Obesity Health Problems
Being obese puts individuals at an increased risk for many secondary health problems as compared to their normal weight counterparts. Obesity health problems are many and sadly, obesity is one of most prevalant risk factors for preventable causes of death.
Obesity health problems can include increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, increased risk of stroke, increased risk of fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, and increased risk of pain.
Obesity health problems may also stem from developing diabetes, a condition in which people become insensitive to insulin and they experience high blood sugar levels. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to a host of health problems including loss of eyesight, neuropathy, kidney disease, increased risk of stroke and heart attack, and increased risk of infections.
Obesity health problems are not limited to the physical body but can affect mental health as well. Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression. This can cause them to eat more and gain more weight in a vicious cycle.
Treatment for obesity health problems may require medications but will almost always include diet and exercise. Losing extra weight, even a mere 10% of body weight can result in significant health benefits.
Obesity health problems will improve or disappear with significant weight loss. There are many cases of diabetes being reversed in obese individuals who begin proper diet and exercise regimens to shed weight.
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.