Diabetes is a major health problem that affects millions of people across the globe. In the U.S alone, over 30 million adults have diabetes, and 1.5 million cases arise every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that by 2025, 300 million people will have diabetes. 80% of the people with Type 2 diabetes are obese, which is why we wonder whether obesity and diabetes are linked.
Here’s everything you need to know:
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Every parent wants to protect their child from danger whether it’s a minor fall and bruise or any infection and disease. Immunity has become a major parental concern as cold and flu season is upon us.
Here are some ways you can boost your child’s health and immunity at an early age:
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The society we live in is obsessed with the aesthetic appeal and looks of everything, including humans. Being overweight is deemed more of an ‘appearance issue’ and not an alarming medical concern that needs immediate attention because it can cause severe damage to a person’s mental and physical health.
Recent global WHO projections showed at least one in three adults are overweight, whereas two in ten are obese. More studies in the USA reveal that 34-40% of American adults are obese, and over 45 million children under age six are overweight.
When people begin to eat processed foods or foods with higher calorie counts, they start gaining weight. If it’s a temporary couple-of-pounds gain, or you exercise regularly, that’s not a problem for most people. At this point, the person is considered overweight.
While chronic medical concerns stem from being overweight and adversely affect a person’s quality of life, the major problem starts when one qualifies for obesity.
Obesity means either a person weighs 100 pounds more than their ideal weight or their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. Obesity is now considered an epidemic because it affects kids, teens, and adults more than ever. Younger people are now being diagnosed with morbid health issues, previously known to be apprehensions for adults only.
About 75% of high blood pressure cases are related to obesity. When the blood pressure is irregular, the heart has to work harder. It can gradually damage the arteries, resulting in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney diseases, and more.
The American Heart Association declared obesity a significant risk factor as cardiac illnesses kill more than 600,000 people every year in the USA.
High cholesterol, low HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol), and other abnormal blood lipid levels increase the risk of heart attacks, especially in adults.
When there is excessive fat in the body, insulin, a hormone that works to lower glucose levels in the blood, is less effective in converting glucose to cells. This causes the body to need more insulin to maintain an average blood sugar level. This can gradually turn into diabetes.
For women, another co-morbid known as PCOS can occur. In PCOS, the testosterone levels (the male hormone) are higher, resulting in irregular periods, acne, hirsutism, and more.
People who are obese generally lead a lower quality of life as they have a higher chance of being affected by countless serious illnesses. They are more likely to be depressed, have lower self-esteem, joint and muscle pain, sleep apnea, and so many other diseases that sometimes lead to disabilities and even early death.
Luckily, since obesity is largely preventable, it’s never too late to make changes that will help achieve fitness and health goals. Rather than relying on crash diets, consult a weight loss specialist who can guide you according to your metabolism and body chemistry.
If you’re in Sacramento, book an appointment with Natomas Family Practice to get a personalized approach. Yes, we’re known as the best family medicine clinic, but we also have a licensed team of expert doctors, such as immunization specialists, senior care specialists, women’s healthcare specialists, pediatric specialists, and many other comprehensive services.
Call us at916-928-0856 to learn more.
With a mortality rate as high as 2.8 million per year, obesity continues to be a significant health hazard globally, despite the advances in medical technologies. In this fast-paced world, people often want to opt for diets that show ‘quick’ results.
While appropriately tailored diet regimens are known to help manage the obesity epidemic to some extent, people take on fad diet challenges without consulting weight loss specialists. They often don’t understand the side effects and end up with medical complications and ‘temporary’ weight reductions. One such diet, touted by celebs and influencers all over the world, is the Ketogenic diet.
Also popularly known as just ‘Keto,’ the low-carb diet was first used by Dr. Russell Wilde in the 1920s to treat epilepsy. However, the resurgence of the diet as a rapid and effective weight loss formula is a relatively new concept. But only in the short run!
Basically, you switch the body’s fuel from sugar to fats. Our bodies usually utilize glucose to produce energy. As the diet involves consuming foods with high fat only, you have to limit sugar intake and carbohydrates drastically. When our body feels glucose levels have been depleted, it shifts to use fats as a source of energy, resulting in rapid weight loss. This process is called ‘ketosis.’
As it’s a drastic dietary change, transitioning to ketosis is often difficult for the body. People often face flu-like symptoms, including:
As the diet involves cutting back on high-fiber foods such as fruits, whole grains, and some vegetables, constipation is common.
Not eating a balanced diet accelerates the risk of potential nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium, minerals, electrolytes, and vitamins, leading to osteoporosis, gout, and other illnesses.
A high protein diet leads to a higher load on the kidneys, more acidic urine, and an increased risk of kidney stones. If you have chronic kidney disease and try to use this diet to lose weight without consulting experts, the acidic state can worsen the condition.
The Keto diet is high in saturated and trans fats that elevate your LDL (‘Bad’ cholesterol) and lower the HDL (‘Good’ cholesterol), leading to a higher risk of stroke, heart diseases, and artery blockages, according to the American Heart Association.
While ketogenic diet does help lose weight rapidly, in the short run, at least, the medical risks involved are alarming. Consult a family medicine specialist before trying any fad diets!
If you’re in Sacramento, Natomas Family Practice is a family medical clinic that provides an extensive range of medical services. Connect with our weight loss specialists to lose the extra kilos while maintaining overall good health. After discussing various health issues, history, and other concerns, the doctor can design a personalized weight loss plan that suits you.
Call us at 916-928-0856 to schedule an appointment or to learn more.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 117 million children are at the risk of missing out on their vaccines due to the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic has made it difficult for individuals of all ages to seek regular medical care.
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Women’s bodies are constantly changing and subject to various issues and problems, from as early as adolescence all the way through to adulthood and old age. But while some of these health concerns and issues can be routine and manageable without stringent medical intervention, others warrant more care.
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Many of us get caught up in our day to day routines and schedules, struggling to make time for ourselves and our health. It’s definitely challenging, to say the least when you’re working a desk job, caught up running a home, raising a family, and managing your responsibilities, social life, and much more.
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Winter is here, which means most of us will spend more time indoors, eat more food during the holidays, and move less due to the cold weather. Studies show that people put on an average of 5 pounds during the fall and winter holiday season every year. An average American can gain up to eight pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
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The immune system is a vital part of our body responsible for protecting it from harmful substances, cell changes, and germs that could make someone ill. The immune system is made up of various cells, organs, and proteins and has the ability to recognize and neutralize harmful substances that enter the body.
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This fall season brings with it unique health challenges as the flu starts to circulate while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Right now, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from these viruses and safeguard the health of those around you.
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