Your Health is Affected by Obesity

You can not read a magazine or turn on the television these days without hearing about the problem of obesity in this country. Today over 130 million Americans are considered to be overweight or obese. There are several factors that are responsible for obesity such as family history, heredity, exercise and nutrition. The most concerning thing is that most of these factors are under our control but we still seem to pack on the pounds. Obesity not only has cosmetic problems associated with it but it can also have some serious health affects. Below we have outlined some of these for you.

DIABETES

For people that are at risk being overweight and inactive can trigger the onset of type 2 diabetes. This is a disease that has serious health implications associated with it. It occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than they are supposed to be. If this is left untreated it can result in heart attack, stroke and even blindness. We know that 80% of people who suffer from this disease are overweight or obese. Putting on as little as 11 to 18 pounds can doubling the risk of developing this compared to people who have not. The good news is that this is a disease that can be treated with diet, medication and exercise.

HEART DISEASE

Heart disease occurs when fatty deposits build up on the inside walls of our arteries. Arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This condition causes a narrowing of these arteries and reduces the blood flow to the heart. The probability of developing heart disease increases as ones body mass index (BMI) increases. Obesity can also lead to a condition call congestive heart failure where the heart can not pump enough blood to meet our body's needs.

STROKE

When fatty deposits build up in your arteries you run the chance of forming blood clots. If this clot occurs to close to the brain it can limit the blood flow and cause a stroke. Brain cells die when they do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients from the blood. Strokes can cause death and permanent paralysis.

HYPERTENSION OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Over 65 million people in the United States are affected by this. It is often referred to as the silent killer because many people are not aware that they have the condition. One of the risk factors for high blood pressure is being overweight or obese. This can lead to diseases such as heart attack or stroke. If you are overweight it is suggested that you speak to your doctor and have it checked at regular intervals. He or she will be able to determine what this should be.

CHOLESTETOL

We know that being overweight can increase the risk of developing high cholesterol. This is when abnormally high levels of fats build up in the blood. This can cause heart attacks and other health problems.

CERTAIN CANCERS

Certain cancers such as colon, breast, endometrial, and gallbladder have been associated with being overweight and obesity.

SLEEP APNEA

This is characterized by interruption in breathing during sleep and is a common disorder for people who are overweight or obese. Each pause usually lasts from 10 to 20 seconds and can happen as many as 20 to 30 times an hour. The result of this is that people can feel very tied during the day and have a lack of concentration that can affect daily performance. In severe cases it can also cause depression, sexual dysfunction and high blood pressure.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. This occurs from the wearing down of cartilage in the joints causing the bones to rub together. This can cause varying degrees of pain for those affected. Being obese can increase the stress on weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips although it can occur in any joint. It limits movement of the joint and has a negative impact on the quality of life.

GALLSTONES

Obesity can also cause stone like material to form in the gallbladder. They are made from cholesterol and can cause pain in a person's lower back and abdomen. If a person is overweight or obese this will increase the chance of forming gallstones. Another problem is that the gallbladder may become enlarged and hinder it's ability to function properly.

These are some of the more serious medical problems that being overweight or obese can cause. Others can include reproductive problems, gout, and Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you or any member of your family have a weight issue it is important to commit to a lifestyle change to avoid serious medical issues as you age.

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