According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), more than three-quarters of men and nearly 60 percent of women in America are considered either obese or overweight. The same applies to American children in that almost 30 percent of boys and girls age 20 or younger are considered obese or overweight, representing an increase of 19 percent since 1980. Based on current statistical data, this trend shows no signs of relenting anytime soon. While the added weight can affect one’s self-esteem, being overweight or obese can have serious health consequences as well. In this article, we will take a closer look at the link between excessive weight and certain diseases and steps that you can take to get your weight under control.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING OVERWEIGHT AND BEING OBESE?
Before going over some of the diseases associated with being overweight or obese, it is worth noting that obesity is defined by having a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher. Therefore, not everyone who is carrying a few extra pounds is considered obese. Of course, this does not mean that they are not susceptible to many of the same health problems commonly associated with obesity. That said, some of the health problems that are linked to being overweight or obese include
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory problems
- Osteoarthritis
Of course, being overweight or obese doesn’t make developing any of these health problems as absolute; however, carrying excessive weight does put you at a higher risk that someone who is height-weight proportionate. That said, let’s take a closer look at the health problems linked to extra weight:
Cardiovascular disease – Because excess weight can contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, carrying too many extra pounds on your frame increases your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
Type 2 diabetes – Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is correlated with being overweight or obese. Losing weight can help minimize your chances of developing this disease, which could potentially lead other health problems.
Respiratory problems – One of the most common respiratory problems associated with being overweight or obese is sleep apnea. Generally speaking, those with this condition will snore while they are asleep and may stop breathing periodically. This condition can result in fragmented sleep, which, in turn, can lead to daytime drowsiness.
Osteoarthritis – Carrying too much extra weight places a great deal of strain on the bones and joints, which can lead to osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by the deterioration of cartilage. This condition can be very painful and could result in a loss of mobility.
Even with a healthy diet and exercise, weight loss can seem like an uphill battle for many people. As a result, many will give up on their weight loss goals before they even start to see results. If you’re having a hard time losing weight, you may want to consider calling Slim4Life we can help you in your journey toward losing those unwanted pounds and improving your health.
