A disease that affects more than half of Brazilians can damage kidneys, joints, heart, circulation and even fertility
October 11th is National Obesity Prevention Day, a date created to raise public awareness of the disease and encourage the creation of strategies to combat it.
“Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat. An individual is defined as obese when the body mass index (BMI) is above 30, and the main causes include an unbalanced diet, mainly rich in sugars and fats, and a sedentary lifestyle, i.e. lack of exercise regular physique. physical activities,” explains nutritionist Marcella Garcez, director and professor of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).
The Ministry of Health estimates that in 2021 around 57% of Brazilians were overweight, which can have serious health consequences, as a team of experts explains.
Reduced fertility
Numerous studies demonstrate the negative impact of obesity on couples’ fertility.
“Overweight women are about 25% less likely to get pregnant and those with obesity have a monthly pregnancy rate drop of up to 50% compared to women of the same age and normal weight. In relation to male obesity, the impact could be even greater. Obese men experience a reduction in fertility of up to 60%, as obesity can cause low quantity and quality of semen,” says Rodrigo Rosa, human reproduction specialist and clinical director of Clínica Mater Prime, in São Paulo.
“In men, excess body fat impairs testosterone production, which, in addition to reducing sexual appetite and causing erection difficulties, also interferes with the quality and quantity of sperm. In general, the greater the overweight, the lower the quality, concentration and mobility of the spermatozoa”, underlines the specialist.
“In women, inadequate weight also interferes with the production of female sex hormones, mainly estrogen, which consequently hinders the ovulation process,” explains Rodrigo, who adds that, in the case of women, there is still the risk of developing the gestational diabetes during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby.
Joint damage
Joints are also affected by excessive weight. “Overweight causes joint overload, causing excessive and repeated ‘traumas’ to the cartilage, which consequently leads to its degeneration,” explains Marcos Cortelazo, orthopedist specializing in knee and sports traumatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology ( SBOT).
The damage is even worse when being overweight is associated with a sedentary lifestyle. “Sedentary patients experience a decrease in muscle mass, resulting in a loss of joint protection. It is important to remember that joints are made to be moved, so if they remain still for a long time they undergo a process of atrophy and stiffness which causes pain”, adds the specialist.
Risk of metabolic diseases
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease often associated with obesity, since the abuse of sugars and carbohydrates, in addition to promoting weight gain, causes the body to become resistant to insulin, which causes this condition.
“Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is another disease commonly found in obese people, characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells which, if left untreated, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and steatohepatitis, as well as leading to fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. the development of liver cirrhosis,” explains Marcella Garcez.
“In addition, obese people are also more likely to develop cancer, as the accumulation of fat stimulates the production of hormones involved in the development of cancer cells.”
Renal malfunction
Kidney function is also compromised by excess weight. “As the body becomes larger due to fat accumulation, the kidneys filter at an accelerated rate – what we call hyperfiltration – which, in the long term, leads to chronic kidney disease, with an estimated risk of two to seven times greater than in individuals without obesity,” explains Caroline Reigada, nephrologist, specialist in Internal Medicine at the Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo and in Nephrology at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo.
Cardiovascular and circulatory diseases
Obesity is a risk factor for increased cholesterol, hypertension and cardiovascular and circulatory diseases.
“Fat is linked to the deposition of cholesterol plaques in the coronary arteries that supply the heart, promoting poor blood circulation. Furthermore, the veins are affected by the large amount of sodium accumulated in the body of those who are overweight, which causes fluid retention and makes circulation even more difficult,” says vascular surgeon Aline Lamaita, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Surgery. Vascular.
This fat also hinders venous return, which makes it bad for leg health, as it facilitates the appearance of varicose veins.
“With compromised venous return, the blood that should return to the heart accumulates in the legs, increasing blood pressure within the veins and favoring their dilation,” warns the specialist, who also highlights that, if not treated correctly, the Varicose veins can generate other complications related to inadequate blood pumping, such as thrombosis, characterized by the development of a blood clot in the veins that causes inflammation in the vessel wall.
But it is possible to invest in treatments that help prevent and combat obesity to maintain good health. And adopting a healthy and balanced diet is the best way to keep your weight under control.
“Avoid consuming ‘junk foods’ and processed foods high in salt, sugar and fat. Instead, focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, whole foods and lean meats,” advises Dr. Marcella Garcez. “Including physical activity in your routine is another good way to avoid the various health problems related to being overweight. The ideal would be to practice physical exercise at least three times a week, preferably walking, running, swimming and cycling, which are among the simplest and most effective practices for weight control”, adds the doctor.
But if you already suffer from obesity, the ideal is to consult a nutritionist. “Avoid at all costs the miracle weight loss recipes and extremely restrictive diets found on the Internet, since, in addition to not being really effective in losing weight, these drastic changes in eating habits, such as limiting food groups and reducing of calories and meals, can pose health risks if carried out without medical supervision”, warns the specialist.
“The specialist doctor is qualified to prescribe a truly effective and healthy weight loss and obesity plan, taking into account the needs and characteristics of each individual,” concludes Marcella Garcez.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
