In a world where fast food is often more accessible than a healthy home-cooked meal, the temptation of a high-fat diet is stronger than ever. However, alluring those French fries, pakoras, donuts and pizza might look, you would want to avoid it for the betterment of your health. While indulging in rich, fatty foods might seem harmless, the long-term effects on your body can be profoundly damaging. Let’s take a look at why you might want to rethink that extra cheeseburger.
Consuming a high-fat diet can lead to several health issues, primarily due to its impact on cardiovascular health. To understand how a high-fat diet and obesity affects your body, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Abhilasha V, Head of Department and Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine group of hospitals, Bengaluru.
A high-fat diet and obesity can have numerous detrimental effects on the body, affecting various systems and increasing the risk of multiple health conditions.
1. Cardiovascular System
According to Abhilasha, high levels of saturated and trans can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol, leading to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Adding, she said, “ Obesity and a high-fat diet can lead to high blood pressure due to the extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.”
2. Endocrine System
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health issues caused by obesity and a high-fat diet. Abhilasha said, “Excess fat, particularly visceral fat, can cause insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and eventually type 2 diabetes.” Obesity can also affect your hormone levels leading to issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women and reduced testosterone levels in men.
3. Digestive System
A high-fat diet can wreak havoc on your digestive system. It’s not just about feeling bloated after a heavy meal. Obesity is infamously known to cause poor gut health leading to several digestive issues like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), acid reflux, and other digestive problems. According to Abhilasha, a high-fat diet can also cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. “Accumulation of fat in liver cells can cause inflammation, liver damage, and potentially cirrhosis,” she said. A high-fat diet can also increase the risk of gallstone formation.
4. Musculoskeletal System
Excess weight puts additional pressure on joints, especially the knees and hips, accelerating wear and tear. Obesity can strain the spine and surrounding muscles, leading to chronic pain.
5. Respiratory System
As per Abhilasha, excess fat around the neck can obstruct airways during sleep, causing sleep apnea, which disrupts sleep and increases the risk of cardiovascular problems. Increased body weight can make it more difficult to breathe, particularly during physical exertion.
6. Cancer Risk
“Obesity is linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancers, possibly due to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances,” she explained.
Also read: How Is Obesity Linked With Higher Risk Of Cancer?
7. Mental Health
While you might think how obesity and mental health are connected, experts have said that obesity can lead to mental health issues. “The stigma associated with obesity, along with physical discomfort and chronic diseases, can contribute to mental health issues,” Abhilasha said. Some studies suggest a link between obesity and a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life.
Conclusion
Managing diet and maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes can help mitigate these risks and promote overall health. Remember, it’s okay to indulge occasionally, but moderation is key. Your body will appreciate the change, and you might just find yourself feeling lighter, brighter, and ready to take on the world.