Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
One of the more sensitive subjects for people to talk about is their weight.
The perception is that an overweight person is the one to blame for being overweight. Not necessarily true.
We now know a lot more about obesity than we previously knew. We know that obesity is a chronic disease just like hypertension and diabetes. We also know that obesity is a chronic disease that needs to be treated on a chronic basis.
Additionally, we know that obesity, with all its curves and cracks, has a detrimental effect on the essence of a person.
Research has shown that obesity can affect mental sharpness and can cause difficulty with thinking or cognitive skills.
The blood vessels of the brain are in jeopardy. Studies have shown that diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and increased cholesterol that affect the blood vessels of the brain and the body in general are 2-3-fold more prevalent in one with obesity, thus placing that person at increased risk for the aforementioned health conditions.
Note that obesity can also increase inflammation in the blood. This can lead to an increase in amyloid production in the brain which can impair one’s cognitive skills.
Data now shows that obesity can affect gut microbes. The thought is that inflammation can ride the Vagus nerve into the brain and affect the hippocampus, which serves as the storage chip for memories.
Unfortunately, obesity can affect one’s social interactions and can result in social isolation, which also often leads to cognitive difficulties.
Due to a person’s girth and lack of activity, obesity may also affect a person’s ability to breathe. It is also noted to be a risk factor for sleep apnea; a condition which can affect the brain and the heart.
Lastly it is now known that mental health conditions such as brain fog, lack of concentration, and other brain related functions can be associated with obesity.
It is vital that we develop a compassionate, thoughtful and comprehensive understanding of obesity as a chronic disease and treat it as such.
It is important that our obese patients engage in healthy lifestyles and consume nutritious, low-fat foods. Effectively managing stress is also important. Remember to take steps to improve sleep and develop a sustainable exercise routine. When appropriate, medications are available to aid weight loss.
It is time for a paradigm shift on how we observe, examine and treat obesity.
Dr. Veita Bland is a board-certified Greensboro physician and hypertension specialist. Dr. Bland’s radio show, “It’s a Matter of Your Health,” can be heard live on Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. on N.C. A&T State University’s WNAA, 90.1 FM. Listeners may call in and ask questions. The show is replayed on Sirius 142 at 5 p.m. on Wed. Email Dr. Bland at ideas@blandclinicpa.com.
