Health Risks of Obesity

The health risks of obesity are numerous and very serious. Obesity is when you have a large excess of body fat. This excess puts your body under such constant strain that it can result in many problems, even premature death.

Obesity is defined as anyone who a large excess of body fat. If your weight is 20 percent over the ideal healthy weight for your height and body type, you are considered obese. If your weight is 50 percent or more over your ideal healthy weight, you are considered morbidly obese.

Obesity Risks
Obesity increases your risk of the following issues:

• Disease. This includes heart, liver and gallbladder disease. Heart disease alone could include suffering from a heart attack, coronary artery disease or a stroke.

• Sleep problems. These problems can include snoring and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where you temporarily stop breathing when you are asleep.

• Joint problems. These problems can include joint pain or inflammation and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a painful arthritic condition where cartilage in your joints wears away.

• Cancer. This can include uterus, prostate, breast and colon cancer. Because the cancer can be located near or at reproductive areas, it can lead to infertility issues as well.

• High blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause many different problems, including a stroke or heart disease.

• Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when your body becomes highly resistant to insulin or does not make enough insulin to regulate glucose levels in the blood. Type 2 diabetes can lead to many problems, including heart disease.

• Stroke. A stroke occurs when the natural blood supply to the brain is reduced or stopped completely. A stroke can lead to paralysis and even death.

• Varicose veins. Varicose veins are damaged or broken veins located near the surface of the skin. They are both unsightly and uncomfortable.

• Skin problems. This includes a greater chance of developing rashes, especially heat rash. It can also greatly increase your risk of intertrigo, a rash that develops in folds of skin.

• Depression. Depression can result from the physical and social difficulties many obese people face. Several social anxiety issues can also arise from these difficulties, such as a fear of going into public settings.