People are considered obese when they have an unhealthy weight-to-height ratio, or BMI. The human body is not meant to carry excess weight, and when it does many resulting health issues can occur.
Heart Disease
When an individual is obese their cholesterol levels are also likely high. When cholesterol is high there are fatty deposits in the blood that form as plaque on the sides of artery walls. This accumulation can reduce the blood flow to the heart and brain which can result not only in heart disease but in stroke or a heart attack.
High Blood Pressure
As people gain weight their heart is forced to pump harder to get the blood to circulate properly through their larger bodies. High blood pressure is a result of this increased effort of pushing blood through the arteries.
Sleep Apnea
Extra fatty deposits around the obese person’s neck can lead to a narrowing of their airway. This can make it difficult for them to breathe and at night while sleeping their airflow can be repeatedly restricted and can even briefly stop.
Gallstones
Gallstones are made up of cholesterol. Obesity increases the levels of bad cholesterol in a person’s body, which in turn puts obese patients at a higher risk for the development of gallstones. Gallstones can form and can cause intense back and abdominal pain.
Type 2 Diabetes
80 percent or more of all type 2 diabetics are overweight. When a person is overweight they have more blood sugar in their system than the insulin can handle. Bariatric surgery is one way to lose weight and prevent the onset of diabetes.
The health risks of obesity are serious, but unfortunately many overweight individuals don’t do anything about their health until something serious happens. Fortunately, you can prevent or hinder the onset of any of these conditions simply by losing weight or having weight loss surgery in Dallas or Ft. Worth and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
