Obesity is of late been associated with several physical disorders. Its nexus with other less known ailments is also a topic of intense research these days. In this context, the relation between excess weight gain and a condition called diverticular disease is explored in this article.
Unfortunately, researchers are not clear about what causes this condition. Although lack of exercise, less intake of fiber-rich foods and constipation are found to be the risk factors for this condition without ant explanation.
What Research Studies Have Learnt Between Obesity-Diverticular Disease Nexus?
- For reasons yet to know, small pouch-like structures develop on the walls of large intestine.
- They develop in the sites of the wall which are weakened by exerting pressure in the colon. A patient with such a state of the colon is said to suffer from this disease.
- Researchers at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia wanted to learn about the possible link between obesity and this disease in January 2006.
- Their curiosity was based on the observation that most of the patients diagnosed with this disease were above the age of 40 years at least and were obese.
- The study showed that patients who had repeated occurance of this disease were significantly more obese when compared to those who had single episode of it.
The disease remains mostly asymptomatic or without any signs. It becomes apparent suddenly in the from of abdominal pains. Presence of this condition is diagnosed through indirect means while exploring the possibility of other ailments. High fiber diet, rest and pain relievers are prescribed by doctors in order to deal with this condition.
What are the Lessons to Learn from Obesity-Diverticular Disease Nexus?
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of NIDDK, NIH, this disease was first diagnosed in the United States around 1900s when processed foods first became available in the market.
A practice of consuming these foods in excess due to their cheap and easy affordability has reduced the intake of fiber-rich foods in the decades which followed. Sedentary life style ensured lack of exercise and that is why we learn about unheard health complications every passing day.
