Consequences of Obesity

What is Obesity

Consequences of Obesity

Obesity can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Genetics play an important part, as do environment and lifestyle choices.

If you are obese, the reasons why are not as important as a focus on what can be done to help you. Unfortunately, no matter the reason for your weight gain, there are negative consequences of obesity.

Major Health Risks

Shorter life expectancy is linked with obesity. Studies have shown that compared to people of normal weight, people who are obese have a 50% to 100% increased risk of dying prematurely.

People who are obese have more risk of:

Type 2 Diabetes

This disease was primarily diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but as the obesity epidemic has increased, we now regularly see Type 2 diabetes in people as young as teenagers. Obesity is strongly tied with Type 2 diabetes; about 90% of the diagnosed people are in the weight categories of Overweight or Obese. Complications of diabetes result in about 200,000 deaths per year in the US.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

High blood pressure can cause damage to your arteries and heart. It can even damage your brain, leading to issues such as dementia and stroke. Excess fat puts pressure on your heart and can lead to life-threatening problems such as clogging and obstruction. The World Heart Federation says if you are obese, you are at serious risk for having heart disease. Heart disease kills over 600,000 people in the United States every year.

Joint Problems

Each year an increasing number of people seek hip and knee replacements due to their weight. The Arthritis Foundation says more than 1 in 3 people with obesity will have arthritis, and this is particularly damaging since someone with joint pain is less likely to be able to exercise. Every pound of extra weight you carry can put additional pressure of 3-4 pounds on your knees. This can lead to significant pain
and mobility challenges.

Cancer

Obesity has been linked to increased chances of developing several types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, colorectal, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, thyroid, and gallbladder cancers. A 2007 study estimated that about 85,000 new cases of cancer each year are attributed to obesity. With obesity rates increasing steadily, the cases of related cancers are rising as well.

Digestive Disorders

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the condition where your stomach leaks backward into your esophagus. This can irritate your esophagus causing symptoms such as heartburn. In addition to reflux being uncomfortable, it can lead to medical conditions like Barrett’s Esophagus which increases your risk of serious cancer.

Breathing Difficulties

Extra fat keeps your ribcage from expanding fully, which prevents you from breathing as easily. Your lungs also store excess fat, which decreases the exchange of oxygen in your body. A recent study found that obese adults with asthma are five times more likely to be hospitalized than non-obese adults with asthma.