Obesity Symptoms, Causes, Risks, Care, And Treatments

Below, you’ll find must-know information about obesity.

Obesity is a medical condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s health. It is defined as an increase in body mass index (BMI) above the normal weight range.

Obesity is a serious health condition that increases the risk of developing diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.

In addition, obesity is associated with certain diseases, such as liver disorders, sleep apnea, and gallbladder disease. It also increases the risk of certain cancers.

A growing number of studies also show that obesity has a direct influence on mental health. An obese person has more chance of suffering from depression.

So if obesity is left untreated, the patient is more likely to suffer from multiple health conditions that could be deadly.

As a result, obesity can significantly reduce a person’s life expectancy.

Doctors and researchers have found that a moderate amount of exercise, combined with a healthy diet, can help with weight management. However, without access to healthier foods and other factors, it is hard to make these changes.

Over the last several decades, obesity rates have increased dramatically. Many factors contribute to this phenomenon. Some are inherited, but others are caused by environmental and social factors.

Individuals, who have genetic traits of obesity, have a harder time losing weight. They may need surgery to remove excess body fat. However, there are some individuals who can lose weight with just exercise and diet.

Knowing the various symptoms can help manage the condition and eventually save the patient’s life.

Morbid Obesity vs Regular Obesity

Morbid obesity, also known as extreme obesity or severe obesity, is a more severe form of obesity. It is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or being approximately 100 pounds or more over your ideal body weight.

Morbid obesity is associated with an increased risk of a number of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

It can also have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, including causing difficulty with physical activities and mobility, and increasing the risk of social isolation.

On the other hand, regular obesity is characterized by a BMI of 30 or higher, but less than 40. While obesity is also associated with an increased risk of health problems, the risks are generally lower than those associated with morbid obesity.

It is important to note that both morbid obesity and regular obesity can have serious health consequences and that maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and well-being.

Here are the various critical obesity symptoms and signs you should know about.

9. Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is associated with a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. This is caused by the fat molecules in the blood reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Over time, this leads to higher levels of free fatty acids in the blood that can affect the bones, nerves, kidneys, and vision.  This puts obese people with type 2 diabetes at a higher risk for serious health complications.

8. Pain In Lower Back

Weight gain places extra stress on the musculoskeletal system, which is the largest assemblage of joints and bones in the body. This can contribute to injuries and long-term pain. Obesity can worsen current musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Furthermore, those who are overweight or obese are more likely to have a worse outcome after undergoing back surgery.

7. Trouble Sleeping

One of the most important risks associated with obesity is less than ideal sleep. Lack of sleep can affect the ability to make healthy food choices and can increase the appetite for high-calorie foods. Sleep deprivation also causes fatigue and sedation.

Studies have found that short sleep duration is associated with greater body mass index (BMI) and weight gain. The association may be due to the influence of hormones on appetite and metabolism.

6. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where the upper airway becomes obstructed and stops breathing for a short period. If left untreated, it can cause health complications and can lead to heart problems.

Obesity is one of the most common causes of sleep apnea. This is because the extra weight that causes obesity can increase the amount of pressure on the airway structures. It also increases the amount of fat that accumulates around the airway. With the amount of pressure and fat accumulating around the airway, the flow of air is restricted.

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