7 Terrifying Health Risks Associated With Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common health problems in the world. In America, at least 30% of the population are obese, with almost 40% of the adult population being obese. Another 30% are overweight. The problem with obesity is that it puts the victim at risk of many health problems.

Here are some of them that you should keep at the back of your mind.

1. Heart Disease and Heart-Related Problems

Heart-related conditions cause many deaths every year. The main cause of heart problems is a build-up of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Obese people tend to have excessive amounts of cholesterol in their bloodstream, constricting the blood vessels. This build-up often leads to constricted vessels, which in turn affects the amount of blood flowing in the body.

If the blood vessels that feed the brain fail to deliver enough oxygen to the brain, it can lead to stroke. Such conditions can cause various types of paralysis and disabilities in your body. It can also be fatal. It can also lead to high blood pressure.

Once you find yourself in this unsuitable condition, you should try to look for ways to rectify the situation. A combination of weight loss programs such as dieting and exercise can help. In extreme conditions, you can use existing surgical options. Before you opt-in, it is imperative to look for information about what you should know about bariatric surgery. If done well and successfully, this type of surgery can help you remove belly fat effectively.

2. Liver Diseases

Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds around the liver and surrounding organs. Obese people tend to have accumulated fat in almost every part of their body. When it starts attacking the liver, it can easily lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. Liver cirrhosis and damage can also occur with persistent weight gain.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is another condition that leaves you prone to even more health problems. Obesity often leads to type 2 diabetes. Managing the body’s blood sugar is an essential function.  Obese people are prone to developing issues with this function, especially if they have a sedentary lifestyle. Exercising and staying physically active can reduce your chances of developing this problem.

4. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a severe breathing problem that affects a significant number of people. However, obese people are at higher risk of developing the problem. It can affect even people who have weight problems. Controlling your weight gain can reduce the risk. The disease is caused by excessive fat around the neck area, blocking the airway. It can constrict the airways to a point where you cannot breathe normally when sleeping.

5. Pregnancy Complications

If you are thinking of getting pregnant soon, you should ensure that you have a healthy body weight. Obese people are at risk of developing many pregnancy complications, including the inability to deliver normally.

Most of them end up undergoing a cesarean section to give birth. Others develop severe breathing problems that can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, and excessive bleeding. It is advisable to work on your weight before getting pregnant to prevent gestational diabetes.

6. Certain Cancers

Obesity does not have a direct causal effect on cancer, but the risk of developing certain cancers increases among obese people. Such cancers include prostate cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

There is a close association between cancer and being overweight. The risk increases among obese people. If there is a family history of any cancer, it will be in your best interest to ensure that you have a healthy body weight at all times.

7. Osteoarthritis

Obesity can lead to weak bones and joints. As you gain weight, you put pressure on your bones and ligaments to support the additional weight. Joints are at risk of weakening overtime when they carry more weight than they should.

The joints wear off, and the cartilages cannot keep up with the demand for carrying the excessive weight. Osteoarthritis can affect almost all the bones in the lower body, including hips, knees and lower back.

Other medical conditions can also affect you when you are obese. They include gout, stress, depressive disorders, gallbladder, and gallstones. You can reduce the chances of you developing this and other problems by ensuring that you have a healthy body weight.

Keeping a healthy eating habit and lifestyle can keep the fat away. However, you have to show interest and commitment to keeping the weight away. Adding weight is often effortless, but cutting it might be painfully hard.