“I eat so little, yet I gain weight”: 53-year-old woman faces 40kg weight surge, diabetes, and gut issues

The case of 53-year-old Kim Yu-kyong (Hyojung), who has been struggling with rapid weight gain and subsequent health deterioration in recent years, has been revealed. According to a broadcast video from TV CHOSUN JOY, Kim's weight increased by approximately 40kg over several years, even peaking at over 100kg.

Diabetes and joint issues caused by weight gain

The rapid weight increase led to various physical problems. Kim has been taking diabetes medication for several years, and her fasting blood sugar level recorded in the video was 240mg/dL, which is 2.4 times higher than normal. Furthermore, due to the burden of her weight, she underwent surgery for a ligament tear one year ago. Video subtitles and transcripts confirm that medical staff at the time advised that ligaments can easily snap if the load exceeds what the body weight can support.

The discomfort in daily life was also significant. Kim stated that she experiences both psychological and physical discomfort, such as bumping into things when moving in narrow spaces due to her large physique, and worrying about causing inconvenience to others by taking up too much space while working.

Recurring abdominal pain and the link to intestinal disease

Another problem that appeared alongside obesity was gut health. Kim's daily life is being disrupted by excretion issues accompanied by abdominal pain, and she has reached a state of depending on sleeping pills as she repeatedly wakes up every night to use the bathroom. Following a hospital diagnosis, the possibility of colorectal disease, which can be caused by obesity, was raised.

As a result of the endoscopy, chronic atrophic gastritis and hemorrhagic gastritis were observed in Kim's stomach. In her large intestine, one additional 5mm polyp was discovered and removed in addition to polyps previously excised. Regarding Kim's condition, medical staff explained that 'leaky gut syndrome' could be suspected, where the binding of intestinal mucosal cells weakens, allowing toxins to pass through. Leaky gut syndrome refers to a condition where the intestinal barrier breaks down, allowing foreign substances to enter and cause inflammatory diseases.

Questions regarding eating habits and weight: The key is 'gut microbiota'

To identify the cause of the weight gain, Kim's eating habits were observed. Although a high-calorie meal consisting of meat and shrimp was prepared, Kim mentioned that she usually eats very small amounts and does not enjoy desserts. To find the reason why her weight is not being controlled despite her low food intake, an expert diagnosis followed.

The expert appearing in the video advised that if one gains weight despite managing their diet well and having high calorie expenditure, they must check their 'gut microbiota.' It was added that the balance of the gut is the key to weight control, and the answer to many human issues, including immunity and obesity, can be found in the gut.