(ANSA) – SINGAPORE, OCTOBER 21 – Obesity can cause over 200 medical problems, including stroke, heart attack, dementia, diabetes and kidney disease. However, losing weight significantly reduces the risks, explains Dr Tham Kwang Wei, senior endocrinologist and president of the Singapore Association for the Study of Obesity. A 10%-15% weight loss improves health, and even a 3% reduction can improve diabetes control. To achieve diabetes remission, a minimum loss of 15% is required.
Excess fat, known as visceral fat, accumulates on organs and impairs their function, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. These processes can lead to heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Visceral fat produces proteins that promote tumor growth.
To lose weight, it is more effective to reduce your calorie intake than to exercise more. However, physical activity is important, as increased muscle mass accelerates fat burning. Reducing portions by 25% can help you lose weight, but a 10% to 15% reduction may require medications, such as GLP-1s, which suppress appetite and can lead to a 20% weight loss. (HANDLE).