Being obese is more than just being overweight. There are a lot of life-threatening health risks and diseases that are linked to obesity you should be aware of. This blog will shed some light on the top 10 health conditions & diseases linked to obesity. If you think you need help, make sure to see a doctor immediately.
Obesity is a severe health condition involving excessive body fat. It increases the possibility of various significant health issues. The bones and organs are strained by excess body fat, and the body’s metabolism and hormones are altered in complex ways, causing inflammation.
Now, the obvious solution to this is losing weight. As easy and obvious as that sounds, losing weight for obese people is much more complicated than you think. Obesity typically develops from a combination of dietary, physiological, and environmental factors, along with a lack of exercise, physical activity, and poor lifestyle choices.
The good news is that even a small amount of weight loss can help stop the health issues linked to obesity. You can lose weight by improving your lifestyle, getting more exercise, and adopting a healthier diet. Additional alternatives for managing obesity include prescription drugs and weight-loss techniques recommended by weight-loss experts.
In this blog, we will discuss the many health problems and diseases that are linked to obesity. However, having a risk factor like obesity does not mean you are prone to developing all of these below-discussed health conditions. But it does increase your chances of getting one or two of these diseases. It’s always advisable to consult a doctor during the early stages rather than wait for your condition to get worse.
Symptoms of Obesity
Three indicators can be used to determine whether a person’s weight influences their risk of contracting an obesity-related disease,
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Waist size
- Other risk factors
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Obesity is frequently identified using body mass index (BMI). The BMI calculates your body fat percentage using your height and weight. Starting at 25.0, the higher your BMI, the greater your risk of developing obesity-related health problems.
These BMI ranges are used to categorise different risk levels
| BMI | Weight Status |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0-34.9 | Low-risk obesity |
| 35.0-39.9 | Moderate-risk obesity |
| If BMI is equal to or more than 40.0 | High-risk obesity |
The BMI offers a reliable estimate of body fat for most people. BMI does not, however, directly measure body fat. Therefore some people, such as muscular athletes, may have a BMI that falls into the category of obesity despite having normal body fat levels.
Waist Size
Men and women with waists larger than 40 inches or 35 inches, respectively, are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These disorders are more common in people with “apple-shaped” bodies, meaning their waist is larger than their hips.
Other Risk Factors
Your likelihood of developing a disease or health issue linked to obesity increases with your risk factors. Here are some of the risk factors that can increase your chances of developing serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems, if you are obese
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood cholesterol or triglycerides
- High blood glucose
Some other factors that can lead to health problems that are not entirely caused by obesity
- Having a family member under the age of 50 with heart disease
- Being inactive or leading an unhealthy lifestyle
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Certain hereditary diseases and medications
- Social and economic issues
- Age
- Stress levels
- Sleep levels
10 Health Conditions & Diseases Linked To Obesity
10. Type 2 Diabetes
A person develops Type 2 diabetes when their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are too high. High blood sugar levels eventually cause health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and other issues.
Getting regular, moderate exercise and decreasing merely 5-7% of your body weight may help you avoid or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
9. Heart Disease
Obese people are more prone to heart disease. The arteries that carry blood to the heart may develop fatty deposits over time, leading to this health issue. Obese people have higher levels of blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Heart illness increases your risk of experiencing heart attacks, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina, and irregular heartbeats.
Your risk factors for developing heart disease may be lowered by losing 5-10% of your body weight.
8. Stroke
A stroke is a condition when your brain’s blood supply is abruptly cut off. It is caused by a blockage or blood vessel rupture in your head or neck. A stroke can harm brain tissue and prevent you from speaking or moving some body parts. The main factor for strokes is high blood pressure.
7. High Blood Pressure
When you have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), your blood flows through your blood vessels with more power than usual. High blood pressure strains your heart and harms your blood vessels, increasing your chance of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even death.
6. Sleep Apnea
A person with sleep apnea may briefly stop breathing while they are asleep. People who are obese and overweight are more likely to develop sleep apnea as they typically accumulate more fat around the neck. This causes the airway to get narrow and leads to breathing issues and snoring.
The risk of sleep apnea can be minimized with weight loss. Your chance of developing other health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, may increase if sleep apnea is left untreated.
5. Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones are more likely to develop if you are obese. Bile builds up and solidifies in the gallbladder, resulting in gallstones. People who are obese may have bile with higher cholesterol levels or large, inefficient gallbladders, both of which increase the risk of gallstones. Gallstones can cause discomfort and require surgery.
A diet rich in fibre and healthy fats may help to reduce the risk of gallstones.
4. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic health condition that affects many people and results in pain, swelling, and restricted joint motion. Being obese or overweight puts additional strain on your joints and cartilage, which increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis.
3. Liver Diseases
Obese people are more likely to develop a liver condition known as fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This occurs when too much fat accumulates in the liver. The extra fat can harm the liver or result in cirrhosis, which is the growth of scar tissue. The extra fat can harm the liver or result in cirrhosis, which is the growth of scar tissue.
Although fatty liver disease typically doesn’t show symptoms, it can eventually cause liver failure. The condition cannot be cured or managed unless through dieting, exercising, and abstaining from alcohol.
2. Certain Cancers
Cancer is a complex disease and therefore, the link between obesity and cancer is less evident than it is for conditions like heart disease and stroke. However, obesity can increase your chances of developing some cancers, such as breast, colon, gallbladder, pancreatic, kidney, and prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, and ovaries.
1. Depression
A lot of obese people are affected by depression. According to several studies, there is a direct link between obesity and serious depressive disorder.
People who are obese may frequently encounter discrimination based on their physical appearance. This may eventually cause you to feel depressed or unworthy of happiness. Serious conditions of depression due to obesity can eventually result in serious physical and mental health disorders.
Conclusion
Obesity can impact both your physical health and your mental health. Although you might not know where to start, managing your health today will help you avoid consequences like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in the near future. You can control many of these risk factors by changing your lifestyle and consulting a doctor at the earliest.
VeCura Wellness is a weight loss clinic in Chennai that can help you shed some pounds safely and healthily. The weight loss experts at VeCura Wellness offer fully customized solutions that fit your lifestyle and weight loss needs in the best possible way. One can also get a combination of diet, exercise, and scientific slimming treatments for efficient and long-term results!
Note: To explore more engaging content and stay connected, feel free to visit VeCura Wellness YouTube channel for exciting videos, insightful discussions, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which disease is most associated with obesity?
Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure are the most common diseases linked with obesity.
2. What are the three main causes of obesity?
Eating habits, physical activity levels, and sleep schedules are just a few of the many factors that might lead to excessive weight gain. Genetics, social factors of health, and using specific medications also have an impact.
3. What is the best treatment for obesity?
Eating a balanced, low-calorie diet and exercising frequently are the best ways to control obesity. Eat a balanced, calorie-controlled diet as advised by your doctor or a health professional who specialises in weight loss. Visit VeCura Wellness for a consultation.
4. What foods to eat to prevent obesity?
To prevent obesity, eat foods like
- Whole grains
- Vegetables
- Whole fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Plant oils
5. Can obesity be cured?
The key to defeating obesity is cutting calories and adopting healthier eating practices. Although you might initially lose weight quickly, maintaining a steady weight loss over the long term is considered to be the healthiest and the most effective way to keep the weight off permanently.
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