Obesity linked to depression, anxiety, and binge eating cycleSeptember 19, 2024
Obesity can cause ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricle hypertrophy, leading to severe heart damage.
In Malaysia, obesity is one of the most pressing health concerns, with nearly 20% of the population classified as obese. The World Obesity Atlas projects that this number could increase to 41% by 2035, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies. This concerning trend comes alongside the already alarming increase in chronic diseases, rooted from what’s commonly known as the ‘three highs’ – high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, where over half a million adults are currently living with all four conditions.
Understanding obesity Obesity extends beyond being just a physical issue of excess body weight - it can also impact both mental and emotional well-being, creating a cycle of worsening health outcomes. Obesity is often associated with depression and anxiety, which can promote binge eating and lead to a sedentary lifestyle, further weight gain and worsening the condition. Obesity, classified by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.5 or higher is one of the contributing risk factors to multiple health conditions including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, gout, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), fatty liver, gallstone, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, osteoarthritis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cataract, pancreatitis, cancers, deep vein thrombosis, depression, anxiety and others. Obesity leads to insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to work harder to produce more insulin to overcome the resistance, which results in hyperinsulinemia. This compensatory mechanism can eventually progress to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of diabetes globally, with over 3.6 million Malaysians diagnosed with diabetes in 2019. This figure is projected to double by 2025, impacting an estimated 7 million people, according to the Ministry of Health. Even more concerning, many are unaware they have diabetes – statistics reveal that 2 in 5 adults and 84% of young adults aged 18-29 are unaware they have the disease. Type 2 diabetes and PCOS Beyond its impact on blood sugar, obesity can also disrupt hormonal balance, particularly in women. Those with a history of Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing PCOS, a condition often linked to obesity that causes symptoms such as irregular period and excess facial or body hair due to elevated levels of androgens (male hormone). Moreover, PCOS is also one of the leading causes of infertility due to irregular ovulation or the absence of ovulation. PCOS and obesity are interconnected through hyperinsulinemia and metabolic dysfunction, which lead to abnormal ovarian function and an overproduction of androgens, contributing to the symptoms of PCOS and if untreated, it can also lead to infertility. Obesity can also increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Individual who are obese are more likely to experience heart attacks, present with symptoms such as chest pain, body discomfort, heartburn, nausea, and shortness of breath. Additionally, obesity can lead to conditions like ischemic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes damaged due to inadequate blood supply, and left ventricle hypertrophy, a condition where the heart muscle thickens. Both of these conditions can result in heart failure. Strategies for prevention and management The first step in effectively managing obesity is understanding its broad impact on overall health. Self-awareness is crucial, and one must recognize and accept how obesity underpins common health complications affecting the heart, brain, and kidneys. Recognizing both personal habits and genetic factors, may help foster a sense of determination and perseverance in the weight loss journey, turning guilt and disappointment into actionable strategies. Being vigilant for early signs of cardiovascular issues related to obesity is just as vital. Central chest pains which may deviate to other parts of the body like the left hand, back or neck, is often an early symptom of heart disease. Another key strategy is meal management. A low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet and conducting self-monitoring by tracking food intake through journaling or by using authorized health and wellness mobile phone applications may help to maintain awareness of dietary habits. Simple changes, such as reducing sugar intake by requesting less or no sugar in beverages and avoiding highly processed, sugary foods like doughnuts, candies and ice cream, can significantly improve blood sugar levels and prevent further health deterioration. Additionally, lifestyle changes would not be complete without regular and consistent exercise. Any form of exercise accompanied with realistic goals that suits one’s condition is encouraged. Cardio exercises such as jogging, swimming, and cycling are effective in improving both heart health and managing obesity. Swimming is an excellent universal exercise, especially for individuals with knee problems, as it reduces impact on the joints compared to running. Those with more advanced conditions such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels should combine lifestyle changes with medical intervention for a faster recovery process. Routine health checkups and screenings are also essential for early diagnosis and preventive care. The frequency of health screenings should be based on individual’s BMI, existing conditions, and family history, ranging from every three months to annually. Overall, early diagnosis allows for less invasive treatment options, reduces the risk of complications, and enhances the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes. As the prevalence of the ‘four highs’ - high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity – continues to rise with alarming projections for the future, urgent actions are needed. As obesity can be prevented and managed to reduce the risk of getting multiple diseases, the key strategies to address this pressing issue include enhancing self-awareness, managing meals, incorporating regular exercise, seeking professional guidance, and regular health checkups and screenings. |
EXPLORE FURTHER
|
Rethinking obesity as a chronic disease through science, compassion, and medical advancesBeyond the scale: fat loss, muscle preservation, and meaningful metabolic health improvements
|
|
Cute or chubby? The hidden dangers of childhood obesityUncovering the health risks and solutions for pediatric obesity today
|
|
Lipedema: A painful fat disorder affecting extremitiesLiposuction offers a significant relief option for lipedema patients
|
|
Liposuction: Key considerations before choosing the procedureWhat to know about safety, patient selection, and realistic expectations
|
|
New clinical guideline aim to transform obesity care nationwideComprehensive strategies to prevent and manage obesity effectively
|
|
Improving the standard of care for treating obesityEmpowering patients to lose weight sustainably through proven bariatric surgery solutions
|
