Obesity: Health

Obesity & Health: Consequences and risks of Obesity

Obesity leads to many medical problems, most of which improve with weight loss. Both men and women with obesity are at increased risk for the following:

• Reduced life expectancy
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Arthritis
• Coronary heart disease
• Abnormal blood lipids
• Stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Cancer (colon and prostate cancer in men; uterine and gallbladder cancer in women)

Many people find that they initially lose weight by dieting, although they quickly regain the weight after the diet ends. Because long-term weight reduction and obesity treatment is so difficult, it is important to have as much information and support as possible before starting.

People who are ready to lose weight, treat their obesity and who believe that their body weight can be controlled long-term are usually the most successful.

Obesity & Health: Medical Problems

Some illnesses, such as hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalances, Cushing’s syndrome, depression and some neurological problems may lead to metabolic disorders, but they account for less than two percent of all obesity cases. Weight gain, however can and does occur from taking drugs such as steroids and some antidepressants. If disease or medical issues are the cause, then this type of obesity is classified as Type-2 or “Secondary” obesity in which case the medical problem would be treated first.

Obesity & Diabetes

One of the greatest health risks of obesity and morbid obesity is diabetes. Children and adults are at an increased risk of diabetes when obesity is a factor. There is a strong correlation between obesity in children and adults – and the onset of diabetes as a disease.

Diabetes is a disorder when the body’s cells fail to absorb glucose from the blood. Tissues will wither and waste away as glucose-starved cells are forced to consume their own proteins to compensate for this condition. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, and amputation in adults.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of diabetes and obesity cases last decade. Many of the 85% of diabetics who suffer from type-2, or “adult-onset” diabetes, also suffer from diabetes and weight issues. Diabetics lack the ability to use the hormone insulin, which leads to a series of systemic health issues and organ failures. The best way to decrease the probability of acquiring diabetes is through proper diet and exercise. When obesity is addressed and treated, the diabetic is treated as well.

Obesity & Heart Disease

Obesity is recognized as a major contributor and for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. The more obese you are, the higher your risk factor for heart disease. Here are some contributing factors that correlate obesity and heart disease:

• Obesity raises blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels because of the high dietary fat content.
• Obesity reduces HDL levels – the "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is linked with lower heart disease and stroke risk, so decreasing the HDL levels increase the risk for heart disease.
• Obesity constricts blood flow and circulation, and therefore, raises blood pressure levels.
• Obesity can induce the onset of diabetes. Diabetic disorders lead to other health issues and make other risk factors worse. The risk of a heart attack dramatically increases for obese people – and particularly the morbidly obese.

Obesity Health Tests & Diagnosis

If you are suffering from health or weight issues or you are obese, make an appointment with your doctor, who will determine if you are in fact overweight or obese through a physical and health history examination. If your physician perceives you are overweight or obese, he or she will typically recommend a series of tests and blood-work to assess your condition. Such tests will confirm a diagnosis and avail what may be contributing to weight gain factors and also check for any related diseases or complications.

Obesity - Health exams and tests generally include:

• Obesity - Health: A review of your health history. Upon your visit, a physician will review your health and weight history and discuss eating patterns and exercise habits, in addition to hereditary pre-dispositions, conditions, medications, stress levels and other health-related problems.
• Obesity - Health: Health assessment. When you make an appointment with your physician, he or she will also evaluate other health problems and check for other possible disorders.
• Obesity - Health: BMI calculation. Your physician will also check and evaluate your body mass index (BMI) to assess your level of obesity. The BMI test is based upon your height and weight. The BMI calculation will help determine best treatments for your obesity issues.
• Obesity - Health: Waist circumference measurement. Your doctor will take measurements of your waist to see how much fat is stored around your waist area. Fat stored in the waist area is called visceral fat or abdominal fat. An abundance of fat around the mid-section can lead to additional health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Men with a waist measurement of more than 40 and women with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches increase health risks.
• Obesity - Health: Physical examination. Your appointment will include a regular physical. The doctor will measure your height, check vital signs - such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listen to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen area.
• Obesity - Health: Laboratory tests. The doctor may order a series of lab tests or blood panels, depending on your health. Laboratory tests may include: liver function tests, a complete blood count (CBC), a thyroid test, a check of cholesterol and other blood fats, fasting glucose and others based upon the assessment. Your doctor also may recommend heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram is you are severely obese or at risk.

An overall health and obesity diagnoses and additional lab tests and helps your doctor determine: your health status, a weight loss treatment plan, dietary provisions and medications to treat obesity. Having the proper assessment will help you and your doctor develop options and goals that are right for you based upon your overall health in order to cure obesity.