Benefits of Body Mass Reduction

Despite the relatively high public awareness of the issues related to overweight and its consequences, the number of patients is still increasing. Obesity is considered a chronic, non-communicable disease that does not have a tendency to disappear on its own, making it all the more important to aim for weight reduction and thereby decrease the amount of body fat. In this way, we can significantly reduce the risk of many diseases and improve health. The benefits of reducing body weight by about 10 kg are: – 20% reduction in the risk of death; – 30% reduction in the risk of death from complications of diabetes; – 40% reduction in the risk of cancer associated with obesity; – 10% reduction in total cholesterol, 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol and 30% reduction in triglycerides; – 8% increase in HDL cholesterol; – reduction or elimination of albuminuria; – improvement of respiratory function; – 50% reduction in fasting glucose; – 10 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure and 20 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure.

Untreated overweight and obesity can lead to the development of various diseases and even death. An increase in the number or size of adipocytes contributes to the development of metabolic disorders. What are the risks for people with overweight and obesity? - Hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disorders and strokes; - Type 2 diabetes - the incidence of diabetes increases with the degree of obesity. It has been shown that people with overweight and obesity are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than the general population. Men with obesity have a five-fold increased risk of death from diabetes compared to men with normal weight. In women, the risk is even seven times higher; - People with overweight and obesity are more likely to develop cancer. In Poland, the most common cancers in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer. In women, breast cancer has been dominating for many years, followed by colon cancer, lung cancer, reproductive organ cancer, and gallbladder cancer; - People with overweight and obesity are more likely to suffer from degenerative joint changes, especially in the lower extremities and possibly also in the wrists. Accompanying symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, creaking, deformation, and limited mobility are very unpleasant; - Patients with visceral obesity are particularly at risk of developing gallstones and complications; - People with obesity often suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to death during sleep. Typical symptoms include snoring, breathing pauses, and daytime sleepiness; - Women with obesity are more likely to suffer from menstrual disorders, prolonged bleeding, and complications during pregnancy; - The risk of renal dysfunction increases with the degree and duration of obesity. The first sign of renal dysfunction is proteinuria, which occurs more frequently in people with overweight and obesity than in people with normal weight; - Overweight and obesity can lead not only to physiological complications, but also to social and psychological problems. People with obesity often suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders.

Taking into account the hazards linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, it is prudent to prioritize the care of one's health. Consequently, it is advised to modify one's lifestyle by adhering to a nutritious, balanced diet, starting physical activities, and avoiding superfluous body weight that can have a detrimental effect on the body. It is crucial to highlight that even a slight weight reduction can bring about a series of beneficial health outcomes. Shedding 5-10% of body weight can assist in decreasing the risk of complications related to obesity and enhancing general well-being.