Why Is Obesity So Dangerous?

Obesity is dangerous because it increases the risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It can also lead to joint issues, sleep apnea, and reduced mobility, significantly impacting quality of life.

Additionally, obesity places extra strain on vital organs, disrupts hormonal balance, and is often linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

Obesity: What is it?

Excess bodily fat is a sign of obesity. It is a complicated, long-term illness that can impair your general well-being and standard of living. Serious medical complications can result from obesity. Your mental health and sense of self-worth may be impacted.

You are not alone if you suffer from obesity. In the US, two out of five persons suffer from this prevalent illness. A medical professional can assist you in determining the best course of action for your body and health.

What leads to obesity?

Obesity is essentially the result of consuming more calories than your body can utilize. There are several reasons why you might consume more food than your body requires:

Some drugs: Weight gain may result from medications you take to treat other diseases. Beta-blockers, steroids, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and diabetes medications are a few examples.

Disability: The population most at risk for obesity is adults and children with physical and learning limitations. Insufficient specialized education and resources, together with physical constraints, may be contributing factors.

Eating habits: Overweight can result from consuming more calories than your body requires, as well as from consuming highly processed foods, high-sugar foods and beverages, and foods high in saturated fat.

Genetics: Studies reveal that certain genes, known as obesity-susceptibility genes, influence hunger in obese individuals. It’s unclear if overweight individuals share the same genetic composition.

Lack of exercise: Spending too much time on screens, such as watching TV, playing video games, or using a laptop or mobile device, reduces the amount of time you have for exercise.

Lack of sleep: The hormones that regulate hunger might be impacted by not getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Stress: In response to stress, your body and brain produce more cortisol and other hunger-controlling hormones. Stress increases the likelihood that you will consume comfort foods that are heavy in fat and sugar, which your body stores as excess fat.

Underlying medical conditions: Weight gain is one of the negative consequences of conditions like metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Eating high-calorie foods that stimulate your brain’s pleasure centers can result in mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Obesity and Overweight’s Health Risks:

In this section:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Metabolic syndrome
• Fatty liver diseases
• Some cancers
• Breathing problems
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas
• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy problems
• Fertility problems
• Sexual function problems
• Mental health problems

Type 2 diabetes

A condition known as type 2 diabetes is brought on by an excessively high blood glucose, or blood sugar. Almost 90% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight. High blood sugar over time can cause renal disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, vision issues, and other health issues.
Losing at least 5% to 7% of your initial weight may help avoid or postpone type 2 diabetes if you are at risk for it. For example, your objective would be to shed roughly 10 to 14 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds.

elevated blood pressure

When blood flows through your blood vessels with more power than usual, you have high blood pressure, often known as hypertension. Because your heart must work harder to pump blood to all of your cells, having a large body might raise blood pressure. Additionally, too much fat might harm your kidneys, which control blood pressure.
In addition to putting stress on your heart and damaging blood vessels, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, renal illness, and even death. Lowering high blood pressure and preventing or controlling associated health issues can be achieved by losing enough weight to fall within a healthy body mass index range.

Heart conditions

The word “heart disease” refers to several conditions that impact the heart, including angina, heart failure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats. Being overweight or obese raises your risk of heart disease-causing illnesses like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Furthermore, carrying too much weight might increase the effort required by your heart to pump blood to every cell in your body. You may be able to reduce these heart disease risk factors by losing extra weight.

A stroke

When a blood vessel in your brain or neck becomes blocked or bursts, blood flow to a portion of your brain is cut off, resulting in a stroke. You may lose the ability to talk or move certain body parts due to brain damage after a stroke.
It is well-recognized that being overweight or obese raises blood pressure, and high blood pressure is the main cause of strokes. You may be able to reduce your blood pressure and other stroke risk factors, such as high blood cholesterol and blood sugar, by losing weight.

The metabolic syndrome

A collection of illnesses known as metabolic syndrome raises your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. You need to have at least three of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome:
Big waist size.
High blood pressure, elevated blood glucose during a fast, elevated blood triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol—in your blood.
Being overweight, obesity, and inactivity are strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. Making weight-controlling, healthy lifestyle choices may help you avoid and lessen metabolic syndrome.

Diseases of the fatty liver

When fat accumulates in the liver, it can cause fatty liver disorders, which can result in cirrhosis, severe liver damage, or even liver failure. Among these conditions include nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The majority of those with NAFLD and NASH are overweight or obese. NAFLD and NASH can also occur in people with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, abnormal blood fat levels, and certain genes.
Losing at least 3% to 5% of your body weight will help reduce liver fat if you are overweight or obese.

A few types of cancer

A group of linked disorders is called Cancer. Some of the body’s cells start to develop uncontrollably or improperly in all forms of cancer. Occasionally, the malignant cells spread to other bodily parts.

Obesity and being overweight can increase your risk of getting some cancers. Males who are overweight or obese are more likely to acquire prostate, rectum, and colon cancers. Cancers of the breast, uterine lining, and gallbladder are more prevalent in women who are overweight or obese.

Colon, kidney, breast, and ovarian cancers are among the many cancers that adults who lose weight as they age are less likely to get.

Issues with breathing

Obesity and being overweight can also impair lung function, and being overweight raises your risk of respiratory issues.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnea is a frequent issue that occurs while you sleep. Sleep apnoea occurs when your upper airway becomes clogged, causing you to breathe irregularly or even cease breathing for brief periods sleep apnoea increases your risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
Obesity is a major cause of sleep apnea in adults. If you are overweight or obese, you may have more fat accumulated around your neck, narrowing the airway. A narrowed airway can make breathing difficult or result in snoring. If you are overweight or obese, decreasing weight may help to minimize or eliminate your sleep apnoea.

Having asthma

Asthma is a long-term, chronic illness that affects your lungs’ airways. The tubes that transport air into and out of your lungs are called airways. Asthma sufferers may occasionally experience narrowing and inflammation of their airways. You might cough, wheeze, or experience chest discomfort.
Being obese can make it more likely that you will get asthma, worsen its symptoms, and find it more difficult to control. You may find it simpler to control your asthma if you lose weight. Weight-loss surgery, also known as metabolic and bariatric surgery, may help persons with severe obesity with their asthma symptoms.

Osteoarthritis

A prevalent and chronic health issue, osteoarthritis results in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. One major risk factor for osteoarthritis in the ankles, hips, and knees is obesity.
Because being overweight or obese puts additional strain on your joints and cartilage, it may increase your chance of developing osteoarthritis. Your blood may include more inflammatory chemicals if you have too much body fat. You may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis if your joints are inflamed.
Losing weight can reduce inflammation in your body and alleviate the strain on your knees, hips, and lower back if you are overweight or obese. Losing weight may alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Exercise is one of the greatest ways to treat osteoarthritis, according to research. Exercise can boost flexibility, reduce pain, and elevate mood.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that makes your joints hurt and swell. When crystals of a chemical known as uric acid accumulate in your joints, gout results. Obesity, masculinity, hypertension, and consumption of purine-rich foods are risk factors. These foods include liver, anchovies, and red meat.
The primary treatment for gout is medication. Gout can be prevented and treated by losing weight.

Conditions affecting the pancreatic and gallbladder

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of gallbladder conditions such as cholecystitis and gallstones. Obesity may result in elevated cholesterol levels in the bile, which can lead to gallstones. They might also have a large, poorly functioning gallbladder.
Gallstones may be more likely to develop if you have a lot of fat around your waist. But decreasing weight quickly also raises your risk. If you have obesity, discuss with your healthcare practitioner how to lose weight safely.
The pancreas, a big gland beneath your stomach that produces insulin and digestive enzymes, can also be impacted by obesity. Obese individuals are more likely to develop pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. An increased risk of pancreatitis can also result from high blood fat levels. By maintaining a healthy, low-fat diet, you can reduce your risk of developing pancreatitis.

Kidney illness

Your kidneys are harmed and unable to filter your blood as effectively if you have kidney disease. The two most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes and high blood pressure, are increased by obesity. Obesity may raise your risk of getting chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hasten its progression, even if you do not have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Losing weight may help you avoid or postpone chronic kidney disease (CKD) if you are overweight or obese. Consuming nutritious foods and drinks, exercising, and decreasing extra weight might help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prolong the health of your kidneys if you are in their early stages.

Pregnancy problems

A pregnant woman with a jacket over her shoulder is seen strolling.
Obesity and overweight increase the chance of pregnancy-related health issues that could impact both the health of the unborn child and the mother. Obesity when pregnant may raise the risk of:

• Acquiring gestational diabetes, often known as pregnancy-related diabetes.
• Having high blood pressure or preeclampsia.
• During pregnancy, which, if untreated, can result in serious health issues for both the expectant mother and the unborn child.
• Requiring a cesarean section, sometimes known as a c-section, and hence recovering from childbirth more slowly.

Fertility problems

The chance of becoming infertile rises with obesity. Women are considered infertile if they are unable to conceive after a year of trying or if they become pregnant but are unable to bring the pregnancy to term. For men, it refers to the inability to conceive a woman.
Men who are obese have reduced sperm counts and quality. Obesity in women is associated with issues related to ovulation and the menstrual cycle External link. With the use of specific infertility treatments or procedures, obesity can also make getting pregnant more difficult.
Losing five percent of body weight may improve the likelihood that obese women will ovulate, have regular periods, and become pregnant.

Sexual function problems

Additionally, obesity may raise the chance of difficulties with sexual function. Erectile dysfunction (ED), a disorder in which men are unable to obtain or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity, is more likely to occur in those who are overweight or obese.
Few studies have examined how obesity may impact female sexual function by causing issues like pain during sex, loss of sexual desire, difficulty becoming or remaining aroused, or difficulty having an orgasm. However, studies indicate that weight loss, improved physical activity, and a healthy diet may help lessen issues with sexual function in obese individuals.

Mental health problems

Obesity can impact mental health in addition to raising the chance of physical health issues, which increases the likelihood of:

• chronic stress-related issues with body image
• eating disorders,
• sadness, and poor self-esteem

According to studies, those who are overweight or obese are also more likely to experience prejudice at work and school because of their weight, which could negatively impact their quality of life over time. It has been discovered that reducing extra weight improves self-esteem and body image while also lessening depressive symptoms.

What is the treatment for obesity?

Together, you and your healthcare professional will determine a weight loss strategy that suits your needs. Since each person is unique, determining which therapy is most effective may need some trial and error:

Changing your diet: You are special. This implies that you should adjust your diet to suit your needs. There are methods for preparing meals that are high in nutritious foods. Your healthcare professional can recommend dietary regimens that have been scientifically established to work, such as the DASH or Mediterranean diets. These differ from other diets that have drawbacks and restrictions. They are more akin to a collection of constructive rules that can assist you in reaching your dietary objectives.

Including exercise in your day: There are numerous methods to increase your level of activity, which burns calories.

Mental health support: Positive improvements can be supported by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and counseling. They can also help you deal with emotional and psychological issues that might be hindering you and manage stress.

Weight-loss medication

Your doctor might advise you to include medication in your weight loss regimen. Although they can address weight loss from a different perspective, medications are not the only solution. For instance, several of the brain connections that influence hunger can be blocked by appetite suppressants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following medications to treat obesity:

• Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone): May lessen appetite and food intake.
• GLP-1 agonists: Reduce blood sugar, regulate hunger, and help you feel fuller sooner. One example of a GLP1 agonist is Ozempic.
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and/or semaglutide (Wegovy): Reduce appetite. This drug may be taken in combination with a GLP-1 agonist by providers.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda): Slows digestion and decreases hunger.
• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Decreases the amount of fat that is absorbed from your stomach.
• Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate): Reduces appetite.
• Phentermine: Reduces appetite (Adipex-P, Lomaira, Suprenza). It can be used for a maximum of three months at a time.

Surgery for weight loss:

You may be eligible for bariatric surgery if you have class III obesity. It controls how many calories you can consume and absorb, bariatric surgery operations alter your digestive tract, mostly your stomach but occasionally your small intestine as well. Additionally, they can lessen the signals of hunger that are sent from your digestive system to your brain. Among the bariatric procedures are:

• Duodenal switch.
• LAP band, or gastric band.
• Bypass of the stomach (Roux-en-Y).
• Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve.

Is it possible to avoid obesity?

It is easier to prevent obesity than to treat it once it has become established. The reason for this is that your body regulates your body mass by adjusting its systems to balance your hunger cues with the energy expenditure from your everyday activities. Your body considers that to be your new baseline weight once it has established a new high “set point.” Your weight may increase on the scale or in the BMI table as a result of that new set point. You can avoid obesity by looking at your habits and making sensible changes today. Here are a few instances:

Make minor modifications. Do you have a daily snack or “pick-me-up,” such as a sugary, high-calorie drink? Consider replacing it. Just 150 more calories each day can build up to 10 pounds over a year. That’s equivalent to a snack-sized bag of potato chips or two double-stuffed sandwich cookies.

Add physical activity: Alternatively, examine what you may do to burn an extra 150 calories each day by finding an activity that is appropriate for your fitness level.

Shop intentionally: Stock your home with healthful foods and reserve sweets and snacks for special occasions when you go out.

Cultivate overall wellness: Limit your screen time and get outside for some fresh air. Manage your stress and try to get enough sleep to keep your hormone levels stable. Instead of focusing on how your efforts affect your weight, consider making good changes and engaging in healthy activities.

FAQs

References

• Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity. (2024, December 13). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks
• Obesity. (2024, October 29). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11209-weight-control-and-obesity