What is Obesity?

Obesity is when your body weight is above normal.  People with obesity are more likely to have other diseases. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, sleep apnea, and many more. Combined with obesity, these diseases may lead to have poor health.

Impact of Obesity

Obesity related health conditions can significantly reduce life expectancy and can impact daily life.

• Diabetes: Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body affecting eyesight, nervous system, circulation, and healing.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney disease. Obesity can increase your risk for strokes.
• Osteoarthritis: Weight bearing joints especially knees, hips, and back can be affected by osteoarthritis from the strain placed on them from excessive weight. This can lead to difficulty performing daily activities.
• Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Problems:  Obesity causes decreased lung capacity. Obesity causes a higher risk for lung infections, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. Sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. Sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep cycle, it can lead to fatigue, and drowsiness.

Obesity can have a dramatic impact on your body. The conditions related to obesity can have an effect to your health.  However, many of these complications can be avoided or cured through weight loss.