Obesity And The Health Risks Associated With It

Obesity is no longer considered just a silent killer. One of the major causes of a plethora of medical problems, it has become a huge concern across the globe. From fitness ads, to carbohydrate alternatives – more and more companies are trying to provide an easy solution to avoid weight gain and eventual obesity. The reason seems fairly obvious. But is it as obvious as it seems?

In a world of fast food and sedentary lifestyles, many are at risk of obesity but also remain unaware about its exact risks and downfalls. At the Weight Loss Surgery Center, we examine just what these risks are.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is most commonly associated with being overweight. It occurs when the glucose level (commonly called blood sugar level) in the blood becomes significantly high. Almost 80% of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes, also suffer from obesity and other risks associated with being overweight. Moreover, loss of weight can actually eliminate the chances of contracting this particular form of diabetes.

High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition in which there is a massive amount of blood pressure being put on arterial walls. It occurs when the flow of blood is high, but the walls of the arteries are narrow (or, sometimes, both). Hypertension can put a lot of strain on the heart and lungs, as well as kidneys and other vital organs of the body. One of the main causes of hypertension happens to be obesity. Not only does the excess mass put pressure on the blood flow, but the increased weight can cause strain during the simplest of activities (leading to a high rush of blood).

Heart Disease

Heart disease is an umbrella term when discussing medical issues of the heart. However, obesity is closely linked to a lot of heart diseases. Therefore, it poses a risk to the healthy cardiac function of the body. One of the risks of obesity is the hardening of arterial walls, making it difficult for blood to pump properly. Other issues linked with obesity include chest pains (angina), disrupted or abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac death or sudden cardiac arrest, heart attacks, and even heart failure.

Stroke

Strokes occur when there is a restriction of blood flow to the brain, and certain brain cells start to decay and die. One of the most common causes is a blood clot that might develop in the arteries of the brain, causing a blockage and preventing blood from flowing smoothly. Since high blood pressure can not only cause clots, but also put a lot of pressure on the arteries, it is one of the most commonly associated causes of strokes.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which people either snore very heavily, or briefly stop breathing in their sleep. A lot of times, this goes unnoticed, since the body has adapted itself to combat sleep apnea (except in severe cases). However, one of the root causes of sleep apnea is excessive pressure on the chest and lungs while lying down. A common cause is being overweight and obese.

Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as fatty liver disease, is when there is excess fat build up around the healthy liver cells. Although there is not enough study done to determine the main cause of it, many people who suffer from it also happen to suffer from obesity (and the health risks associated with obesity). NASH is difficult to detect due to its lack of symptoms, but the injury it causes to the liver can have long term problems. It can also, sometimes, be fatal.

Kidney Disease

According to many studies, including this 2017 one, obesity is closely linked to the early onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure. When there is excess body weight, there is higher demand on the kidneys. This high metabolic demand causes an overcompensation in the filtering, causing damage to the kidneys. Obesity is also linked to kidney growth turning malignant (cancerous), which is another risk to look out for.

At the Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, we try to give you a thorough consultation and complete guidance against the risks of obesity. Visit our facility and get proper guidelines regarding weight loss surgeries.