Ignoring health checkup red flags, especially weight gain, can lead to serious illness: doctor

Ignoring the red flags in health checkup reports can have severe consequences, particularly when it comes to weight gain, according to Dr. Lin Wen-yuan, chairman of the Taiwan Obesity Medical Association. He emphasizes that prolonged obesity can trigger metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of various co-morbidities, urging individuals not to treat their checkup results like a "hidden library" to be forgotten.

Dr. Lin noted that many people file away their health reports without a second glance, dismissing abnormal findings as minor issues that don't impact their daily lives. However, he pointed out that the prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar in Taiwan stands at 26.8%, 25.6%, and 11.1% respectively. Neglecting these warning signs could mean missing crucial opportunities to address underlying health problems.

A 45-year-old male executive in the tech industry, referred to as Mr. Chen, serves as a cautionary tale. Once an athletic basketball player, he gained significant weight due to work stress, long hours, and poor lifestyle habits after being promoted to a management position. His health checkups began showing abnormal results for blood sugar and blood pressure, indicators of cardiovascular disease.

Initially, Mr. Chen dismissed the weight gain and abnormal readings as normal signs of aging or even as "happy weight" associated with a fulfilling marriage. However, last year, he began experiencing extreme fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination. Prompted by his wife, he finally sought medical attention and was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. His blood sugar and blood pressure levels were dangerously close to diagnostic thresholds. With professional medical support, he managed to lose 10% of his body weight in six months and is continuing his journey toward a healthier physique.

Dr. Lin explained that obesity is a signal of chronic inflammation within the body, which can eventually lead to health complications. Over 200 diseases are linked to obesity, including diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and heart failure, making it a key factor in the development of metabolic syndrome. He stressed that weight management is crucial, as even a 5-10% reduction can improve blood pressure and blood sugar, while a 10-15% loss can help manage cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Significant weight loss, over 15%, can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure. Beyond health benefits, weight loss also reduces healthcare costs and improves overall quality of life. Dr. Lin advises seeking professional medical help for effective weight and metabolic health management, as it often requires more than just willpower.