Health Sabz

Effects of Obesity on the Human Body

Obesity and overweight are the most significant health issues, and they are causing several health-related ailments, such as heart disease, diabetes, and different kinds of cancer.

In the case of pregnancy, the effects of obesity on the body and the child’s health are enormous. This is a fact sheet that is going to discuss the linkage between excess weight and health conditions.

It explains how average body weight is fruitful for you to live a long and healthy life. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that of the 78.6 million adults in the US, over 35% are obese.

effects of obsesity

Obesity can Lead to Serious Complications

“Obesity is a condition when your body absorbs more calories than your need, and you don’t burn extra calories through exercise and physical activity. More than 30% BMI (Body Mass Index) is obesity”

Leading Effects of Obesity on the Body:

Obesity is a condition that negatively affects body organs and decreases the healthy appearance of the body. The most common effects of obesity on the body are listed here, as evidenced by research studies.

Osteoarthritis

A popular joint condition (knees, hips, and lower back), ‘osteoarthritis’ is attributable to obesity. Due to extra body weight, joints become vulnerable, and the cartilage that covers them wears out.

In a 2001 research study, it was reported that there is a relationship between obesity and knee osteoarthritis, and controlling obesity can help reduce its risk.

According to the British Society of Rheumatology, obesity has a positive impact on the growth of hip osteoarthritis.

This effect of obesity on the body is one of the harmful effects, and losing weight will considerably reduce stress on the lower back, hips, and knees.

Moreover, it eases body inflammation. Daily physical activity and exercise can aid in losing weight and improve joint flexibility.

Respiratory Disorders

Obese people have a reduced capacity for lungs. This causes a high risk for respiratory infections such as asthma, etc.

Research has reported that asthma is a 3–4 times more common respiratory issue in obese people. Moreover, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aspiration pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism are due to the severe effects of obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and exertional dyspnea are attributable to obesity. More than half of those who are victims of obesity tend to experience obstructive sleep apnea.

This serious breathing disorder attacks excessive fat in the throat, neck, and tongue that blocks the airways while sleeping. Apnea occurs due to blockage, which means stopping breathing during sleep.

The affected person may experience interrupted sleep because apnea episodes are likely to happen several times a night. This issue reduces the oxygen level in the blood and leads to high blood pressure, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause strokes and sudden cardiac arrest. Due to disrupted sleep conditions, drowsiness and fatigue occur. Increased chances of this disorder may increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

Learn More Obesity is Harmful

Diabetes

The effects of obesity go beyond perception.  Overweight people are the victims of many other disorders, and this vulnerability is fatal.

Severe obesity is hazardous, and it is ten times more likely to cause type 2 diabetes. This disease can double the death risk, and it can lead to:

  • Heart disease
  • Amputation
  • Stroke
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Kidney Diseases
  • Blindness
  • Hard-to-heal infections
  • Impotence
  • Circulatory & Nerve Defects

Psychosocial Effects

In a culture where body structure is overly thin, and attractiveness is only based on smartness, obese people experience many psychological issues.

Overweight people often complain about their figure, blame their condition, and are considered weak-willed or lazy.

It is not uncommon that obese conditions relate to a person with low income or no relationship involvement. No place for overweight or disapproval of fat people, often elaborated by individuals, may lead to discrimination, bias, and even torment.

Metabolic Syndrome

According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, metabolic syndrome is a high-risk factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome has six main components:

  • Abdominal obesity
  • Elevated Blood Pressure
  • Elevated Blood Cholesterol
  • Elevation of blood components that results in inflammation
  • Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance
  • Blood clotting

These factors are fatal, and in the US, approximately one-third of obese people are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

Cerebrovascular Disease

Due to the severe effects of obesity on the body, internal systems experience disturbance. The circulatory system feels a strain due to obesity, and it is a leading cause of stroke. There are certain stroke risk factors, such as lipid abnormalities and hypertension.

Learn More: Why is Obesity a Health Risk?

Miscellaneous Effects of Obesity

Effects of obesity on the body condition occur in a variety. Besides these particular effects of obesity, many others include Alzheimer’s disease, middle-aged obesity and dementia, kidney disease, and suicide, i.e., major depressive disorder.

Septicemia is an infection that occurs in severe obesity and can lead to septic shock and death. Obesity is also responsible for fatty liver disease, i.e., liver scarring and cirrhosis.

During pregnancy, preeclampsia is dangerous, and maternal gestational diabetes can lead to miscarriages. 

Stress, urinary incontinence, infertility, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are some of the worst effects of obesity that diminish the quality of life.

Treatment of disorders is difficult, but prevention is easy. A balanced diet may help you live a healthy and happy life.

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