Obesity can cause increased risk for many diseases and health conditions. These include:
- Type 2 Diabetes – A long-term metabolic disorder in which the body produces, but resists, insulin. Because of excess weight, obese individuals develop a resistance to insulin, which controls blood sugar. While Type 2 diabetes may occur regardless of someone’s age, gender, or body mass, the disease tends to be more severe in the obese. Watch Dr. Stephen Scott describe how weight-loss surgery can significantly improve your diabetes.
- High Blood Pressure/Heart Disease – Excess body weight often results in high blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause strokes and heart and kidney damage. Evidence shows that the age-related lifetime risk of hypertension in men and women ages 45 to 54 will double as their average body mass index (BMI) increases from 25 to 35. While hypertension may occur regardless of age, gender, or body mass, it tends to be more severe in the obese.
- Osteoarthritis of Weight-Bearing Joints – Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, is a chronic condition resulting in a breakdown of joint cartilage. Excess body weight on joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, and pain caused by inflammation. Similarly, bones and muscles of the back are constantly strained, causing disk problems, pain, and decreased movement ability.
- Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Problems – Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when breathing suddenly stops because soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. The greater your excess body weight, the greater the amount of fat pressing down on your chest and lungs. Those who are morbidly obese are likely to have a greater buildup of fat deposits in the tongue and neck adding to sleep and respiratory problems.
- Reproductive Health – Women challenged with morbid obesity can struggle with reproductive health concerns. Issues such as infertility and menstrual irregularities may occur due to morbid obesity. Fertility issues include possible miscarriage, reduced success with fertility treatments, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is an endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age that can cause infertility and other reproductive health conditions.