For many years, excess weight has been a well known precursor to health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.  However, studies conducted in recent years have unveiled new findings on the risks of being Overweight. Fortunately, findings also show that losing weight may reverse or reduce some of these risks.

• Skin cancer:  Earlier studies showed that obesity increased both the risk and growth rate of melanoma. However, a recent study found that weight loss was correlated with a 61% reduced risk for acquiring malignant melanoma and a 42% reduced risk for acquiring other types of skin cancer. Therefore drawing the conclusion that losing weight can significantly decrease the risk of acquiring this deadly and increasingly prevalent form of cancer.

• Metabolic syndrome:  A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology following 6809 people showed that even currently healthy, obese people were at high risk of developing serious health problems over time. Nearly 50% of the participants developed metabolic syndrome over the course of the twelve year study. This is important to be aware of because metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

• Cancer:  The American Institute for Cancer Research found that 48% of Americans are unaware of the link between being overweight and the increased risk of developing cancer. Two recently published studies quantified the correlation between excess weight and cancer. The first concluded that 40% of cancer in the U.S. was related to being overweight or obese.  The second found a link between at least thirteen different types of cancer and excess body fat

• Decreased life span: Previous studies only linked obesity to premature death, however a new study found that being even modestly overweight can be linked to mortality. New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found overweight people to be six percent more likely to die prematurely. While this percentage is modest, it represents a troubling number of people when taking into account the large percentage of overweight Americans.

• Cognitive impairment:  Obesity has been associated with decreased cognitive ability in adults for years, including reduced recall, learning, and impulse management. New information now shows a similar finding in children. A new study conducted at Brown University found that children who were overweight or obese during their first two years of life had lower IQ and perceptual reasoning scores at school age.

• Heart Rhythm Issues: Atrial Fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder that may result in stroke or heart failure. Recently, the retention of excess weight was found to cause progression of the disease. Conversely, obese people who lost 10% of their weight, while managing other lifestyle risks experienced a notable reduction in or complete cessation of symptoms.

The risks posed by being overweight are many, however it may be possible to reverse or alleviate these risks all together by taking control of one’s weight. Medifast Weight Control Centers’ compassionate and expert team can help provide the tools and support needed to reach your weight loss goals.  

Call (602) 996-9669 today for your complimentary consultation and let us help you avoid unnecessary risks and reap the benefits of achieving your ideal weight.