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Obesity And Insulin Resistance

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The first study began in 1982. It included about 16,000 subjects, and measured a great number of variables in order to assess the subjects' weight, cardiovascular state, diabetic state, blood pressure and heart rate. Most of the subjects were between the ages of 6 and 19.

These patients were then followed in two subsequent visits, one in 1992 and one in 2002. The oldest subject in the data collection is now 38 years old. Although most cardiovascular disease doesn't appear until one reaches the age of 55, there are already some interesting conclusions one can draw from the data collected in that Alabama town.

It was here in the Bogalusa study that doctors developed what they called "Syndrome X," or a combination of factors which (1) seemed to go together, and (2) seemed to create problems with heart disease and other circulatory disorders.

Syndrome X consists of four factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, and insulin resistance. As you might expect, all four tended to go together in the population. If someone had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, for example, they were also likely to be overweight.

The most interesting conclusion from the data was that insulin resistance and obesity seemed to have the highest correlation. The reason for that might be that obesity is a major causative factor for insulin resistance. The medical reason has to do with the mechanism of action of insulin resistance, plus the lack of exercise that particularly befalls the obese person.

The medical reason for the coexistence of obesity and insulin resistance is fairly straightforward: when we eat too much, our livers are overwhelmed, and we pump out too much sugar in the form of glucose into the bloodstream. This higher level of glucose spurs the pancreas to secrete more insulin than it normally would. The increased amount of insulin tells the cells to burn more sugars. Since the cells don't actually need the sugars in the amount that the insulin is telling them to burn, the cells gradually acquire 'insulin resistance.' Put another way, the cells need more insulin to elicit the desired response - to burn more sugar.

If one remains insulin resistant for a longer period of time - say five or ten years - one risks becoming a Type II diabetic. In the past, it used to be true that only obese adults would fall prey to Type II diabetes. Now, however, we are even seeing this affliction among teenagers. The CDC estimated in 2002 that 15% of all teenagers are overweight, as compared to 2/3 of all adults. The more grossly overweight the teen, the more likely that he or she will suffer from insulin resistance, and could contract a lifelong case of diabetes. This disease, formerly unheard-of amongst children and teens, is now growing in epidemic numbers in the United States.

Obesity And Insulin Resistance

Being overweight or obese may pose health-related risks. Overweight and obesity have been considered as the leading cause of stroke and hypertension, cancer, and type 2 diabetes milletus. Insulin resistance can result in diabetes. Obesity and insulin resistance are two of the most leading causes of morbidity in developed and developing countries. The number of people that are obese is growing as well as the number of people suffering from insulin resistance.

But what is obesity and what is insulin resistance. How do obesity and insulin resistance affect our health and how should they be prevented?

Obesity occurs when the body mass index (BMI) goes way beyond the normal. A BMI that is beyond 25 is considered overweight while 30 is already at the obese level. Obese people have a tendency to develop insulin resistance, which may then turn to become diabetes if prolonged. The pancreas produces hormone called insulin. The body uses insulin in utilizing blood glucose. Insulin resistance happens when the body no longer absorbs the insulin that the pancreas produces. If this happens the person will soon acquire type 2 diabetes that could be debilitating.

More people are now suffering from these two diseases. They should now be extra careful because it could result to health complications. Obesity and insulin resistance should be managed if not avoided. Sedentary lifestyle and too much intake of food rich in carbohydrates can cause obesity that might well lead to insulin resistance. So, at any rate it must be avoided.

Physical activity is the key to alleviating their possible harmful effects. Regular exercise is the safest and the cheapest remedy. If obesity is addressed, chances are insulin resistance is minimized, so it is like hitting two birds with one stone. This regimen is always a win-win strategy to achieving that good health again. Jogging around or any physical exercise and eating the right kind of food that are less in fat, sugar and salt will surely pay off in the long run. A great deal of self-discipline among people suffering from these diseases is vital. No amount of remedy can ever help anyone if disease management is not strictly followed.

The financial burden of these two diseases could be depressing. If not addressed immediately they could eat someone's saving to the core. The cost of medication is very expensive. It could be psychologically and physically draining as well.

A good life can be enjoyed to the full if we are disease free. Prevention is still the key to that good life. So be always informed and keep yourself healthy. Stay away from obesity and insulin resistance health problems.

Obesity is a serious problem, whatever age you are, and whatever stage you are in your life. For this reason it is important that obesity is not ignored but addressed as soon as possible so that people can enjoy their life for the full with as few physical ailments as possible.

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