Obesity’s impact on health: Obesity is a growing global health concern that extends beyond appearances or mere numbers on a scale. It is now recognised as a complex, chronic disease that impacts almost every organ in the body.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition characterised by excessive body fat accumulation. This can negatively affect a person’s health and overall functioning.
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Here’s a breakdown of the top 9 health risks directly linked to obesity.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Having too much body fat, especially in the abdominal area, can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. This condition, called insulin resistance, plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Over time, if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled, it can lead to serious complications like nerve damage, kidney problems, and even loss of vision.
Heart diseases:
Excessive body weight puts an additional strain on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Over time, this raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Studies show that heart disease is more prevalent in people with obesity.
Sleep apnoea:
Excess fat, especially around the neck and upper airway, can cause the airway to collapse during sleep. As a result, individuals who are overweight might experience difficulty breathing while sleeping. This causes poor sleep quality and increases the risk of heart problems and daytime fatigue.
Fatty Liver:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming alarmingly common among people with obesity. When the excess fat builds up in the liver, it leads to inflammation and can lead to liver cirrhosis or even failure. The only way to reverse or manage fatty liver is to lose weight, exercise, and avoid drinking alcohol.
Osteoarthritis:
Those extra kilos put additional pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. As a result, there’s wear and tear on the cartilage. This, in turn, reduces mobility and can trigger the onset of osteoarthritis at an earlier age.
Fertility issues:
Obesity affects hormone levels in both men and women. In women, it can lead to conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), irregular periods, and infertility. Obesity can also negatively impact the sex drive. While obese women tend to have decreased sexual arousal and overall reduced satisfaction, men can see a drop in their testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction.
Many times, obesity can also create pregnancy-related complications. Overweight or obese pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar levels, and high blood pressure. These conditions can significantly increase the likelihood of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Cancer:
Research indicated that obesity can increase the risk for several cancers, including breast, gallbladder, prostate, colon, uterine, and kidney cancer. Obesity can trigger chronic inflammation and elevate levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and sex hormones in the body. These hormonal and metabolic imbalances may contribute to the development and progression of certain types of cancer.
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Depression:
Most people link weight with appearance and body size. As a result, when they don’t fit the usual number, many oversize people tend to become body-conscious. Sometimes, they can also experience depression as they feel a lack of self-worth because of their appearance.
Cognitive disorders:
Emerging research suggests a significant link between obesity and cognitive decline. As per recent studies, those with excessive fat may face memory troubles, reduced attention spans, and, in some cases, even Alzheimer’s or dementia.
How to deal with obesity
Obesity can be managed with a few lifestyle changes. Some of them include
- A balanced, nutritious diet
- Include physical activities in your routine
- Avoid stress.
- Set small goals to reduce weight
- Avoid emotional or stress eating
- For surgical interventions, consult a medical expert.
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Obesity doesn’t just affect the body; it affects the mind too. It impacts your overall immunity and well-being. However, with the right steps and the right diet, you can reverse many of these health issues before they become chronic
