Obesity causes a range of health risks that can reduce life expectancy. As well as being more likely to die earlier than people of normal weight, those who are obese are more likely to develop both chronic and life-threatening diseases.
Diseases caused by obesity
– Diabetes (Diabetes)
– High blood pressure (Hypertension)
– High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
– Heart disease
– Respiratory disorders
– Sleep problems (Sleep Apnea)
– Digestive disorders and gallbladder disease
– Joint problems such as osteoarthritis
– Fatty liver
– Depression
– Infertility and sexual health problems
– Paralysis
– Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease
– Cancer
– Urinary incontinence
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and high body fat have an impact on heart health. Obesity has been found to be a major risk factor for heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in our country and worldwide.
High blood pressure also affects brain function, often leading to strokes and dementia/Alzheimer’s disease.
Perhaps the biggest risk of obesity is diabetes. It is reported that more than 90% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Even a small amount of weight loss can improve diabetes symptoms. In some patients, bariatric surgery relieves diabetes symptoms.
As the prevalence of obesity has increased, so has Type 2 diabetes, with more young people being diagnosed than ever before. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that often leads to kidney failure, leg amputations, blindness, diseases of the nervous system, among other consequences. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease and these complications result in many deaths every year.
Obesity is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, pancreatic, gallbladder, thyroid, colorectal and kidney.
Breathing problems are common in people with obesity, as excess body fat can make it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Many obese patients also suffer from sleep apnea, which causes sleep disturbances and can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Obese people often complain of digestive problems, from bloating to constipation and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Gallbladder disease is another risk factor from obesity. The gallbladder is affected by the health of the liver and metabolizes fats in the body.
Joint problems are common in obese people. Excess weight contributes to joint deterioration, leading to hip and knee replacement surgeries. One third of obese people are at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Because this condition makes it difficult to exercise, weight loss can become more complicated when arthritis occurs.
Obesity increases the risk of infertility and urinary incontinence in both sexes. Women are more prone to breast and endometrial cancer, as well as irregular periods and other gynecological problems. Obese men have a higher risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction.
