By Aayushi Gupta
Published Aug 02, 2024
Obesity is a complex health condition that is associated with numerous other health diseases. Know 10 health risks of obesity or overweight.
Excess body weight is a significant challenge for heart health. Obesity puts extra strain on your heart and leads to increased blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Obesity contributes to the buildup of plaque, fat, and cholesterol in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart. This can lead to CAD or heart failure.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
The accumulation of excessive body fat can increase the risk of diabetes. Obesity causes insulin resistance and disrupts glucose metabolism, which may lead to high blood sugar levels.
High Blood Sugar (Diabetes)
Being overweight puts stress on your joints, particularly the knees and hips. This accelerates the chances of wear and tear, contributing to osteoarthritis.
Bone and Joint Problems (Osteoarthritis)
Excess fat deposits around the upper airway (throat and tongue) can obstruct breathing during sleep, which is known as obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is quite common in obese people.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obesity is the primary risk factor for brain stroke in men and women. In this condition, blood flow to the brain is blocked due to atherosclerosis or blood clot formation.
Brain Stroke
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of different types of cancer. It may increase the risk of cancer of the uterus, cervix, endometrium, ovaries, breasts, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and prostate.
Cancers
Not just physical health, obesity also affects your mental health and peace. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that adults who are obese are at 55 percent higher risk of developing psychological issues such as depression and low self-esteem.
Depression
Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallbladder disease are more prevalent in obese people. Due to increased pressure on the digestive organs, you may experience these problems.
Digestive Problems
Obesity often leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where excess fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage. Apart from obesity, diabetes and high triglycerides also increase the risk of fatty liver.
Fatty Liver Diseases