Obesity in Old Age May Disable, Not Kill

Many physical problems are related to obese condition, like difficulties in breathing, personal hygiene, pain in the knees and back and skin problems.

Obesity is a risk factor for arthritis of the knee and hip, potentially disabling conditions. Obesity and its related problems may increase the risk of death at younger ages.

People suffering from obesity more frequently have:

• high blood pressure

• diseases related to hardening of the arteries

• blood clots in the heart and the brain

• non-insulin dependent diabetes

• gallstones

• some types of cancer

• difficulties in mobility

• increased risk of mortality.

Recently, a group of researchers from University of South Florida in Tampa suggests that obesity after the age of 70 may not shorten a person's life, but it may lead to more years of disability.

According to this new study, it is not very clear why obesity does not seem to affect older adults' life expectancy despite its link to greater physical limitations. One of major factor may be chronic inflammation in the body, a state thought to contribute to illnesses such as heart disease.

Obesity and its related problems may increase the risk of death at younger ages. But is a certitude that obese men and women spent more of their later years with some physical disability.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men like obesity in old people

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