Insights for Effective Obesity Management: Examining the Whole Health Picture

Reviewed by Dr Marion Leclerc, PhD, HDR

There is a need to find a long-term sustainable solution to help support people with managing their weight. It takes more than just looking at the numbers on the scale to improve one's overall health; instead, a multifaceted approach is required.

In this blog, we will look at the big picture and how achieving health objectives will help us understand how factors like sleep, the gut microbiota and, of course, nutrition play a significant role in obesity management and our overall well-being.

 

Defining Obesity

When looking to delve into obesity management, we must first understand obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as a chronic complex disease defined by excessive adipose (fat) deposits.¹ The WHO interprets obesity by the body mass index (BMI), as well as waist circumference to help determine the classification of obesity.¹ They also state that obesity can impair health by increasing chronic conditions, affecting a person's health and quality of life.

The American Academy of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) developed another way to define and address obesity. According to AACE, the term obesity should be exchanged for the term adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD), which focuses on the health impact of excess weight or increased adipose tissue associated with chronic health issues rather than just weight.^2,3 AACE also noted that using the term ABCD removes the stigma that may be associated with the term obesity.^2,3 They also recognize that obesity or ABCD is a chronic condition with multiple health concerns.

Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher, and severe obesity is defined as having a BMI of 40 or higher.⁴

 

Health Concerns We Are Facing

Did you know that approximately 21% of our adolescent population in the United States is affected by obesity?⁵ This is not only concerning, for the occurrence of chronic diseases right now, but also for decades to come. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects more than two in five American adults and is associated with multiple comorbidities or medical conditions.⁵

In 2019, Eurostat's European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) found that 16.5 % of the EU adult population lived with obesity, while 36.2 % were overweight, meaning that weight was an issue for over half of the population (53 %).⁶

Some clinical concerns include:⁷

• Prediabetes
  
• Metabolic syndrome
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Dyslipidemia
  
• Hypertension

It would be relevant for those who are overweight and not classified as obese to have discussions with their healthcare provider (HCP) to assess their health, concerns, and treatment plan to support them with their short- and long-term goals.

 

How You Can Achieve Good Health

Taking a holistic approach toward weight and obesity management and good health should not only focus on the dietary approach but should take a look at other lifestyle modifications that may need to be implemented.

 

Akkermansia muciniphila and Obesity Management

Obesity alters the composition and function of the gut microbiota, which may impact the gut barrier effectiveness in protecting against unwanted substances entering the rest of the body.⁸

Live Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ helps strengthen the gut barrier by consuming mucin, which promotes continuous mucus production to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the gut. However, pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ increases the accessibility of the protein Amuc-1100, which helps to replenish the mucus lining of the gut barrier and improve the epithelial tight junctions.⁹

Studies show that providing study participants with supplemental Akkermansia muciniphila, was safe, well tolerated, and was associated with improvements in several metabolic parameters.¹⁰

The Akkermansia Company is committed to using Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ in the creation of innovative health solutions that target the "leaky gut." Clinical trials have proven that Akkermansia muciniphila MucT™ reduces low-grade inflammation, which may be the root cause of excess weight gain and increased blood sugar that can, in turn, lead to obesity and diabetes.⁹

 

Sleep Health

We need about 7 or more hours of sleep a night for a "good night's sleep."¹¹ Something that sounds so simple as getting some good sleep each night seems to be a problem for many. In fact, more than one-third of adults do not get enough quality sleep, averaging less than 7 hours per night.¹¹

Furthermore, eating within two hours of going to bed may make it difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep, disrupting your circadian rhythm or your body's internal clock. This is significant since sleep is essential for hormone production and maintaining the body's circadian rhythm, which has been linked to weight gain and obesity.¹¹

 

Nutrition

Eating a diet rich in whole foods including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and with moderate amounts of healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, does promote a balanced eating pattern while aligning portion sizes with our energy needs. However, we have evolved into a society that values convenience, particularly when it comes to grabbing a fast meal.

Convenience and economic concerns may limit an individual's ability to purchase nutritious foods, leading us to opt for low-cost, conveniently prepared, ultra-processed foods such as canned soups, deli meats, hot dogs, sodas, and other sweetened beverages, to mention a few. Unfortunately, consuming a diet that is not nutritionally balanced can contribute to long-term health issues.¹¹ According to a meta-analysis published in The BMJ, diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with more than 30 health issues including type 2 diabetes but also Cardiovascular disease and dementia.¹²

 

Mindfulness

Stay focused by tracking your everyday efforts, accomplishments, and even failures. Try writing down your intake, thoughts, and feelings in a journal, or use an app to track your daily development.

Continue to be mindful of your choices and try to listen to and respect your internal hunger and fullness cues. Keep your goals in sight!

Whatever method you use to track your daily progress, remember to be consistent! Real-time feedback is the most effective way to improve things as you see them starting to unfold.

 

Physical Activity

Start by getting in some physical activity daily, even if it means just moving more than what you are doing now. Just be consistent. Increasing the amount of energy you expend through exercise can certainly help to decrease extra adipose tissue and weight gain, lending to obesity management.¹³ It will also boost you mood: activity causes your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that help improve your well-being! The American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) current standards recommend both aerobic and anaerobic exercise.¹³

 

Take Control

We hope that after learning more about obesity management and ways to improve your overall health, you will feel empowered to take charge of your health.

• Be proactive and schedule regular appointments with your healthcare practitioner to discuss your weight management plan and overall health.
• Concentrate on attaining one health goal at a time until you have met your objectives during your journey towards a healthy lifestyle.
• Check with your HCP to see if you are a candidate for postbiotics like Akkermansia muciniphila.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.