How extra pounds affect the cardiovascular system

We are what we eat. You can't argue with the brilliant phrase of Hippocrates. But it can be supplemented a little: We are what we eat, drink, breathe and how we dispose of our body. After all, it is with our own hands that we create our body, preserve it and set it up for a long, correct work. Much of what gets into our body is absorbed and finds its place in the metabolism. And if the quality and quantity of products do not meet the needs, then violations in the work of our body begin. A special place is occupied by the problem of excessive nutrition, which leads to the development of obesity.   

Currently, obesity is considered as a chronic disease, which, in turn, requires treatment and constant monitoring by a specialist. Currently, more and more attention is being paid to this problem. And for good reason, because obesity is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide and affects not only adults, but also children and adolescents. According to WHO, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight. Of these, more than 650 million were obese. The prevalence of obesity among men was 11%, among women – 15%. According to forecasts, by 2030, 60% of the world's population may be overweight (2.2 billion) or obese (1.1 billion) if the trends in the incidence of obesity continue. The presence of obesity has important consequences for morbidity, quality of life, disability and mortality and entails a higher risk of developing not only cardiovascular diseases, but also type II diabetes, some forms of cancer, osteoarthritis and other pathologies.

Subcutaneous fat, at present, is considered not only as a "depot" or "reserve" of nutrients, but as an independently functioning organ. The fact is that the blood supply to subcutaneous fat is poor and substances begin to be produced here aimed at increasing blood pressure so that more blood flows. In addition, subcutaneous fat is configured to preserve itself, it also produces special molecules that cause an increase in blood glucose, activate the formation of subcutaneous fat. Thus, often, people suffering from increased body weight, and even more so obesity, are significantly susceptible to the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus. It is impossible not to say that fat metabolism also begins to suffer. Not all fat is stored in the "depot". Part of it continues to circulate in the blood. The tests show a significant increase in cholesterol and its bad fractions, and this is a direct path to the development of coronary heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Thus, we can say that obese people have extremely high risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, and disability and mortality from them firmly occupies the first place worldwide.

How to lose weight on your own? Here are some simple tips:

1. Do not skip breakfast – most likely this will lead to frequent snacks throughout the day and an increase in daily calories;
2. Eat regularly during the day – meaning compliance with the diet, will also help to avoid unplanned snacks;
3. There are more fruits and vegetables – low calorie content and high content of fiber, vitamins and minerals make this category of products one of the main ones in the diet;
4. Being more Active – Physical activity burns calories;
5. Drinking more water – no matter how strange it may sound, but people sometimes confuse feelings of thirst and hunger – as a result, lack of fluid can lead to overeating;
6. Eating foods rich in fiber – fiber helps you feel full longer, there is a lot of it in vegetables and whole grains;
7. Read the composition of finished products – reading labels will help you choose healthier options;
8. Using a smaller plate is a trick to reduce the serving size;
9. Not to give up certain types of food – especially those that you love the most – a strict rejection of your favorite dishes can lead to so-called "breakdowns" and, ultimately, will force you to completely abandon the principles of healthy eating;
10. Do not stock up on junk food – do not store chips, cookies, sweet carbonated drinks, etc. at home, do not create unnecessary temptations for yourself;
11. Exclude alcohol consumption – alcohol is very high in calories – there are as many calories in a glass of wine as in a piece of chocolate
12. Making a menu – planning will help you maintain your daily calorie intake.

Eat right and be healthy!

Head of the Cardiology Department
by the department of GUZ "LOKB",
Syrodoev Anton Mikhailovich