Risks of Excess Weight

Obesity is when you have excessive body fat. Obesity is a condition that can be caused by genetics, metabolism, and hormones. More often than not is due to the fact that more calories are going in than are being burned. Obesity is measured with Body Mass Index (BMI).

Your BMI is calculated by your weight in pounds multiplied by 703, divided by your height in inches, and divided by your height in inches again. A BMI 30 or higher is categorized as obesity. Obesity doesn’t just affect your appearance, it also can affect your overall health and put you at risk for lots of other dangers and life threatening conditions.

BMI Health Calculator

Extra Weight & Obesity Increase Health Risks In The Following Areas:

Diabetes

One of the main conditions that is linked with obesity is type 2 diabetes. Every 8 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Type 2 diabetes is when your blood sugars are too high. Type 2 diabetes can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is caused when the blood flows through the blood vessels at a higher rate than normal. When you are obese the extra fat requires more oxygen to be pumped causing your heart to work harder. This can lead to a damaged heart and arteries.

Heart Disease

High cholesterol is another risk factor for people who are obese. High cholesterol as well as high blood pressure both put you at risk for heart disease. Heart disease is a term used to describe a number of different problems you could have with your heart. This could include heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina, or abnormal heart rhythm. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease can also put you at a higher risk for a stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut off from the brain. A stroke can cause speech impairment, weakened muscles, and changes in thinking and reasoning skills.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a very common condition for people who are obese. Sleep apnea can cause snoring at night. It can also cause you to momentarily stop breathing during your sleep as well. This is more of a risk for obese people because sometimes extra fat is stored around the neck. The extra fat shrinks the airway. Sleep apnea left untreated can be very serious. It can cause daytime drowsiness as well as increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is another common condition. It is when you have pain, swelling, and reduced motion in your joints. Obesity causes extra pressure on the joints and cartilage. Osteoarthritis can also increase the inflammation throughout your body.

Fatty Liver Disease

Extra fat can get stored in the liver causing fatty liver disease. This is also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This excess fat buildup in your liver can lead to liver failure, damage your liver, or cause cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease usually has no symptoms.

Gallstones

Gallstones are also very common in people who are obese. Your gallbladder is in charge of storing bile and releasing it into the small intestines during digestion. Gallstones occur when the bile builds up and hardens in the gallbladder. High cholesterol can cause the bile to have high levels of cholesterol in it making it quicker to harden which can lead to gallstones. A larger than normal gallbladder that doesn’t function properly can also lead to gallstones. Gallstones are painful and require surgery.

Cancer

Some types of cancers have been linked with obesity. Colon, breast, endometrium, kidney, esophagus, gallbladder, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers have all shown some link to obesity. Studies are showing that more cases of these cancers are people who are obese.

Pregnancy Complications

Obesity also puts you at a higher risk during pregnancy. It can cause some serious complications. Some are gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, requiring a C-section, blood clots, premature birth, miscarriages, stillbirths, defects of spinal cord and brain in the baby. Obesity can increase the risks of birth and delivery.

More

Obesity can also cause depression, anxiety, low quality of life, and body pain.

Weight Management Tips

Losing as little as 5% of your body weight may lower your risk to a number of these conditions and diseases. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant and are overweight or obese, trying a weight management plan before becoming pregnant can lower your risks significantly.

Calories to Lose Weight Calculator

This calculator will determine how many calories you should eat on a daily basis if you are trying to lose weight.

Diet and exercise can play a huge role in your obesity and losing weight. Eating healthier, by making sure you are getting healthy whole foods. Skip the take out and make food at home. Eating at home is much healthier than eating takeout. Aim for working out at least 150 minutes per week as you get started in your workouts. They don’t have to be overly intense, a 30 minute walk, or light aerobics is a great place to start. Once you are comfortable and in a routine of working out you can add in more time if available in your schedule.

Takeaway

Obesity puts you at higher risk for a number of different conditions that can affect your life. It can affect you both mentally and physically. Figuring out the best plan for you and how to lose weight can lower your risk of many of these different conditions and give you a better quality of life.