Did you know that obesity is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of American adults are obese, and that number is only getting worse.
Being overweight can lead to a variety of life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. If you’re worried about your weight or the weight of a loved one, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with obesity and take steps to improve your health.
Heart Disease
One of the most serious health risks associated with obesity is heart disease. It increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. The excess weight puts strain on your heart and arteries, leading to a buildup of plaque that can block blood flow or cause a heart attack. Over time, obesity can also damage your heart muscles and increase your risk of heart failure.
Stroke
Another serious risk associated with obesity is stroke. Like heart disease, it increases the risk of stroke by putting stress on your blood vessels and increasing the risk of plaque buildup. It can also lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. If you have a history of obesity, be sure to monitor your blood pressure and take steps to keep it under control.
Furthermore, it can lead to brain hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. Brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, while a blockage causes ischemic stroke in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, obesity increases the risk of developing 13 types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The excess weight can cause changes in hormone levels that promote tumor growth, and it can also make it harder to detect tumors early. If you’re worried about your cancer risk, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and reduce your cancer risk.
Diabetes
Obesity increases your risk of developing type II diabetes, a condition that affects the way your body uses blood sugar. Over time, diabetes can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
Breathing Problems
People who are obese are also at risk of developing breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma. It can make it hard to breathe, and it can also lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This makes it difficult to get enough oxygen and can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
If you’re concerned about your weight or the weight of a loved one, be sure to talk to your doctor. There are many steps you can take to improve your health and reduce your risk of serious health problems. The most important thing is to start now and make healthy changes that you can stick to for life.