What Are the Risks of Obesity?
Obesity is not just excess weight. It is a serious chronic disease that affects nearly every system in the body and reduces both life expectancy and quality of life.
Many systems, including the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems, are negatively affected by obesity. Additionally, psychological and social adaptation can be deeply impacted by this condition.
In the European Region, being overweight causes more than 1 million deaths each year and leads to 12 million years of lost life.
(Source: WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022)
Main Health Problems Caused by Obesity:
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risks
- Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia
- Type 2 Diabetes (Diabetes mellitus)
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- Hyperlipidemia and Hypertriglyceridemia (Elevated blood lipids)
- Coronary artery diseases
- Metabolic syndrome
Respiratory and Digestive System Disorders
- Sleep apnea and snoring
- Asthma and shortness of breath
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Gallbladder diseases
Effects on the Musculoskeletal System
- Osteoarthritis (Joint degeneration)
- Back and knee pain
- Reduced ability to walk and move
Hormonal and Reproductive Health
- Menstrual irregularities
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
- Complications during pregnancy (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)
- Fertility issues
Relationship with Cancer
Obesity is a significant risk factor for some types of cancer:
- In women: Breast, ovarian, endometrial, gallbladder cancers
- In men: Prostate, colon cancers
Psychological and Social Problems
- Depression, lack of self-esteem, and social isolation
- Eating disorders:
– Binge eating
– Bulimia nervosa (purging food)
– Night eating syndrome - Social maladaptation, exclusion in the workplace
Skin and Infection Problems
- Fungal and bacterial infections in skin folds
- Rashes and irritation in the groin and foot areas
Remember:
Obesity is not just an aesthetic issue; it is a systemic and multifaceted disease. If left untreated, it leads to many chronic diseases.
If you carry these risks along with obesity, early intervention is crucial.
- To assess whether you are a candidate for obesity treatment, Contact Us
- To learn your BMI value:
