High blood lipid levels:
Obesity most commonly causes an increase in blood triglyceride levels
In some patients, blood cholesterol levels may also increase, mainly manifesting as type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, followed by type IIb hyperlipoproteinemia.
The fat metabolism characteristics of obese individuals include increased plasma free fatty acids, elevated blood lipid components such as cholesterol and triglycerides, indicating fatty acid metabolism disorders. Plasma cholesterol levels in obese individuals can reach 5.2 mmol/L or higher in 55.8% of cases. In men after 60 years old and women after 50 years old, plasma cholesterol levels significantly increase.
When suffering from obesity, the body’s utilization of free fatty acids decreases, leading to accumulation of free fatty acids in the blood and increased blood lipid capacity.
Patients with hypertriglyceridemia caused by carbohydrates are prone to obesity
When these patients consume more or normal amounts of carbohydrates, plasma triglycerides increase; reducing carbohydrate intake can improve or even eliminate high triglycerides. Similarly, weight loss can also decrease plasma triglycerides to normal levels. The increase in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides is proportional to the degree of obesity. Therefore, it is crucial for obese individuals to control their diet and lose weight.
Obese individuals are indeed at an elevated risk of developing hyperlipidemia
Obese individuals are indeed at an elevated risk of developing hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids in the bloodstream, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This heightened risk is primarily attributed to several factors associated with obesity:
- Increased Body Fat: Obesity is defined by an excessive amount of body fat, which can disrupt the normal metabolic processes in the body. Adipose tissue, particularly when it accumulates in the abdominal region, can release substances that interfere with lipid metabolism, leading to higher levels of circulating lipids.
- Insulin Resistance: Many obese individuals develop insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. This can lead to type 2 diabetes and can also cause the liver to produce more triglycerides and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein), a particle that carries triglycerides in the blood.
- Dietary Factors: Obesity often coincides with unhealthy dietary habits, such as consuming high amounts of saturated fats and simple carbohydrates. These dietary choices can increase the production of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides, while reducing the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as “good” cholesterol, which helps remove LDL from the bloodstream.
- Inflammatory Response: Obesity is linked to a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state. This inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, and can also impair the function of cells involved in lipid transport and metabolism.
- Genetic Predisposition: While obesity increases the risk of hyperlipidemia, genetic factors can also play a role. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to both obesity and dyslipidemia, making them more susceptible to elevated blood lipids when they gain weight.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for obese individuals to engage in weight loss strategies, such as adopting a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars, and increasing physical activity. Regular exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote healthier lipid profiles. In some cases, medical intervention, including lipid-lowering medications, may be necessary in conjunction with lifestyle modifications to manage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with hyperlipidemia.
