Вес не всегда отражает здоровье: врач назвал 5 признаков проблем с метаболизмом

Why your weight isn't the only number that matters: Laparoscopic surgeon shares 5 signs your metabolism is struggling Metabolic health is more than weight, as Dr Gautam explains; signs like waist circumference, blood sugar variations, and lipid profiles are vital indicators. Often, we consider the numbers on the weighing scale to be the ultimate mark of our health. If the scale goes up, you are unhealthy; if it goes down, you are okay. But defining your health depends on more than just your weight on the scale. According to Dr Ashish Gautam, principal director, robotic and laparoscopic surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, a weighing scale can tell how much a person weighs, but it cannot tell how the body is handling that weight. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Gautam explained that metabolic health depends on how the body uses and stores energy, regulates blood sugar, processes fats, and responds to hormones. Moreover, a person can have a ‘stable weight’ and still develop ‘insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol, fatty liver or other metabolic problems.’ He cited the National Family Health Survey 5, conducted in 2019 to 2021, to explain how this is more relevant in India, where metabolic disease can occur at relatively low weights. “The ICMR study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology in 2023 also estimates that about 35 crore Indians above the age of 20 have abdominal obesity,” he added. Dr Gautam listed five signs that can provide useful clues that metabolic health needs attention, even when the weighing scale tells a different story: 1. Your waist is increasing even when your weight is stable According to Dr Gautam, a gradual increase in waist circumference can be more informative than a small change in body weight. He explained, “Abdominal fat includes visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs. It is metabolically active and is associated with insulin resistance, abnormal blood lipids and cardiovascular disease.” This is one reason a person can remain within a normal BMI range and still develop metabolic problems. BMI does not show where fat is stored. “A growing waistline, therefore, deserves attention even when the weighing scale has barely moved,” he added. 2. Blood sugar starts rising “Blood sugar does not usually become abnormal overnight,” Dr Gautam highlighted. In many people, insulin resistance develops gradually, he cautioned. “Insulin helps to move glucose from the blood into cells where it can be used for energy. As cells become less responsive to insulin, the pancreas produces more insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. Eventually, this compensation may fail, and blood sugar rises,” he explained. Therefore, having a normal fasting glucose does not always tell the whole story. HbA1c, which measures average blood glucose over roughly three months, can add information. Moreover, he stressed that regular screening may be helpful for those gaining weight around their waist, with a family history of diabetes, inactive lifestyles or past abnormal blood sugar readings. 3. Cholesterol and triglycerides are changing Metabolic health also shows up in the lipid profile. Dr Gautam noted that high triglycerides, elevated LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol can occur alongside insulin resistance and abdominal fat accumulation. “Such changes increase the risk for cardiovascular disease even when body weight appears stable. A lipid profile is therefore useful during routine health assessment, particularly for people with diabetes, hypertension, abdominal obesity or a family history of cardiovascular disease. The number on the weighing scale cannot provide this information,” he opined. 4. You are losing muscle while gaining fat Body weight can remain unchanged while body composition changes considerably. Explaining this, Dr Gautam stated, “Muscle mass tends to decline with age and physical inactivity. If this is accompanied by an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen, the weighing scale may show little difference.” Moreover, he emphasised that muscle plays an important role in glucose metabolism. “It removes glucose from the bloodstream and uses it for energy. Regular resistance exercise helps to maintain muscle and promotes insulin sensitivity. That gives exercise a purpose for people who aren’t trying to lose weight,” Dr Gautam shared. Moreover, he quoted the World Health Organisation's estimates that state that about half of Indians do not meet recommended levels of physical activity. “Long periods of sitting, limited walking, and insufficient strength training can gradually affect muscle mass and metabolic function,” he stated. 5. Energy, sleep and appetite have changed Changes in energy and appetite can also provide clues whether your metabolism is struggling, although they are not specific to metabolic disease. “Persistent tiredness may have many causes, including inadequate sleep, anaemia, thyroid disorders, stress or other medical conditions. A lack of sleep can also disturb the regulation of appetite and glucose metabolism,” Dr Gautam shared. He added that sleep deprivation can lead to increased hunger and a preference for high-calorie foods, and hormonal changes due to chronic stress can change eating habits and lead to abdominal fat accumulation. Moreover, such effects are exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle; reduced movement lowers daily energy expenditure and can contribute to a gradual loss of muscle mass. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. - ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.