It's no secret that extra weight negatively impacts your health. The health and wellness industry brought in over a trillion in revenue in 2022 and for good reason. Getting healthier and shedding excess pounds not only prolongs your life but adds to the quality and vitality of your life.
The Latest data shows that nearly 2 out of 3 American people are overweight and 1 in 3 have obesity. These numbers are staggering!
Being overweight is defined by a BMI of 25 or higher and obesity is classified at a BMI of 30 or higher.
Those who are overweight or obese, compared to those of a healthy weight, are at higher risk for serious health problems and a higher mortality rate.
The most common complications of carrying excess wight includes diabetes and cardiovascular risks like high blood pressure and stroke, but being over-weight can cause many complications to one's health. Read below to learn more.
Diabetes
Obesity and being overweight is the leading cause for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess weight increases your risk for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. This increases your risk for diabetes and diabetes related health issues like neuropathy and eye damage.
Obesity increases your risk for developing diabetes by 20 times compared to individuals of a healthy weight. Studies show that even slight weight loss at 5-10 percent and moderate exercise at a minimum of 2.5 hours can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by nearly 50 percent!
Cardiovascular Health
Obesity increases your risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease by nearly 28% compared to individuals of a healthy weight.
Excess weight contributes to the increase of visceral fat. Visceral fat is internal fat that surrounds the organs and clogs up arteries. A buildup of plaque in the arteries can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
More fat tissue means more blood volume. This increase is blood volume puts more stress and pressure on the heart.
The risk for high blood pressure also goes up by 65-70 %. Having higher than normal blood pressure, over a longer period of time, can increase your risk for kidney disease.
Bone and Joint Health
Excess weight and obesity are known risk factors for developing osteoarthritis as well as other musculoskeletal disorders. Being overweight causes extra stress to the musculoskeletal system of the body and increases the likely hood of fractures and injuries.
Carrying excess weight increases the load placed on the joints. This enhances joint wear and tear and the need for joint replacement surgeries. Overweight individuals also have a higher probability of post-surgical complications including infections and poor wound healing.
There is also a higher chance of developing vertebrae disk disease and sciatica. These conditions can cause low back pain and limited mobility.
Mental Health
Research has found that people who are overweight and obese have an increase of developing mental health conditions. There is a whooping 55% increased chance of developing depression.
The impact of extra weight on mental health is due to several factors. Quality of life is usually diminished in over-weight individuals. The increase in physical health issues and probability of elevated pain negatively impacts mental health.
There are many different issues that can arise from being obese and over-weight. Fortunately losing weight can reduce and even prevent your risk of developing these chronic and sometimes life-threatening complications. Even slight to moderate weight loss can greatly impact your health in a positive way.
Here at Alpha Wellness Lab, we are dedicated to helping our patients reach and maintain their weight-loss goals.
Click here to view the weight-loss services we offer. We would love to be a part of your health and wellness journey! Ready to schedule an appointment with us? click here.
References:
Impact of overweight and obesity on the musculoskeletal system using lumbosacral angles - PMC (nih.gov)
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