SAN RAMON, Calif., May 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Research found recently that mid-life obesity and fitness loss is linked to an enzyme, rather than a lazy lifestyle. Obesity can lead to more serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Financial Education Benefits Center supports the health and wellness of all new and existing members through the comprehensive benefits they offer to encourage a healthy lifestyle by helping members develop and maintain fitness routines, establish a healthy diet and more.
The study, led by researchers from the National Institutes of Health, identified an enzyme that becomes more active in mid-life. The enzyme, called DNA-dependent protein kinase or DNA-PK, promotes weight gain and lowers exercise capacity, leading to a gain of 30 pounds in an average adult between the ages of 20 and 50. Specifically, DNA-PK promotes conversion of nutrients to fat and decreases the number of mitochondria in the body, the organelles responsible for turning fat into energy. As a result, more fat is stored in a pound-by-pound stumble toward obesity.
After discovering more DNA-PK enzymes in older bodies, researchers tested the theory that they lead to weight gain. To do so, they administered DNA-PK–inhibiting drugs to middle-aged and obese mice and observed a 40 percent decrease in weight gain and an increase in mitochondria and fitness. They also observed a decrease in obesity and type-2 diabetes. This is promising for future attempts at preventing weight-related ailments, which include diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and more, according to the CDC.
"I sympathize with people who struggle with weight," said Jennifer Martinez, Manager at FEBC. "We often hear that obesity is bad and can lead to serious health problems, so to hear that we are closer to understanding it seems like a good start to helping people prevent it."
Obesity is an excess of fat, different than being overweight, which is an excess of weight. The common misconception has been that middle-aged people gained weight because they opted for quick unhealthy food options and didn't exercise. The research findings help to clarify that that isn't always the case.
"I'm not an expert, but I think knowing that it isn't all their fault will help people take action to lose weight," said Martinez. "They say that the first step to getting help is admitting you have a problem. But with the new findings, that's already done. You can skip that step and go straight to taking action."
While the use of enzyme-inhibiting drugs may treat obesity in the future, the number one suggestion for obese people is still a change in lifestyle. Merely losing 5–10 percent of your weight while obese can reduce the risk of obesity-caused conditions. For someone who weighs 200 pounds, that means losing 10–20 pounds. This can be achieved through diet or exercise or, for best results, both.
Many health professionals advise obese people to get into a fitness routine slowly to avoid injury. Even light exercise split into 10-minute sessions a couple times a day is enough to work toward the suggested 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Starting slow will help build muscle that will help to increase intensity or duration. Eating a diet of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and plenty of fiber will also help with energy and building muscle.
"Starting a new lifestyle is always hard," admits Martinez. "But with the right resources, it can be easier. FEBC offers services that can help members with just that. Whether they are looking to start a new diet, get a fitness routine going, or get help with mental health to try to break down barriers, there's something for everyone at FEBC."
About The Financial Education Benefits Center
The Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The Company has already helped thousands of people save money and obtain the necessary education required to live a financially free life.
The Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and educational products and services available to its members and to provide a variety of wellness services as well.
Contact
To learn more about The Financial Education Benefits Center, please contact:
Financial Education Benefits Center
2010 Crow Canyon Place, Ste. 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
1-800-953-1388
[email protected]
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