Why does heavy dampness cause obesity

The obesity caused by heavy dampness is mainly related to metabolic dysfunction, spleen and stomach dysregulation, and water retention. Excessive dampness may lead to slowed metabolism, increased fat accumulation, and edematous obesity in the body.

1. Metabolic dysfunction

Heavy dampness can affect the circulation of qi and blood in the body, leading to a slowdown in metabolic rate. When metabolic dysfunction occurs, the body's ability to consume energy decreases, and excess calories are more easily converted into fat for storage. People with high humidity often experience symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, and fatigue, which further reduce their daily activity and exacerbate the problem of insufficient energy consumption.

2. Dysfunction of spleen and stomach circulation

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the spleen is responsible for the circulation and digestion of water, grains, and essence. Heavy dampness can trap the spleen and stomach, leading to weakened digestive function. Dysfunction of the spleen and stomach can affect the normal digestion and absorption of food, and nutrients cannot be effectively utilized, leading to the accumulation of phlegm and dampness. People with long-term spleen and stomach weakness are prone to symptoms such as abdominal obesity, limb swelling, and dampness stagnation.

3. Water retention

The most direct manifestation of dampness is abnormal water metabolism in the body, leading to water retention. This type of edematous obesity can cause significant weight gain, especially manifested in facial swelling, heavy limbs, and other aspects. Stagnation of water and dampness can affect lymphatic and blood circulation, making it difficult to eliminate metabolic waste and further exacerbating obesity.

4. Changes in hormone levels

Dampness may interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system, affecting the secretion of hormones related to weight regulation such as leptin and insulin. Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased appetite, accelerated fat synthesis, and other issues. Especially for women, the aggravation of dampness before and after menstruation is closely related to hormonal fluctuations.

5. Imbalance of gut microbiota

Modern medical research has found that people with a heavy constitution of dampness often have an imbalance of gut microbiota. Imbalance in gut microbiota can affect nutrient absorption and energy metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity. The excessive proliferation of certain harmful bacterial communities may promote inflammatory responses, further exacerbating metabolic abnormalities and weight gain. Improving obesity caused by heavy dampness requires starting from regulating the spleen and stomach and promoting metabolism. It is recommended to increase aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, etc. to help sweat and dampness. In terms of diet, choose more spleen strengthening and dampness reducing ingredients such as Job's tears, adzuki beans, and yam, and avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods. Maintain a regular daily routine, avoid staying up late, and seek traditional Chinese medicine treatment if necessary. People with heavy dampness and obesity should not lose weight too quickly, and should pay attention to physical conditioning and the development of healthy lifestyle habits.