Health risks associated with obesity
- Bone and cartilage degeneration
(Osteoarthritis)
Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoarthritis in most joints,
especially at the knee joint (the most important site for osteoarthritis).
Obesity confers a nine times increased risk in knee joint osteoarthritis
in women. Osteoarthritis risk is also linked to obesity for other joints.
A recent study indicated that obesity is a strong determinant of thumb
base osteoarthritis in both sexes. Data suggest that metabolic and
mechanical factors mediate the effects of obesity on joints (University of
Bristol).
- Coronary heart disease
Obesity carries a penalty of an associated adverse cardiovascular risk
profile. Largely as a consequence of this, it is associated with an excess
occurrence of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. (Department
of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee)
- Gallbladder disease
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for gallstones. In such
cases, the liver over-produces cholesterol, which is then delivered into
the bile causing it to become supersaturated. Some evidence suggests that
specific dietary factors (saturated fats and refined sugars) are the
primary culprit in these cases (University of Maryland Medical Center)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
There are multiple reasons why obesity causes hypertension, but it seems
that excess adipose (fat) tissue secretes substances that are acted on by
the kidneys, resulting in hypertension. Moreover, with obesity there are
generally higher amounts of insulin produced. Excess insulin elevates
blood pressure. (Weight.com)
- High total cholesterol, high levels of
triglycerides (Dyslipidemia)
The primary dyslipidemia related to obesity is characterized by increased
triglycerides, decreased HDL levels, and abnormal LDL composition. (Howard
BV, Ruotolo G, Robbins DC.)
- Respiratory problems
Obesity can also cause respiratory problems. Breathing is difficult as the
lungs are decreased in size and the chest wall becomes very heavy and
difficult to lift. (Medical College of Wisconsin)
- Several cancers
In 2002, approximately 41,000 new cases of cancer in the USA were thought
to be due to obesity. In other words, about 3.2% of all new cancers are
linked to obesity (Polednak AP. Trends in incidence rates for
obesity-associated cancers in the U.S. Cancer Detection and Prevention
- Sleep apnea
Obesity has been found to be linked to sleep apnea. Also, weight reduction
has been associated with comparable reductions in the severity of sleep apnea.
(NHLBI)
- Stroke
Rising obesity rates have been linked to more strokes among women aged 35
to 54. (Medical News Today - "Stroke Increase And Obesity Linked
Among Middle-Aged Women")
- Type 2 diabetes
One of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and this
is also one of the most modifiable as it can be partially controlled
through diet and exercise.
Obesity is an important risk factor for osteoarthritis in most joints, especially at the knee joint (the most important site for osteoarthritis). Obesity confers a nine times increased risk in knee joint osteoarthritis in women. Osteoarthritis risk is also linked to obesity for other joints. A recent study indicated that obesity is a strong determinant of thumb base osteoarthritis in both sexes. Data suggest that metabolic and mechanical factors mediate the effects of obesity on joints (University of Bristol).
Obesity carries a penalty of an associated adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Largely as a consequence of this, it is associated with an excess occurrence of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. (Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee)
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for gallstones. In such cases, the liver over-produces cholesterol, which is then delivered into the bile causing it to become supersaturated. Some evidence suggests that specific dietary factors (saturated fats and refined sugars) are the primary culprit in these cases (University of Maryland Medical Center)
There are multiple reasons why obesity causes hypertension, but it seems that excess adipose (fat) tissue secretes substances that are acted on by the kidneys, resulting in hypertension. Moreover, with obesity there are generally higher amounts of insulin produced. Excess insulin elevates blood pressure. (Weight.com)
The primary dyslipidemia related to obesity is characterized by increased triglycerides, decreased HDL levels, and abnormal LDL composition. (Howard BV, Ruotolo G, Robbins DC.)
Obesity can also cause respiratory problems. Breathing is difficult as the lungs are decreased in size and the chest wall becomes very heavy and difficult to lift. (Medical College of Wisconsin)
In 2002, approximately 41,000 new cases of cancer in the USA were thought to be due to obesity. In other words, about 3.2% of all new cancers are linked to obesity (Polednak AP. Trends in incidence rates for obesity-associated cancers in the U.S. Cancer Detection and Prevention
Obesity has been found to be linked to sleep apnea. Also, weight reduction has been associated with comparable reductions in the severity of sleep apnea. (NHLBI)
Rising obesity rates have been linked to more strokes among women aged 35 to 54. (Medical News Today - "Stroke Increase And Obesity Linked Among Middle-Aged Women")
One of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity, and this is also one of the most modifiable as it can be partially controlled through diet and exercise.
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