Obesity has become an alarming concern in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, nearly 2 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Out of that, over 650 million were obese.
Extra pounds can have a detrimental impact on your body and lead to chronic health issues. Here’s an in-depth look at the ways obesity can affect your health.
Heart Disease
Obesity increases the risk of developing heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, angina, and heart failure.
The excessive body fat deposits put a strain on the heart, causing it to work harder, leading to the thickening of the heart muscles and a rise in blood pressure. These changes make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to various cardiovascular health conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes
When we overeat, our body produces insulin to convert sugar into energy. In obese individuals, the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to a higher glucose level in the bloodstream. Eventually, this can develop into type 2 diabetes.
People with diabetes face an elevated risk of kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, and other complications related to high blood sugar levels.
Cancer
Obesity is closely linked with the risk of developing several types of cancer, including uterine, ovarian, gallbladder, pancreatic, and colon cancer.
The excess body fat produces hormones, especially estrogen, which can promote the growth of cancerous cells and lead to the development of tumors.
Joint Pain
Carrying excess weight can put extra pressure on your joints, causing them to wear down over time and lead to chronic pain. The joints most affected by obesity include the hips, knees, and lower back.
This pressure also causes inflammation that can lead to additional health problems.
Stroke
Obesity places you at a higher risk of stroke, caused by a blockage or rupture of the blood vessels leading to the brain. The increase of fatty tissue accumulates deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
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These deposits can break off and travel up to your brain, causing a stroke, leading to a higher risk of paralysis and dementia.
Sleep Apnea
Obesity is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea, a severe sleep disorder that affects the breathing.
The excess weight blocks the airways, causing the individual to stop breathing frequently through the night, leading to loud snoring and daytime fatigue.
Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is closely related to obesity and occurs when too much fat accumulates in the liver. This condition can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, which can progress to liver failure.
It can also cause other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Reproductive Problems
Obesity in women can cause reproductive problems like polycystic ovary syndrome, wherein the ovaries become enlarged and cause hormonal imbalances. It can also lead to infertility and complications during pregnancy.
In men, obesity links to lower testosterone levels and a disinterest in sex, leading to impotence and infertility.
Dementia
Recent studies have shown that being overweight in middle age can double the risk of developing dementia in later life.
Being obese increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia due to its adverse effect on the cardiovascular system, blood sugar regulation, and chronic inflammation.
Conclusion
Extra pounds can have a profound impact on your health, causing chronic health conditions that can be life-threatening.
Maintaining a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle habits like a balanced diet, exercise, and proper sleep can help reduce the risks and improve overall health and well-being.
