London, Jan 29 (IANS) Being overweight is an additional burden on brain health and it may exacerbate Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.The study revealed that obesity may contribute toward neural tissue vulnerability, while maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer's disease dementia could help to preserve brain structure."More than 50 million people are thought to be living with Alzheimer's disease and despite decades of ground breaking studies and a huge global research effort we still don't have a cure for this cruel disease," said lead researcher Annalena Venneri, Professor at the University of Sheffield in the UK.For the study, the team examined MRI brain scans of 47 patients clinically diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia, 68 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 57 cognitively healthy individuals.The study, published in The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, used three complementary, computational techniques to look at the anatomy of the brain, blood flow and also the fibres of the brain.The international team compared multiple brain images and measured differences in local concentrations of brain tissues to assess grey matter volume -- which degenerates during the onset of Alzheimers -- white matter integrity, cerebral blood flow and obesity.In mild dementia patients, a positive association was found between obesity and grey matter volume around the right temporoparietal junction. This suggests obesity might contribute toward neural vulnerability in cognitively healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.The study also found that maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer's disease dementia could help preserve brain structure in the presence of age and disease-related weight loss."We found that maintaining a healthy weight could help preserve brain structure in people who are already experiencing mild Alzheimer's disease dementia. Unlike other diseases such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, people don't often think about the importance of nutrition in relation to neurological conditions, but these findings show it can help to preserve brain structure," researcher Matteo De Marco from the varsity said.--IANSvc/bg
London- A brain pressure disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension is on the rise, and the increase corresponds with rising obesity rates, a new study suggests.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is when the pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain rises. It can mimic the symptoms of a brain tumour, causing chronic, disabling headaches, vision problems and in rare cases, vision loss. It is most often diagnosed in women of childbearing age. Treatment is often weight loss and in some cases, surgery may be required.
"The considerable increase in idiopathic intracranial hypertension we found may be due to many factors but likely mostly due to rising obesity rates," said researcher William Owen Pickrell from Swansea University in the UK.
For the study, published in the journal Neurology, the researchers used a national healthcare database to analyze 35 million patient-years of data over a 15-year period, between 2003 and 2017 in Wales.
They identified 1,765 people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension during that time. Of the group, 85 percent were women.
The team recorded body mass index measurements for study participants. Body mass index is calculated by dividing weight by height. For every one person with the disorder, researchers compared three people without it who were matched for gender, age and socioeconomic status.
The socioeconomic status of each person with the disorder was determined by where they live, using a national scoring system that considers factors like income, employment, health, education and access to services.
People in the study were then divided into five groups ranging from those with the fewest socioeconomic advantages to those with the most.
Overall, researchers found a six-fold increase in the number of cases of the disorder over the course of the study. In 2003, for every 100,000 people, 12 were living with the disorder, compared to 76 people in 2017. Also, in 2013, for every 100,000 people, two were diagnosed during that year, compared to eight people in 2017.
The team found that the increasing number of people living with the disorder corresponded to rising obesity rates during the study, with 29 percent of the population being obese in 2003 compared to 40 percent in 2017. (IANS)
Covid-19 vaccines may not be fully effective in people who are suffering from obesity, as experts on Tuesday suggested that the process of healing may be slower in obese people as compared to the healthy ones.
According to a report on Nature, obesity correlates with a dulled immune response to Covid-19. And vaccines for a handful of other conditions often don't work as well in obese people, suggesting that a shot for Covid-19 might not provide as much protection as researchers would like.
"The severity of Covid-19 is potentially high in obese or diabetic people. The fact is that the immunity and the process of healing may be slower in an obese person than a healthy person," Navneet Sood, Pulmonary Consultant, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, told IANS.
"Such conditions also influence the immune system's response to vaccines. Same is applied on Covid-19 vaccine. But there is no study yet which strongly confirms the direct relation between Covid-19 vaccines' effectiveness and obesity," Sood added.
Obesity can cause chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is thought to contribute to the increased risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. As a result, people who are obese might have higher levels of a variety of immune-regulating proteins, including cytokines.
The immune responses unleashed by cytokines can damage healthy tissue in some cases of severe Covid-19, according to the report.
According to a recently released study, published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, suggests that depression, stress, loneliness and poor health behaviours can weaken the body's immune system and lower the effectiveness of new Covid-19 vaccines.
The researchers emphasise that environmental factors, as well as an individual's genetics and physical and mental health can weaken the body's immune system, slowing the response to a vaccine.
"In addition to the physical toll of COVID-19, the pandemic has an equally troubling mental health component, causing anxiety and depression, among many other related problems. Emotional stressors like these can affect a person's immune system, impairing their ability to ward off infections," said the researcher of the study Annelise Madison from the Ohio State University in the US.
Health experts also suggest that there are several factors that may lower the effectiveness of new Covid-19 vaccines and therefore it should be avoided.
"Immune system of people with severe health conditions and low immunity may influence the response to the vaccine," said Jyoti Mutta, Senior Consultant, Microbiology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, New Delhi.
"People on steroids, severe liver diseases, uncontrolled diabetes or with immunosuppressed conditions like cancer patients, severe kidney patients may come in this category. Also alcohol consumption should be avoided. If one is leading a healthy lifestyle there is no apparent contra indication," Mutta added. (agency)
New York, Researchers have found that treatment with Bimagrumab is safe and effective for treating excess adiposity and metabolic disturbances of adult patients with obesity and Type-2 diabetes.
Bimagrumab is an antibody that blocks activ in type II receptors and stimulates skeletal muscle growth.
"These exciting results suggest that there may be a novel mechanism for achieving weight loss with a profound loss of body fat and an increase in lean mass, along with other metabolic benefits," said researcher Steve Heymsfield from Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in the US.
For the study, published in the JAMA Network Open journal, a total of 75 patients with Type-2 diabetes, body mass index between 28 and 40 and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels between 6.5 percent and 10 per cent were selected for the phase 2 randomized clinical trial.A
Patients were injected with either Bimagrumab or a placebo (a dextrose solution) every 4 weeks for 48 weeks. Both groups received diet and exercise counselling.
At the end of the 48-week study, researchers found a nearly 21 per cent decrease in body fat in the Bimagrumab group compared to 0.5 percent in the placebo group.
The results also revealed the Bimagrumab group gained 3.6 percent of lean mass compared with a loss of 0.8 per cent in the placebo group.
The combined loss in total body fat and gain in lean mass led to a net 6.5 per cent reduction in body weight in patients receiving Bimagrumab compared with 0.8 per cent weight loss in their counterparts receiving the placebo. (IANS)
Heart diseases among Indians occur five to ten years earlier than in other populations across the globe. According to the 2018-19 INTERHEART study, the median age for the first presentation of acute Myocardial Infarct (commonly known as a heart attack), in the South Asian (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) population is 53 years, whereas that in Western Europe, China, and Hong Kong it is 63 years. In India, the most worrying part is that heart ailments among younger people are on a constant rise.
We can easily blame this on the sedentary lifestyle and increased stress levels amongst the youth in India. The young age group of 25 to 39 years is mainly the victim of this kind of lifestyle. With the advent of technology, OTT platforms, mobile games, traditional modes of relaxation like going out with friends for a walk or sports are less common now. Lack of open space for playing, cycling, or recreation in most urban centers is only adding to the problems. Most of our school curriculums also have very little emphasis on sports or physical activity.
A heart attack suffered by a Bollywood choreographer Remo D' Souza at the age of 46 years throws light on the need for addressing cardiac concerns amongst the young population.
Dr. Brajesh Kunwar, Director-Interventional Cardiology, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, points out: "The minimum requirement of exercise as per guidelines is 35-45 minutes a day for four to five days a week, to fulfill the requirement of the heart and vital organs. Importantly, there is no work-life balance; the competitive culture of corporate entities has increased man-hours at work leading to chronic stress amongst the youth.
"Multiple other factors like smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, and hereditary factors play a major role. Smoking is a major dominant modifiable risk factor associated with young Coronary Artery Disease, patients. India is witnessing an increase in the incidence of smoking, especially among adolescents."
Also, it is important to note that our diagnostic capabilities have improved over the years. That's another reason why we see much higher numbers. But that of course is a good part. Having said that, we must understand that there is a critical need to prevent and tackle Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) among youth by way of a lifestyle change, he adds.
Now you might be wondering how people who seem fit or are fitness enthusiasts get heart diseases? Kunwar explains:
The role of genetic cholesterol: Well, while we feel that fitness and exercise are extremely necessary for a healthy life, it is not the only thing that can protect you from heart ailments. The food we eat, the lifestyle we lead, our stress levels, and genes also play an equivalent role. We all know that Indians are predisposed to Diabetes and CVDs, similarly many people also suffer from Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) which is a genetic condition.
People who have this condition are born with it; this defect prevents the body from ridding itself of the type of Cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. So, people having this condition need to be more careful. There is medication available for treating this condition and patients can easily manage it with the help of a clinical expert.
Stress: A Silent killer: The grinding pace of modern lifestyle distracts our minds and affects our health for the worse. Stress has been said to be a major reason why the younger generation is prone to heart diseases. When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signals that something is wrong.
These physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral warning signs should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down. If you continue to be stressed and you don't give your body a break, you are likely to develop health problems like heart disease. You could also worsen an existing illness.
Symptoms of Heart Attacks
Some of the warning sign of heart attacks include:
- Extreme chest pain and pressure
- Stabbing pain in the arm, neck, or jaw
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sweating, and dizziness
Prevent Heart Ailments
Going forward, it is important to follow these healthy practices to prevent heart ailments at an early age:
- Control your blood pressure
- Keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get regular exercise
- Limit alcohol intake and don't smoke
- Manage stress
- Make sure you sleep well
- Indulge in a moderate-intensity exercise like a brisk walk, swimming, etc. (Agency)
It is accumulation of excess fat in the body which may lead to negative effects on health, reduced life expectancy/ increased health problems.
According to present scenario -- global prevalence of obesity has much increase. Major proportion of Diabetes/Ischemia Heart Disease/ Hypertension/Ischemic Stroke/Osteoarthritis, Cancer, etc. Attributed to Overweight and Obesity.
In Ayurveda,
Obesity is termed as Atisthaulya which mainly develops due to excessive accumulation of
Meda(fat/adipose tissue) and,
Mamsa(flesh/muscle tissue)
-Leading to flabbiness of hips, abdomen, and breast.
-Considered as one of Santarpanottha Vikaras (=disease due to consumption of excessive calories).
‘Ati’ means excessive and ‘Sthula’ means extraordinary bulky, excessive fat deposition. Increase in body fat and muscles maily occurs in hips/abdomen/ breast regions. Body metabolism and enthusiasm decreased, persons having all the above characters are termed as “Atisthoola” or obese.
CAUSES-
Increased intake of energy-dense foods ( high fat, carbohydrates)
Overeating and irregular food habits.
Lack of physical activities due to sedentary lifestyle.
Genetics/endocrine disorders/medical reasons/psychiatric illness.
Daytime sleep/Excessive sleeping.
More intake of bakery products and milk products.
Family history of diabetes.
SYMPTOMS-
Gain in weight.
Abdomen enlargement.
Development skin-fold around the axilla, below the breast, peritoneal region.
Dyspnoea on exertion.
Lassitude.
Fatty liver.
Infertility.
Profuse sweating with foul body odor.
Excessive hunger.
Feeling of tiredness.
Excessive sleep.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR FOR OBESITY DISEASE?
When signs and symptoms of obesity appears and with that your BMI (Body Mass Index) is getting affected leads to increase value of overweight and obesity criteria values/ BMI increase with complications such as diabetes/high blood pressure/ sleep apnea, then according to mention chief complaints you should consult doctor immediately.
RISK FACTORS-
Unhealthy lifestyle habits and environments.
BMI value higher.
Continue more BMI.
Unhealthy fast foods.
Family history and genetics.
Diabetes/ high blood pressure/ sleep apnea/ cardiological diseases.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES-
Unhealthy diets build up adipose tissues in the body which results in weight gain & obesity. Intake of healthy diet comprising of sufficient fibre, adopt active lifestyle, yoga to be practice daily, meditation for managing stress and fatigue are necessary measures to be taken for prevention.
DIAGNOSIS-
It mainly includes some tests and examinations which are -
Health history: include weight history, weight-loss efforts, physical activity and exercise habits, eating patterns and appetite control, medications, stress levels and other issues and Family health history.
General Physical Examination: Height measurement, vital signs checkup like heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, heart and lungs sound and abdomen examination.
BMI Calculation: Doctor will check Body Mass Index(BMI). A BMI of 30 /higher is considered obesity. It is health risky. It is recommended that BMI should be checked at least once in a year.
Waist circumference, blood tests and other health problems
GENERAL TIPS AND HOME REMEDIES-
Have a protein-rich diet to keep full for a long time and to boost metabolism.
Eat eggs.
Avoid processed foods as they are high in added sugars, fats and calories.
Limit intake of added sugar as it may further increase chances of diabetes and heart diseases.
Drink water as it may lead to reduced calorie intake and good for digestion as well.
Caffeinated coffee boost metabolism by 3-11% and reduce risk of diabetes,black coffee preferable.
Reduce intake of refined carbs like white flour,white bread, white rice, sodas, pastries, snacks, sweets, pasta, breakfast cereals, and added sugar.
Fast intermittently, means an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.
Drink Green tea, as it is loaded with antioxidants and increased fat burning and weight loss.
Start eating more fruits and vegetables.
Start counting calories.
Take probiotics.
Sleep properly.
Fiber rich diet as it may help to reduce weight.
Cardio exercises to be include in diet.
Change lifestyle, try to include diet that focuses on weight reduction.
WHAT TO AVOID?
Avoid food containing more carbohydrates.
More sugary/ sweet products/ more dairy products/ fried and oily foods/ excess salt.
Salty foods/ excessive salt in meals.
Avoid watching TV while having food.
Avoid excessive sleep and sedentary habits.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
WHAT TO EAT ?
Take low-fat + low -calorie food items.
More proteins to be intake to stay longer without food.
Exercise - mild to moderate.
30 mins morning walk.
Prefer steam/boil vegetables over fried one.
Drink skimmed milk instead of whole milk.
Healthy foods intake- oatmeal, walnuts, salads, bitter gourd, drumstick, barley, wheat, green gram, honey, amla, pomegranate, skimmed buttermilk, etc.
Use warm water for drinking.
Include lemon in diet and drinks.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -
Q.1.) What is Obesity?
Ans.- Obesity is generally defined as increase in BMI/ disturbed BMI. Generally, BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, one with a BMI of 30/ higher is considered obese.
Q.2.) Does a low-calorie diet help in losing weight?
Ans.- Yes, weight reduction can be achieved by reducing food intake and by regular exercise, low calorie diet should constitute a low carbohydrate, high fiber, moderate protein and a low-fat diet.
Q.3.) Does obesity cause complications?
Ans.- Yes, patients with obesity are at a risk of developing Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension in the long term.
Q.4) Does meal frequency matter?
Ans.- Some patients find it helpful to eat small meals five or six times a day. And yes it matters to have small meals to avoid food cravings.
Q.5) Can obesity leads to cancer?
Ans.- Being overweight/obese doesn’t mean that cancer will develop in body.
Q.6) How cancer can cause from obesity and cancer?
Ans.- Extra fat in the body doesn’t just sit there. It’s active and sending out signals to rest of the body. By gaining excess weight, cancer of breast(in women), bowel, womb, oesophagus, kidney, liver, thyroid, myeloma, etc, can develop.
Q.7) How common is obesity?
Ans.- According to WHO (World Health Organization)- more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older were overweight acc. To estimated data of 2016 year. And presently most of the world’s population live in countries are overweight.
Q.8) What causes obesity and overweight?
Ans.- Energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.
- Increase intake of energy-dense foods especially foods which are high in fat and sugars.
- Increase in physical activity due to sedentary lifestyle.
Q.9) What are common health consequences of overweight and obesity?
Ans.- Cardiovascular diseases(mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders ( osteoarthritis mainly), some cancers(breast/endometrial/ gallbladder/ kidney/ colon, etc.)
Q.10) How can overweight and obesity be reduced?
Ans.- -By limiting energy intake from total fats and sugars.
- Increase consumption of fruit and vegetables ( legumes/whole grains/nuts)
- Engage in regular physical activity.
Q.11) What are the various treatment available in Ayurveda?
Ans.- Basic principles of treatment of Sthoulya in Ayurvedic classics are Nidanaparivarjana, Apatarpanachikitsa, Saman and Shodhana chikitsa and pathya and apathya ahara and vihara. Food includes in the management of obesity are aimed to pacify kapha dosha and medodhatu and vataanuloman , rich in dietary fiber and low gylcemic index.
REFERENCES-
1. Ashtanga sangraham, Vagbhata, sutrasthana adhyaya Ch-1, First Edition
2. Charak Samhita, Agnivesh, Brahmanand Tripathi , Sutrasthana Chapter 27, first edition
3. J. Alastair Innes, Davidson’s Essentials of Medicine, 2nd edition
4. Agras WS, Berkowitz RI, Arnow BA, Telch CF, Marnell M, Henderson J, et al. Maintenance following a very low calorie diet, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
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