Consequences of Obesity
Consequences of Obesity
HEART DISEASE: Excess weight strains the function and performance of multiple body systems. Obesity is a risk factor for developing heart disease. The heart and other systems are faced with demands that may exceed their abilities. These excessive demands may ultimately lead to system failure. Hypertension
(high blood pressure) can result from obesity. Longstanding and untreated hypertension results in heart and kidney damage and may cause a stroke. The combination of heart disease and high blood pressure can be life
threatening to obese individuals.
SLEEP APNEA: Sleep apnea develops as a result of fat deposits in the tongue and neck that can cause intermittent obstruction of the airway. This obstruction is worse when laying flat (during sleep) and causes cessation of breathing (apnea). Individuals with sleep apnea have to wake up and reposition themselves in bed many times resulting in sleep deprivation and the need for frequent naps during the day. More importantly, carbon dioxide can build up to dangerous levels in the blood affecting how well the lungs and heart function. Asthma and shortness of breath can be direct consequences of obesity.
DIABETES: Obesity can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) or make existing diabetes worse. This occurs because obese individuals develop resistance to insulin that regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body.
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS: Another consequence of being overweight is the rapid wear of the joints of the knees and hips resulting in pain and limitation of mobility. Similarly, the bones and muscles of the
back are constantly strained resulting in back pain and disc problems.
SKIN BREAKDOWN: Skin hygiene can be a significant problem in obese individuals as the layers of the skin can rub against each other causing skin breakdown and infection.
LEG SWELLING/BLOOD CLOTS: Leg swelling is common and may be caused by blood clots
in the leg veins. If untreated, skin breakdown can occur and the resulting wounds can be extremely difficult to heal.
HEARTBURN: Heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints. Frequently, obese individuals require medications to control their symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Obese individuals may develop low self-esteem and depression because of their weight and the social pressures from a society that erroneously regards their disease as a result of self-indulgence.
OTHER CONDITIONS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OBESITY ARE:
Dyslipidemia: high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty deposits in the liver causing inflammation and liver damage
Stress Incontinence: leakage of urine, mostly in women
Pseudotumor Cerebri: swelling in the brain that affects the vision
DVT/Pulmonary Embolus: blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs and block its blood circulation
Gallstones/Cholecystitis: stones and infection in the gallbladder
Infertility: difficulty getting pregnant
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
HEART DISEASE: Excess weight strains the function and performance of multiple body systems. Obesity is a risk factor for developing heart disease. The heart and other systems are faced with demands that may exceed their abilities. These excessive demands may ultimately lead to system failure. Hypertension
(high blood pressure) can result from obesity. Longstanding and untreated hypertension results in heart and kidney damage and may cause a stroke. The combination of heart disease and high blood pressure can be life
threatening to obese individuals.
SLEEP APNEA: Sleep apnea develops as a result of fat deposits in the tongue and neck that can cause intermittent obstruction of the airway. This obstruction is worse when laying flat (during sleep) and causes cessation of breathing (apnea). Individuals with sleep apnea have to wake up and reposition themselves in bed many times resulting in sleep deprivation and the need for frequent naps during the day. More importantly, carbon dioxide can build up to dangerous levels in the blood affecting how well the lungs and heart function. Asthma and shortness of breath can be direct consequences of obesity.
DIABETES: Obesity can cause diabetes (high blood sugar) or make existing diabetes worse. This occurs because obese individuals develop resistance to insulin that regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body.
ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS: Another consequence of being overweight is the rapid wear of the joints of the knees and hips resulting in pain and limitation of mobility. Similarly, the bones and muscles of the
back are constantly strained resulting in back pain and disc problems.
SKIN BREAKDOWN: Skin hygiene can be a significant problem in obese individuals as the layers of the skin can rub against each other causing skin breakdown and infection.
LEG SWELLING/BLOOD CLOTS: Leg swelling is common and may be caused by blood clots
in the leg veins. If untreated, skin breakdown can occur and the resulting wounds can be extremely difficult to heal.
HEARTBURN: Heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints. Frequently, obese individuals require medications to control their symptoms.
PSYCHOLOGICAL: Obese individuals may develop low self-esteem and depression because of their weight and the social pressures from a society that erroneously regards their disease as a result of self-indulgence.
OTHER CONDITIONS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OBESITY ARE:
Dyslipidemia: high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty deposits in the liver causing inflammation and liver damage
Stress Incontinence: leakage of urine, mostly in women
Pseudotumor Cerebri: swelling in the brain that affects the vision
DVT/Pulmonary Embolus: blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the lungs and block its blood circulation
Gallstones/Cholecystitis: stones and infection in the gallbladder
Infertility: difficulty getting pregnant
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
Tags: Obesity
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