Does Insulin Resistance Increase Obesity Risk?

Does Insulin Resistance Increase Obesity Risk? The prevalence of obesity in Turkey has approached 40% in women and 25% in men. Beyond irregular nutrition and working conditions, another significant factor directly affecting obesity is insulin resistance. Mustafa Ünal, Specialist Doctor in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at Kızılay Hospital in Kartal, warned that people with insulin resistance tend to be susceptible to weight gain. Worldwide, 3.4 million people die annually due to obesity. One of the main causes of this condition, which begins with fat accumulation in the abdominal area and progresses to obesity, is insulin resistance. However, obesity can be treated through correct lifestyle modifications.

What are the signs of insulin resistance?

  Mustafa Ünal, Specialist Doctor in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at Kızılay Hospital, provided explanations about insulin resistance. Ünal stated: "Insulin resistance is when a group of cells becomes increasingly resistant to the effects of insulin. There is a definite relationship between insulin resistance and weight gain. Both insulin resistance and weight gain are risk factors for type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases. Darkening of skin color, rapid and excessive weight gain, difficulty losing weight, irregular menstruation, excessive hair growth, feeling lacking in energy, waking up tired in the morning, feeling sleepy after meals, difficulty concentrating and perceiving, cold sweats and chills, decreased body resistance, rapid eating, frequent and sudden hunger, getting irritable when hungry, trembling in hands, feeling faint, sugar cravings, frequently occurring fungal infections can be listed as general symptoms."

Insulin Resistance Can Lead to Serious Diseases

  Ünal stated: "In many studies conducted worldwide, weight gain has been strongly associated with increased insulin resistance. Insulin resistance, whose frequency is rising due to processed foods, carbohydrate-heavy diet and lack of physical activity, is paving the way for many serious diseases such as cancer, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke and fatty liver disease, while also being among the important health problems underlying inability to lose weight."

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is necessary to prevent insulin resistance

  Specialist Doctor Mustafa Ünal noted that healthy eating is necessary against insulin resistance, and high glycemic and processed foods should be avoided. At this point, consuming sufficient water throughout the day is very important. High-fiber foods should be consumed. These are beneficial nutrients that slow blood sugar increases and improve insulin sensitivity in the body. Exercising frequently, walking or running are equally necessary for our body in terms of insulin resistance. Exercise helps insulin transport sugar from the bloodstream to muscle cells. Even just a few nights of sleep disruption can negatively contribute to insulin resistance. Make getting adequate restorative sleep a priority," he said.