Liver damage is a serious issue that can occur suddenly and without warning. If you are overweight or obese, it is crucial to understand the dangers that come with carrying excess weight and to take the necessary steps to lose weight as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many people put off weight loss due to various reasons, such as thinking that it’s not urgent, or because their bloodwork is still normal. However, it’s important to understand that these normal results can change quickly and without warning.
One example of this is a personal story of a person who was close to their highest weight and got their ALT (liver enzyme) levels checked 3 years ago. At that time, the results were within normal range, leading them to believe that they were still in good health despite their obesity. This person justified their weight by thinking that they were only moderately obese, and never even touched drugs or alcohol. However, as time went on and their weight continued to increase, their liver health began to deteriorate. After losing significant weight, their latest ALT results showed that their liver enzyme levels were double the maximum normal amount, and they needed to get an ultrasound to check for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
This story highlights the importance of taking weight loss seriously and making it a priority. If this person had continued to put off weight loss and not taken their health seriously, they would have been careening towards serious liver damage. The silver lining in this story is that diet and exercise are the best treatments for NAFLD, and this person was already well on their way to improving their health.
Another scenario is a person who is pre-diabetic and overweight. This person may have normal blood sugar levels at the moment, but the longer they put off weight loss, the more likely they are to develop Type 2 Diabetes. If left untreated, this disease can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. In this case, it’s important to understand that weight loss and improved lifestyle choices can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
There are many other examples of how obesity and excess weight can lead to serious health problems. These examples highlight the importance of taking weight loss seriously and making it a priority. If you are overweight or obese, it’s important to understand that the longer you put off weight loss, the greater the risk of serious health problems.
It’s never too late to start, and there are many resources available to help you on your weight loss journey. Whether it’s seeking the help of a dietitian or enrolling in a weight loss program, there are many ways to get started. The most important thing is to take that first step and make weight loss a priority. Remember, your health is in your hands, and the earlier you start, the better your chances of avoiding serious health problems in the future.
Liver damage and other serious health problems can occur suddenly and without warning. If you are overweight or obese, it’s important to understand the dangers of carrying excess weight and to take the necessary steps to lose weight as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the numbers to change, or for your health to deteriorate, take action today and make weight loss a priority.