blood sugar levels, give you an energy rush but crash soon, leaving you tired and dizzy.Read more: 9 Energy Giving Foods to Stay ActivewaterHealth Tip #6 Feeling bloated? Drink water.Raised your eyebrow, have you? Water and bloating go hand-in-hand, no? Not all the time. If you are someone who has a higher intake of fibre, then you need more water intake to make your body work more efficiently. Water blends in with fibre that is water-soluble and converts it into a gel-like substance. This can affect the motility of the gut and help to reduce bloating. Also, dehydration can cause bloating as in the absence of adequate water, the water holds back the reserved liquid and makes one bloated.Health Tip #7 Say no to sodaDrinking soda should be strictly prohibited if one wishes to lose weight. In fact, it should not be a part of any diet. A recent research study conducted at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health revealed that adults who were obese and drank aerated beverages often consume more calories. Also, the idea of low sugar, sugar-free or low-fat means fewer calories, but that’s not true. In processed foods, when sugars are cut down, a replacement is added.Health Tip #8 Feeling hot? Drink chaiEver wonder why our parents prefer chai over a cold coffee even on a summer afternoon? It is because it helps to cool down – when one sips hot chai or coffee, the body senses a change in the temperature and this makes one sweat. As the sweat evaporates, the body cools down.strange-health-tips-pharmeasyHealth Tip #9 Tired? Exercise!Think we have gone cuckoo in the head? When you feel tired and are exhausted at the end of a long day, it is the best time to exercise. This is because sweating it out will energize you. It also helps to keep depression and fatigue at bay. Read more on the health benefits of exerciseHealth Tip #10 Wish to improve your brainpower? Maintain a journalDuring meetings or lectures, often people take notes, i.e. they handwrite in their diaries. This helps people remember more. It also means that the information has been processed and the process of learning has begun.Health Tip #11 Say no to antibacterial soapsThis goes against everything we have ever learnt about cleanliness and hygiene, isn’t it? Apparently, even though people use antibacterial soaps to wash their hands, it doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of bacteria affecting us or preventing illnesses. In fact, there is no proper evidence for this claim. Also, these antibacterial soaps may contain triclosan which in the long term can cause hormonal imbalance.Health Tip #12 Ditch Soda, yes even the diet ones to lose weight  It is always a good idea to avoid all sodas, including diet ones. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that obese and overweight adults who drank diet beverages consumed more calories from food than those who drank regular soda. An additional study conducted at the University of Texas found that diet soda drinkers gained approximately 70% more weight over 10 years than non-drinkers.Goodson explains that many people believe that a product labelled as ‘low-fat,’ ‘low-sugar,’ or ‘light’ means lower calories, but this is not always the case. The manufacturers typically add something like an additional or alternative of sugar when they take out an ingredient and the end result is just as tasty.Also Read: How To Clean Belly Button: Research-Based Guide for Proper HygienePlease note: Images used in the article are for editorial representation only. Source: Google.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Love Fast Foods? They Could Bring On A Health Disaster!

COVID 19 has not been easing off of health scares and the anxiety born out of constantly worrying about the safety of your loved ones. Let us not try to add to our health worries. There are things you are doing that could actually be damaging your health. And at a time when we all need to be at peak health, you should focus on strengthening your immunity.  

The dangers of fast foods

None of us can claim that we are able to resist the lure of fast foods. They are delicious and at the end of a stressful day, these foods can be mood-lifters. They are part and parcel of friends’ meet-ups. We even serve them to guests because who honestly has the time to cook elaborate dishes? 

But the harsh truth is, fast foods have a ruinous effect on your health. They are particularly notorious for triggering and/or aggravating obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases and even some types of cancer.

As you may have heard, some of these diseases are considered comorbidities for a person infected with COVID-19. That means if you develop these health conditions, you are likely to suffer a more severe COVID infection than usual. So why take that risk? Let us get into the details of how fast foods can destroy your health.

Fast foods and heart health

Fast foods are loaded with unhealthy fats that can increase LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in your body. This LDL deposits along the arteries that carry blood to your heart. The arteries become narrow and the walls become hard. Blood has to push harder to reach your heart. This triggers hypertension (high blood pressure). Also, since the passages are narrowed, very little blood is able to make its way to the heart. Those muscles of the heart that are oxygen-deprived (blood carries oxygen) slowly stop functioning. Eventually, LDL and high blood pressure trigger a heart attack or even a cardiac arrest.

Fast foods may also initiate a stroke. The LDL that accumulates in the arteries as plaque may break free. Blood will carry it to the brain where it will cause a stroke. 

Fast foods and non-alcoholic-fatty-liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is a silent killer. It can wear away your liver’s ability to function. It is not just alcohol that causes chronic liver disease but foods that pack in a lot of unhealthy fats and sugars can also damage your liver. Fast foods can cause fats to be deposited in your liver and may even trigger inflammation. If unchecked, this could lead to serious liver damage (cirrhosis). NAFLD may even cause liver cancer. NAFLD is almost always a result of a diet rich in triglycerides (hint: all those rolls, burgers and pizzas you adore). NAFLD can easily be avoided and even if you have already been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, you can drastically reduce your liver fat by losing weight.  

Fast foods and diabetes

Fast foods are loaded with sugars, fats and salts. None of these in excess is good for you, especially if you have already been diagnosed with diabetes. These foods will mess up your diabetes management plans. Besides, fast foods have a high glycemic index, which means right after consumption, they will make your blood sugar level shoot up, the level will drop again soon. This constant fluctuation is really bad for someone with diabetes and may even trigger insulin resistance in people who do not have diabetes.  

Fast foods and obesity

By now we all know that fast foods stuff us with calories. Our sedentary lifestyles do not allow us to burn these extra calories and the result is weight gain. This has happened to multitudes of people during the lockdown. But did you know that obesity is the risk factor for many diseases including heart problems, fatty liver disease, arthritis, asthma, type 2 diabetes and stroke? 

Fast foods and obesity can also trigger different types of cancers such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, oesophagus cancer or kidney cancer.

Does that mean it’s a complete ‘no’ to fast foods?

Actually, there is a bit of good news. Some ‘fast foods’ are not all that bad for you. Usually, grilled foods use very very little oil and hence are not exceptionally harmful. Instances of good fast foods include chicken bowls, quinoa bowls, protein bowls, grilled sandwiches, tandoori chicken or paneer, veg/ chicken wraps (if the tortilla is made from whole wheat or mixed grains). But a word of caution, this is not a license to binge on fast foods. Everything needs to be eaten in moderation. 

Also Read: Best Fast Food For Weight Watchers: Making Healthy Choices on the Go

How to kick fast foods addiction

Like any addiction, this too may seem like a difficult addiction to extricate yourself from. 

Take a vow to steer clear of fast foods. Do not push off implementing this vow, do it right away. There are many healthy foods you can eat that taste exciting. Eat healthy and filling meals so that you are not tempted to binge. Also, remember to exercise a little every day to amplify the effects of your healthy diet and to boost your immunity against diseases.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Uncover The Link Between Obesity And Cancer Risk!

Obesity is a magnet for health disasters. It has been known for a long time that being overweight leads to heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, etc. But a recent study that was published in the Journal of Epidemiology has added another deadly disease to the list. This study found a link between being overweight and cancer. Becoming obese before you turn 40 raises the risk of getting cancer by 15%.More specifically, excess weight in youth increases the likelihood of endometrial cancer (cancer that starts at the uterine wall) by 70%, renal cell cancer among men by 58% and colon cancer in men by 29%.

What was the study all about?

A professor from the Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen who was involved in the study said that the link between obesity and the development of cancer has been known for a long time by researchers. That is why the focus of the study was on finding out how the degree, duration and the time when a person becomes obese effect the chances of getting cancer.For this study, data was collected from 220,000 people scattered over Norway, Austria and Sweden. In the follow-up examinations, 27,881 people from the group of 220,000 were diagnosed with cancer. It was also discovered that 9761 or 35% of the people diagnosed with cancer were obese. All of these individuals were monitored for 18 years and examined 2 or more times with intervals in between. During these health examinations, it was seen that people with a BMI of over 30 had a much greater risk of contracting cancer. Obese men were 64% more likely to get cancer than men with normal body weight. Among obese women, the risk of cancer went up by 48%. Additionally, overweight women were also found to be more prone to postmenopausal breast cancer. This is how the study proved that being overweight and cancer risk are connected. 

So what should you do?

Obesity is a dangerous health risk and it’s on the rise. But, fortunately, obesity can be dealt with. To reduce the risk of cancer caused by obesity, all you have to do is follow some simple tips-

1. Be careful about your portion size –

Very often we lose sight of how much food our body needs and end up eating so much that the excess carbohydrates are stored as fats in our bodies. That is why you need to watch how much you eat during your meals.If you are overweight and want to shed a few kilos, create a calorie deficit. That means, consume fewer calories than your body requires. That way your body will be forced to burn the excess fats to give itself the energy it needs.Even if you are not obese or are slightly overweight, measure out the portion you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition –

2. Exercise every day –

You will have to do a lot of cardiovascular exercises as they are the surest and quickest way of losing weight. For half an hour every day, you should do one of the following-  As you get accustomed to the half-hour workout, try to prolong your exercise session. The more you exercise, the more you lose weight.You could enrol in a gym where your trainer will supervise your weight loss procedure.

3. Avoid Alcohol and smoking –

It is common knowledge that both of these can increase the risk of cancer. So if you are indulging in any one of them or both, you need to take immediate steps to stop. Many young people are becoming obese and becoming more vulnerable to cancer. But, by living healthy, you may reduce overweight-induced cancer risk to some extent. Also Read: How to Lose Butt Fat: Comprehensive Guide to a Toned PhysiqueDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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Highlights Of The ‘Hypertension & Obesity Webinar’ By Dr Pakhale!

Hypertension and obesity are dangerous health conditions that can cause multiple other health complications. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, it is even more important to keep both in check because they are comorbid conditions of COVID-19 and can make it fatal.

So, Dr Ketan L Pakhale (Bariatric Physician and specialist in Metabolism Syndrome) delivered a webinar on hypertension and obesity recently. He explained several concepts related to hypertension and obesity so that we all can understand these disorders better and take the right action at the right time.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a health condition in which three of the following disorders occur simultaneously in a person-

So what does it mean if a person has metabolic syndrome? These people are more likely to develop heart disorders such as heart attack or cardiac arrest. According to a survey, nearly 60% of people have this syndrome.

Dr Pakhale stresses the need of taking metabolic syndrome seriously because it is a cluster of major diseases.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension means a rise in blood pressure. According to older guidelines issued by the American Heart Association, if blood pressure exceeds 120/80 mm of Hg, then it can damage your heart. But today, the person’s physical condition, age, lifestyle choices, medical history and the presence of certain symptoms such as chest pain, headache or breathlessness will determine if the person has hypertension.

If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you will be prescribed medicines, and you will constantly need to monitor your blood pressure.

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Why does hypertension arise?

  1. Stress

Our lives are stressful, and it is the primary cause of hypertension. During the COVID-19 lockdown, stress has reached an all-time high. Anxiety about the loss of income, stressful conditions at home, worrying about the health of your loved ones can increase your blood pressure.

  1. Lifestyle

People who chew tobacco or smoke for long periods are likely to develop hypertension. Alcohol intake is another definitive cause of hypertension.

  1. Obesity

Being overweight leads to hypertension. It is a vicious cycle. Obesity causes hypertension, which in turn is linked to diabetes and dyslipidemia. And you can also develop metabolic syndrome. You may also develop kidney complications, thyroid disorders, PCOD etc.

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  1. The foods you consume

Spicy foods that people usually love are bad news for their blood pressure. Soft drinks are also toxic for your body because of the presence of excessive sugar and preservatives (chemicals).

High salt intake is also linked to hypertension because sodium causes water retention. It makes people crave fatty foods cooked in refined oils, which are not good for your health at all.

Food sweeteners used in desserts, ice creams, beverages also need to be avoided as much as possible. You can consume them in moderation. But if you consume too many sweeteners, it can make you obese and give you hypertension.

  1. Menopause

In women, menopause is another reason that might cause hypertension.

How can you prevent hypertension or keep it in check?

  1. According to Dr Pakhale, you should try to avoid or consume the following foods in small amounts to control hypertension –
  1. Be physically active. Doing planks & walking inside your home are some exercises to keep your body fit. Working out also initiates the secretion of endorphins (happiness hormone) that beats stress and prevents hypertension.
  2. People with hypertension need to take medicines. Medication is very effective in managing hypertension. So you must follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medicines on time.
  3. 5 minutes of meditation is mandatory to keep your mind peaceful and increase your concentration.
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What are the health complications caused by long-term hypertension?

  1. Retinopathy- In this condition, the blood vessels in your retina burst, and this causes blurry vision or loss of vision.
  2. Chronic Kidney damage and even kidney failure where dialysis will be required.
  3. Atherosclerosis: In this condition, your blood vessels become inflexible and hard because of fat deposition.

What is obesity?

1 out of every 2 Indians is obese. It increases the likelihood of premature death. In India, obesity is still not acknowledged as a major disease.

Obesity is excess visceral fat. When fats accumulate in your body, the cells are packed closely together and this cuts off the oxygen supply.

This can lead to hypertension, PCOD and diabetes. Even children can become obese, and in the future, they too will develop the above-mentioned illnesses or even cancer. Obesity also makes people feel insecure about their looks and they may even suffer social stigma.

However, if you lose weight, it will immediately reduce the risk of contracting other dangerous illnesses. It has also been observed that with proper weight control measures, people were able to stop taking medicines for hypertension, diabetes and antidepressants.

So what causes obesity?

When you consume more food than you need and your energy expenditure is low, it leads to obesity.

Obesity is preventable, reversible and treatable.

People with obesity can also opt for bariatric surgery. But afterwards, they need to be careful about their diet or they might become malnourished.

Steps to take during the pandemic to manage hypertension and obesity

  1. Eat healthily and in small portions.
  2. Take up exercise challenges to reduce weight and improve your metabolic health.

Maintaining your metabolic health is the key to a life free of health complications. Now, more than ever, we need to be utterly cautious about what we eat, our physical activities and our lifestyle choices. With proper measures, metabolic syndrome can be kept at bay. 

Q&A

Q. Can hypothyroidism be caused by grief over the loss of a loved one?

Ans. Hypertension can be caused by the stress and trauma triggered by the demise of a loved one. But it is temporary and with medication, proper diet and physical exercise and meditation, it can be taken care of.

Sometimes hypertension can result in hypothyroidism.

Also Read: Is Cottage Cheese Good for You? Unraveling the Potential Health Benefits According to Science

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

How Does Obesity Hurt Your Brain?

When you ponder over the health hazards associated with obesity, the first thing that pops into your mind is the damage that it can do to your heart. You must have read that obesity raises blood pressure and can usher in a gamut of cardiac problems. You probably also know about how excess weight impacts your liver and pancreas. But, did you know that even your brain isn’t spared? Read on to know more.

Few Ways In Which Obesity Can Affect Your Brain:

 1. It Makes you Overeat –

Scientists found that the prefrontal cortex of people who are obese is smaller than leaner people. This means obese people have less self-control capacity for complex thinking and planning. So naturally, they tend to overeat because their neurons that inhibit over-eating are dulled. And this leads to even more weight gain that further hobbles their brain. This is essentially is a vicious circle that is difficult to escape.

Moreover, the more sweet and sugary foods you eat, the more de-sensitized your brain becomes. This means your brain will crave more desserts than it did before to feel satiated. And this goes on, the more weight you put on, the more you will long for foods that will fatten you further.

In recent research, excess weight has been shown to: Reduce blood flow to the brain. In a 2020 study involving brain scans of more than 17,000 people, researchers found that as weight went up, blood flow in the brain went down. Slower blood flow in the brain has been linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

 2. Immunity Takes a Beating –

Studies found that obesity harms your immunity. When your immunity is down and out, inflammation occurs. Inflammation not only causes heart ailments but it has been discovered that it might also be harmful to your brain. 

Moreover, your brain plays an important role in boosting your immunity. If your brain has already been affected by inflammation, then it will not be able to strengthen your immune system making you even more vulnerable.

Read More: 7 Ways to Boost Immunity

 3. Dementia becomes More Likely –

There is a direct relation between belly fat and declining brain volume. And this is especially true for plump middle-aged people. 

Belly fat or visceral fat releases a different kind of hormones than regular fats and this might be harmful to your brain. 

When your brain volume decreases, it affects your cognitive abilities such as recollection, learning, speech and accumulation of data. So it might make you more forgetful and decrease your attention span. If this continues unabated, it could lead to dementia.

Also Read: What Causes Hip Dips: A Scientific Approach to Understanding Body Shape

 4. You Can’t Make Smart Decisions –

Weight fluctuation impacts the brain. People who lose weight through a strict diet may see the kilos inching back in when they ease up on their diet. In an experiment mice were put through a similar weight loss and weight gain procedure, scientists discovered that it affects their decision-making capacity.

So, this means that if you put on weight after losing them and you find yourself in a fix, you might not be able to take astute decisions.

Obesity is not just a killer, it will affect your lifestyle as well. Your brain needs to be in prime working order for you to live a meaningful life. So, hit the gym and stick to a healthy diet.

Also Read: 8 Exercises That Help With Weight Loss

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

11

Things You Must Know Before Treating Obesity With Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery.


Severe Obesity And Its Health Risks

Severe obesity is one of the most serious stages of obesity. You may often find yourself struggling with your weight and essentially feeling as if you’re trapped in a weight gain cycle. In addition, you most likely have attempted numerous diets – only in the end, to see your weight continue to increase. Exercise and diet alone often fail to effectively treat people with extreme and excessive obesity.  

Bariatric surgeries are done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you have serious health problems because of your weight. Weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with a gastric band or through the removal of a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch) or by resecting and re-routing the small intestine to a small stomach pouch (gastric bypass surgery).

Bariatric surgery is designed to alter or interrupt the digestion process so that food is not broken down and absorbed in the usual way. A reduction in the number of nutrients and calories absorbed enables patients to lose weight and decrease their risk for obesity-related health risks or disorders.

Types Of Bariatric Surgery

  1. Adjustable gastric banding (AGB)
  2. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
  3. Biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS)
  4. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG)

Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages. Various patient factors affect which procedure is chosen including BMI, eating habits, health problems related to obesity and the number of previous stomach surgeries. The patient and provider should discuss the most suitable option by considering the benefits and risks of each type of surgery.

Benefits Of Bariatric Surgery

Apart from long and sustained weight loss, bariatric surgery provides the following benefits:

Risks Of Bariatric Surgery

The benefits of bariatric surgery must be weighed against its potential risks. In addition to the risks of the surgery itself (such as death, bleeding, infection and blood clots), bariatric surgery may cause nutritional deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals. Bone mineral density loss may develop from inadequate intestinal calcium absorption. Low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) after eating carbohydrates and inadequate vitamin B-12 absorption causing nerve damage to the feet, legs, or hands (peripheral neuropathy), may occur over time.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of A Muffin Top: Effective Strategies Backed By Fitness Experts

Ideal Candidate For This Surgery

Bariatric surgery may be an option for adults who have:

However, consult your doctor who may suggest some extensive screenings to undergo these weight-loss surgeries.

Also Read: What Causes Hip Dips: A Scientific Approach to Understanding Body Shape

Post-Surgery Care

Also Read: Chymoral Forte

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

Obesity Health Risks: Top 10 Things You Must Know

What Is Obesity?

To a layman, obesity means merely someone who is very fat, and this must be so because they eat a lot, don’t exercise and so on. However, this is not always the case. Obesity is a health condition in which an individual has accumulated too much body fat, and this fat has adverse effects on their health.

How Does One Determine If They Are ‘Obese’?

If an individual’s weight is 20% higher than the normal range, then this person is ‘obese.’ Also, when checking the BMI or the body mass index, if the individual’s BMI is between 25 and 29.9, they are known to be overweight. But if one’s BMI is 30 or crosses this mark, they fall into the obese category.

Importance Of BMI To Measure Obesity Health Risks?

BMI or the body mass index is a measurement, statistically derived by checking one’s weight and height. While it is an excellent way to estimate a healthy body weight, it does not let on the body fat percentage.

Further, the BMI can be misleading too.

Obesity Health Risks On The Increase

While one may argue on many accounts of being overweight or obese, the truth is that obesity is a huge health risk and it increasingly has become a concern for us Indians. As per research, it is said that by 2025, India will have the second-largest obese population in the world, i.e., 17 million people in the obese category, second only to China. Even after knowing these statistics and being aware enough of the health conditions, Obesity is on the increase.

Also Read: How Does Fat Leave the Body? Unraveling the Science of Weight Loss

Here Are Ten Things To Know About Obesity Health Risks:

  1. What is worst is that Obesity affects children too. Childhood obesity will result in obesity in adulthood, and these individuals will be prone to various health issues as well.
  2. As a significant health risk, obesity makes people susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems, gallbladder issues and even types of cancer.
  3. Being obese is a social hazard as well. It affects one’s regular life with sleep problems, chronic body or back pain, osteoporosis and much more. An obese person will have difficulty in climbing stairs, have limited mobility and this will restrict their ability to exercise as well.
  4. Obesity has emotional and mental repercussions as well. It causes a person to lose confidence in themselves, always thinking of themselves as not good enough. It can lead to depression and anxiety due to isolation.
  5. Obesity also affects one’s fertility. Women who are overweight and obese have difficulty in getting pregnant and men who are obese, may not be able to produce healthy sperm for reproduction.
  6. Obese people are not ‘obese’ by choice. While one of the reasons for being overweight and obese, is overeating, there are many factors involved.
  7. Poor diet and food choices coupled with lack of physical exercise, social, cultural and even genetics, may lead to obesity.
  8. Particular medications or medical issues can also make an individual obese.
  9. Obesity needs to be more than only losing the excess weight. It requires a multi-faceted approach, making serious changes in one’s lifestyle, food habits and activities.
  10. People need to work on their information on Obesity. They need to understand the health risks, complications and associated diseases with the condition.

Also Read: Debunking the Myth: Does Muscle Weigh More than Fat?

Conclusion

Obesity health risks can be managed and to prevent this health condition, physical activity on a daily basis is a must.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation

Attention Millennials: Regular Sleep is the Key to Good Health!


Disproportionate working hours–even at night–are becoming more and more common in our society.

Lack of sleep affects thoughts and awareness universally. It is proposed that humans need sleep, for the maintenance of energy and handling of information. Sleep deprivation occurs when insufficient sleep leads to diminished performance, decreased alertness, and a decline in health. It also increases failures to carry out intended actions, which may raise severe concerns in certain circumstances. It also has a detrimental effect on our ability to process emotional information. Reduced quantity of sleep increases the risk for depression, which in turn increases the risk for decreased sleep. It also raises the risk of increased pain perception. Decreasing either the amount or quality of sleep reduces the effectiveness of the insulin in our body and glucose tolerance. It may also lead to an inconsistent increase in food intake, a decrease in physical activity, and weight gain. Therefore, it is probable that decreased sleep duration may increase the incidence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Thus, sleep deprivation not only increases the risk of various lifestyle diseases but also can cause unfavorable behavioral changes, in turn, increasing stress and loss of sleep.

It is essential to deal with the loss of sleep and its effects early on to avoid long-term consequences.

To ensure a good night’s sleep, avoid a heavy dinner, tea, coffee, aerated drinks and any other item that stimulates your brain. If you generally have difficulty falling asleep, avoid naps during the day.

Practice planning things to avoid longer working hours at night. Habituate yourself to stop work and shut down all gadgets at least 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed. Read something pleasant or meditate or take a hot shower to put yourself to sound sleep.

If some assignment on the next day is going to deter you from sleeping well, finish it off early in the day; else it is sure to spoil your next day with the reduced alertness due to lack of sleep. This is equally important for children.

Fix your sleeping time and duration. Plan everything else around it, not the other way round.

Read More: How to Get a Good Night Sleep?

You are bound to perform better with sound sleep than otherwise.

Also Read: Can Sleep Apnea Kill You? Uncovering the Truth

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute fairly common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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