Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

During their reproductive years, women may develop the hormonal disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). You may get infrequent periods if you have PCOS. Or your period can last for many days. Your body may be overproducing androgen hormone.

PCOS causes a number of small, fluid-filled sacs to form around the border of the ovary. We call them cysts. The little fluid-filled cysts contain immature eggs. We refer to them as follicles. Eggs are not usually released by the follicles.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Along with losing weight, early detection and treatment may lower the chance of long-term issues, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Symptoms

PCOS symptoms often start to show around the time of the first menstrual cycle. After you have been having periods for a while, symptoms might occasionally appear later.

PCOS has a range of symptoms.

Irregular intervals. Having irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles is a typical symptom of PCOS. Having periods that are longer than usual or last for many days is also an issue. For example, your yearly period count may be less than nine. Furthermore, these intervals could be longer than thirty-five days. You can have trouble becoming pregnant.

An excess of testosterone. High amounts of androgen may be the cause of excessive body and facial hair. This is known as hirsutism. Severe acne and male pattern baldness are also possible.

Ovaries with many cysts. It is possible that your ovaries are bigger. There may form a number of follicles with immature eggs along the ovary's border. 

When to see a doctor

A doctor should be seen if you are experiencing problems becoming pregnant, are concerned about your periods, or show signs of excess androgen. Examples include male-pattern baldness, acne, and new facial and body hair development.

Causes

resistance to insulin. One hormone that the pancreas produces is insulin. It enables the body's main energy source, sugar, to be used by cells. Blood sugar may rise if cells develop resistance to insulin's effects. Consequently, your body may attempt to reduce the blood sugar level by generating more insulin.

Your body may create too much androgen, a male hormone, if your insulin levels are too high. You may experience issues with ovulation, the process by which eggs are released from the ovary.

Dark, velvety skin patches under the breasts, in the crotch, armpits, or lower neck region are one indication of insulin resistance. Increased hunger and weight gain might be additional symptoms.

Inconvenience of subpar quality. When white blood cells get infected or injured, they discharge chemicals. Low-grade inflammation is the term for this reaction. People with PCOS have polycystic ovaries that generate androgens due to a low-grade, persistent inflammation. Heart and blood vascular issues might arise from this.

inheritance. According to research, certain genes may be connected to PCOS. A family history of PCOS may contribute to the development of the disorder.

excessive androgen. In PCOS, the ovaries may create large amounts of androgen. Too much androgen interferes with ovulation. This suggests that eggs are not consistently formed and are not released from the follicles where they mature. Acne and hirsutism are further side effects of high testosterone.

Complications

PCOS problems include:

• Unable to conceive
• Pregnancy-related hypertension or gestational diabetes
• Miscarriage or infertility

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe liver inflammation, is brought on by fat buildup in the liver.

The metabolic syndrome, a collection of illnesses that significantly increases your risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, includes high blood pressure, excessive blood sugar, and poor cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Complications

Complications of PCOS can include:

• Lack of fertility
• Diabetes during pregnancy or hypertension brought on by pregnancy
• preterm birth or miscarriage
• Fat accumulation in the liver causes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe liver inflammation.

The metabolic syndrome is a collection of disorders that significantly increases your risk of heart disease. Blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, bad cholesterol or triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and excessive blood sugar are all included.

• Diabetes type 2 or prediabetes
• Apnea in sleep, anxiety, depression, and eating problems
• Endometrial cancer is a kind of uterine lining cancer.
• PCOS is frequently associated with obesity, which can exacerbate its consequences.

Reference:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

Body Fat Percentage

 

Body Fat Percentage

Body Fat Percentage

To determine the percentage of body fat in an organism, divide its total mass by its total mass, then multiply the result by 100. This covers body fat that is stored as well as that which is required. Life support and reproduction depend on essential body fat. Women have a higher proportion of essential body fat than men do because of hormonal changes and the demands of childbirth.

Adipose tissue accumulates fat, which is part of the storage body fat that shields the abdominal and chest organs. The proportion of body fat may be calculated using a variety of techniques, including bioelectrical impedance analysis and calipers.

Body fat percentage is a measure of fitness level since it is the only bodily parameter that is able to identify an individual's relative body composition without considering height or weight. Comparing the adiposity of people of various heights and weights is made possible by the commonly used body mass index (BMI).

Other measures of body fat provide more accurate findings because of variations in body composition; for instance, those with bigger bones or more muscle mass will have higher BMIs. This is because BMI mainly rises as adiposity increases. BMI is therefore a good measure of general fitness for a big population, but it's not a good way to assess a person's health.

Typical body fat amounts

Epidemiology shows that a person's body fat percentage changes with age and sex. Numerous theoretical perspectives exist about the connections among body fat percentage, athletic ability, health, etc. This has led to varying suggestions for the optimal percentages of body fat from various authorities.

This figure shows the average percentage of body fat among Americans from 1999 to 2004 based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States.

Male body fat percentages varied from 23% when they were 16–19 years old to 31% when they were 60–79 years old. At ages 8–11 and 60–79, the mean proportion of body fat in females was 32% and 42%, respectively. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that in order to lead a normal, healthy life, women require at least 9% more body fat than males.

According to statistics from the 2003–2006 NHANES survey, less than 10% of American people had the "normal" body fat percentage, which is 5–20% for men and 8–30% for women.

31% of noninstitutionalized U.S. The 2017–2018 NHANES survey found that 43% of adults aged 20–74 are obese, including 9% who are extremely fat, and that 43% are overweight.[5]. Of these, just 26% were underweight or of normal weight.

The average body fat percentages of American Olympians in 1983 were 6–13% for men and 14–22% for women.

Body fat guidelines

When necessary fat levels fall below a certain threshold, physical and physiological health deteriorate, and death is unavoidable.

A University of Arizona study found that the ideal body fat percentage for sports performance is 12–18% for women and 6–15% for men. This suggests that body fat may have an impact on athletic performance.

The bodybuilders' optimal body fat range for competing. Expert personal trainers advise contestants to maintain that incredibly low body fat percentage alone throughout the competition. However, given (a) the methods to test such levels are inherently flawed and imprecise, as shown below, and (b) 4–6% is typically regarded as a physiological minimum for male humans, it is uncertain whether such levels are ever truly reached.

Measurement techniques

Human fat cells are nearly completely made up of pure triglycerides, which have an average density of around 0.9 kilos per liter, regardless of where they are derived from. In the majority of contemporary body composition labs, the density of the "fat-free mass" is measured at 1.1 kilos per liter.

A well-designed weighing equipment may be used to precisely assess body density by submerging a person completely in water and calculating the amount of water displaced based on the weight of the displaced water. Air in the lungs and other gases in the bodily compartments are adjusted for buoyancy. Because body components vary normally, the uncertainty in estimating body fat would be around ± 3.8% of body weight if there were no mistakes at all in determining body density.

Near-infrared interactance

It transmits an infrared laser beam into the biceps. The underlying muscle reflects the light, which the fat then absorbs. The procedure is quick, safe, non-invasive, and simple to use.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

More recently, bone mineral density, body composition, and body fat percentage have been determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DXA (previously DEXA).

Of the two X-ray energies used to scan the body, fat absorbs more of one than the other. By subtracting one picture from another, a computer can determine how much fat there is at each location in relation to other tissues. The total body composition may be calculated by adding up all of the images.

Expansions

The proportion of body fat may be more precisely calculated using a number of more complex techniques. Some, called multicompartment models, may incorporate separate measurements of body water (by the dilution principle with isotopically labeled water) and body volume (either by water displacement or air plethysmography), in addition to the DXA assessment of bone. Other components, including potassium levels in the body, can be evaluated separately.

Fruit Nutrition Facts

 Fruit Nutrition Facts

Introduction

One of the best foods is fruit. It is handy, nutrient-dense, and it may be reasonably priced. Whole fresh fruit normally doesn't need to be refrigerated and is portable. The majority of fruit is naturally low in calories, fat, and salt and is a good source of potassium, vitamins A and C, folate, and dietary fiber, among other important nutrients. Adults should have "1.5 to 2 cup-equivalents of fruits" per day, primarily whole fruit, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Eating fruit not only gives you the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and maintain itself. According to research, eating fruit may lower your chances of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

In addition to consuming fruits high in potassium, diets high in foods high in fiber (such as most fruits) may minimize the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. According to research, fruits may also help reduce total calorie consumption because they have fewer calories per cup than other foods.

Calories and carbohydrates in fruit

Fruit mostly contains calories from carbohydrates. The amount of calories and carbohydrates in fruit will vary depending on the fruit's kind and the serving size. 1/4 cup of dry fruit, 1/2 cup of canned fruit, or one small to medium-sized piece of fresh fruit constitutes a normal serving of fruit. There are around 60 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates in each serving of fruit. Fruits are high in calories and carbohydrates, and they may rapidly add up.

Some fruits, on the other hand, are inherently lower in calories and carbohydrates than other fruits.  For instance, there are 26 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of fresh rhubarb.  A cup of grapes, on the other hand, has 29 grams of carbohydrates and 110 calories.

Fiber in fruit

One excellent source of dietary fiber is fresh fruit.  While the amount of fiber in fruits varies, some berries, including raspberries and blackberries, include 8 grams of fiber per cup.  The fiber content of other fruits, such grapes, grapefruit, and cantaloupe, is just 1 to 2 grams per serving.  The dietary fiber that can help avoid constipation, known as insoluble fiber, is abundant in the edible peels of fruits like apples, pears, and peaches.  There is soluble fiber in many fruits, including oranges and apples, and it has been demonstrated to reduce blood cholesterol.

Fat and protein in fruit

The majority of fruits have less than one gram of fat and protein per serving, making them inherently low in both.  Desserts that contain fruits, such as strawberry ice cream or blueberry pie, may no longer be considered low in fat.  Carefully choose and cook fruit-based dishes to limit your consumption of fat.  Serve, for instance, frozen strawberries or blueberries (without additional sugar) on angel food cake or frozen yogurt.

Vitamins and minerals in fruit

Fruit is excellent in all forms, although some have more vitamins and minerals than others.  Because antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamin C neutralize free radicals—unstable oxygen molecules that may harm cells—they may help prevent cancer and the consequences of aging.

Include at least one fruit high in vitamin A (guava, watermelon, grapefruit, papaya, cantaloupe, apricots, dried peaches, tangerines, persimmon, and mango) and at least one fruit high in vitamin C (pineapple, plums, blueberries, honeydew melon, mango, tangerine, raspberries, grapefruit, blackberries, apricots, strawberries, oranges, kiwifruit, and watermelon) each day to ensure you are getting enough of the essential vitamins you need.

Additionally, fruits are a rich supply of potassium, a mineral that is essential for patients on diuretics that increase potassium losses and may help avoid high blood pressure.  Fruits high in potassium include bananas, pomegranates, kiwifruit, papaya, cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, and honeydew melon.

If you want to get the most nutritional value out of fruit, use whole or chopped fruit instead of juice.  A dish of whole fruit can be kept in the refrigerator or on the counter to encourage you to eat more fruit.  Purchase fresh fruits while they are in season, when their flavor is at its best, and they may be less expensive.  All year long, some fruits, such as bananas and the majority of frozen fruit, are reasonably priced.

Fresh fruits

Make sure you just purchase the necessary amount of fresh fruits. Produce spoils even if it is stored correctly. Nutrient content is highest in fresh food. Purchase the fruit while it is ripe if you intend to consume it that day. Otherwise, choose food that needs some ripening time. Seasonal fresh fruit is cheaper and of superior quality. Generally speaking, fruit that is out of season costs more. When fresh fruits are handled and stored properly, their taste is enhanced, and nutritional loss is minimized.

Canned fruits

A nonperishable fruit supply to have on your kitchen shelves is provided by canned fruits, particularly during times when fresh fruit is not readily available. Labels for canned fruit should include statements such as "packed in its own juices," "packed in fruit juice," "unsweetened," "in light syrup," or "in heavy syrup." Compared to fruits packed in syrup, fruits packed in juices contain fewer calories and sugar. To determine the carbohydrate content, consult the Nutrition Facts label. Check ingredient panels on labels to see when sweeteners have been added. Each serving of canned fruit packed in syrup will have more carbohydrates than fruit packed in its own juice or fruit juice.

Frozen fruits

Since freezing inhibits the growth of microorganisms, frozen fruits are more handy and less perishable than fresh fruit.  Both sweetened and unsweetened types of frozen fruits are available for purchase.  The most common ingredients in frozen fruits with added sweetness are syrup or dried sugar.  When choosing unsweetened frozen fruit, make sure to read the Nutrition Facts panels and ingredient lists to steer clear of additional calories and carbohydrates. 

The "superstar" dessert of nature is fruit.  Incorporating two to four portions of diverse fruits daily can guarantee consumption of vital nutrients.  Fruit servings should be weighed or measured for diabetics in order to assist in regulating blood glucose levels.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Extreme and severe obesity is frequently not efficiently treated with diet and exercise alone. A procedure called bariatric surgery is done to assist these people in losing weight. Bariatric surgery may reduce mortality rates for people with extreme obesity, according to evidence, particularly if it is combined with post-operative lifestyle and nutrition modifications.

Principles of bariatric surgery

The fundamental idea behind bariatric surgery is to limit food consumption and reduce the amount of food that is absorbed in the intestines and stomach.

Food is first broken down in the mouth, where it is combined with saliva and other fluids that contain enzymes. The meal is subsequently broken down and combined with digestive fluids in the stomach to allow for the absorption of calories and nutrients. Food next passes into the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine, where it is combined with pancreatic juice and bile, speeding up digestion.

By changing or stopping this digestive process, bariatric surgery aims to prevent food from being absorbed and broken down normally. Losing weight and lowering the risk of obesity-related health hazards or illnesses are made possible by reducing the number of calories and nutrients consumed.

Body mass index (BMI)

The body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement of height in proportion to weight, is used to identify obesity levels and assess if bariatric surgery is necessary. A body mass index (BMI) of 40 kg/m2 or greater than 35 kg/m2 combined with serious health issues is considered clinically severe obesity.

Heart disease, severe obstructive sleep apnea, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes are among the health issues linked to obesity. Patients who have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more with at least one of these diseases are eligible to undergo adjustable gastric banding, according to FDA approval.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

It is possible to undertake many kinds of bariatric operations. An "open" method to surgery entails cutting the belly open, whereas a laparoscopy involves making tiny, half-inch incisions in the abdomen to guide surgical equipment into the abdomen. 

Nowadays, laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the most common type since it needs fewer large incisions, results in less tissue damage, has fewer post-operative problems, and enables earlier hospital departure than open surgery.

Four types of operations are offered:

• AGB, or adjustable gastric banding
• RYGB, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• BPD-DS, or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch
• Gastrectomy with vertical sleeves (VSG)

Diagram of Surgical Options. Image credit: Walter Pories, M.D. FACS.

Each surgical type has pros and cons, and a variety of patient criteria, including BMI, eating habits, obesity-related health issues, and prior stomach surgery history, influence the technique that is selected. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each surgical procedure, the patient and provider should decide on the best course of action.

Surgical and post-operative risks

In order to minimize problems and weight gain following bariatric surgery, patients must follow a strict, lifetime diet and exercise regimen. Patients may also acquire extra loose and folded skin, which will need to be tightened and removed by further surgery.

The dangers of bariatric surgery are the same as those of any other operation, and they include infections, pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), internal bleeding, and deep vein thrombosis. It is believed that there is a 1 in 200 chance of dying soon after bariatric surgery.

Reference:

https://www.nature.com/subjects/bariatric-surgery

Unsaturated Fat

Unsaturated Fat

What Are Unsaturated Fats?

It is imperative that you include unsaturated fats in your regular diet. Your body requires fats to make hormones, maintain cell function, and aid in the absorption of oil-based vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Choosing foods that are high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats that lower bad cholesterol and reduce inflammation is crucial since you must have fat in your diet.

What are Unsaturated Fats?

The three primary types of fat are unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats.

1. T.H. Chan, School of Public Health, Harvard University, types of fat.

Their distinctions are determined by the chemical makeup of each fat and the links that hold the fatty acid molecules together, which determines how they affect your health.

A number of hydrogen atoms are absent from unsaturated fat, in contrast to saturated fat. Because of the weaker chemical structure caused by the missing atoms, they are liquid (oily) at room temperature. The main sources of these fats are plants and some types of seafood.

Although they are mostly found in meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy products, saturated fats can also be found in tropical oils like coconut oil. These fats stay solid when stored at room temperature.

When hydrogen and vegetable oil mix, trans fats are produced. Upon reaching room temperature, the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil solidifies. In the United States, trans fats are restricted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to their detrimental effects on the heart.

The Benefits of Unsaturated Fat

Both your good and bad cholesterol levels are influenced by the fats you consume. The nasty cholesterol that clogs your arteries, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), is elevated by saturated fats. Your risk of peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes increases if you consume excessive amounts of saturated fat.

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are elevated in response to unsaturated fats. The reason HDLs are referred to as good cholesterol is that they transport LDL to your liver, where it is eliminated from your body.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the two types of unsaturated fats. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids and other polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) can lower inflammation and triglycerides. There are four types of body fat that raise the risk of stroke. and heart disease.

Unsaturated fats play an essential role in:

• Providing your body with fuel
• Encouraging the development of cells
• Safeguarding your organs
• Increasing absorption of nutrients
• Creating vital hormones

Heart disease, stroke, and vascular (blood vessel) illness can all be prevented by eating a diet rich in unsaturated fats.

Foods High in Unsaturated Fats

Replace foods that are heavy in saturated fat with meals that are high in unsaturated fat. Saturated fats should make up no more than 6% of your daily caloric intake, according to the American Heart Association.

Avocados

A tasty fruit that is rich in monounsaturated fats is the avocado 1. They're also a fantastic source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.7

Adding avocado to a variety of dishes is simple:

• On a sandwich or slice of bread, mash one up.
• Toss pieces into your favorite soup, salad, or entrée.
• Add them to smoothies made of fruits.

Olives

Olives contain a lot of monounsaturated fat. A versatile item, extra-virgin olive oil may be used for dressings or stovetop cookery. Adding olives to your diet to reduce cholesterol is simple, regardless of whether you decide to consume them whole, chopped, or sliced.

• Combine them with tomato sauce.
• To sandwiches and salads, add them.
• Put together a tapenade.
• To charcuterie platters or relish trays, add them.
• As a snack, eat these.

Taste several types, such as Castelvetrano, Manzanilla, and Kalamata, to discover the range of tastes.

Nuts

These delectable delicacies are available in many different varieties. PUFAs and monounsaturated fats are both abundant in nuts.1.

Compared to other nuts, walnuts usually have more polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), whereas pecans, almonds, and pistachios include more monounsaturated fats.

Other nutritious components found in nuts include:

• Fiber Plant-based compounds called phytosterols (which reduce cholesterol)
• Vitamin B
• C and E vitamins
• Potassium
• Protein

Due to their versatility, nuts may be included in your diet in a number of ways. Nuts can be tossed into a salad or dessert, or they can be a pleasant snack.

Fatty Fish

Lean fish is a fantastic addition to any diet that aims to reduce cholesterol. Some fish are referred to be "fatty fish" due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, a PUFA that lowers inflammation 1.

Fish in this group consist of:

Mackerel, herring, tuna, anchovies, and salmon

You may maintain heart-healthy eating habits by poaching, baking, or grilling this kind of fish. Don't cook the fish since it might add calories and bad trans fats to your diet.

Dark Chocolate

Unsaturated fat makes up less than half of the total fat in dark chocolate. Dark chocolate that has between 70% and 85% cocoa also contains magnesium, iron, and fiber. Despite the health benefits of dark chocolate, one ounce has 170 calories, so moderation is still crucial.

Steer clear of chocolate that has been sweetened. A sugar-rich diet can decrease good cholesterol while increasing bad cholesterol.

Are Supplements Just As Good?

Nutrients are best obtained by eating meals abundant in good dietary fat, particularly the vital omega-3 fatty acids. If your diet is inadequate in unsaturated fats, nutritional supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil can help guarantee that you obtain the proper quantity.

Neck Fat

Neck Fat, often called a "double chin," is a typical worry for many people.  Although it is not a medical problem, having too much fat around the neck can have an impact on one's look and confidence.  A mix of food changes, focused exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices is needed to reduce neck fat.  Cosmetic or medical procedures could potentially be a possibility in some situations.  This article offers a thorough explanation of neck fat and practical methods for reducing it.

Neck Fat

Causes

Numerous factors can contribute to excessive neck fat. Being overweight is the most prevalent condition, much like excess fat in any other region of the body. But what if you're not obese and you simply have too much neck fat?

Yes, even if a person is at their ideal weight, they may still have fat around their face and neck. Anything from water retention to more serious problems like thyroid, gland, or hormone problems might be the cause of this. On the other hand, it could just be inherited; certain people are predisposed to developing neck fat. The fat around their neck and chin cannot be safely maintained in place if the skin becomes less elastic, since their family has a history of having skin that is not particularly elastic.

In addition to genetics or overall obesity, age is another crucial factor. The Platysma is a large neck muscle that extends from the mouth to the collarbone. Because we neglect to engage this muscle in our regular activities, we eventually lose tone in it. Because of this and the delicate subcutaneous tissue on our face and neck, which is more prone to storing fat, we may be at risk for developing a double chin or a fat neck.

Impact on Life

Certain risks may arise from having too much neck fat, particularly if it is the result of obesity. People who are overweight and have a thick neck are more likely to have small airways in their throats, which can make them more susceptible to sleep apnea. The consequences of excess neck fat resulting from thyroid or hormone problems, like PCOS, are unique and should be discussed with a physician if you feel this is the source of yours. However, a common element among all of these reasons is that a fat neck may significantly affect the self-esteem of the person who has it.

A person's well-being can be severely impacted by neck fat, which can occasionally undermine their confidence to the point where they no longer feel good about themselves or desire to leave the house. Visible anxieties on a person's face and neck tend to have a greater impact on the sufferer's self-esteem since they are more difficult to conceal or disguise.

Treatments Available & How They Work

• The good news is that there are some cutting-edge therapies available today that can make neck fat seem better.
• We usually advise trying to reduce neck fat as a first resort by following standard practices, including leading a healthy lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting frequent exercise. A build-up of neck fat can be reduced using workouts designed particularly to target the neck area.
• To obtain the best medical advice, consult a doctor if you think your neck fat may be due to water retention or another hormonal or medical problem.
• You can choose from a variety of cosmetic and surgical procedures if you have tried both of these choices or if you don't think one of them is the underlying problem.

SculpSure Submental – Non-Surgical

Cynosure's groundbreaking neck sculpting procedure is called SculpSure Submental. In clinical studies, it has a 100% patient satisfaction rate and is the newest therapy on the market for treating the neck and chin area.

Using laser technology, SculpSure targets and eliminates fat cells. The body's lymphatic system then removes the injured cells over the course of four to six weeks, ensuring their permanent removal.

Just two SculpSure Submental treatments have been shown to produce amazing improvements for patients with neck obesity.

Virtually painless, the SculpSure Submental procedure is entirely non-invasive. The procedure just takes twenty-five minutes, and there is no recovery period after the procedure.

BOTOX – Non-Surgical

BOTOX paralyzes (temporarily) specific facial expressive regions, which can be used cosmetically to lessen or eliminate wrinkles.

This would include administering BOTOX injections to the neck cords and submental region, reshaping the jawline and neck, and producing a lift effect.

Although a consultation is necessary to determine your specific needs, this particular treatment involves many injections in various jaw and neck regions. Usually, BOTOX injections take less than 20 minutes, and there is no recovery period after the process.

The duration of BOTOX injections' effects is four to six months.

Liposuction – Surgical

If none of the aforementioned alternatives are thought to be appropriate for you, liposuction is a surgical option.

In liposuction, a tiny incision is made beneath the chin, a tube is introduced, and fat is extracted using a suction technique. Usually, a general anesthetic or, in certain situations, a local anesthetic is used during the treatment. The typical healing period for a patient is a few weeks, during which time they may have bruising, swelling, and even numbness.

Repeat treatments are rarely necessary unless the patient continues to acquire weight as a result of lifestyle decisions.

Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss

Is Sleep Apnea Reversible With Weight Loss

How Weight Affects Sleep Apnea

A very common condition called sleep apnea causes breathing problems when a person is asleep. A small or restricted upper airway causes disturbed breathing in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most prevalent form of sleep apnea. Breathing via a straw is analogous. Every night, those with severe OSA may experience up to thirty breathing disturbances.

Numerous significant connections between sleep apnea and excess body weight are becoming apparent as the medical community gains more knowledge about the condition. In addition to causing sleep apnea, being overweight can aggravate its symptoms and intensify its negative health implications. Weight gain can also result from sleep deprivation, creating a vicious cycle. Numerous studies indicate that weight loss helps with sleep apnea, which is encouraging. Understanding the intricate relationships between obesity and sleep apnea is crucial if you are dealing with any of these issues.

Why Excess Weight Causes Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more likely to occur in those who are overweight or obese, while it can be caused by a number of medical issues. Pharyngeal fat is a kind of fat deposit that develops in the neck of people who are overweight. When a person's upper airway is already relaxed during sleep, pharyngeal fat might obstruct it. Because of this, snoring is one of the most typical signs of sleep apnea; it sounds like air being forced through a narrowed airway.

Furthermore, a person's chest wall may be compressed by an increase in stomach circumference brought on by extra fat, which would reduce lung volume. Airflow is decreased by this diminished lung capacity.

1. increasing the likelihood that the upper airway may collapse as you sleep. As the body mass index rises, the risk of OSA keeps increasing.

2 BMI), which measures one’s body fat based on height and weight. Even a 10% weight gain is associated with a six-fold increase 

Can Sleep Apnea Cause Weight Gain?

Although being overweight has long been recognized as a risk factor for OSA, there is growing evidence that the association is bidirectional. This is due to the fact that sleep deprivation is linked to elevated ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone, and reduced leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, which may heighten desires for meals high in calories. More evidence suggests that sleep deprivation causes obesity, overeating, and a reduction in fat loss after calorie restriction.

Additionally, it seems that those with OSA, in particular, would be more prone to gaining weight than those without the condition but with the same BMI and overall health. One study demonstrated this by showing that individuals with OSA acquired a substantial amount of weight (around 16 pounds). 

Sleep Apnea and Overweight Health Risks

When people with sleep apnea don't receive adequate sleep, their cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary systems are under a lot of stress. This may be particularly problematic for overweight people since obesity raises the risk of metabolic, lung, and cardiac problems.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Health

Sleep apnea affects the cardiovascular system as a whole in several ways. With every breathing delay, the body's oxygen supply diminishes, triggering the "fight or flight" response. The sleeper is awakened and forced to open their airway again as a result of this reaction, which raises their pulse rate and blood pressure. It repeats this pattern all night long. The cyclical increase and fall of blood oxygen levels can cause inflammation, which can lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels associated with heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure..

Furthermore, sleep apnea disrupts the part of the neurological system that controls blood flow and pulse, alters the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide, increases blood levels of glucose and carbon dioxide, and results in insulin resistance. Thus, among other problems, sleep apnea is associated with the following metabolic, pulmonary, and cardiac problems:

Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension

• Other arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation

• Heart failure

• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs, also referred to as "mini-strokes") and stroke

• Coronary heart disease

• Diabetes type 2

• Metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity)

Can Losing Weight Cure Sleep Apnea?

Like many other conditions, sleep apnea is treated by changing one's lifestyle and behavior. Working for a healthy body weight is part of this for the majority of OSA patients. Losing weight lessens fat buildup in the tongue and neck. 

 Many of the symptoms associated with OSA, including daytime drowsiness, can also be considerably reduced by losing weight. Furthermore, there is a notable improvement in irritability and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Overall, there has been an improvement in type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular health.