Obesity is on the rise in the U.S.  Research shows that one in three people in this country is obese.  It has even become a problem in children and adolescents aged 2-19 years.  Obesity has been linked to a number of different health issues of serious concern.  Many people have found that obesity has impacted their quality of life.

Obesity is determined by calculating a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI).  There are formulas available to calculate BMI based on height and weight.  A BMI of 30.0 and above is considered obese.

The following list contains serious health risks that are linked to obesity.

Heart disease and stroke

Obesity can cause a lowering of good cholesterol, an increase in bad cholesterol levels, and an increase in triglycerides.  Obesity is a major risk factor in coronary artery disease, which is a buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries of the heart.  Obesity puts individuals at risk for atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm, and increases their risk for heart failure.  Even moderate weight loss can reduce the risks in these areas.

Diabetes

Obesity is the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes increases the risk for heart disease.  Excess abdominal fat can make the body less sensitive to insulin by disrupting the function of insulin responsive cells.  This is known as insulin resistance.  Weight loss is an important goal in treating type 2 diabetes and may reduce the need for medication.

High blood pressure

Obesity is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension).  Obese people need more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to their bodies.  The heart has to work harder to accommodate the need.  High blood pressure is a common cause of heart attacks.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.  According to the Sleep Foundation, excess weight creates fat deposits in the neck that can block the upper airway during sleep.  Excess fat in the abdomen compresses the chest wall, reducing lung capacity.  Lack of sleep is associated with weight gain, making it a vicious cycle.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive joint disorder that is strongly associated with obesity.  Being overweight puts extra pressure on joints like the knees and hips.  This speeds destruction of the cartilage.  Fat cells also release proteins that cause inflammation.  This increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis in non-load bearing joints such as the fingers and hands.

Some cancers

Many people do not realize that some cancers have been linked to obesity.  These include colon cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer.  Obese people often have chronic low-level inflammation, which is a risk factor for certain types of cancer.

RMD Primary Care offers medical weight loss services.  If you are looking for a healthy approach to weight loss, contact us today for an appointment.

Inflammation is a response from the body’s immune system to fight off infection.  This is one way the body protects itself.  Chemicals from the white blood cells are released into the blood or tissues.  The blood flow to the infected or injured area is increased to promote healing.  Inflammation can be acute, or short-lived, and chronic, meaning long lasting.  Unfortunately, people can have excess inflammation in their body without even realizing it.  Certain autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can lead to chronic inflammation.  Other medical conditions that are linked to chronic inflammation include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and kidney disease.

Symptoms of inflammation

Common symptoms of inflammation include redness, swelling, warmth, and joint pain.  Other notable symptoms include muscle stiffness, fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches.  Chronic inflammation in the body can cause damage to the joints, the digestive tract, the heart, kidneys, and other organs.

Medical treatments

A number of over-the-counter drugs can treat inflammation.  Common medications that treat inflammation include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.  These are known as NASAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  There are prescription drugs that also treat inflammation.  A physician can prescribe the appropriate ones, based on what type of underlying condition is being treated.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing inflammation.  Doctors may advise their patients to modify their diets to include foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory.  An anti-inflammatory diet would eliminate many processed foods and include more fresh fruits and vegetables.  Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards would be included in an anti-inflammatory diet.  Tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, and cherries are healthy additions.  Many of these foods are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation.  Beverages like coffee and tea, especially green tea, are also rich in polyphenols.  Healthy oils, like olive oil, and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids including salmon, tuna, and sardines may help manage inflammation.  Whole grain breads and pasta, almonds, walnuts, and spices like ginger and turmeric also aid in fighting inflammation.

Foods to avoid

The following foods should be eliminated as much as possible from the diet, as they may actually increase inflammation.  These include white bread and rice, red meat, processed meats, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, processed snack foods, foods high in sugar, and foods containing trans fats including processed baked goods and fried foods.  Cooking oils and margarines that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, including corn oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil should also be eliminated.  It’s important to read food labels.  Excess alcohol is discouraged, and sugary beverages like sodas should be replaced with water.

If you would like to learn more about how an anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial to you, contact your healthcare provider today.

Diabetes is a rising problem in the U.S. today.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

estimates more than 30 million adults have been diagnosed with diabetes.  Another 7 million adults meet the laboratory criteria for diabetes but are not aware they have the condition.  The American Diabetes Association (ADA) cites diabetes as the 7^th leading cause of death in America.  Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s examine what causes diabetes and what the health implications are for those with the disease.

Diabetes is a disorder that causes elevated blood sugar levels.  Our bodies break down the carbohydrates we eat into glucose.  The pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that allows glucose to enter the cells and be used as energy by the body.  When there isn’t enough insulin, or the body is unable to use insulin to effectively manage the glucose levels, symptoms of diabetes will manifest.

Some symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that are slow to heal, unexplained weight loss, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.  Not all people will experience all symptoms.  The symptoms may start quickly or develop slowly over time.

The two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2.  Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children and young adults.  People with this type of diabetes must take insulin because their body no longer produces its own.  They may also need to take other medications to help regulate their glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes is more common.  In this case the body may not make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively.  This may be called insulin resistance.  The onset of type 2 diabetes is usually middle age or older.  Poor lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors for the disease include a family history of diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, age, and ethnic background.  Diabetes occurs more often in individuals with Hispanic, African American, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Island heritage.  Although we can’t control some of the risk factors, making good lifestyle choices can help prevent diabetes.  Choices to manage include eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing blood pressure.  Diabetes can lead to serious health-related problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, eye disease, nerve problems, and foot problems.

Renal disease, also called kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, refers to the loss of function in the kidneys. The kidneys fail gradually and the result is the buildup of excess fluid and waste in the body. Although the early stages of renal disease may not cause obvious symptoms, early detection is essential since symptoms may not persist until kidney function is almost completely gone. Click here to read more »

If you have diabetes, the holidays can be a tricky time of year. With so many gatherings centered around food and all of the holiday treats, it can be hard.

Good news! You can still enjoy yourself and not feel like your missing out on anything at all.

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Diabetes has become an epidemic in this country, and it’s impacting people of all ages. Even Type 2 diabetes, which used to be known as “adult-onset” diabetes, is being seen more and more frequently in children and teens. This is the most common form of diabetes that our Lawrenceville doctors treat.

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There can be no denying that stress has (regrettably) become part of modern human existence. The average person deals with various stressors on a daily basis such as global warming, international terrorism, economic instability, workplace politics and familial issues, to name just a few. As long-time family doctors in Lawrenceville, Georgia, we know for a fact that these constant stressors have a huge impact on the health and well-being of our patients. Read on below to find out the connection between dealing with chronic stress and developing stage II diabetes. Click here to read more »