Kick bad habits to fight obesity ... it may prevent diabetes

“Obesity is no joke and South Africans need to get serious about this problem plaguing our society. We are [one of] the top five most obese nations in the world, a statistic we shouldn’t be proud of. We need to tackle issues relating to obesity, adopt healthier eating habits and get active,” explains Bernadette Campbell, Group Nursing Service Manager at Clinix Health Group.

Obesity causes increased levels of insulin, glucose and blood fats, which leads to type-2 diabetes (the most common form of diabetes) and a fatty liver.

This in turn can cause heart problems because increased levels of free fatty acids are stored and converted to fats in various body tissues.

Obese people may also suffer from a number of other adverse health consequences, including insulin resistance (in which your body makes insulin, but your cells can’t use it), coronary heart diseases, osteoarthritis and even breast, endometrial and colon cancer.

While genes may predispose an individual to obesity, an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are also major contributors.

Other contributing factors may include socio-cultural issues, levels of education and stress.

While genes may predispose an individual to obesity, an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity are also major contributors

“One of the most important things to remember if you are overweight and have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes, is that by embarking on a healthier lifestyle programme you can make a difference and avoid the onset of diabetes.

“It’s never too late to make healthy changes in your life. Even small changes can make a big difference,” says Campbell.

She urges people to be cautious of products carrying labels such as ‘zero', 'lite/light' or 'diet’ and to steer away from fast foods

“Drink more water and cut down your portion sizes. Make a conscious decision to eat fresh vegetables and avoid sauces that are full of sugar and preservatives. Most importantly, get help if you need it. There are professionals that can help you get on track by creating an eating and exercise plan that is suited to your particular situation.”

Campbell encourages those who suspect they may have diabetes linked to obesity to get checked. “It’s a simple and inexpensive test. Diabetes can be managed, so don’t delay,” she concludes.

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