Medical Health Insights

Medical Health Insights 🇦🇺 G'day, I'm Dr. Lachlan Reid. I'm a specialist with over 20 years' experience working in the field of diabetes.

I currently practise across several hospitals in Sydney and am welcoming new patients for telehealth consultations.

08/07/2025
The Dangers of Fat AccumulationExcessive fat accumulation, especially abdominal and visceral fat, can lead to a range of...
30/03/2025

The Dangers of Fat Accumulation
Excessive fat accumulation, especially abdominal and visceral fat, can lead to a range of health problems and increase the risk of developing various chronic diseases. Here are some common conditions related to fat accumulation:
Cardiovascular Diseases
High Blood Pressure: Fat accumulation, particularly abdominal fat, increases the burden on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Coronary Artery Disease: Excessive fat, especially visceral fat, may lead to atherosclerosis (thickening and narrowing of the blood vessel walls), resulting in heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes: Fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area, leads to insulin resistance, where the body's cells no longer respond effectively to insulin, thereby triggering type 2 diabetes. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for diabetes.
High Cholesterol
Fat accumulation, particularly an increase in "bad" cholesterol (LDL), can raise cholesterol levels in the blood, further increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Fatty Liver Disease
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Excessive fat accumulation, especially visceral fat, may lead to fat buildup in the liver, causing fatty liver disease. This can result in liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and even liver failure.
Sleep Apnea
Fat accumulation can lead to narrowing of the airways, increasing the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep and can lead to daytime sleepiness, memory problems, and heart issues.
Collagen Loss and Skin Aging
Loose Skin and Wrinkles: Excessive fat accumulation can alter the body’s shape and skin structure, leading to the loss of skin elasticity, sagging, and wrinkles.
Joint Diseases
Arthritis: Obesity increases pressure on the knees, hips, and back, leading to joint wear and potentially causing arthritis and other joint-related diseases.
Certain Cancers
Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Endometrial Cancer: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Fat accumulation may affect hormone levels, influencing the growth of tumors.
Gallstones
Excessive cholesterol and fat accumulation in the gallbladder may lead to the formation of gallstones. Obesity and fat accumulation are significant risk factors for gallstones.
Mental Health Issues
Depression and Anxiety: Obesity and fat accumulation can affect mental health, leading to lower self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders.
Hormonal Imbalance
Excessive body fat, especially abdominal fat, can lead to hormonal imbalances, such as increased cortisol (stress hormone) and estrogen levels, which may impact metabolism, immunity, and reproductive functions.

Lymphedema (lymphoedema) is a condition in which swelling is triggered by a buildup of lymphatic fluid in localized tiss...
30/03/2025

Lymphedema (lymphoedema) is a condition in which swelling is triggered by a buildup of lymphatic fluid in localized tissues due to a blockage in the flow of lymphatic fluid. Lymphedema can affect any part of the body and is commonly found in the arms, legs or face. Its causes can usually be divided into two categories: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema.
1. Primary lymphedema (congenital)
Primary lymphedema is usually caused by abnormalities in the development of the lymphatic system, which are usually hereditary. The following are possible causes:
Genetic defects: Some people are born with poorly developed lymphatic vessels, resulting in obstruction of the return of lymphatic fluid. This type of lymphedema may first manifest at birth or during adolescence.
Lymphedema distichiasis: this is a rare genetic disorder in which lymphatic dysplasia is associated with characteristic eyelash abnormalities of the eyelids.
2. Secondary lymphedema (acquired)
Secondary lymphedema is a blockage of lymphatic fluid flow due to external factors. Common causes include:
Surgical treatment:
For example, in cancer treatment, surgery may require the removal of part of a lymph node or lymphatic vessel, which can result in obstruction of lymphatic return and cause edema. Breast, prostate, and uterine cancers often require lymph node removal, which leads to lymphedema.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy may impair the functioning of the lymphatic system, resulting in damage or fibrosis of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, which can lead to impaired lymphatic fluid flow and edema.
Infection:
Severe bacterial infections (such as schistosomiasis or filariasis) can trigger inflammation or damage to the lymph nodes, affecting the lymphatic system and leading to a buildup of lymphatic fluid.
Complications after trauma or surgery:
Trauma (e.g., burns, surgical incisions) or trauma to the lymphatic system can lead to damage to the lymphatic vessels, which in turn can lead to edema.
Chronic illnesses:
Some chronic conditions, such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease, can lead to systemic fluid buildup, which can trigger lymphedema.
Obesity:
Severe obesity may increase the risk of developing lymphedema because excess body fat may compress the lymphatic vessels, resulting in obstruction of lymphatic fluid flow.
Inflammatory diseases:
Chronic inflammatory conditions or immune system abnormalities, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, may also affect the flow of lymphatic fluid and increase the risk of edema.

29/08/2024

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