Dietary and nutritional content reviewed by Jasmin Gorostiza, DT, DM, DSS, CFPP.️
By now, we all know that the biggest problem facing most Americans is obesity. The secondary problems that come along with this dangerous crisis are nothing to scoff at. They include Type-2 diabetes and cancer. The real connection between these two life-threatening diseases goes further than merely carrying around extra pounds that cause aches and pains.
In a collaboration between University of Texas at Dallas’ Dr. Jung-Whan Kim and colleagues at the University of California at San Diego, it has been proven that obesity is directly linked to increased rates of diabetes — specifically the worst case, Type 2 — and cancer. Here are the facts.
We all carry a protein called HIF-1 (hypoxia inducible factor-1) Alpha, and it is responsible for generating a dangerous level of insulin resistance in humans. Related Read: Fight Obesity With Nutrisystem Frozen Food
Usually, our bodies are able to regulate the amount of HIF-1 they produce, and we are alright. But, if there is an overabundance of HIF-1, it leads to insulin resistance, or Type 2 diabetes. This is most common in people who eat diets high in fat and carbohydrates.
What Happens When We Overeat?
When we overeat, we place our bodies under stress. This stress causes inflammation and other ailments (think of indigestion, swollen joints, and skin problems). The cells in the body are in a constant state of hypoxia. This means that they exist in an ongoing state of inflammation. Instead of our bodies destroying or minimizing any damaged or inflamed cells, they drive more to the area.
This is akin to throwing everything they have at the offending spot, and it results in an accumulation of hypoxic cells and a general resistance to insulin. Overeating actually creates the conditions ideal for diabetes to develop.
When we overeat, we place our bodies under stress. This stress causes inflammation and other ailments (think of indigestion, swollen joints, and skin problems).
Hypoxia leads to lower blood oxygen levels. When your cells are starved for oxygen, they turn on themselves and actually switch their metabolism. Instead of helping you burn fat and purge free radicals, they tell your body to do just the opposite! These mutant cells end up convincing your body to send more inflammatory cells to areas of low oxygen. Related read: Controlling your weight with Nutrisystem
In cases of obesity, the body’s cells are always inflamed. It is a natural response to carrying around too much foreign tissue in the body. The inflammation forces the body to make more HIF-1 cells, and a vicious cycle has begun.
The Implications of Reducing HIF-1
In Dr. Kim’s study, he was able to genetically remove the HIF-1 protein in obese mice. Almost miraculously the body began to heal itself. The mice with drastically less HIF-1 protein showed much less inflammation, greater glucose tolerance, and reduced insulin sensitivity. They also did not develop Type 2 diabetes.
On the back of this research, several pharmaceutical companies are in the process of developing HIF-1 inhibitors to essentially block the protein from hyper-functioning. When it is cut off, it leads to a lesser chance of recipients developing Type-2 diabetes.
When it (HIF-1) is cut off, it leads to a lesser chance of recipients developing Type-2 diabetes … Knowing how to block HIF-1 could be an amazing preemptive step to fighting cancer.
Even larger implications lay in the field of cancer research. Almost all cancer cells are hypoxic. According to Dr. Kim, cancer cells need some way of growing in low oxygen conditions, and they use the HIF-1 protein to do so.
His study showed that cutting off the offending protein lead to death of the tumorous, cancer cells. It is no wonder that the largest drug manufacturers are digging further and doing their own research! Knowing how to block HIF-1 could be an amazing preemptive step to fighting cancer.
Losing weight has been proven to be more important than most people realize. If you start fighting obesity, you greatly will reduce your chances of developing inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. Now, if that is not worth adopting a new lifestyle, nothing is! Related read: Start losing weight with these Nutrisystem coupons
Are you seriously trying to lose weight to become healthy? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Permanent inflammation of cells in an obese body spells danger. Hence, healthy food and exercise can lessen the low-oxygen conditions that can enhance the growth of HIF-1. Most importantly, both can trigger a safe weight loss that can help prevent obesity.
I think it’s time we look at weight loss as a way to get healthy. Dieting has always been associated with vanity that we forget the real reasons why it’s important to control our weight. Thanks for your article It gives a new meaning as to why we all should start eating well.
Well said 🙂 If we look at weight loss as a way to get healthy, then the young girls won’t be too focused on becoming skinny, Instead, they will diet for all the right reasons.
It’s a no-brainer. There is nothing healthy about being obese and overweight for that matter. But as we age, our bodies have the tendency to store more fat. I’m in my mid 40’s, If I don’t control my weight, I’m definitely going to end up with diabetes (it’s in our genes).