7 major health risks of obesity

Being a strong independent woman is rewarding and also can be exhausting. You might find yourself so busy that you don’t get to fit in exercise or eat healthily. Perhaps you have gotten into the habit of eating microwave meals for dinner that is high in sugar, fat, and calories. Or, maybe you’re getting pizza delivered to the house more than usual. If you are gaining weight, you face serious health risks of obesity. Not sure what those dangers refer to? Read on.

Statistics on obesity

Obesity refers to a BMI of 25 or more. Sadly, obesity rates have risen over recent decades. About 40% of American adults are overweight, according to the CDC.

That means more than 1 in 3 adults have this weight issue. A recent report shows Texas as the 10th most obese state in America, tied with Oklahoma. The highest rate and, therefore, major health risks of obesity, is a tie between West Virginia and Mississippi.

Is there a relationship between obesity and gender? Specifically, are women more likely to be obese than men?

Females have higher obesity levels, indicates a research review, particularly in developing countries, including the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, in developed countries like the United States, men are more overweight, on average, than women.

Part of the reason for higher obesity in adult females than males in developing countries can be explained by cultural preferences for a curvier woman. A fuller figure is a sign of fertility in some parts of the world.

Harvard recently published an article that explained globally there are 500 million obese adults, which is about 14% of women and 10% of men. Non-Hispanic Black women have the highest rates in the US (59%), while Mexican American women are at 44%.

What causes obesity?

There are many reasons to explain it, including many people working at desks rather than taking active jobs. Sitting down for hours to work can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, particularly when your go-to activity after that is watching TV rather than exercising.

Plus, some people might consume an abundance of protein in their meals, as well as calorie-dense alcoholic drinks. Processed foods are also favorites for some adults, such as cookies and cakes, which can have a lot of calories.

If you are eating more than your burning off through physical activity, you are likely to gain weight. Over time, that can lead to obesity.

Are you someone who is struggling with her weight? If you are, you need to quit the unhealthy lifestyle and start working towards a better body. Why? To avoid the many health risks associated with a high BMI.

Excess weight contributes to many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can be embarrassing to consult a doctor about your struggle with weight or to get help elsewhere. However, learning more about the issues and how to get healthier is essential for living your best life.

7 health risks of obesity

As discussed above, being obese is the main cause of many physical health conditions. Here are the most common risks that are associated with excess pounds:

1. Breathing issues

Sleep apnea is common among those who are overweight. In case you don’t know what sleep apnea is, it is a health issue that causes a small halt in your regular breathing. The affected person ends up taking shallow breaths during sleep.

The main reason why adults suffer from sleep apnea is because of the neck fat that narrows down the pathways from where the regular air passes. Apnea is just not something that affects your breathing process.

In fact, if you are suffering from sleep apnea, your brain and body are not getting enough oxygen. That can contribute to multiple cardiovascular and nervous system issues. You can easily contact your Cedar Park chiropractor for effective manipulation techniques.

2. Cancer

More than 13 different kinds of cancers are linked to obesity. The reason for a link between cancer risk and weight gain is that too much body fat likely causes inflammation. That visceral fat affects bodily processes.

Among the cancers you are at risk for are:

• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Meningioma
• Myeloma
• Throat Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Gallbladder Cancer

3. High cholesterol level: More health risks of obesity

If your body has excess fat, it will damage the nervous system and affect your ability to process food. You can have high levels of LDL cholesterol, which is bad for your health, and lower HDL levels.

LDL levels that are higher than normal boost the process of blocking arteries until the blood stops flowing through them. When you lose weight, your cholesterol levels will drop and you will sense a change in your body.

4. Diabetes

Then, there is diabetes. It is an irreversible disease affecting millions of people across the globe. While type-1 diabetes might not be your fault, if you are suffering from type-2 diabetes, it is definitely something you should consider preventing especially if you are obese.

If you go around having undiagnosed diabetes, it can damage all your organs and leave you with limited mobility. So, start moving to improve your healthy lifestyle. Even a change of 10 pounds can show a significant decrease in blood sugar levels.

5. Blood pressure issues

When compared to women with a normal BMI, obese women are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and a high pulse rate. Weight gain is associated with a higher rate of hypertension. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor might put you on a related medication as a short-term treatment.

6. Health risks of obesity include problems getting pregnant

Many women suffer from pregnancy issues due to bad lifestyle choices and unhealthy weight. Being overweight can cause difficulties in getting pregnant.

Even if you get pregnant, there is a high possibility that you suffer from numerous complications along the way. The most common issues that obese women can suffer during pregnancy are:

• Preeclampsia
• Gestational Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure

7. Heart disease

Let’s just say that obesity is the foundation of all heart diseases. From minor heart strokes to more serious heart attacks, your heart health depends completely on those figures on the scale. Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in women in Texas and elsewhere in the US.

Cardiovascular activities like sports, jogging, or HIIT routines can help you get back on track. Now is the time to get active to remove excess fat from the clogged arteries, after getting your doctor’s approval to start a new fitness regime.

Conclusion on health risks of obesity

Even if you lose a little bit of weight (let’s say 3 to 5%), it will significantly reduce the risk for such health issues. Speak to your physician about your condition and ask them for recommendations on healthy ways to lose weight, including improving your relationship with food. Your Cedar Park chiropractor will also make adjustments to your body and open it up for change.

Make sure that you do not exert an immense amount of pressure on your body, especially if you do not have the stamina to do so. Start small and then increase physical activity, with the pre-approval of your doctor, to get healthy and avoid injury.

 

Photo via Pexels (Andres Ayrton)