[Medical Q&A] Beware of middle-aged obesity: Will it induce endocrine diseases?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Gong Yanbing, Chief Physician, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Did you know that BMI (body mass index) is an indicator of whether your weight is healthy? If your BMI value is greater than 25, it means that you may have entered the ranks of obesity. Obesity is not only a simple matter of appearance, it also poses a serious threat to our health.

Too much body fat will not only make you look bloated, but also cause a series of health problems. Excessive fat accumulation will lead to insulin resistance, which will affect the body's normal metabolism of sugar and fat, thereby increasing the risk of endocrine metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Long-term obesity may also cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and in severe cases, even endanger life.

As we enter middle age, our basal metabolic rate gradually decreases. If unhealthy eating habits are combined with reduced activity and the pressure of life, fat is more likely to accumulate in the body. For women, middle age coincides with perimenopause, when estrogen levels in the body drop sharply, making it easier to gain weight. In addition, the loss of a large amount of estrogen may also increase the risk of osteoporosis.

So, how to prevent middle-aged obesity and stay healthy? The key lies in arranging a reasonable diet, ensuring balanced nutrition, and doing appropriate exercise to maintain a healthy body shape. Through these measures, we can effectively avoid the health risks brought by obesity and make our lives healthier and better. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is the best weapon to prevent obesity!