Consequences of obesity

               Consequences of obesity

The consequences of obesity for the body of people who are overweight are serious and include complications such as type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties, infertility and even heart attack, for example, that can endanger life.

Furthermore, obesity, that is when the individual has a BMI equal to or greater than 35, it contributes to the emergence of psychological disorders such as low self-esteem and social consequences such as social isolation, for example. 

Generally, obesity is mainly because the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle and affects all ages, but the  consequences of obesity in childhood and adolescence  are even more serious because the child or adolescent is in growth phase and can affect the development and reduce the years. Find out what the causes of obesity in: Causes of obesity .

Body mass index

Obesity complications

Diseases that obesity can cause

Obesity can cause various diseases, such as:

• Cardiovascular disease - excess fat accumulated in the arteries can lead to the onset of hypertension, heart failure and heart attack. Moreover, it can contribute to the increase of triglyceride and cholesterol and the development or aggravation of varicose veins;
• Metabolic complications - overweight contributes to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and gout;
• Breathing problems - usually the obese patient due to the large amount of fat has difficulty breathing and gets tired easily and may have sleep apnea;
• Complications in the urinary tract and reproductive - the obese woman may have amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation, excessive production by the chin, back and stomach and even kidney malfunction. In man it is common the appearance of urinary incontinence and infertility;
• Wear of bones and joints: being overweight can lead to premature wear of the joints of the spine, knees and ankles, with greater risk of developing hernias and greater chance of falls and fractures;
• Emergence of cancer: poor diet leads to increased risk of developing in man, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer and, in women, breast cancer, endometrial, ovarian and biliary tract.

Individuals with morbid obesity, that is when you have a BMI less than 40, have greater risk of developing these health problems and endanger life.

Psychological and social consequences of obesity

Due to excess weight, the obese person has a tendency to isolate themselves from colleagues and friends as it has low self-esteem, staying too long at home without live with family.

Also, sometimes the obese person suffers from discrimination on the street and work by other individuals, and greater difficulty in finding a job, for example.

In more severe cases, the person with obesity may suffer from depression and may have to take medications to help lower weight and cure depression.

Treatment for obesity

The treatments for obesity should be guided by a nutritionist and is based on a change in eating style, but in some cases it is necessary to resort to drugs or surgery to lose weight.

In addition, regular physical exercise such as walking or cycling is essential. Learn more at: Treatment for Obesity.