Links Between Obesity And Diabetes - Why Do They Go Hand In Hand?

Obesity is a health condition that is characterized by excess body fat. Obesity can be assessed with the help of the Body Mass Index (BMI) a measurement tool that compares your height and weight. One of the biggest causes of clinical obesity is the consumption of more calories than you can burn through physical activity of any kind. A high calorie diet is primarily responsible for the extra pounds on your body. 

Adopting a healthy balanced diet that is low on calories and high on proteins and other nutrients is the first step in any comprehensive program for significant weight loss. Your diet is not only responsible for your obesity; it can also help you lose weight and is an essential component of any successful weight loss treatment. 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is a slowdown or loss of effectiveness in the transfer of sugar to the blood cells from the blood stream. This condition is caused because your body develops resistance to insulin which results in chemical imbalances; this condition can also create a number of risky medical complications. 

A growing body of medical research has linked obesity to type2 diabetes for a number of reasons, the biggest one being that over 85% of individuals with type 2 diabetes also suffer from obesity. Researchers believe that obesity causes your body cells to become insulin resistant. 

Another important link between the two conditions is that both are known to cause or aggravate a variety of serious medical conditions such as high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure that can lead to stroke, frequent infections and kidney disease. 

The diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes will be based on whether you suffer from obesity and the amount of weight loss required. There is a strong correlation between type 2 diabetes and obesity. Obese individuals are at a greater risk of type 2 diabetes if the condition runs in the family. Moreover, obesity is known to intensify the medical complications associated with diabetes. 

Losing about 5-10% of your body weight can significantly decrease your health risk for diabetes. Getting adequate exercise everyday too is essential to lower your weight as well as your blood sugar levels. 

After achieving a certain amount of weight loss, you might even be able to reduce the dosage of your diabetes medications or stop some of them altogether. Some of the other benefits of weight loss with diabetes include lower blood pressure levels; improved cholesterol levels as well as less stress on your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Besides, you will have more flexibility and energy as well as better overall health. However, it is essential that you discuss your weight loss program with your health care provider.


Source: www.articlecity.com
Author: Ian Caspar