Introduction

Weight loss is not just about getting the numbers down on the scale or fitting into smaller clothes. Shedding excess weight can be the best armour with you to manage or even prevent degenerative diseases. Diabetes, cardio vascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, arthritis, chronic pain are a few examples of degenerative diseases. These diseases have many numbers of reasons to occur in an individual, but the most common cause is obesity and bad lifestyle.

Weight Loss and Diabetes

Excess weight, especially around the abdomen which is called as subcutaneous fat is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Reducing this fat and getting to a healthier lifestyle may help in prevention and management of diabetes. Weight gain is directly linked to insulin resistance which is the main contributing factor for diabetes. There are several studies which show that weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and it can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Weight Loss and Cholesterol

There is a saying more of anything is bad. Body fat can be good but it can also be extremely bad if not controlled. Fat is often associated with elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. These cholesterols are the reason for cardiovascular problems. There are many studies which shows that weight loss can lead to improvements in lipid profiles and hence can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Weight Loss and Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of joints leading to stiffness. It is the second most common rheumatoid problem in the world. Any person with excess weight puts strain on joints. This over a period of time contributes for the development and progression of arthritis. Weight loss can relieve pressure on these joints. It can reduce pain while improving mobility. Losing 10 – 20% of the body weight can tend to have enormous number of benefits while dealing with arthritis

Weight Loss and Chronic Pain

Not just arthritis, excess body weight and obesity is linked to chronic pain conditions. This includes back pain, fibromyalgia, headache and musculoskeletal issues.Weight loss can alleviate stress on the spine and joints, reducing pain.

Conclusion

Weight loss in individuals can help in diabetes management, cholesterol levels, arthritis symptoms, and chronic pain reduction. To conclude this topic, weight loss journey is not just about achieving a number on the scale. It is a transformative journey towards one’s betterment. By having obesity eliminated we would have addressing the prominent root causes of degenerative diseases. As with any health journey, it’s crucial to consult your nutritionist or healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support.

References

  1. Wing, R. R., & Phelan, S. (2005). “Long-term weight loss maintenance.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 82(1 Suppl), 222S-225S.
  2. Foster, G. D., & Inge, T. H. (2006). “Obesity, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular disease risk in children.” Annual Review of Nutrition, 26, 357-375.
  3. Christensen, R., Henriksen, M., Leeds, A. R., Gudbergsen, H., Christensen, P., Sørensen, T. J., … & Bliddal, H. (2012). “Effect of weight maintenance on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in obese patients: a twelve-month randomized controlled trial.” Arthritis Care & Research, 64(5), 704-711.
  4. Vincent, H. K., Heywood, K., & Connelly, J. (2012). “Obesity and weight loss in the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.” PM&R, 4(5 Suppl), S59-S67.

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