Okay, let’s assume you haven’t lived under a rock for the last few decades. Of course you know that excess fat – being overweight or obese is not good for you. What you might not know is why. Your weight and your health are connected in a complex, intricate web – so simplistic health messages just don’t cut it. Our team knows that the human body is astonishing. Not only can we treat you holistically, but we can empower you with knowledge, so you can reclaim control over your wellbeing. Call us for an appointment on 4628 7227. But in the meantime, let’s get into some interesting facts.
How Fat Affects Our Bodies
Our society’s obsession with appearances might leave you thinking that that’s what it’s all about. But obesity affects our bodies in many ways. The big misunderstanding we have to get over is the idea that fat is just some sort of inert substance. It’s not. It’s dynamic and metabolically active tissue. Far from simply serving as a storage depot for excess energy, fat tissue is a bustling hub of activity within the body. It plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, secreting various hormones and other chemicals that influence metabolism, inflammation, and overall health. Too much (or too little) of it affects us. So you’re not immune from its effects even if it didn’t come from too much junk food. (Too much junk food brings its own problems – however, excess fat is a concern even if it came from too many whole grains and legumes!).
So, What Does Excess Fat Do?
It increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes (by disrupting insulin function, excess fat accumulation within cells interferes with insulin’s ability to properly regulate glucose levels, reducing the cells’ sensitivity to insulin), heart disease (by exerting pressure on the cardiovascular system and elevating cholesterol), and certain cancers. Additionally, fat cells produce inflammatory substances that can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, further exacerbating health issues. So far, so depressing… But we’re chiropractors so we’re particularly interested in your musculoskeletal health – let’s delve into how excess weight affects the very backbone of your body and more importantly what we can do to help.
Effects of Fat on The Spine and Core
Carrying excess weight places strain on your spine and core muscles. The added pressure can lead to compression of spinal discs and excessive loading of joints, contributing to conditions like lower back pain and sciatica. Additionally, obesity often results in weakened stabilising muscles around the torso, further exacerbating spinal issues and increasing the risk of injury.
Joint Health
Every extra kilogram of weight adds stress to our joints. It’s said that the pressure on our knees is up to four times our body weight when we climb the stairs. That means that every extra kilo you’re carrying really impacts your joints.
Now What?
That’s enough bad news! Let’s talk about next steps! There are things you can do to mitigate the effects of being overweight on your health. Aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation markers in the body. Additionally, resistance training enhances muscle mass, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation. Dietary changes, such as consuming anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens, while limiting processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, can also mitigate these risks and lower the likelihood of developing diabetes and certain cancers.
Role of Chiropractic Care
What can we do to help? Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing the effects of obesity on spinal and core health. Through spinal manipulation, chiropractors gently adjust misaligned vertebrae, reducing nerve compression and improving spinal function. This not only relieves discomfort in the joints but also enhances overall mobility. Additionally, soft tissue therapies such as massage or myofascial release are used to alleviate tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments, addressing the strain placed on the joints due to excess weight. All of this means you’ll have a healthier spine and joints to keep you moving for years to come. And that movement keeps your insulin sensitivity and inflammation markers under control… It’s a virtuous circle you should keep spinning!
Conclusion
Obesity poses significant challenges to our health, particularly when it comes to spinal and core function. From joint pain to hormonal disruptions, the consequences can be debilitating. However, with the right support and guidance, it’s possible to mitigate these effects and improve overall wellbeing. And when the time comes, we are here to help you shed excess weight too. If you’re struggling with obesity-related issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out to us at Campbelltown Chiropractic by calling 4628 7227 to schedule an appointment. Let us be your partners in achieving better health. And for more informative content and updates, why not follow us on social media? We’re on Facebook and Instagram.
References
Sheng B, Feng C, Zhang D, Spitler H, Shi L. Associations between Obesity and Spinal Diseases: A Medical Expenditure Panel Study Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Feb 13;14(2):183. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14020183. PMID: 28208824; PMCID: PMC5334737. Online. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5334737/. Accessed on 26/03/24.
