Obesity Diseases

Having too much excess fat on your body doesn't just affect how you look. Obesity makes it hard to do normal tasks, like even housework or walking the dog. Not only does obesity affect how you look and how comfortable you are, but it can seriously affect you health as well. There are many diseases that can result from being overweight or obese, many of which are life threatening.

• Heart disease. Many obesity-related diseases are heart diseases. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, so it is something you should definitely watch out for. When the body has or intakes excess fat, some of the excess fat coats arteries, your heart, and other important parts of your body that control your blood. Obesity can eventually cause heart attacks, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
• Stroke. Strokes are very closely related to heart disease because they can be caused by clogged arteries. Strokes happen when the brain does not get enough blood.
• Type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, which controls the level of sugar in the blood. Not taking care of diabetes can result in even more complications, including but not limited to kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, foot problems, skin disorders, and gastroparesis.
• Sleep apnea. Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, which not only disrupts sleep but can also cause death. Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for at least ten seconds while you are sleeping. Not only is this dangerous, but it also lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood.
• Gallstones. There are two types of gallstones. The ones most associated with obesity are cholesterol stones, which are primarily made from cholesterol that has hardened. Gallstones can block important passageways in your body, which could eventually lead to death.
• Cancer. Obesity does not directly cause all forms of cancer, but it does contribute to the risk of some cancers, like ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

The list of risks associated with obesity could go on and on. It's clear that it's better and safer to be at a healthy weight. If you're not right now, start eating healthier and exercising more. Remember that to lose weight, you need to output more energy (exercise) than you input (food). Talk to your doctor for more help. Don't give up—obesity is a matter of life and death!