Obesity is a major public health problem that affects over 1.9 billion adults worldwide. It is associated with a range of health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular events. While diet and exercise have been shown to be effective in reducing body fat and improving endothelial function, they are not always easy or popular solutions for many people.
Recent research has revealed that there is a valuable aid that can help in the prevention and treatment of obesity, and it takes nothing more than going to sleep on a different type of mattress. The mattress in question is a special type of active mattress. It is called Vestims® and was invented by Rick Baker, the technical manager at Squirrel Medical. The Vestims mattress works by subtly alternating pressures against the skin and underlying tissues throughout the period of bed rest, providing a mild perpetual massage that has been sufficient to stimulate endothelial function.
A study conducted by a team of scientists at the University of Saint Marks and St John in Plymouth, and published in the Journal of Wound Care in 2019 (1), found that endothelial function improved by 197% after eight weeks of sleeping on an active mattress. The study also found that resting blood flow to skin and underlying tissues increased by 336%. This is important as it helps to explain why metabolism increased and fat-free muscle mass improved by 520 grams.
One of the key objectives in achieving a healthy weight is improving muscle mass whilst reducing body fat. This study demonstrates that one's choice of mattress can play a significant role in achieving this goal. It is important to note that this was measured at the pulp of the big toe, which is used to determine systemic body-wide blood flow.
In conclusion, vestims active mattresses have been shown to have a positive impact on endothelial function, increasing blood flow and improving muscle mass, which can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, vestims active mattresses may be a valuable aid for those looking to improve their health and achieve a healthy weight. It is important to note that further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of vestims mattresses in the treatment and management of obesity and related conditions that would benefit from improved endothelial function.
In addition to active mattresses, other non-pharmacological interventions such as lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise also play a crucial role in reducing body fat and improving endothelial function. As per the study by Agostino Virdis (2) in 2016, obesity is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and is caused by a reduced nitric oxide availability secondary to an enhanced oxidative stress production. Therefore, a combination of lifestyle interventions and active mattress use could be an effective approach in managing obesity and related conditions.
In conclusion, the active mattress invented by Rick Baker and studied by scientists at the University of Saint Marks and St John has the potential to be a valuable aid in the prevention and treatment of obesity by improving endothelial function and increasing muscle mass. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential of active mattresses in the treatment and management of obesity and related conditions.
References:
- Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676. PMID: 31600104.
- Virdis A. Endothelial Dysfunction in Obesity: Role of Inflammation. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2016 Jun;23(2):83-5. doi: 10.1007/s40292-016-0133-8. Epub 2016 Mar 21. PMID: 27000854.