What is the impact of being overweight or obese on one's health?

Overweight or obese people are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and others. Obese or overweight people are more likely to develop chronic illnesses such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about two out of every five people in the United States were obese in 2017-2018.

Even modest weight loss — such as decreasing 5 to 10% of body weight — can assist persons who are overweight or obese reduce their risk of obesity-related comorbidities or chronic disease. Obesity can be caused by a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices. Genetics may influence how fat is stored in the body and how quickly calories are burnt. Obesity can also be caused by lifestyle factors such as a high-calorie diet or a lack of exercise. Obesity can be caused by diseases or drugs in some circumstances.

What constitutes being overweight or obese?

The body mass index (BMI) is a metric used by doctors to identify whether or not someone is overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or higher, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Doctors may also use waist circumference to determine fat distribution, or how fat tissue is distributed throughout your body. The combination of BMI and waist circumference can aid a doctor in determining whether or not a patient is overweight or obese.

What are the health risks associated with obesity?

Obese people are more likely to get the following conditions, according to the CDC.

Diabetes Type 2

Insulin resistance, which arises when your body does not respond adequately to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, causes this kind of diabetes. Insulin resistance leads to excessive blood sugar levels, which can cause problems in other sections of the body such heart disease, eyesight loss, and renal illness.

Hypertension

Being overweight causes the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, putting more pressure on artery walls and resulting in high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Consumption of high-sodium diets is linked to high blood pressure because the body retains more water, increasing the amount of blood flowing through arteries and the pressure exerted on them. Lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease can be achieved by consuming less sodium.

High cholesterol levels in the blood

Cholesterol is beneficial to our bodies since it aids in the formation of cells, the production of hormones such as estrogen, and the digestion of fatty foods. However, "good" and "bad" cholesterol exist. LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins, is the "bad" sort because it transports cholesterol to the arteries, where it can build plaque. When cholesterol and other fatty compounds build up on the insides of artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis develops, the arteries narrow and become less flexible, making blood flow to the heart, brain, muscles, and other organs in the body more difficult. This raises the chances of developing heart disease.

Coronary artery disease

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, all of which are linked to obesity, can have a deleterious influence on the arteries. Arteriosclerosis is a disorder in which arteries grow hardened and inflexible over time. If they are clogged with fatty substances, this can happen. As a result, blood travels more slowly through stiff arteries, making circulation more challenging. A heart attack or stroke can be caused by poor circulation.

Issues with the lungs

Being overweight can make it difficult for the lungs to fully expand and can obstruct the airways, making it difficult to take in enough oxygen. This can aggravate asthma or progress to sleep apnea, a sleeping disease in which breathing is disrupted.

Osteoarthritis

Joint pain and stiffness are symptoms of this illness. Inflammation in the joints and cartilage surrounding bones can be exacerbated by excess body fat. Weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, are susceptible to this condition.

Cancers

Weight gain can raise your risk of developing cancers such as breast, colorectal, endometrial, renal, prostate, or colon cancer. Obesity and overweight may raise the risk of urine incontinence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gallstones or gallbladder disease, and renal disease, in addition to the illnesses listed above. Obese or overweight people are more likely to experience difficulties during pregnancy.

How to lose weight and keep it off in a healthy way

Obese persons can reduce risk factors including blood pressure and blood sugar levels by decreasing just 5% of their body weight, according to research. More weight loss was linked to significantly more health advantages and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Each person's weight loss treatment for obesity or being overweight is unique. Lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced and healthy diet and obtaining enough physical activity, are one approach to lose weight or maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight requires balancing the number of calories burned with the number of calories consumed.

The daily calorie need differs from individual to person. Based on your height, weight, and level of physical activity, the MyPlate.gov web calculator determines how many calories you need to maintain your current weight. You can also work with a dietitian to estimate your calorie requirements and develop an eating plan that balances your calorie intake with your calorie expenditure.

A doctor may offer a weight-loss program, medication, or surgery in some situations. Keep in mind that losing weight is a process. It will take time to form new, healthy habits, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the minor victories along the road.