If you are overweight or obese, your risks of developing severe health conditions and diseases can increase. Being overweight is having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Obesity is when your BMI is above 30. Here are some of the long-term health risks of obesity and overweight.
Type 2 diabetes
You may develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese. Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are too high. Over time this can cause many other problems, such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease. Losing five to seven percent of your body weight, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise can prevent or delay the onset.
Losing a few pounds initially and slowly working towards your weight loss goals can make you feel better and reduce your sugar levels. Medical weight loss injections are a convenient and effective way to help you lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Wegovy weight loss in Dallas is FDA approved for weight loss, and medical professionals will provide telemedicine consults. Your prescription is delivered directly to your home for convenient self-administered injections.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your blood vessels with more force than usual, damaging blood vessels and straining your heart. Eventually, this can result in kidney disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Overweight or obese individuals often need blood pressure medication to lower their blood pressure.
Heart disease
Heart disease can lead to various heart problems, such as an abnormal heart rhythm, angina, or a heart attack. Losing five to ten percent of your body weight may lower your risk of developing heart disease. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels will likely improve when you lose weight.
Stroke
Strokes occur because of a blockage or bursting of a blood vessel in your neck or brain. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of strokes. A stroke can damage your brain tissue and affect your speech and ability to move parts of your body.
Metabolic syndrome
A metabolic syndrome is a group of co-existing conditions, including high blood pressure, low HDL levels (good) cholesterol, high blood glucose levels, and high triglyceride levels.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where you don’t breathe properly during sleep. It often occurs in individuals who are overweight or obese. If your sleep apnea goes untreated, it can cause other health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Osteoarthritis
Being overweight or obese may raise your chances of osteoarthritis because it puts pressure on your joints and wears away the cartilage that cushions and protects them. Osteoarthritis causes swelling and pain and reduces joint motion.
Gallbladder diseases
If you are overweight or obese, it increases the risk of developing gallbladder problems like gallstones. These stones are due to imbalances in the substances that make up bile. If bile contains too much cholesterol, gallstones may form.
Kidney disease
Obesity raises the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which can cause kidney disease. High blood pressure, swelling in your hands or feet, and urinary tract infections are some early signs of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual loss of kidney function over time and may eventually result in a need for dialysis.
Some cancers
Studies have linked breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, and kidney cancers to obesity. Some studies have also found links between obesity and cancers of the ovaries, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Mental health problems
People who are overweight often have to deal with stigma and weight bias, leading to feelings of shame or rejection.
Conclusion
The good news is that obesity is largely preventable, and weight loss can reduce the risks of developing many of the above conditions and diseases.
A healthy diet will limit sugars and unhealthy fats and contain enough fruit and vegetables. Regular exercise of 150 minutes a week is also a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
