How Weight Loss May Lower Your Chances of Developing a Chronic Disease
How Weight Loss May Lower Your Chances of Developing a Chronic Disease
Introduction
Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. Losing weight, even a small amount, can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of these conditions. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which weight loss can help lower the chances of developing chronic diseases.
Heart Disease
Having an overweight or obese body mass index (BMI) plays a major role in the risk of heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
Research shows that losing even a small amount – just 5% of body weight – can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. For a 200-pound person, that’s a 10-pound weight loss. Many patients come to their doctors wishing to lose more than that, but it’s finding patients can feel hopeless if they think they need to lose at least 100 pounds. Breaking it down into more attainable, short-term goals can help with motivation and translate into true lifestyle change instead of a temporary diet.
Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity, which causes insulin resistance, is a major risk factor for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. One study found that adults categorized with obese BMIs have more than a 12 times higher risk of type 2 diabetes compared to peers categorized as "normal weight" by BMI standards.
However, losing weight can significantly decrease the odds of developing the disease. A weight loss of 5 to 7% is associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with prediabetes, and a weight loss of 15% could lead to remission of diabetes in nearly half of the patients that achieve the weight loss.
Hypertension
Health risks of obesity also include hypertension, or high blood pressure. Adipose tissue, or fat, can lead to inflammation, hormonal changes, and increased blood volume, which can all increase blood pressure.
Having high blood pressure can come with several complications, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Weight management can effectively lower blood pressure and associated heart risks. In general, blood pressure can drop about 1 mm Hg with every 2.2 pounds of weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Cancer
Changes in the body that can be associated with higher weight, including long-term inflammation and higher-than-normal levels of insulin and sex hormones, increase cancer risk.
According to the CDC, having an overweight or obese BMI has been linked to a higher risk of 13 types of cancer, including cancers of the ovaries, colon, breast, kidneys, liver, thyroid, uterus, gallbladder, esophagus, and pancreas. Obesity also increases the risk of multiple myeloma and a type of brain cancer called meningioma.
It’s important to note that having an overweight or obese BMI does not mean you will get cancer, but it can increase the odds. Achieving and maintaining a lower weight that is also healthy for your body can help reduce your cancer risk.
Asthma
Having an overweight or obese BMI not only increases the risk of developing asthma, but it can also worsen symptoms and make controlling the condition more difficult.
Obesity and excess weight cause more pressure on the chest wall and abdomen, which can decrease the lung volume when exhaling, making it more difficult to breathe. Additionally, adipose tissue in individuals with obesity releases proinflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6, which is associated with poor asthma control.
Arthritis
Another health risk of obesity is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee. This is because more than 85 to 90% of a person’s body weight is placed across the knee joint when they lift their contralateral foot off the floor/ground during walking.
Weight management can help prevent arthritis and also limit its progression. According to the CDC, for every pound lost, there’s a 4-pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee.
Sleep Apnea
Having an overweight or obese BMI raises the risk of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. Research has found a 10% weight gain is associated with a sixfold increase in obstructive sleep apnea.
In people with obesity, fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract narrow the airway. There is a decrease in muscle activity in this region, leading to hypoxic (insufficient oxygen) and apneic (pauses in breathing) episodes, resulting in sleep apnea.
The good news is losing weight can help reverse sleep apnea. One study found that after eight weeks of weight loss and lifestyle intervention, 45% of adults with sleep apnea no longer needed to be treated with CPAP therapy. After six months of the intervention, which involved nutritional behavior change, aerobic exercise, sleep hygiene, and alcohol and tobacco cessation, that number increased to 62%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, losing weight can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of chronic diseases. By understanding the health risks associated with obesity and the benefits of weight loss, individuals can take steps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Remember, small changes can add up over time, and losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on overall health.
FAQs
Q: How much weight do I need to lose to see benefits?
A: Losing even a small amount of weight, such as 5-10%, can have significant health benefits.
Q: Is weight loss the only factor in reducing chronic disease risk?
A: No, other lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress can also contribute to reducing chronic disease risk.
Q: What are some ways to achieve weight loss?
A: Some ways to achieve weight loss include creating a calorie deficit through diet or exercise, increasing physical activity, and making lifestyle changes such as eating more fruits and vegetables and limiting processed foods.
Q: How can I maintain weight loss?
A: Maintaining weight loss can be challenging, but it’s possible by continuing to make healthy lifestyle choices, monitoring progress, and seeking support from healthcare providers and friends and family.
