Generally speaking, untreated obesity is life-threatening. People with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 live an average of eight to ten years shorter than people of normal weight. And they have a 150 percent increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol: metabolism more important than weight
But: According to international studies, if overweight people have a healthy metabolism, their risk is lower than that of slim people with metabolic problems. Professor Norbert Stefan, diabetes researcher and expert in metabolic health, would prefer not to weigh patients during his examinations because body weight is only a rough indication.
Lose weight moderately with exercise and a healthy diet
Patients who have poor metabolic values due to being overweight are usually also asked to lose weight by Professor Stefan - but only about five percent of their body weight. The plan is to do more exercise and a healthier diet: little sugar and bad fats, but lots of whole grain products, fruit and vegetables. Meat should only be eaten about once or twice a week, advises Dr. Luise Fritsche, nutritionist and diabetes researcher.
No radical diets to combat fatness
This measure can improve the metabolic values - even if the BMI remains almost the same. “What is relevant to me in our studies is that we set realistic goals where the patients do not necessarily have to go on an extreme diet. The more important thing is an improvement in metabolism.”
From a BMI of 38, more weight loss is necessary
“The studies have also shown that there is a limit – from a BMI of 38, five percent weight loss is probably no longer enough. “Many studies around the world have tried to determine the limit at which more weight needs to be lost.”
Professor Norbert Stefan, diabetes researcher and expert in metabolic health
This has not yet been completely successful.
Dangerous belly fat: pear beats apple
What matters is where the excess fat is, explains Professor Stefan:
“The apple shape of fat distribution – that is, the accumulation of fat on and in the stomach – is unhealthy. On the other hand, the pear shape, i.e. the fat on the hips, is more protective.”
The increased fatty tissue is metabolically active and forms messenger substances. These influence the hormone insulin, which is secreted more frequently. At the same time, the body's cells become resistant to insulin and blood sugar levels rise. The possible consequences are type 2 diabetes, but also high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, fatty liver, and osteoarthritis.
Even if you lose a little weight, you can significantly reduce belly fat
Good news according to Professor Norbert Stefan:
“We often find a significant reduction in internal abdominal fat in our patients even with a very small weight loss of one to two percent.”
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SWR Doc Fischer , author: Heike Scherbel Image source: Colourbox
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