To better understand the connection between obesity and insulin resistance, it is important to have a good understanding of each component. Most people understand the definition of obesity. However, there are a couple different scales, so for the purpose of this article, this is the definition of obesity.
Obesity is the condition of being excessively overweight to the point where the BMI (body mass index) is over 30%. BMI is the percentage of the body that is made up of fat tissue or fat cells. Overweight is considered a BMI of over 25%. The morbidly obese category is a BMI of over 35%. There are several ways to measure BMI. The most commonly used method is a chart that takes height, weight and body type into consideration to give you an approximate BMI. However, there are much better measurements. There are specific machines that can measure BMI. Many personal trainers use fat calipers to measure BMI.
Insulin resistance, also known as type II diabetes, is a condition that occurs when the fat and muscle cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone. The insulin hormone is necessary because this hormone helps the body absorb and metabolize blood sugar that is consumed through food and beverages. When the cells in the body become resistant to the insulin hormone the cells are unable to absorb and burn the sugar and it builds up in the blood stream. It then becomes the kidneys responsibility to filter out all the extra sugar. This can lead to severe damage to the organs and cells in the body. Obesity can cause the body to become resistant to insulin.
Obesity Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance and obesity are connected because the excess fat cells in the body cause the body to produce extra hormones that subdue or fight against the insulin hormone.
Obesity and insulin resistance are a dangerous combination. The fat cells produce excess hormones that tend to imbalance the other hormones in the body. When this happens there are many complications that can occur. One such complication is type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is treatable and even curable, but lifestyle changes are necessary to live a healthy and happy life.
Treatment For Obesity And Insulin Resistance
Treatment for obesity and insulin resistance requires making some lifestyle changes involving diet, activity, and condition tracking. After insulin resistance has been diagnosed, your physician will give you a treatment plan to follow.
The treatment plan for type II diabetes will involve diet modifications to include a low sugar diet with very few processed foods. You will also be asked to journal everything you consume for a period of time. You will also be given an exercise or activity program to follow. You will need to check and log your blood sugar several times per day.
Your physician might also require that you give yourself insulin injections if your blood sugar falls below a certain level. You may also be prescribed an oral medication to combat insulin resistance. Losing weight will help combat and even cure this condition. In extreme cases your physician might recommend gastric bypass surgery to take off some of the excess weight to help control the insulin resistance.
It is possible to live a healthy and productive life with insulin resistance. However, if you do not make the necessary changes the results can be deadly.
