While the increase in time spent at home, inactivity and snacks accelerated weight gain in the last year as part of the fight against the global epidemic, the dangerous disease of the modern age causes obesity to become widespread. Studies on obesity, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body to the extent that it impairs health,” reveal the dimensions of the danger. According to the Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey-2010 preliminary study report, obesity in our country reached 20.5 percent in men, 41 percent in women, and 30.3 percent in total. Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine Department of General Surgery Faculty Member and Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Bilgi Baca “According to WHO data, overweight and obesity are responsible for 80 percent of Type 2 diabetes, 35 percent of ischemic heart diseases and 55 percent of hypertension in adults in Europe. It also causes more than 1 million deaths each year. Obesity, which is not only a cosmetic problem but also a chronic disease on its own, can cause many diseases. says. prof. Dr. Bilgi Baca made a statement within the scope of March 4 World Obesity Day, explained 10 serious problems caused by obesity, where the danger increased even more in the pandemic, and made important warnings and suggestions.
Diabetes
Most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising more.
Losing weight and being more physically active can help control blood sugar levels. Being more active and losing weight can also reduce the need for diabetes medication.
Hypertension
High blood pressure is linked to overweight and obesity in several ways. Being overweight can increase blood pressure because the heart has to pump harder to supply blood to all body cells. Excess fat also damages the kidneys, causing high blood pressure.
Heart disease
Overweight; increases the likelihood of having high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both of these conditions increase the likelihood of heart disease or stroke. Losing weight has been shown to reduce the rate of heart disease and stroke.
Cancer
Cancers of the colon, breast (postmenopause), endometrium (uterus wall), kidney, and esophagus are linked to obesity. Some studies have also reported links between obesity and cancers of the gallbladder, ovaries, and pancreas.
Gallbladder diseases
prof. Dr. Bilgi Baca “As being overweight increases the likelihood of developing gallstones, gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common in overweight people. Therefore, it is of great importance to maintain the ideal weight.” says.
Bone and joint diseases
Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that often affects the knees, hips or back. Carrying excess weight puts extra pressure on these joints and wears away the cartilage that normally protects them.
Weight loss can reduce stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
In addition, another disease that affects the joints is gout. It is a disease caused by an increase in uric acid in the blood. Gout is more common in overweight people.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a breathing problem linked to being overweight. Sleep apnea, which can cause a person to snore heavily and stop breathing for short periods during sleep, can also increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. Weight loss usually improves sleep apnea.
fatty liver
The cause of fatty liver is still unknown. The disease mostly affects people who are middle-aged, overweight, obese, and have diabetes.
Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of health problems during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Pregnant women who are overweight or obese are more likely to have gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), both of which can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. Babies of overweight or obese mothers are at increased risk for being born very early, stillborn (death in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy), and neural tube defects (brain and spinal cord defects).
Depression
prof. Dr. Bilgi Baca “Many people affected by obesity experience depression. Some studies have found a strong association between obesity and major depressive disorder. People affected by obesity may face discrimination in society. Over time, this can lead to feelings of sadness or a lack of self-confidence.” says.
Pay attention to this recommendation in surgical treatment!
General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Bilgi Baca “We recommend surgical treatment for obese patients who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise to change their lifestyle and make them lose weight more easily. Nowadays, bariatric surgery can be performed safely with fewer complications. The most common type of surgery in the world and in our country is sleeve gastrectomy, that is, sleeve gastrectomy. This surgery is safely recommended to our patients with minimally invasive methods (laparoscopic or robotic). However, it is of great importance that bariatric surgery be performed in centers experienced in this regard. says.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
