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10Jun

Defeat Obesity

Obesity is a condition of excess body weight and fat. A person is said to be obese when the body weight is 20% or more above ideal body weight. How do we measure obesity? The most convenient way of measuring overweight or obesity is to determine Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI can be measured by a simple calculation. BMI Weight in Kgs/(Height in meters)2 (Precise measurements of height and weight are required) E.g. A person who weighs 78 kgs and is 1.8 meters in height, his BMl would be BMI- 75/ (1.8)2- 23.148 BMI can be compared with the following ranges BMI 18.5 or less Underweight 18.5-24.9 Normal 25.0-29.9 Overweight 30.0-40.0 Obese 40.0& above Extremely or morbidly obese What are the causes of obesity? There are many factors that contribute to obesity; these can range from genetic factors to depression. Obesity may be caused due to the following reasons: Genetic factors Genetic inheritance probably influences a person’s chance of becoming fat more than any other factor. These genes enhance the storage of fat when food is limited and cause an increased risk of obesity when food is abundant and energy expenditure is reduced. Eating Habits: 1. Nibbling between meals is a potential cause for obesity 2. Some people consume food faster, without enough time to chew, therefore tend to consume more food. 3. Obese people respond to external cues to eat rather than internal hunger signals. They eat when it is mealtime or when they are surrounded by tasty foods instead of when they are hungry. 4. People tend to overeat when they are depressed or in order to avoid wastage of food. Physical activity Obesity is found in persons who lead sedentary lives and pay less importance to physical education. Though obesity can occur at any age, this is more common during middle age when physical activity decreases without the corresponding decrease in food consumption. Physical activity Obesity is found in persons who lead sedentary lives and pay less importance to physical education. Though obesity can occur at any age, this is more common during middle age when physical activity decreases without the corresponding decrease in food consumption. Endocrine factors Obesity is found in hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism and Cushing’s syndrome. Trauma Obesity may follow due to damage of the hypothalamus after head injury because it is not able to regulate appetite or satiety. Prosperity and civilisation Obesity is common in prosperous countries like the UK and USA, and in people of the higher economic strata of society, in developing countries. Who is at risk of Obesity? People who fall into the overweight category leading a sedentary lifestyle & consuming junk food are at risk of becoming obese. Obesity can occur at any age. What are the disorders associated with obesity?
  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Increased risk of atherosclerosis
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Liver Disorder
  • Stroke
  • Increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus
  • Increased risk of some cancers(endometrial, breast & colon)
  • Infertility
  • Gall bladder disorders
  • Irregular menstruation in women
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and respiratory disorders
What are the treatment options for obesity? Weight loss is the only solution for obesity. This can be achieved through diet, exercise, supplements, medications or surgery. Diet and exercise are of the utmost importance for weight loss. A dietician can advise you on your diet plan, while a certain amount of exercise for at least 15-30 minutes a day is necessary Your doctor will be able to guide you as to the best medication or can suggest surgery after assessing your condition and risk factors. Even after that, you will have to stick to healthy habits throughout your life. Certain health supplements like appetite suppressants, starch binders, fat binders may be of great help together with a healthy diet. What are the preventive measures? Overweight and obesity can be prevented by taking complete control of your lifestyle (excepting medical conditions).
  • Regular exercise/Adequate physical activity
  • Healthy diet to take care of your calorie requirement
  • Avoid overeating/binge eating
  • Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol intake This will not only will keep you fit but will add a new zest your life.
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10Jun

OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis (Oste bone) or porous bones, is a disease in which bone loss occurs, so that bones become weak and fragile making them more likely to break even with a slight impact. Without diagnosis and subsequent treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks (fractures). Fractures commonly occur in the hip, spine, ribs, and wrist.

What causes Osteoporosis?

Bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, but they are in fact living tissue. Old bone is constantly broken down (through a process called bony resorption) by our bodies, and new bone is deposited. Any time bone is broken down faster than it is deposited, low bone mass (osteopenia) and osteoporosis can occur. Factors that can lead to the disease can be
identified as

Ageing:  Everyone loses bone with age. After 35, the body builds less new bone to replace the loss of old bone. In general, the older you are, the lower your total bone mass and the greater your risk for osteoporosis.

Heredity: A family history of fractures; a small, slender body: fair skin; and a Caucasian or Asian background can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Heredity may also help explain why some people develop osteoporosis early in life.

Nutrition and lifestyle: Poor nutrition, including a low calcium diet, low body weight and a sedentary lifestyle have been linked to osteoporosis, as have smoking and excessive alcohol use.

Medications and other illnesses: Osteoporosis has been linked to some medications, including steroids, and to other illnesses, including some thyroid problems

What are the Symptoms of Osteoporosis?

In many people,any symptoms. Hence, people dont realize that they have it. Certain signs that can be looked for are

  • Bone pain in the hip, arm or wrist
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Loss of height and a stooped posture
  • Neck pain
  • Fractures at a slight impact, even without falling

When Does Osteoporosis Occur?

Osteoporosis can occur at any age. However, it is more common in people over 50 years, and the older a person is, the greater the risk of osteoporosis. For women, bone loss is fastest in the first few years after the menopause around 40-45 years of age), because of changes in the hormonal levels. In men, rapid bone loss occurs at 65-70 years of age.

Risk factors for Osteoporosis

Certain risk factors are associated with developing osteoporosis, which include

  • Age: The older a person is, the greater the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Physical build: People who are small and have thin bones are at greater risk.
  • Race: White and Asian women are at the highest risk.
  • Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.
  • Family history: If a person’s parents had osteoporosis, he or she may be at risk.
  • Being underweight
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Low calcium diet
  • Medication: Corticosteroids, diuretics, medications for blood pressure etc.
  • Cigarette smoking

How is Osteoporosis Detected?

Unfortunately, many people do not know they have osteoporosis until they experience a broken bone. By that time, bones are already weak. However, osteoporosis can be prevented or delayed by early detection and treatment

Specialized tests called Bone Mineral Density Test, measure bone density (solidness) at various sites of the body, such as the hip, spine, and wrist. The test is quick, painless, and noninvasive. A bone density test can detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs and can predict your chances of having a broken bone in the future. DEXA, A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan
of bone can determine your rate of bone loss and/or monitor the effects of treatment. This can also be followed by a blood test to detect calcium levels in the body.

How Can Osteoporosis Be Prevented?

Osteoporosis is prevented by reaching the peak bone mass (maximum bone density and strength) during the childhood and teenage years and by continuing to build more bone as one gets older, particularly after the age of 30. A few things which can be done to maintain healthy bones are as follows:

  • Take sufficient calcium and vitamin D by drinking milk or eating milk products
  • Good sources of calcium are Dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt), green leafy vegetables, nuts (especially almonds), and seafood. Vitamin D is obtained from eggs, liver or by spending I5 minutes in the sun 2-3 times a
  • Exercise: Weight-bearing exercises such as low impact aerobics, climbing stairs, running and swimming helps keep your bones strong.
  • Do not smoke
  • Avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
  • Avoid caffeine and meat to
  • conserve calcium

How can Osteoporosis be treated?

Prevention is the best option for Osteoporosis. However, the bone mass can be maintained and increased by increasing calcium and vitamin D intake either through food or supplements. Your doctor can also guide you with the treatment options.

Osteoporosis: Indian Scenario

  • 1 out of 3 females in India suffers from osteoporosis
  • 1 out of 8 males in India suffers from osteoporosis
  • 30 crore Indians are suffering from osteoporosis making India one of the largest affected countries in the world.
  • 1 In the next 10 years, there will be a 50% increase in the number of people with osteoporosis in India
  • Osteoporosis is responsible for more than I.5 million fractures annually.

A good diet together with nutritional supplements containing Calcium and Vitamin D3 helps to maintain the bone mineral density, thus making bones stronger

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09Jun

Can Weight Loss Surgery Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Doctors have found that weight-loss surgery can treat type 2 diabetes by controlling the level of sugar in the blood. Diabetes is a disease that happens when blood sugar (blood glucose) levels are too high. Blood sugar is the primary source of energy for your cells. The glucose is able to get into cells because of the hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas. If your body does not make insulin or make enough insulin, the glucose cannot get to your cells and so stays in the blood. This situation, if it lasts a long time, can cause certain health problems. Complications of diabetes can be very serious. They can affect the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Obesity is an important factor in developing diabetes. People who have obesity have 10 times the risk of developing the disease. Foods that are high in fats and carbohydrates increases fatty acids in the blood and lipid (fat) build-up in the liver and muscles. This increases insulin resistance and inflammation. Over time, the pancreas stops making enough insulin. Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric surgery. There are several types. Most of the procedures can be done in a minimally invasive way, via laparoscopy. Laparoscopic surgeries involve only small incisions and very tiny instruments.

Who is eligible for weight-loss surgery?

  • You are more than 100 lbs. over your ideal body weight.
  • You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40.
  • You have a BMI of over 35 and are experiencing severe negative health effects, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, related to obesity.
  • You can't achieve a weight that's healthy for you for a sustained period of time, even through medically-supervised dieting.
For bariatric surgery to treat diabetes:
  • If you have a BMI of 35 or more with type 2 diabetes and/or other illnesses related to excess weight, and have not been able to achieve normal fasting blood sugar (less than 125 mg/dl or HbA1c less than 7 percent), you probably are a candidate for diabetes surgery.
  • In some cases of inadequately managed diabetes, people may be eligible for bariatric surgery even if they have a BMI of less than 35.
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