Top 10 Health Consequences of Obesity
Healthful Vitality | 12/09/2022 | Top 10 Health Consequences of Obesity
The prevalence of chronic health disorders is increasing at an alarming pace. Non-infectious diseases are not only the leading cause of mortality globally, and they cause years of disability and reduced quality of life.
For decades researchers have been wondering about the rise of chronic ailments. However, now they think that this sudden rise is a consequence of obesity. After all, in developed nations like the US, more than 70% of people are overweight.
Top 10 health consequences of obesity
The top 10 health consequences of obesity are:
1. Significantly increased risk of diabetes
Obesity is the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Thus, by reducing body weight by 5 kg or 5-7%, one can reduce diabetes risk by almost 50%. The risk of diabetes is almost proportional to obesity severity.
2. Higher risk of heart attacks
Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the US and globally, and obesity considerably increases the risk of coronary vascular disease. Obesity is associated with a greater risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and so on. Further, obese individuals are less likely to survive heart attacks.
3. Higher stroke risk
Since obesity is associated with a higher risk of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, it is also among the most significant risk factor for stroke. In recent years, stroke has become common in young adults due to the risk of obesity in young adults.
4. Increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
In those living with obesity, fat tissues accumulate over the visceral organ and even inside various organs. This fat accumulation in the liver causes significant liver dysfunction. It also increases the risk of liver cancer.
5. Gallbladder disease
In obese individuals, gallbladder motility is affected, which considerably increases the risk of the formation of gallstones. It also increases the risk of gallbladder inflammation.
6. Arthritis and disability
Osteoarthritis is the number one cause of joint disorders. It is a disease of joint wear and tears. Osteoarthritis mainly affects weight-bearing joints like knee and hip joints. Thus, naturally overweight people are at a significantly greater risk of the condition.
7. Higher risk of neurological disorders
It appears that obesity considerably increases the risk of various neurological conditions, from Parkinson’s to dementia. Obese people are also more likely to be affected by neuropathies.
8. Pancreatitis
The risk of pancreatitis is significantly higher in obese people.
9. Pulmonary complications
Pulmonary infections and even non-infectious conditions tend to be more severe in obese people. Just take the example of Covid-19. Studies show that obesity may increase the risk of Covid-19 associated mortality by 10 times.
10. Significantly higher cancer risk
Obesity increases the risk of almost every kind of cancer, like lung, pancreas, stomach, breast, cervix, bladder, and so on. It even increases the risk of brain cancer and leukemia.
The above list is by no means complete. Obesity increases the risk of mood disorders like depression, sleep disorders, mental health disorders, hormone health issues, libido, PCOS, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and more.
It is vital to understand that obesity increases the risk of almost every known chronic health disorder. It even reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, and obese people are also more likely to die of infections.
Related Article: Understanding Obesity?