Did you know that obesity is one of the most serious health issues in this country? More than 2 in 5 adults are obese.
The numbers don't lie. Obesity is
a national epidemic. Adults who are obese should know that it's a threat
to their health.
The consequences of obesity are
serious. Read on to learn about five of the health consequences of this
disease.
1.
Heart Health Issues
Obesity can affect your
cardiovascular health. Excess weight gain can increase a person's risk for developing various
heart-related issues.
Obesity is one factor that
can make plaque build up faster. As plaque starts to build in the
arteries, it reduces blood flow. This can result in a blood clot, which may
lead to a stroke.
Excess weight can also
contribute to an increase in cholesterol. There's also the risk of
developing heart disease and high blood pressure.
2.
Cancer
Obesity can cause several types of
cancer. Excess body fat is linked to an overall increased risk of cancer,
including colon cancer, cancer of the kidneys, and thyroid cancer.
There's a strong link between
obesity and pancreatic cancer. People who are obese are 1.5 times more likely to develop this type of cancer than people with a normal
weight.
3. Musculoskeletal
Disorders
The health risks of obesity can
extend to musculoskeletal disorders. Putting on too much weight on one's joints
can cause problems. One can feel it on different parts of the body like the
knees and feet.
Obesity is one of the leading causes
of arthritic pain. This pain can affect physical functioning. Over
time, obesity can lead to fibromyalgia.
4.
Diabetes
Another one of the consequences of
being obese includes diabetes. It's a significant risk factor for the
onset of diabetes. It can cause insulin resistance, as well as
full-fledged type 2 diabetes.
Obesity can also cause diabetes
to worsen faster. Those who already have diabetes should focus on losing
weight. Doing so can help to prevent the complications of uncontrolled
diabetes.
5.
Mental Health Issues
The consequences of being
overweight don't stop with one's physical health. It can lead to the onset of
several mental health issues.
There's a link between obesity and
depression. Depression can further cause a person to gain weight, as eating
serves as a way of coping.
Obesity is linked to anxiety
disorders. These include generalized anxiety and social anxiety
disorder.
Among adolescents who are
obese, low self-esteem can be an issue. Adolescents who are overweight may
feel like their peers judge them for their weight.
Five
of the Major Consequences of Obesity
Obesity is a disease that affects a
large percentage of Americans. The consequences of obesity are serious.
Now that you know how obesity
affects your health, take the steps to lose weight so you can improve your
health. If you have a high risk of becoming obese, focus on eating right and
keeping a healthy weight.
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