Obesity is one of the greatest health threats to Americans today. Sixty-four percent of adults in the United States are currently overweight or obese. Being overweight or obese puts you at risk for serious health conditions, including the ones listed below. If you are overweight or obese, learn how Mission's Weight Management programs can help.
High blood pressure - The more fatty tissue your body has, the more blood it needs. Excess weight increases your blood volume, which puts added pressure on your arteries and heart. High blood pressure can lead to heart failure, heart attack or stroke.
High cholesterol - Excess fat reduces your body's ability to produce "good" HDL cholesterol and raises your triglyceride levels.
Heart disease - Obesity puts added strain on your heart. When your heart doesn't receive enough oxygen or is overworked, the results can include heart disease, heart failure, angina or heart attack.
Stroke - People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for stroke. A stroke occurs when your brain doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen, which can lead to severe disability, paralysis or death.
Type 2 diabetes - Excess fat makes your body resistant to insulin, the hormone that controls your body's ability to regulate blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels become too high, you can develop type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications including nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Cancer - Studies have shown that being overweight increases your likelihood of getting cancer. Obesity is associated with cancers of the colon, esophagus, kidney, uterus and breast.
Osteoarthritis - Excess weight puts added pressure on your knees, hips and lower back, which over time can lead to the joint disorder known as osteoarthritis.
Sleep apnea - Being overweight can lead to sleep apnea, a serious condition in which you stop breathing for short periods of time during your sleep.
Fatty liver disease - Fatty accumulations in your liver can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Gallbladder disease - Due to increased cholesterol levels, people who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for developing gallstones, which cause severe back and abdominal pain.
