6 Serious Health Problems Adversely Affected by Weight

Written by Jane Long

The human body is amazing! How every part works together to function properly is nothing less than fantastic. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. When something goes wrong, it is not unusual for some other health challenges to follow. For example, if you have been struggling with extreme weight issues, there are at least 6 serious health problems adversely affect by weight.

In truth, when your body is required to function under the stress of excess pounds, a plethora of health issues can arise.

However, the following 6 are generally the most predominant:

Heart Disease
Diabetes
Sleep Apnea
Osteoarthritis
PCOS
Acid Reflux

Health issues attributed or worsened by excess weight can be life-threatening. If you have been diagnosed with any of these diseases, and you are overweight, you might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery. In other words, do not assume that medicine will take care of the problem and you are good to go. If the excess weight does not kill you, these health issues can ruin your quality of life and contribute to your death.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is not a health issue solely for people who are overweight. But, individuals who have a weight problem often have a heart problem to match. Think about it!

For the sake of simplicity, think of your heart as the engine that runs your body. Compare the function to that of the motor in your car. If your car is loaded down with a bunch of extra weight, how does it perform? Going up a hill becomes more of a struggle. Even going on the straightaway takes more energy. You will definitely be filling the tank more often. Then, if the automobile is constantly overburdened, it stands to reason that it will need repairs or simply quit working at all.

Now, think what the extra weight is doing to your heart. It is definitely more of a struggle to climb stairs or a hill. Throughout the day, you do not have the same energy level. You get exhausted a lot easier and your heart has to work harder. So, it is no wonder that you may suffer from heart disease and need to make a change, before it starts working at all.

Ladies, be warned. Once thought to be mostly a male health issue, doctors have discovered that heart disease is no respecter of persons. Get checked out, before you check out-permanently.

Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is related to a childhood disease. But, if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, chances are you have a weight problem. Your body does not absorb or produce enough insulin. Even with medication, it can adversely affect your heart, kidneys, eyes and more. Doctors know the best treatment is to get rid of the extra weight.

Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up in the morning more tired than you went to bed at night? Do you snore-a lot? Do you ever wake yourself up in the middle of the night because you snored so loud, or you feel out of breath? Then, you may have sleep apnea.

Although it sounds fairly harmless, and basically an inconvenience, it can cause major health issues. During sleep, your breathing is obstructed due to extra weight on you diaphragm, or your throat may close off during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to heart problems, stroke and more.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a very painful and debilitating disease. If the cartilage between the bones wears away, and the bones start rubbing together, your joints will be extremely painful, and make mobility difficult. Although the disappearance of cartilage may have another cause, the biggest culprit is obesity.

Your joints take a lot of pressure under the best of circumstances. Think about how much weight is exerted on your hips and knees during regular daily activities. Now, add the extra weight of obesity. No wonder the cartilage wears away. Your joints are not built to take that kind of pressure without consequences.

PCOS

Okay men, you can sit out this health concern. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is often related to obesity and the development of insulin resistant diabetes. Since you do not have ovaries, you are off the hook.

Ladies, if you suffer from PCOS, you are probably producing more of the male hormone. As a result, you are ovulating irregularly, if at all. You may also have excess facial hair as an unsightly symptom. However, after weight loss, many women have achieved successful pregnancies.

Acid Reflux

Unlike PCOS, acid reflux has nothing to do with gender, but it is a common malady of the obese. If you are overweight, it is more difficult for your body to digest food. Then, the contents of the stomach are backed up into the esophagus, and you will have a very painful and frequent case of heartburn. The discomfort does make it feel like your chest is on fire. Left untreated, it can cause ulcers in the esophagus, which can also be a precursor to esophageal cancer. Unfortunately, if it progresses to that point, you are in big trouble.

So, now you know 6 serious health problems that can be worsened or attributed to obesity. Maybe you can already relate. If so, you may be an excellent candidate for weight loss surgery, if you have exhausted all other options for shedding years of unwanted pounds. Seek your doctor’s advice immediately.