Obesity and Heart Health in LGBTQ+ Community: 4 Practical Tips for Better Care

Obesity is a challenge that many people face, often stemming from lifestyle choices or underlying conditions. Evidence shows that compared to heterosexual adults, there are several health disparities, even with cardiovascular disease when it comes to queer adults. By embracing healthy habits and supportive resources, it’s possible to improve both physical and मानसिक खुशहाली

इनके बारे में जानें:

What Is obesity?
How are obesity and cardiovascular diseases related?
Measures to mitigate health disparities related to LGBTQIA+ healthcare
Tips to reduce obesity and improve cardiovascular health

What Is obesity?

In obesity, the body accumulates excess amounts of fat. This poses a risk of developing chronic diseases and comorbidities. Obesity kills over 4 million people every year and is still overlooked by the majority of the population, including queers. Chronic stress is often the cause of morbid obesity due to an increased production of cortisol, which can increase your appetite. Stress, along with other chronic conditions that obesity fuels, can cause severe health complications in the long run.

How are obesity and cardiovascular diseases related?

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is one of the leading causes of elevated risk of mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease. Obesity can be associated with insulin resistance, hypertension or diabetes, all of which can increase the risk of events causing cardiovascular diseases. Obesity also increases the risk of coronary artery disease, which is plaque buildup in the walls of the heart’s blood vessels. This prevents the free flow of blood in and out of the heart and can cause cardiac arrest. Additionally, हाई कोलेस्ट्रॉल and physical inactivity due to obesity can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The LGBTQ community must focus on these problems as they’re at a greater risk. Reasons such as social stigma, history of violence and discrimination or self-esteem issues impact your mental health and add to stress levels. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Measures to mitigate health disparities related to LGBTQIA+ healthcare

Cardiovascular diseases kill around 18 million people every year. To deal with it, WHO is developing a guideline focusing on the health of gender-diverse and trans people. The initiative is headed by the Departments of Gender, Rights and Equity – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (GRE-DEI), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) and Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes (HHS).

The new guideline will focus on guiding health sector interventions for gender-diverse and trans people by improving the quality of health services and increasing access and utilization. The five significant areas of focus are:

Gender-inclusive care through education and training of health workers.
Appropriate policies to support gender-inclusive care.
Gender-affirming care, including hormones.
Health care for gender diverse and trans people with a history of interpersonal violence.
Legally recognizing self-determined gender identity.

WHO has appointed a guideline development group to form and implement the guideline.

Tips to reduce obesity and improve cardiovascular health

There are quite a few steps that you can take to lose weight and lower your risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes:

Exercise and physical activity

Exercise is fundamental for longevity and helps through your weight loss journey. Being physically active plays a significant role in reducing obesity. Exercising keeps you fit, regulates your appetite and improves bodily functions. It helps improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Proper nutrition

Even if you exercise, you must be mindful of what you eat. Reducing obesity largely depends on your eating habits. Eat in smaller portions and on time. Eat good carbs from fruits and vegetables instead of sugary foods and drinks. Eat protein and fiber-rich food, including other nutrients from dairy, poultry, dry fruits, etc

Resting and being mindful

Resting is fundamental for good cardiovascular health. It helps de-stress the body. Hence, adequate sleep at night is crucial to rest the body sufficiently. During the day, practicing mindfulness can help relieve stress. Meditation effectively unwinds the body and mind and helps with good sleep.

Say no to smoking

Smoking is responsible for damaging every organ of the body, including the heart. Although it may feel like the only source of much-needed relief during stressful moments, smoking is not an option. Practice mindfulness to relieve stress.

Managing obesity and cardiovascular health is mainly dependent on discipline and lifestyle choices.

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