subject: Health Problems Associated With Overweight [print this page] Overweight or obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has built up to an extent that may be harmfully affected the general health. It is associated with a variety of diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.
Unhealthy eating habits along with lack of physical activities are the main reasons behind people being overweight or developing obesity. Overweight is a serious problem that poses threat to various cardiovascular diseases such as heart problems, blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and many other health hazards that affect the overall general health. When body takes in excess calories than that is broken down by daily physical activities, the body mass index rises to abnormal levels, leading to condition of overweight or obesity.
The consumption of excess of saturated fats and todays sedentary life has alarmingly increased the ratio of obesity in children, adults and older people, regardless of the gender and age. Saturated fatty foods such as red meat, high fat milk, butter, poultry, use of saturated cooking oils and junk food is the main cause of increase in body fat. The accumulation of excess fat in our blood and arteries block the normal flow of body fluids- thereby inducing high cholesterol and triglycerides. As a result of which coronary heart diseases develops with the risks of strokes, heart attacks and premature death. The presence of high amount of fat in our body lowers the level of good cholesterol known as HDL or high density lipoprotein that is associated with the lowering of risk for heart attacks. The reduction of HDL increases the level of bad cholesterol or LDL that worsen the risk factor further, leading to various general health risks.
In addition to heart diseases and strokes, overweight leads to Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Overweight reduces the ability of our body to control sugar levels that may again cause kidney disorders, vision problems; amputation of legs, inflammation, fatique etc. diet modification with proper exercises can also lower the risk of abnormal lipid levels and hypertension caused by overweight. Other health risks of being overweight include osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and even cancer. It also increases the chances of developing other problems, such as gall bladder disease, gout nutrient deficiencies and reproductive problems like irregular periods, increased birth defects and an increased risk of death of the mother and baby.
