WARNING: Being Chronically Overweight Puts You at Risk for Secondary Health Conditions

This is an inside look at the risks of being chronically overweight and how to address them.

In recent years, the body positivity movement has gained a significant following, encouraging individuals to embrace their curves and love themselves regardless of their body shape and size. While we certainly support self-love and acceptance, the reality is that carrying around excess body weight can put a strain on various organs and systems in the body. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential health risks associated with being chronically overweight and how to address them.

Potential Complications

Type 2 Diabetes: One of the most significant risks associated with being overweight is the development of Type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin. Diabetic patients have a higher risk of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and at worst, amputations. Weight loss can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and if you already have Type 2 diabetes, losing weight can help manage the condition.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Carrying extra weight can put a strain on your heart and circulatory system, increasing your risk for numerous cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, stroke, and high blood pressure. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of such conditions, and doctors may prescribe medications to control hypertension.

Joint Problems: Overweight individuals place a significant amount of stress on their joints, such as knees, ankles, hips, and back, causing conditions such as osteoarthritis. Weight loss, in combination with physiotherapy, medications, or surgery (if required) can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.

Sleep Apnea/Asthma/Other Breathing Issues: Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition wherein individuals experience difficulty of breathing while sleeping due to narrow airways. Overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea than people with a healthy weight. Doctors may recommend Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and weight loss to help.

Depression and Anxiety: The psychological effects of being overweight can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Losing weight can help boost self-confidence, increase self-esteem, and perhaps eventually improve mental health and wellness.

Gallstones/Gallbladder Disease: Symptoms of chronic gallbladder disease include complaints of gas, nausea abdominal discomfort after meals, and chronic diarrhea. Stones lodged in the common bile duct can cause symptoms that are similar to those produced by stones that lodge in the gallbladder. This may cause your skin to yellow in a condition known as jaundice.

The Takeaway

While embracing your body shape is essential, carrying around excess weight can have numerous adverse health implications. That’s why maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can improve overall health and wellness. At Vitality Health of Southwest Florida, we offer medically assisted weight loss plans that are tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether it’s one-on-one consultations, meal plans or a physician-supervised weight loss program, our team of experts are here to help you achieve your optimal weight.

Here at Vitality Health SFL, we will work with you in reaching your health and wellness goals!

Visit www.vitalityhealthsfl.com to learn more about the the services we offer at Vitality Health SFL and how we can give your health the boost you have been needing!

Give us a call at 1-833-4LOWTEE to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zughbi.

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