Carrying extra weight is more than a cosmetic concern; it's a significant health risk. The growing prevalence of obesity globally has brought to light numerous associated health conditions.
Dr. Aliu O. Sanni is our expert bariatric and general surgeon at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery in Snellville, Georgia, who is paving the way for better health for all patients. Here, he discusses five serious health issues directly linked to excess weight.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and excess weight is a major contributor. When you carry extra pounds, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.
This increased workload can lead to high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and ultimately, heart disease. Fat accumulation around the abdomen, in particular, is linked with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce these risks, improving your overall cardiovascular health.
If you’re carrying extra weight, especially around your abdomen, you have a significant risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This condition occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or when your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.
Insulin resistance often results from a high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle, both commonly associated with obesity. Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision problems.
Losing weight, particularly through a balanced diet and regular exercise, can enhance insulin sensitivity and help you manage or even prevent diabetes.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder during which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Excess weight can lead to fat deposits around your upper airway, which obstructs your breathing.
This condition not only disrupts your sleep but also reduces the oxygen supply to your brain and other vital organs, increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke.
We often recommend weight loss as a first-line treatment for sleep apnea, as it can help reduce these fat deposits and improve your airway function.
Research has shown that being overweight or obese increases your risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, endometrial, and kidney cancer.
Issues can stem from factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. For example, excess fat tissue can produce extra estrogen, which has been linked to breast and endometrial cancer.
Reducing your body weight can lower these risks significantly.
Excess weight is linked to osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder that affects millions of people around the world.
Carrying too many pounds on your body puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like your knees and hips, accelerating the wear-and-tear of the cartilage that cushions these joints. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Weight loss reduces the pressure on your joints, which can alleviate symptoms and improve your joint function.
There are many ways to address excess weight, which include eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and making behavioral changes.
Dr. Sanni can provide personalized advice for your specific needs and goals. He may offer gastric sleeve surgery as an option if you’re a viable candidate.
If you’re ready to lose weight and reduce your risk of these serious conditions, call our friendly staff at 201-565-0876, or request a consultation online today.
