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with your doctor, or call
334-293-8877
for a physician
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Another benefit
of weight loss? The
impact on a person’s
risk for heart attack
or stroke.
“Many studies
have shown that fat
cells and especially
abdominal fat cells
produce sub-
stances that cause
inflammation in the body,” Dr. Ergin
explained. “The inflammation on vessels
can result in strokes and heart attacks.
When a weight-loss level of 10 percent
is achieved, the levels of inflammatory
substances circulating in the blood drop
significantly and therefore the risk of vas-
cular damage is reduced as well. Reduc-
tion in inflammatory substances in the
body also will increase the body’s energy
level and well-being.”
Obesity has also been linked to
an increased risk of certain cancers,
including those of the esophagus, colon,
pancreas, breast, endometrium, kidney,
thyroid and gallbladder. Reduction in
body weight can reduce the risk of these
cancers.
Don’t delay!
“A 10 percent body weight loss will
result in better blood pressure, improved
heart health and cholesterol levels, de-
creased risk for diabetes, a better night’s
sleep for those with obstructive sleep
apnea, decreased risk for many types of
cancer, and more energy,” said Dr. Ergin.
“Weight loss starts with lifestyle changes
including diet and exercise and, when
indicated, treatment with medication.
In extreme cases or patients who are
not responding to diet and exercise or
medications, bariatric surgery may be an
option as well. The first step is to talk to
your physician who will help choose a
diet plan and medication, if needed, that
are most appropriate for you.”
“By losing five to 10 percent of body
weight, blood pressure, both systolic and
diastolic, decreases,” Dr. Ergin explained.
“In conjunction with a salt-restricted diet,
and one that is rich in vegetables, fruit
and low-fat dairy, the effect on blood
pressure could be even higher.”
Being overweight or obese also
increases the risk for type 2 diabetes
because the body cannot effectively
use insulin, a hormone that helps
convert food to usable energy. A
10 percent reduction in body
weight allows the body to use
the insulin more efficiently,
which can prevent or delay
the onset of diabetes.
Obstructive sleep
apnea is a sleep
disorder commonly
diagnosed in over-
weight or obese
patients. Sleep apnea
results in insuf-
ficient oxygenation
during the night, so
patients may snore
or gasp for air during
sleep. This results in
fatigue and sleepiness
during the day.
More restful nights
“Losing weight has been shown
to improve sleep apnea,” said
Dr. Ergin.
Ahmet Bahadir
Ergin, MD
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