Weighing 174 kilograms, Jiang Lin could only use a scale that measured in pounds. He practically scoured Anshan searching for a belt that fit, couldn't sleep in a train berth, and took up space for two on buses... This man is Jiang Lin. He was riding a small electric bicycle, which looked like a toy car beneath his imposing frame.Jiang Lin says that while he rarely gets headaches or fevers, his increasing weight over the years has taken a toll on his waist joints. So now, the hardest thing for him is losing weight. He hopes that once he sheds some pounds, a girl might be willing to marry him.
Male obesity not only hinders marriage prospects but also carries these health risks:
1. Diabetes
Obesity is closely linked to diabetes. A survey of over 310,000 people across 14 Chinese provinces and municipalities revealed that diabetes prevalence in the general population is 0.26%, while among overweight individuals it reaches 2.82%—more than ten times higher.Obesity involves consuming more calories than the body requires. Excessive eating stimulates the pancreas to secrete excessive insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia. Since obese individuals' cells are insulin-resistant, this further promotes insulin secretion, increasing the burden on the pancreas. This causes pancreatic cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, which over time can lead to pancreatic failure and the onset of diabetes.
2. Hypertension
A study of middle-aged and elderly individuals revealed that the prevalence of hypertension was 7.55% among those with a body mass index (BMI) below 20, 20.26% among those with a BMI between 24 and 26, and reached 36.89% when BMI exceeded 28.Obesity involves substantial increases in adipose tissue, necessitating elevated blood volume and cardiac output to meet physiological demands. Prolonged cardiac overload leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, obese individuals often exhibit hyperinsulinemia, where insulin promotes sodium reabsorption in the distal renal tubules, causing sodium retention and hypertension.Additionally, obese individuals exhibit heightened adrenal cortex activity, increased cortisol conversion rates, and enhanced hydroxylation of corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, all contributing to elevated blood pressure. Thus, obesity represents a significant risk factor for hypertension.
3. Arteriosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease
Survey data indicate that the prevalence of coronary heart disease is 4.72% among individuals with a body mass index (BMI) below 20, 9.91% among those with a BMI of 24–26, and as high as 16.51% among those with a BMI exceeding 28.Obesity often involves hypertriglyceridemia, which contributes to atherosclerosis. Factors such as excess body weight, increased body surface area, excessive adipose tissue, and heightened cardiac load (including myocardial load due to fat deposition within and around the heart) can cause myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Reduced physical activity in obese individuals further weakens or impairs coronary collateral circulation.All these factors can contribute to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. What methods can men use to lose weight? 1) Aerobic exercises like cycling, running, swimming, and walking are the most effective ways to burn calories. Maintain two to three sessions of such exercise per week. When entering an office building, skip the elevator and climb the stairs.
2) Reduce consumption of carbonated and caffeinated beverages. During breaks, opt for a walk instead of coffee or cola, as walking clears your mind more effectively than any drink.
3) Avoid overeating during social gatherings or parties. Overeating not only strains your digestive system but also contributes to weight gain. Choose lighter meals and practice moderation.Avoid alcohol, which is high in calories yet low in nutritional value.
4) If possible, visit the gym regularly and bring friends along. Engage in effective strength training to build muscle and boost your metabolism.
Weight loss for men, like for women, has no shortcuts. Change must start with daily habits, and impatience won't help. By adopting the right methods and sticking with them, men can also slim down effortlessly.