Scientific weight loss: The key to reducing the risk of obesity complications such as hyperlipidemia

Obesity is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Obesity, especially visceral obesity, is associated with an increased incidence of various diseases. Obese adults have a higher risk of coronary heart disease than non-obese adults. There is a positive correlation between obesity index and serum triglyceride levels. Obese patients have a higher risk of cerebrovascular accidents. Obesity is closely related to hypertension, and weight gain also increases the risk of diabetes. Obesity increases the incidence of gallstones and is closely related to an increased incidence of certain cancers. Obese men primarily have an increased incidence of colon cancer, rectal cancer, and prostate cancer, while obese women have an increased incidence of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Clearly, as the degree of obesity increases, the incidence of comorbid diseases also increases, and the damage caused by weight changes cannot be ignored. Common complications of obesity include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver, gallstones, gout, osteoarthritis, and bedsores. This chapter discusses the clinical treatment methods for these obesity complications.

Hyperlipidemia is a general term for abnormal lipid metabolism, mainly referring to abnormally elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and/or triglycerides (TG), exceeding the normal range. Hyperlipidemia includes hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is closely related to obesity. With long-term increases in total cholesterol, the incidence of coronary heart disease increases. Long-term control of serum total cholesterol to maintain it at an appropriate level can prevent atherosclerosis; lowering serum total cholesterol can reduce atherosclerotic plaques and decrease the incidence of coronary heart disease. Similarly, hypertriglyceridemia can affect the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, proper prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia is of great significance. Treatment methods for hyperlipidemia include:

Non-pharmacological treatment:

1. Dietary therapy: The most basic dietary guidance is to limit fat intake and control total calories. A diet with less than 30% total fat and less than 10% saturated fat is ideal. Limiting simple sugar consumption and limiting alcohol consumption also have therapeutic effects. When obesity is reduced, the cycle of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia is broken, and hypertriglyceridemia returns to normal. Since hypertensive patients with familial dyslipidemia often also have obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, weight loss is particularly effective for these patients.

2. Exercise Therapy
Exercise not only helps patients achieve their ideal weight but also lowers triglyceride levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances glucose tolerance.

Exercise Intensity: Should reach 79%–85% of the individual's maximum heart rate. Rhythmic isotonic and repetitive activities are preferred.

Exercise Duration: Maintain the exercise at the above heart rate requirement for 20–30 minutes.

Monitor heart rate or pulse rate during exercise.