If you've gained a large amount of weight over the years, you know that you don't feel or look as good as you'd like. You probably find that your energy level and stamina aren't the same as before you gained weight. It's hard to move around to complete simple tasks, or find clothes that fit. But these aren't the only issues with being significantly overweight.
Obesity and Your Health
Obesity is related to many serious health problems. A person is generally considered obese if his or her body mass index, or BMI, is 30 or over. The health problems related to obesity can include heart disease, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, joint and back injury, and certain forms of cancer. Obesity can contribute to disability and even death. Overweight and obese people may have increased problems with asthma, sleep apnea, and arthritis. Being overweight is also associated with a higher incidence of liver and gallbladder problems, including gallstones.
When a person is overweight, his or her heart works harder to pump blood; the heart might not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen as a result of excess body weight. There is more stress on bones and joints; they must support the excess weight, and are more prone to injury and arthritis. The body's response to glucose metabolism can be affected.
Even if you don't consume foods high in sugar or fat and cholesterol, your body's processing of these substances can be affected, although the exact mechanism is not understood. There is also a higher incidence of breast and colon cancers in people who are overweight. Sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing for periods of time during sleep, and associated with risk for stroke, is often improved or ameliorated with weight loss.
Genetics does play a role in whether or not you are at risk for some of these disorders; if you do have the genetic pre-disposition, obesity will increase your risk further.
Often, it is very difficult for an obese person to lose weight and maintain the weight loss with healthy diet and exercise alone. In some cases, you might not be able to increase your activity until you've lost some weight. Depending on your health status, your doctor may prescribe medication to assist, and may discuss various forms of
weight loss surgery with you. It's not only important for you to look and feel your best, but to reduce your risk of health complications associated with being significantly overweight.
If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery, contact our
bariatric surgeons in New York today.