New Obesity Study

New Obesity Study

NEW OBESITY STUDY

At its annual convention
in June, 1998, the American Heart Association (AHA) heard a number of papers
and presentations about the links between obesity and heart disease. Some of
the material they covered directly pertains to diabetes. Data from the "National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey" (NHANES) showed that over 70 percent
of obese people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease,
such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. Data derived from the
"Framingham Heart Study" (which we reviewed in the last issue of the
VOICE), showed that over 50 percent of obese people have at least two additional
risk factors for heart disease, such as a combination of hypertension, type
2 diabetes and/or dyslipidemia. Further Framingham data indicate that 25 percent
of obese people have at least three additional risk factors for heart disease.
Cardiologist James M. Rippe, MD, who
spoke at the AHA convention, stated: "More than one in three Americans
are classified as overweight or obese, and the rate of obesity has been growing
at an alarming rate over the last few years."
Obesity is of special interest where
diabetes is present. Perhaps 95 percent of diabetes is of the type 2 variety,
where the principal component is insulin resistance, the body's inability to
correctly utilize its own (endogenous) insulin. Obesity increases insulin resistance.
Weight loss, regular exercise, and physical fitness decrease insulin resistance.
The diabetic who, under medical supervision, starts and maintains a regular
fitness program, and keeps an ideal weight, will lessen the need for medications
and cut the risk of complications, like eye disease, kidney disease, and heart
disease.