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Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Young Adults

Obesity: Increasing the Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adults

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that prevents the body from utilizing insulin as it should. People with type 2 diabetes are said to have insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which permits your body to effectively utilize sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat, for energy, or to store glucose for some time later. Insulin also keeps your blood sugar level from getting drawn-out excessively high or excessively low.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Obesity is fast becoming the highest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in young people. The incidence of children and adolescents who are overweight raises serious concern about type 2 diabetes because excess fat makes body cells less responsive to insulin.

 

Causes of Obesity

Obesity is caused by several factors including the following:

Obesity: Increasing the Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adults

1. Poor diet

Obesity does not happen incidentally. It gradually develops due to unhealthy eating habits such as excessive consumption of processed food and drinks, large meal portions, and uncontrolled alcohol intake. Alcohol contains a lot of calories, and individuals who drink excessive quantities are likely to become overweight.

2. Lack of physical activity

Children and young adults tend to be obese if there is a lack of physical activity such as walking, running, cycling, etc. If you are not active enough, you do not use the energy provided by the food you eat, and the extra energy you consume is stored by the body as fat.

3. Genetics

Genetics sometimes determines your body weight as the genes you inherit from your parents can affect how your body processes food into energy and how fat is stored. Also, young people with a family history of obesity are much more likely to be obese, compared to people who do not have such a family history.

4. Lack of adequate sleep

Lack of adequate sleep causes a change in your hormones, increases your appetite, and makes you hungry at late hours. Young people who do not sleep well are susceptible to weighing more than those with healthy sleeping patterns. Lack of adequate sleep can make a person too tired to engage in physical activities and decrease the rate at which you burn consumed calories.

Obesity: Increasing the Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adults

Prevention and Management Tips

To prevent obesity in children and young adults, it is advisable to eat only when you are hungry. Eating when you are not hungry leads to overeating, and excess food gets stored in the body as body fat. Asides from this, there are other ways to prevent and manage obesity:

  • Maintain a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and dietary fibers to manage your weight. While at it, avoid frequent snacking.
  • Engage in physical activities that will make you sweat and burn calories. Regular physical activity will help you lose excess weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Preventing obesity is key to having good health as obesity increases the risk of chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. For young people who may be having symptoms of diabetes, early diagnosis is essential to aid in proper management. For diagnosis and management of Type 2 diabetes, healthcare professionals often carry out tests with the Cobas Chemistry Systems c111 and c311. For regular and effective monitoring of the blood sugar level, Accu-Chek is a hands-on, easy-to-use, and convenient glucose meter.

Keep your weight in check, stay active and manage your health for improved quality of life. Follow ISN Medical on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for regular tips and information on diagnostics and good health.

 

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