Even Modest Weight Reduction in Obesity is a Form of Harm Reduction

Risk of Type 2 diabetes raises with increasing body weight. But a new study finds that even a modest weight loss of 5 percent to 10 percent in six months is enough to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.

Studies indicate that those who are obese are 3 to 7 times more likely to acquire this condition than those with a normal weight. The risk increases by 20 times in people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2.

‘A new study finds that losing weight to counter obesity and maintaining the ideal weight are all steps towards harm reduction. It highlights that any weight reduction is better than no weight reduction.’

The first-ever conference on harm reduction that was held on 30th January 2019, organized by HCFI and IJCP, discussed this and more.

It highlighted the need for a balanced diet in maintaining weight. We must lose strength. This is a fundamental medical principle. If we gain weight and feel week, it is a disease, and when we lose weight and gain strength, we are recovering from the disease. One is not supposed to gain more than 5kg of weight after the age of 20 years.

Any weight gain after that will only be due to the accumulation of fat which leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance does not allow food to convert into energy. In the state of insulin resistance, whatever you eat, it is converted into fat. As it is not converted into energy and you feel week.

When you reduce insulin resistance by drugs or walking the metabolism becomes normal and whatever you eat gets converted into energy months. The body can self-regulate its intake of solid food.

However, the same does not apply to what we drink. The body does not adjust to liquid calories, so over time, it leads to weight gain. It is not essential to achieve an ideal weight. The medical aim is to reduce weight to prevent the onset of diabetes in obesity. Any weight reduction is better than no weight reduction. Even 1 kg of weight loss is good for harm reduction.

Some tips and recommendations

Sugar levels and the production of insulin

In those with insulin resistance, this surge can lead to further weight gain. Get your blood glucose levels monitored at regular intervals.

Source: Medindia