Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and even death. Madhav Devani, MD, of Ross Bridge Medical Center in Hoover, Alabama, wants everyone to have a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese, Dr. Devani can help you get to a healthy weight. In this blog, Dr. Devani discusses the complications that can come from obesity.
What is obesity?
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern. It’s actually a serious health problem that can shorten a person’s lifespan. You may be diagnosed as obese if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Use this online calculator to figure out your BMI. The good news is, even losing a little weight can improve your health and help you feel better.
Causes of obesity
Some people inherit genes from their parents that affect how much body fat they store or how well their bodies convert food into energy. Other causes can include:
- Eating large portion sizes or a diet high in processed foods
- Drinking too many sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, or alcohol
- Having a sedentary lifestyle with little exercise
- Social and economic factors, such as having a low income and the inability to get healthy food because it’s too expensive or too far away
Five complications of obesity
If you’re obese, you may have a poor quality of life and not be able to do the things you truly want to do. You may also be setting yourself up for the following complications:
1. Diabetes
Carrying excess weight could lead to Type 2 diabetes. This occurs when the body can’t use insulin properly to control blood sugar. As a result, you may become insulin resistant and end up with high blood sugar. Diabetes is dangerous if not treated, because it can lead to blindness, circulatory problems, nerve damage, and even death.
2. Heart disease and stroke
Being obese can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, heart attacks, and even stroke. This is because obesity can contribute to the clogging of the arteries, which could make it harder for your heart to pump blood and put added pressure on your organs.
3. Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, being obese increases your risk of developing certain cancers, because obesity can lead to chronic low-level inflammation, which can affect your DNA over time. These cancers include:
- Endometrial
- Esophageal
- Stomach
- Liver
- Kidney
- Colon
- Gallbladder
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Thyroid
4. Sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious health condition in which tissues around the throat cut off the airway, forcing the sufferer to wake up briefly to breathe. This can happen many times throughout the night and leave the sufferer exhausted and unable to function the next day. If you’re obese, the extra fat around your neck could cause added pressure and increase the potential for tissues around your throat to block your airway.
5. Digestive issues
If you’re obese, you could develop digestive problems, such as heartburn. Furthermore, it could lead to conditions like gallbladder disease or a fatty liver.
If you need help losing weight, let us know. We’re committed to your health, and we can help you get on the path to wellness. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Ross Bridge Medical Center today.
