Eating too fast may increase obesity

Eating too fast may increase obesity

People who eat slowly are less likely to become obese or develop metabolic syndrome, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017.

The study participants were grouped according to their speed of eating food into slow, normal or fast. After five years, it was found:

·         Fast eaters were more likely (11.6%) to have developed metabolic syndrome than normal eaters (6.5%) or slow eaters (2.3%).

·         Faster eating speed was associated with more weight gain, higher blood glucose and larger waistline.

Metabolic syndrome occurs when someone has any of three risk factors that include abdominal obesity, high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and/or low HDL cholesterol.

According to the researchers, eating fast causes bigger glucose fluctuations, which can lead to insulin resistance. People who eat too fast without chewing their food tend to overeat as they tend not to feel full.

Our shastras including Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagwad Gita and the various Upanishads also tell us “You are what you eat”. Mealtime practices influence health.

It is important to be aware of the food we are eating. This is called mindful eating, which means being aware of the hunger and satiety signals. It also means using all the five senses while eating: colors (eye), smells (nose), flavors (taste), textures (touch) and sound while chewing (ear) of the food.

In Chapter 6 Shloka 17 of the Bhagwad Gita Krishna says to Arjuna “Yukaharaviharasya yuktachestasya karmasu. Yuktasvapnavabodhasya yoga bhavati duhkhaha”. It means "the one, whose diet and movements are balanced, whose actions are proper, whose hours of sleeping and waking up are regular, and who follows the path of meditation, is the destroyer of pain or unhappiness."

With mindful eating, you are more aware of hunger and satiety cues, so you eat less.

Chewing food well improves digestion and more nutrients are absorbed as well.

Chewing food well also helps to eat less. You will enjoy every bite and relish the flavors of food.

(Source: AHA News Release, November 13, 2017)

Global Nutrition Report 2017 finds overweight and obesity to be global health problems

Global Nutrition Report 2017 finds overweight and obesity to be global health problems

“The world faces a grave nutrition situation” says the Global Nutrition Report 2017 released recently. It shows that malnutrition, whether due to undernutrition or obesity, is prevalent in almost all countries around the world, which is hampering the broader global development efforts. The report, which studied 140 countries including India, further highlights the need for an urgent, integrated response to meet any of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Report found ‘significant burdens’ of three important forms of malnutrition used as a indicator of broader trends:

• Childhood stunting
• Anemia in women of reproductive age
• Overweight adult women

Most countries (88%) face the burden of two or three of these forms of malnutrition. Some key observations of the Report are:

• Overweight and obesity are on the rise in almost every country; 2 billion adults are now overweight or obese. There is less than 1% chance of meeting the global target of halting the rise in obesity and diabetes by 2025.
• At least 41 million children under five are overweight, with the problem affecting high and lower income countries alike
• At least 10 million children in Africa are now classified as overweight. One third of North American men (33%) and women (34%) are obese.
• Although undernutrition rates are declining, it is not enough to meet the internationally agreed nutrition goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 2.2 to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.
• 155 million children under five are stunted; Africa is the only region where absolute numbers are rising, due to population growth
• 52 million children worldwide are defined as wasted, meaning they do not weigh enough for their height.
• 2 billion people lack key micronutrients like iron and vitamin A
• Anemia rates are rising globally in women of reproductive age. More than half of all women of reproductive age in India have anemia with India.

(Source: Global Nutrition Report, November 3, 2017)

Why Lord Ganesha never suffered from diabetes despite a pot belly obesity

Why Lord Ganesha never suffered from diabetes despite a pot belly obesity

Lord Ganesha is always shown with a big tummy and sweets (laddoos) in one hand. Yet he never had diabetes.

A spiritual interpretation to this can be that the big tummy symbolizes retention of all information gathered from listening with two big elephant ears. Sweets mean control of desires. There is a medical interpretation too, where the big tummy represents susceptibility of Asian Indians to pot belly obesity and  to metabolic syndrome. Abdominal obesity is one of the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. The sweets denote uncontrolled desire to eat sweets, which can be controlled by the offerings (fruits and leaves) to Ganesha through their antidiabetic properties.

“Gajananam Bhoota Ganadi Sevitam; Kapittha Jambu phalasara bhakshitam; Umasutam Shoka Vinasha karanam; Namami Vighneswara pada pankajam”.

“Oh Elephant-faced, worshiped by the existing beings, of all living beings, tasting the elephant apple (kaith) and jambolana (jamun), the Son of Uma, destroyer of grief, I bow to the lotus feet of Ganesha who is lord of all”

This main Ganesha mantra can also be interpreted as explaining the antidiabetes properties of the various offerings to Ganesha.

Gajananam (the big tummy one worshipped by all) Bhoota (Durva grass and Bilva patra) Ganadi (in equal quantity) Sevitam (if consumed); Kapittha (Kaith) Jambu (Jamun) phalasara (fruits) bhakshitam (to be consumed); Umasutam (son of Uma) Shoka (diseases) Vinasha karanam (get rid of); Namami (I bow to) Vighneswara (destroyer of grief) pada pankajam (feet of lord)”

The mantra talks about four medicinal herbs: Durva grass and Bilva patra, elephant apple fruit (Kaith) and Jamun. Durva grass has antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Bilva Patra (bel leaves) and Elephant apple (Kaitha) also have antidiabetic properties. Jamun is an antidiabetic, antioxidant and DNA protective and is an essential ingredient of most antidiabetic Ayurveda preparations.

Disclaimer: The views and interpretations expressed in this write up are my own based on listening to many Ayurveda experts.

Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

On World Obesity Day, awareness needs to be created on the fact that small steps at home and school can prevent obesity in children

New Delhi, 25 October 2017: Statistics indicate that India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China. About 14.4 million children in the country are overweight as per findings. Obesity is the leading cause of many health problems and globally, about 2 billion children and adults suffer from such issues. The rate of increase in obesity among children today is alarmingly high when compared to adults, indicates the IMA.

Childhood obesity can be identified by measuring the Body Mass Index or BMI. Children with a BMI in the range of 85% to 95% are classified as being obese. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay so way into their adulthood. They also stand the chance of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a relatively younger age.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. India has not been spared either. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing. A multifactorial disorder, unhealthy diet – eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt (junk food, processed food) and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to this escalating epidemic. Today, TV, internet, computer and mobile games have taken precedence over outdoor sports. Childhood obesity is well-recognized as a precursor to obesity in adulthood. Most obese children grow up to be obese adults. Overweight and obesity in childhood also predispose children to other lifestyle disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome later in life. Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent and control obesity in children.”

Obese children and adolescents are more prone to bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “It is important to start inculcating good nutritional habits from the beginning in children. Ensuring enough physical activity right from an early age is an equally important aspect of every child’s growth. Prevention of lifestyle diseases should start early. Schools can help in shaping the lives of students and have a very important role to play in the battle against childhood obesity. Healthy habits in childhood lay a foundation for a healthier adulthood. The IMA’s Aao School Chaleinprogramme aims at this and more.”

Here are some tips that parents can follow at home to tackle obesity and unhealthy habits in children.
• Encourage healthy eating habits right at the onset.
• Try making favorite dishes healthier. Few changes can make even snacks healthier.
• Avoid tempting children with calorie-rich food. It is okay to treat them but in moderation and by limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks.
• Make kids understand the importance of being physically active.
• Lead by example. Indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day.
• Reduce sedentary time. While reading is a good option, too much of screen time is not.
• Replace screen time with the outdoors and fun activities to keep children engaged.

Childhood obesity on the rise among Indian children

Childhood obesity on the rise among Indian children India records about 10 million cases of childhood obesity annually New Delhi, 08 June 2017: According to a study published in an international journal called Paediatric Obesity, India will have over 17 million obese children by 2025. The country will also be second among 184 countries in terms of the number of obese children. Childhood obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol among children today. Research also indicates that about 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Childhood obesity is a condition where a child is overweight in comparison to his or her age and height. Statistics say that there are about 10 million cases of childhood obesity in India annually. Although this condition cannot be cured, it can definitely be managed through the right approach at the right time. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said," Obesity in children and the associated side effects are a major cause of concern today. Junk food and lifestyle are to be blamed for the increasing number of obese children. Many school canteens sell pizzas and cold drinks without giving a second thought to the health implications surrounding such a diet. Though many schools have taken steps to stop selling unhealthy food in their canteen, a lot more still needs to be done. It has also become easier for parents today to take kids out to eat in malls and restaurants. Outdoor activities have been replaced by digital devices, and children are eating more calories than they can expend. There is a need to create awareness on the fact that such a lifestyle can lead to complications in children at a very early age." Obese children and adolescents are more prone to bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem. Overweight children are also more likely to grow up into overweight adults. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "It can become very difficult for a child to let go of the addiction for junk food once it becomes a habit. It is important that parents start inculcating good nutritional habits from the beginning in their children. Ensuring enough physical activity right from an early age is an equally important aspect of every child's growth." Here are some tips to tackle childhood obesity. • Encourage healthy eating habits right at the onset. • Try making favorite dishes healthier. Few changes can make even snacks healthier. • Avoid tempting children with calorie-rich food. It is okay to treat them but in moderation and by limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks. • Make kids understand the importance of being physically active. • Lead by example. Indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day. • Reduce sedentary time. While reading is a good option, too much of screen time is not. Replace screen time with the outdoors and fun activities to keep children engaged.

Tackling obesity in children

Tackling obesity in children More than 30% people of the society including children have potbelly abdominal obesity. India reportedly witnesses 10 million cases of childhood obesity annually. New Delhi, March 22, 2017: India is witnessing an epidemic of metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by abdominal obesity, high triglyceride, low good cholesterol, high blood pressure and high sugar. Abdominal girth of more than 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women indicates that the person is vulnerable to future heart attack. Normal weight obesity is the new epidemic. A person could be obese even if his body weight was within the normal range. Children with BMI equal to or exceeding the age-gender-specific 95th percentile are defined obese. An extra inch of fat around the abdomen increases the chances of heart disease by 1.5 times. Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Normally once the height stops growing, most of the organs will also stop growing. The weight of the heart, liver of kidney cannot increase after that. Only muscles can build up to some extent. The only thing, after that stage, which can increase the weight of the body, is deposition of fat. Therefore any weight gain after puberty is invariably due to fat. Though the overall weight can be in the acceptable normal range but any weight gain within that range will be abnormal for that person. One should not gain weight of more than 5 kg after the age of 20 years in males and 18 years in females. After the age of 50, the weight should reduce and not increase.” “Potbelly obesity is linked to eating refined carbohydrates and not animal fats. General obesity is linked to eating animal fats. Refined carbohydrate includes white rice, white maida and white sugar. Brown sugar is better than white sugar. Refined carbohydrates are called bad carbohydrates and animal fat is called bad fat. Trans fat or vanaspati is bad for health. It increases the levels of bad cholesterol and reduces good cholesterol in the body. Reduction in weight can reduce snoring, pain of arthritis, blood pressure and control uncontrolled diabetes”, add Dr K K Aggarwal. Childhood Obesity can further lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 70 percent of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as social stigma and poor self-esteem. Following are some key points for tackling obesity in children: 1. Skip carbohydrates once in a week. 2. Combine a sweet food with bitter food (prefer aloomethi over aloomatar). 3. Walk, walk and walk… 4. Consume green bitter items in foods such as karela, methi, palak, bhindi etc. 5. Do not eat trans fats (vanaspati). 6. Do not consume more than 80 ml of soft drink in a day. 7. Do not consume sweets with more than 30% sugar. 8. Avoid maida, rice and white sugar. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4859125/

Obesity in Indian setting

Obesity in Indian setting New Delhi, March 21, 2017: Obesity is considered as a major health problem of the current era. Obesity never comes alone, but always comes associated with bunch of other diseases like diabetes, cardiac and kidney problems, altered liver function, and many others. Obesity, both generalized and abdominal greatly affects Indian populations, but the recent data published online in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, suggests that the abdominal obesity predominates the generalized one. Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “More than 80 % of people living in Delhi-NCR are obese and majority of them don’t realize that they are actually overweight and hence are at increased risk of developing obesity-induced disorders. Thus, it is imperative to increase awareness about causes and ill-effects of obesity so as to reduce the burden of diseases associated with it. “Many people, especially Indians have a misconception that obesity is associated with high standard livelihood (i.e. people from “khate peete khandan se”), due to which the prevalence of obesity increases both in adults as well as in children. Also, it is observed that Indian urban population is comparatively more obese than rural population. Further, it is easy to lose extra body weight but very difficult to maintain it. Hence, self-control, physical activity, healthy food choices, and removal of all kind of misconceptions regarding obesity will improve the quality of life and reduce the obesity-induced mortality rate of Indians” added Dr K K Aggarwal. Causes of obesity: • Unhealthy food choices at work and school • Consumption of calorie-dense less nutritious food items • Sedentary life-style • Genetics: many genes are responsible for causing obesity • Poor socioeconomic status of parents increases the chances of obesity in their children • Sleep apnea or deprivation Some tips to prevent obesity • Overeating must be avoided • Consumption of healthy and highly nutritious food • Intake of large amount of water • Avoidance of western diet • Increased physical activity or exercise is recommended as it burns extra calories • Regular weight monitoring will safeguard from becoming overweight • Proper sleep • Thyroid check: untreated thyroid condition can also lead to obesity

Dengue fever is harder to treat in obese and overweight patients

Dengue fever is harder to treat in obese and overweight patients

Individuals who have a high body mass index are more likely to suffer severe capillary leakage and even worse Dengue infection.

New Delhi, 23^rd August 2016: The National Capital city is going through a lot of chaos and disorder amid the prevailing medical crisis because of Dengue and Chikungunya outbreak. People living with other lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease must be more careful since they can develop complications.

Dengue and Chikungunya are flu-like viral diseases that are transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The Aedes mosquito often breeds in standing water, discarded tires, flowerpots and vases, oil drums and water storage containers. One must remember that the adult mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. To protect oneself, it is important to use mosquito repellents while indoors or out. When possible, people must wear long sleeve shirts and long pants for additional protection.   Also, they must make sure that the window and door screens are secure and without holes. Sitting in air-conditioned rooms can reduce the incidence of the disease.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever:

·       Sudden onset of fever

·       A severe headache and pain behind the eyes

·       Muscle and Joint pain  

·       Red rashes spreading on lower limbs and chest

·       Nausea and vomiting

·       Loss of appetite

·       Unusual abdominal pain

Symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever:

·       Blood vessels start leaking/ capillary leakage

·       Unusual bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums

·       Massive bleeding due to disseminated intravascular coagulation

·       Blood vessels may collapse

·       High fever may cause shock (Dengue shock syndrome)

According to Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA and President HCFI, “Individuals who are obese or have a high mass body index tend to suffer from a severe symptom known as capillary leakage after contacting dengue infection. In such condition, body fluid leaks from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. This permeability is likely to cause major complications in organs like liver, brain and kidneys. When lots of fluids are present in the lungs, obese patients often face breathing difficulties. The chances of catching Dengue infection can’t be eliminated entirely, but one can create a safer environment by taking immediate precautions. Additionally, individuals who are already suffering from one or the other co morbidities need to be kept in close observation and should be given medical assistance whenever the symptoms are reported. “

In the case of obese patients, there can be complications with the fluctuations in the blood pressure levels. Also, sometimes the patient’s current medication schedule might clash with prescribed medicines during Dengue infection. This can lead to adverse effects on an individual’s health and his organs. The best way to reduce chances of acquiring the illness is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, like artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Outdoors, one must regularly clean water containers like pet and animal water containers, flower planter dishes and keep water storage barrels covered.

An easy to apply ‘formula 20’ that can be used to identify Dengue fever: 

·           If there is a rise in pulse by 20

·           Fall in upper blood pressure by 20

·           Rise in hematocrit by 20 percent

·           Rapid fall in platelets to less than 20,000

·           Platelets count of more than 20 in one inch after tourniquet test

·           If the difference between upper and lower blood pressure is less than 20, then such cases should be given 20 ml of fluid per kg immediately and then shifted to nearest medical centre for medical assistance

Over the past few years, Dengue infection has become one of the most prevalent infectious diseases affecting children and adults. But there’s something more alarming about this infection; Dengue is proving to be fatal in case of individuals who have any other major health impairment like a heart disease, diabetes or any existing liver issues. The best way to get rid of this mosquito-borne disease is maintaining a hygienic environment and adopting a health lifestyle.

Obesity Speeds Up Osteoarthritis

Obesity Speeds Up Osteoarthritis New Delhi, July 10, 2016: "Apart from heart disease and diabetes, being overweight or obese can cause rapid deterioration of the cartilage in the knee, leading to osteoarthritis. With every one unit increase in the body mass index (BMI), the chances of rapid cartilage loss increase by 11%," said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder with major health and socioeconomic impact in older people. Osteoarthritis usually progresses slowly, but some patients experience a more rapid progression. In a report published in the Journal of Radiology, researchers recruited 336 patients from a major osteoarthritis study. All were overweight and at risk of osteoarthritis, but had minimal or no loss of cartilage in their knees. During 30 months of follow-up, 20.2% of the patients showed a slow loss of knee cartilage and 5.8% had rapid cartilage loss. The main risk factors for cartilage loss were pre-existing cartilage damage, being overweight or obese, tears or other injury to the cartilage at the knee joint (meniscus), and severe lesions seen on an MRI. Other factors include inflammation of the membrane lining the joints and abnormal build-up of fluid in the joint. Weight loss is probably the most important factor to slow disease progression. Danger of developing osteoarthritis is another reason to control weight. Do not let yourself get heavy or overweight. Keeping your weight under control through diet and exercise or weight-loss surgery could prevent the need for knee-replacement surgery. Some tips: • 10% weight reduction can relief 50% of joint symptoms. • For knee problems one should not squat or use Indian lavatory. • Sitting to standing posture one entails 9 times pressure on the knees.