Common Obesity Health Risks

Here you are, some of the most common health risks for obese people:

Heart Disease. Heart Disease means that the heart and circulation are not functioning normally. Often, the arteries have become hardened and narrowed. If you have coronary heart disease, you may suffer from a heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, Chest Pain or abnormal heart rhythm. Overweight people are more likely to have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Impaired fertility. Being obese can take a toll on your health and on your fertility, particularly on female fertility. Individuals who are overweight or obese may endure difficulties trying to conceive. Most health care professionals recommend overweight women who are planning to get pregnant to lower their BMI by losing weight.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal. This type of diabetes reduces your body ability to control your blood sugar and it is the major cause of early death, heart disease and stroke. More than 85 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Overweight people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as people who are not overweight.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer occurs when cells in one part of the body grow abnormally or out of control. There are several types of cancer associated with being overweight such as: post-menopausal breast, colon, esophagus and kidney cancer.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and sometimes it is called Degenerative Joint Disease. It most often affects the joints in your knees, hips, and lower back. Extra weight increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing extra pressure on these joints and wearing away the cartilage that protects them. Also, people with more body fat may have higher blood levels of substances that cause inflammation. Inflammation at the joints may raise the risk for osteoarthritis.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during the night. The risk for sleep apnea is higher for people who are obese.

If you are obese, losing 10 to 20 pounds will improve your health status. Making changes in your eating and daily physical activity habits is the best way to lose your extra pounds.

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