Obesity Shortens Lifespan by 10 Years- Explained by Doctor

Every Second Person with Obesity Has Two or More Comorbidities

• The first step in treatment involves lifestyle changes.
• The second step includes medication intervention.

Obesity is linked to over 200 comorbidities and is at the core of many chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Due to these and other associated conditions, the average lifespan of individuals with obesity is reduced by 10 years.

Dr. Evans K., specialist in internal medicine and subspecialist in endocrinology explains that obesity is closely related to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, sleep apnea, reproductive disorders, and multiple types of cancer.

The Link Between Obesity and Life-Threatening Conditions

• Type 2 diabetes develops due to insulin resistance, which occurs from excessive fat accumulation, particularly visceral fat surrounding internal organs. Combined with a diet rich in simple sugars and saturated fats and insufficient physical activity, these factors significantly increase the risk of diabetes.
• People with type 2 diabetes are seven times more likely to suffer a stroke and four times more likely to experience a heart attack.
• Heart failure is the most common cardiovascular disease among obese individuals, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
• Obesity affects fertility in both men and women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is common in obese women, contributing to infertility, while in men, reduced testosterone levels and sperm damage due to excessive heat in fat-surrounded testicles can also lead to fertility issues.
• Obesity significantly increases the risk of cancer, particularly esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, colorectal, uterine, and breast cancer.
• Other related conditions include: varicose veins, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and metabolic disorders, with depression being notably prevalent among obese individuals.

When Do Comorbidities Develop?

Statistics indicate that every second person with obesity has at least two or more comorbidities. This raises an essential question: Is there such a thing as healthy obesity, or is it just a matter of time before complications arise?

Dr. Evans explains that individuals with "pear-shaped" obesity, where fat is stored predominantly in the hips and thighs, may initially have a lower risk of metabolic disorders. However, they are still at risk for circulatory issues, joint overload, and spinal problems.

Younger individuals with a shorter duration of obesity and peripheral fat distribution might not experience immediate health complications. However, if weight remains uncontrolled, comorbidities will inevitably develop over time.

Signs That You Should Seek Professional Help

It is not uncommon for obese individuals to struggle with weight loss, frequently resorting to restrictive diets that often result in yo-yo weight fluctuations. This cycle can have severe long-term consequences.

Dr. Evans advises that individuals who are attempting to lose weight should:

• Identify and eliminate the underlying causes of obesity.
• Remove high-calorie foods and sugary drinks from their diet.
• Consume 4-5 well-balanced meals daily, rich in vegetables and fruits.
• Ensure adequate hydration and engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30-45 minutes daily.

If an individual fails to lose at least 5% of body weight within three months, they should consult a certified nutritionist for further dietary adjustments under professional guidance.

Additionally, individuals with long-term obesity, an inability to lose weight, or those experiencing health issues should undergo:

• Blood tests to assess metabolic health.
• Blood pressure monitoring.
• Gynecological examinations for women to detect hormonal imbalances.

People with existing health conditions should consult a doctor before attempting weight loss independently, especially if they have experienced previous yo-yo dieting cycles.

How Is Obesity Treated?

Historically, obesity treatment focused solely on "eating less and moving more." However, advancements in medicine have introduced effective pharmacotherapy, making weight management more achievable and sustainable.

Dr. Polovina explains that obesity results from a complex interplay of genetic, metabolic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, including:

• Genetic predisposition
• Birth conditions
• Dietary habits
• Physical activity levels
• Sleep quality
• Alcohol consumption
• Gut microbiome imbalances

The first step in treatment involves addressing lifestyle factors, while the second step includes medication intervention.

Modern weight-loss medications influence various metabolic pathways, including:

• Appetite regulation
• Digestion speed
• Metabolism of sugar and fat
• Hormonal balance
• Inflammatory processes in adipose tissue
• Mental health regulation

Decisions regarding medication type, dosage, and duration should be made by a qualified physician.

For individuals requiring long-term weight management, bariatric surgery remains the most effective intervention. These procedures involve reducing stomach capacity and, in some cases, rerouting parts of the intestines to decrease calorie absorption. Recent surgical approaches have become less invasive, providing satisfactory results with minimal complications.

How to Sustain Weight Loss in the Long Term?

Dr. Polovina emphasizes that obesity is a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. Patients must remain committed to:

• Adopting a sustainable diet.
• Maintaining physical activity levels.
• Following prescribed treatment plans.

The Growing Global Obesity Epidemic

March 4 marks World Obesity Day, highlighting the growing epidemic of obesity as one of today's most pressing health challenges.

• Currently, over 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity.
• By 2035, this number is projected to reach 1.5 billion.
• In Serbia, 1 in 4 individuals is obese, while every second person is either overweight or obese.