Obesity and insulin resistance are problems that are often interrelated and play an important role in the formation of many diseases such as metabolic syndrome, ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis and hypertension, as well as Type 2 diabetes. Although appropriate dietary regulations are the first step in the treatment of both problems, adequate results are not obtained if patient-specific exercise planning is not included. Because our body is surrounded by muscles and skeletal muscles, which provide their energy from glucose, constitute a large part of the body weight. Therefore, resistance to insulin is mostly in muscle tissue. Exercises that strengthen muscles without tiring them, especially so-called aerobic exercises, increase the use of glucose by muscle tissue, resulting in less insulin secretion from the pancreas and gradually breaking insulin resistance. It is observed that with a planned and regularly implemented exercise program in these disorders, weight loss is greater, insulin resistance is corrected more quickly, new weight gain is prevented for a long time, and the person feels better psychologically. However, exercises performed without an anatomical, mechanical and physical evaluation of the patient and without a personalized plan may cause pain due to muscle-joint-ligament strains and the patient may avoid exercising.
After examination by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, exercise therapy is taken. The goal in obese patients and patients with insulin resistance is primarily to correct posture and strengthen the joints and muscles where weakness is detected. Before starting the exercises, the person's anatomical and functional problems are determined. Afterwards, the flexibility of muscles, joints and ligaments is increased with various physical therapy devices and the muscles are strengthened with special devices. Edema and circulatory disorders in soft tissues are treated with special devices and lymphedema massage. If the patient has existing musculoskeletal disorders, they are treated appropriately. When the patient reaches pain-free and sufficient muscle strength, active exercise programs with planned frequency and intensity are started.
Remember, it is in our hands to age healthily by having regular health checks, eating healthy, focusing on mental activities and of course exercising regularly.
Read: 0
