Why does being overweight make you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes? Before we discuss the link first, we need to understand what diabetes is. In short type 2 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.
So, how does being overweight cause this to happen? Being overweight, and in particular obese, causes increased levels of fatty acids and inflammation, leading to insulin resistance, which then develops into to type 2 diabetes.
The good thing about type 2 diabetes is that it is reversible, unlike type 1 diabetes. And, the leading cause that helps reverse the disease is… WEIGHT LOSS! Carrying extra weight leads to fat build up around your liver and pancreas which causes the insulin resistance that causes diabetes. So losing this weight could help the insulin you produce or the insulin you inject work properly.
Studies have shown that losing as little as 10% of overall weight can start to reverse type 2 diabetes.
To put this into context, if you currently weigh 20 stones, and lose 4% (10%). You can start to reverse the effects of diabetes and your overall health.
Having weight loss surgery will greatly increase type 2 diabetes, as surgical options such as the gastric sleeve can help patients lose up to 70% of excess body weight.
Type 2 Diabets needs to be monitored closely as it can lead to serious health conditions such as:
With so many high risks associated with this disease, it should be taken seriously and we recommend you do everything you can to manage the condition from getting worse. With the link to weight being so prominent, you might want to consider weight loss surgery.
Last review: 25/02/2022. All content on this page is reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team lead by Mr Rishi Singhal.
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