Obesity becoming New Normal: Reason and Solution

Definition: “Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat.

Facts: (As per WHO)

• Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
• In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese.
• 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in 2016, and 13% were obese.
• Most of the world's population lives in countries where overweight and obese kill more people than underweight.
• 39 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2020.
• Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016.
• Obesity is preventable. (1)

 How to assess Obesity?

•       Body mass index (BMI) is often used to diagnose obesity.
•       BMI= body weight (kg)/[height (m)] ²
•       BMI should be considered normal within 18.5-24.9.
•     Below this is underweight, and above it is overweight (25-29.9), and beyond it Obesity (1,2)

As per WHO, causes obesity and overweight?

The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, [known to every sensible person].

Globally, there has been: [in short- demand vs supply gap]

•       an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugars; and
•      an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization. (1) 

 Beyond WHO: The Liver's Role

1. Liver's Multitasking: One of the functions of the liver is to modulate the incoming digested nutrients as per body requirements and assure proper storage of surplus biomolecules. (3)
2. The liver converts the nutrients in our diets into substances that the body can use, stores these substances, and supplies cells with them when needed.(4)
3. Glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen, stored in the liver and muscle cells of animals, from glucose. (5)
4. Glycogenesis takes place when blood glucose levels are sufficiently high to allow excess glucose to be stored in liver and muscle cells.
5. Glycogenolysis is the biochemical pathway in which glycogen breaks down into glucose-1-phosphate and glucose.
6. During the fasting state, to maintain normal blood glucose levels, the liver plays a central role in producing glucose via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.[6]
7. In humans, Glycogen is the principal storage form of glucose. During times of need, the body breaks down glycogen to produce glucose.[7]
8. High glycogen levels enhance glycogen breakdown in isolated contracting skeletal muscle (8)
9. Muscle glycogen serves mainly as a source of metabolic fuel for its function.
10. The body stores 3/4 of your total glycogen in all skeletal muscles so they have a consistent supply of energy, especially during exercise, without dramatically affecting the levels of your blood glucose.
11. Muscles replenish glycogen when sufficient carbohydrates are consumed. (9)

So, what if the body has sarcopenia and is saturated with glycogen?

Now, let's address the scenario where the body has *sarcopenia* (reduced muscle mass) and is saturated with glycogen:

To Sum up

• Lack of optimum muscle mass, which can accommodate surplus digested materials.
• Increased Gut fermentation by frequent eating habits, besides other reasons, causes the formation of SCFA (Short Chain Fatty Acids), which also develop an alternate route for energy supply.
• Lack of Physical work in early childhood, especially before attainment of adulthood.
• Earlier commencement of Puberty is becoming a new trend. [The mean age of puberty in girls in Western populations has been falling for the last 150 years. (10)]
• High glycogen levels enhance glycogen breakdown in isolated contracting skeletal muscle (11)
• Gym, dieting, and treatments* may burn surplus fat but come at a significant cost to the body.

Remember, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and understanding the interplay between glycogen, muscle mass, and overall health is crucial for well-being.

The damaging side effects of the thinness pursuit

• Weight loss programs do not have long-term positive outcomes.
• This may cause problems, as weight fluctuation is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular disease.
• Additionally, chronic restrictive dieting is a significant risk factor for the development of binge behavior and eating disorders.
• Direct adverse effects of weight loss programs and dangerous weight loss strategies such as laxative use, smoking cigarettes, and very low-calorie diets, pose serious health risks. (12)
• Also, your stamina shall be affected.
• Muscle mass decreases approximately 3–8% per decade after the age of 30 and this rate of decline is even higher after the age of 60 [12,13]. 

 

Solution:

• Remember, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and understanding the interplay between glycogen, muscle mass, and overall health is crucial for well-being.
• Early Physical Activity: While the opportunity for significant physical work before puberty may have passed, it's essential to stay active throughout life. Regular exercise, even in adulthood, helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and overall health.
• Balanced Nutrition: Instead of restrictive diets, focus on balanced nutrition. Eat foods provided by nature—fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Aim for 2 to 3 meals a day, ensuring proportionate portions.
• Intermittent Fasting: Consider adopting an intermittent fasting approach. This involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can help regulate gut fermentation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support overall well-being.
• Avoid preserved food products: which cantain many chemicals promotes obesity and other health issues. 
•  Remember, sustainable health practices involve consistency, moderation, and a holistic approach. Prioritize your well-being over extreme measures, and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.