Obesity and overweight people are at risk. Weight loss is very important for overweight and obese people due to health risks. It is very important for these people to lose weight. Weight loss of only 5% to 10% of body weight can have positive health benefits.
It is estimated that 60 percent of adult Americans (about sixty million) are overweight and almost 20 percent are obese. The people of other developed countries are not far behind. According to the National Institutes of Health, USA the obese people are more likely to have hypertension, arthritis, stroke, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and some kinds of cancer.
Obesity & Overweight Health Risks
Obesity is a health hazard. It has been linked to several serious medical conditions. Studies suggest that an obese person is more likely to have health problems. People who are 20% or more overweight should lose weight to gain significant health benefits. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or high blood sugar levels are warning signs of some obesity associated diseases.
Heart disease and Stroke Overweight people are more likely to have high level of blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. People with family history of heart disease are more likely to develop these problems if they are overweight. Note that losing even a small weight (say by 10%) can reduce your chances of developing heart disease and a stroke.
High Blood Pressure Overweight people are more likely to have high blood pressure than normal weight people.
Diabetes Overweight people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to normal weight people. Type 2 diabetes is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, and early death. Losing weight and becoming more physically active can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People with family history of diabetes are more likely to develop these problems if they are overweight.
Cancer Several types of cancer are a result of obesity. These include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast, and colon in women; and colorectal cancer and prostate cancer in men. However, colon and breast cancers may also be due to a high-fat diet.
Gallbladder disease and Gallstones The risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones increase as body weight increases. Note that rapid weight loss can actually increase your chances of developing gallstones. Therefore, you should aim for a gradual weight loss of about 1 pound a week.
Liver Disease Obesity is a greater risk factor for liver inflammation and damage than alcohol intake, says a study in Australia reported in Oct 2005. Obesity increases the risk of having liver damage seven fold and combining obesity with heavy drinking is like adding fuel to fire, says Gastroenterologist Dr Leon Adams.
Osteoarthritis Obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis by placing extra pressure on the joints in your knees, hips, and lower back. Weight loss can decrease stress on these parts of the body and may improve the condition of osteoarthritis.
Gout Overweight and obese people may suffer from gout that affects the joints caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. The large amount of uric acid can deposit in the joints. The risk of developing gout increases with higher body weights.If you have a history of gout, you should check with your doctor before you lose weight.
Sleep Apnea and Breathing Problem Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for a short time during sleep. This is a serious breathing condition that is associated with obesity. Sleep apnea can cause a person to snore heavily. Sleep apnea in obese persons can result in a reduction in testosterone production and a reduction in the amount of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Hormonal and gynecological disorders such as fibroids and heavy painful periods.
The treatment of the obesity is extremely important for the people who are suffering from the heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, infertility, hyperthyroidism.
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