- According to the World Meteorological Organization, June 2023 was the hottest month in human history.
- People who are overweight and obese are more vulnerable to suffering the consequences of heat waves due to the increase in adipose tissue.
- High temperatures generate heat stroke and its main symptoms are a feeling of tiredness and exhaustion, persistent thirst, cramps in the abdominal area and extremities, low blood pressure, blurred vision and headache.
The heat waves They are active in much of the northern hemisphere of the planet. One of its main consequences is the increase in temperature to levels never seen before. According to some specialists, the reason is climate change and it is expected to be a constant during the following years.
To better understand the current scenario, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that June 2023 was the hottest month in human history. Since historical records exist, a similar situation has never occurred.
Heat waves affect obese people more intensely
For its part, high temperatures increase the risk of heat stroke. Although everyone is exposed, those who should take extreme precautions are those who live with overweight and obesity.
The Dr. Ana Rosa Muñoz Duartewho is part of the scientific medical liaison at Novo Nordisk, reported that people who are overweight and obese suffer more from the consequences of heat because it is more difficult for them to physiologically regulate their body temperature, due to the increase in adipose tissue.
“In people living with obesity, heat is not dissipated through the circulation, which causes excessive sweating and loss of fluids and mineral salts, so they run the risk of dehydration. Also, adipose tissue does not retain water effectively.
What is a heat stroke?
Dr. Muñoz explained that the Heat stroke is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. In fact, this problem is not minor because it can put a person’s life at risk.
Among the symptoms that high temperatures can cause in the Obese people are feeling tired and exhausted. Also decreased mobility, persistent thirst, cramps in the abdominal area and extremities, low blood pressure, blurred vision, headache, swelling of the extremities, increased body temperature and heat stress, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Recommendations to avoid risks
In addition, the specialist gave a series of measures to reduce the impact of high temperatures. The main ones are to avoid activities that involve physical effort, especially at noon; wear loose clothing, light fabrics and light colors; protect yourself with a hat and sunglasses; drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks; take frequent refreshing baths; stay in cool and well ventilated spaces; and consume light foods and fresh fruits.
“To avoid the consequences of the heat, it is important that people with obesity put themselves in the hands of health professionals and start a comprehensive and multidisciplinary treatment for weight loss, which includes a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and physical activity; psychological approach, as well as pharmacological or surgical treatment, depending on the needs of the patients”.
Finally, the specialist said that, in addition to avoiding the risk of heat stroke, losing weight brings great health benefits. Reduction of 5% to 10% of body weight improves blood lipid profile, blood pressure, osteoarthritic pain, and obstructive sleep apnea.
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