The Complexity of Obesity in Diabetes

Losing even 5% of body weight reduces the risk of diabetes

​Obesity is a concerning issue globally and its impact is even more on diabetes. Statistics show that almost 85% of individuals with type 2 diabetes(T2D) are either overweight or obese. Doctors and healthcare professionals are well-aware of the debilitating effect of obesity in enhancing the risk of diabetes but the same awareness is required among individuals as well.
 
Beta cells in the pancreas lose their ability to make insulin when there is excess fat accumulation around the pancreas. Such fat accumulation affects the production and use of insulin by the body increasing the risk of T2D by 20 times. We are naturally inclined to quote lack of willpower as a primary reason for obese/overweight people to not lose weight but the reasons are much more cruel and come with an ulterior motive.
 
Have you ever thought why pasta, ice creams, candies, and other junk products have more publicity and advertisements than our healthy millets, whole grains, and pulses? Corporate profit is the driving factor behind the obesity epidemic, companies have a 500 billion dollar sales annually in selling fatty, sugary, and salty foods that are addictive and have taken ultimate control of our food habits.
 
It’s high time we realize that it was not until a couple of decades back that obesity has became a concern, the number of diabetes cases have increased, and the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup went up by 1000%. Almost 20-70% less expensive than regular sugar, corn sugar was the standard replacement in the beverage industry, breads, yogurt, ketchup, and more.
 
With the steady rise in the consumption of processed meats, carbohydrates, and soft drinks in the 20th century, the number of diabetics has also increased from 50 million to 400 million in just a few decades. Statistics project a 150% increase in cases by 2050. So, where do you think the problem lies? All these information and data prove without doubt that the food we eat and the lifestyle we adapt play a huge role in diabetes and obesity risk.
 
Reputed health organizations believe that we would become an obesogenic society in not less than ten years. It’s high time we address this obesity issue, deal with the concerns, tackle the junk addiction, and get out of this mess to evade metabolic disorders including diabetes that occur as its side effect.
 
Important Causes of Diabetes
 
Weight gain and obesity are the most important risk factors of type 2 diabetes. So, if the patient is overweight/obese, it is indispensable that the individual focuses on losing weight. By doing this, blood glucose levels are normalized. But we cannot stop with this. It is necessary to address the root cause of diabetes, insulin resistance, and correct this problem to bring about diabetes reversal. For more details about achieving diabetes reversal and to understand the four key steps involved in the process, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.
 
Even a 5% weight loss improves pancreatic beta-cells function and sensitivity of liver and skeletal muscles to insulin. Further weight loss takes care of the adipose tissue disturbances. There are studies providing better results with reduced diabetes risk when participants pursued an intensive lifestyle intervention compared to consuming medications such as metformin.
 
Tackling Weight Loss
 
Physical activity is an absolute necessity for weight loss but doesn’t exist as the primary concern here. Focusing more on dietary changes is of foremost importance for successful initial weight loss. To maintain this weight loss, it is advisable to enrol in a weight management program. To lose weight or maintain the lost weight, get in touch with reputed dietitians/nutritionists who provide weekly guidance, monitor dietary behavior, and regular exercise schedules. The nutritionist/dietitian gives expert guidance recommending a low-calorie-diet or a very low-calorie diet depending on the individual’s body condition and requirement. With continuous monitoring, adequate sleep, practice of yoga/meditation, individuals are surely bound to lose weight and become fitter.
 
Conclusion
 
According to studies, the more obese an individual, the lesser number of gene variants required to increase their risk of diabetes as these people are already under the physiological impact of obesity and insulin resistance. Diet, exercise, and behavioral strategies must be enforced to achieve desirable weight loss which is easier said than done. But, losing weight has emotional and physical advantages—considerable weight loss reduces HBA1C levels, balances blood glucose levels, sometimes helps people discontinue medication, and even puts diabetes into remission.
Reduction of waist line means less abdominal fat deposit and hence, there is minimal adipose tissue deposit around the pancreas and liver thereby minimizing the risk of insulin resistance.