Although weight gain generally takes a toll on health, the effects are felt even more in individuals whose physical conditions predispose them to weight gain. metabolic syndrome – A particularly vulnerable condition characterized by factors such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, abnormal cholesterol levels, and obesity. All of these risk factors together greatly increase your chances of developing serious illnesses, such as: type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. This article examines how weight gain disrupts glycemic control and the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities, and thus the long-term negative health effects of metabolic syndrome in general.
1. Insulin resistance
Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, leads to increased insulin resistance, a hallmark of metabolic syndrome. The hormone insulin is used to control blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to be transported into the body's cells. Nevertheless, as body fat levels increase, cells tend to take insulin less into consideration, so glucose cannot be assimilated into the cells as before, resulting in high blood sugar levels. This relative insulin resistance is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome and creates the background for type II diabetes.
2. Increase in free fatty acids
Weight gain, especially obesity, can increase circulating FFA levels due to excess fat accumulation. Increased levels of these fatty acids can have toxic effects on the insulin signaling cascade and exacerbate insulin resistance. This causes a negative cycle in which insulin becomes less effective and blood sugar levels rise. This effect on insulin sensitivity amplifies some of the potential effects of metabolic syndrome, especially on people with a genetic predisposition to diabetes.
3. Inflammation
The low-grade inflammation that leads to overweight is associated with the gradual destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Adipose tissue releases cytokines, which can themselves be elevated in obesity and have been found to be harmful to the pancreas. Slowly, it can affect the body's energy production mechanisms and ultimately affect the body's insulin production to regulate blood sugar.
4. Hormonal changes
Weight gain can also affect the levels of hormones in a given person's body, and many of these hormones can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels. For example, obesity causes an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone that is associated with elevated blood sugar levels. On the other hand, obese people have lower levels of adiponectin, which has the effect of increasing insulin sensitivity. This hormonal imbalance puts stress on our body's ability to regulate blood sugar and can also lead to metabolic abnormalities.
Persistent health risks in patients with metabolic syndrome
In the case of metabolic syndrome, if weight gain is not addressed, these consequences can leave individuals with long-term health complications. Some of the main impacts are listed below.
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1. Risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Over time, diabetes develops when insulin resistance reduces the pancreas' ability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels can only be controlled to a certain extent without professional help.
2. Cardiovascular disease
CV complications remain a concern for NIDDM patients with metabolic syndrome and poor glycemic control. High blood sugar erodes cardiovascular function, adding challenges such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This increases the risk of heart complications such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
3. Other complications
When blood sugar levels remain high, complications occur in various organs and tissues of the body. For example, neuropathy, which is a disorder of the nerves, retinopathy, which is damage to the retina, and nephropathy, which is ketosis in the kidneys, are all caused by high blood sugar levels. All these complications have a positive impact on a person's life and therefore require continuous treatment.
4. Exacerbation of metabolic syndrome
Obesity can cause ? This creates a “vicious cycle” and makes metabolic syndrome even worse. These usually promote further weight gain, as is often the case with blood sugar and other metabolic issues. Therefore, this cycle can make the progression of metabolic syndrome very difficult to reverse, greatly emphasizing the need for calorie management to avoid such tragedies.
Exacerbating metabolic syndrome: Gaining weight can worsen metabolic syndrome, leading to a vicious cycle in which increased blood sugar levels and other metabolic abnormalities promote further weight gain. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
(Dr. Kedar Patil, Bariatric and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic)
