Obesity Health Risks
Despite what popular culture has us believe,
obesity is more of a health problem than an
image problem.
Obesity is the leading cause of many preventable
diseases and deaths. An obese person has a higher
risk of contracting certain illnesses due to
an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol.
The following is a list of the common diseases
contracted by obese individuals:
DIABETES: Over 80% of people with
diabetes are overweight or obese. Overweight
people are twice as likely to develop type
2 diabetes as those who are not overweight.
Because Type 2 diabetes reduces your body's
ability to control blood sugar levels it can
cause premature death, heart disease, kidney
disease, stroke, and blindness. One can reduce
the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by
losing weight and by increasing physical activity.
PREMATURE DEATH: The risk of death
increases as one’s weight rises. It
is estimated that approximately 300,000 deaths
a year are attributed to obesity. Those aged
30 to 64 with a slight excess of weight (10
to 20 pounds in accordance with their height)
have an increased risk of premature death.
Those who are obese (more than 30% of their
ideal body weight) have a 50% to 100% increased
risk of premature death.
CANCER: Several types of cancer are
associated with obesity. In women, these cancers
include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder,
cervix, ovary, breast, and colon. Obese men
have a higher risk of developing cancer of
the colon, rectum, and prostate. It has also
been found that women gaining more than 20
pounds from age 18 to mid-life double their
risk of post-menopausal breast cancer in comparison
to other women.
SLEEP APNEA: One of the most common
breathing problems associated with obesity
is sleep apnea. This condition consists of
an interruption in breathing while asleep.
Sleep apnea may also cause daytime sleepiness
and even heart failure. Studies show that
a loss of weight usually improves the condition.
ARTHRITIS: It is estimated that for
every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk
of developing arthritis is increased by 9
to 13%. Symptoms of arthritis have been shown
to improve with weight loss.
To learn more about obesity, avoiding diseases, and maintaining a healthier
lifestyle, contact the American Obesity
Association.
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