Here’s how obesity can lead to a plethora of diseases. Also, learn how to lose weight.

Obesity is a public health problem in many parts of the world. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 36.5% of adults are obese. Obesity has been linked to a number of preventable causes of death. For example, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, gallstone, stroke, and osteoarthritis.

In this article, we will explore the link between obesity and these diseases. In addition, we will also look at solutions to reduce weight.

What is Obesity and What are the Diseases Caused by Obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which an individual’s weight lies above the healthy range. Generally, obesity is measured using a tool called Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI indicates the amount of fat present in your body. Thus, higher BMI means you have more fat in your body.

The normal range of healthy BMI is 18.5 to 24.9 for adults older than 20 years. If your BMI is 30 or higher, you are obese. Note that another related term overweight is slightly different. A person is considered overweight if his/her BMI lies between 25 and 29.9.

Various studies have found that having those extra layers of fat increases the risk of many chronic conditions. These include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Some types of cancer
• gallstones
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea which causes the person to have spells of breathlessness while asleep and asthma.

5 Diseases to Look Out for In Obese Individuals

1. Type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, a person’s cells become unable to utilize available insulin. Remember that this is not similar to type 1 diabetes where a person’s pancreas produces no insulin at all. There is a direct link between obesity and this type of diabetes. Recent studies have shown that being obese increases low-grade inflammation in the body and higher oxidative stress. When the inflammation persists for longer durations, it negatively impacts how they utilize insulin. Moreover, chronic inflammation and prolonged oxidative stress impair the function of the cells that secrete insulin.
2. Cancer. There is a well-known link between obesity and cancers of the colon, breast (following menopause), kidney, esophagus, and pancreas. While scientists are yet to conclude if obesity is a cause or risk factor for these cancers, they believe that most of these cancers could be caused by long-term inflammation. When inflammation persists for longer periods, the levels of inflammatory chemicals in the blood rise. As a result, there occur some changes in the DNA which could lead to cancer.
3. Gallstone. Gallstones are hard solid particles that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ which is a part of the biliary system. It plays a major role in the storage of bile produced by the liver and thus helps in fat digestion. Gallstones can develop in various sizes and forms. For example, the stone could be a large single piece or could include several tiny stones. Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of gallstones. It is because the obese individuals have higher amounts of cholesterol in their bile, which can promote stone formation. Keep in mind that gallstones are made of bile cholesterol and bilirubin.
4. Stroke. A stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is reduced or interrupted. As a result, the brain cells do not get nutrients and oxygen and begin to die immediately. The link between obesity and stroke risk is very clear. Here’s how it goes. When you are obese, the levels of free fatty acids in your bloodstream rise. When these fat molecules travel through the vessels that supply to the brain, they may interfere with the blood flow. The risk skyrockets if you are a smoker and have high blood pressure, which is likely in most cases.
5. Osteoarthritis (OA). Also called degenerative joint disease, OA is a chronic condition that affects the joints. In most cases, it affects the joints in the knees, hips, lower back and neck, and also small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe. It is a major cause disability and limited movement in older adults. Obesity increases the risk and complications of OA by two ways. First, being obese means you have higher levels of inflammatory chemicals in your blood. These chemicals can damage cartilage, the tough yet flexible cushion of tissues between the bones in a joint. Second, obesity increases load on the weight-bearing joints such as ankles, knees, and hips.

Tips to Overcome Obesity and the Risk of Diseases

There is no one-size-fits-all theory for dramatic weight loss. Before you enroll in any weight-loss program, make sure to keep realistic expectations and achievable targets.

The following list consists of general guidelines to follow when you are chasing your weight-loss dream.

1. Eat a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
2. Stay away from empty calories like soda or chips.
3. Keep a food diary to track eating habits.
4. Replace unhealthy foods with healthy substitutes.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Obesity could result due to hormone imbalance or other diseases that affect your hormone levels. If you suspect you have any such cause, consult your doctor.
7. Talk to a nutritionist to get a customized diet plan.
8. A type of surgery called bariatric surgery may be an option if you are excessively obese and other weight loss measures have proven ineffective.
9. Never take a supplement or enroll in a diet plan without first consulting your doctor.

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