10 Health Issues Related to Carrying Too Many Pounds

Obesity is still on the rise in the United States, as are the health issues linked to carrying too many pounds. To give you an idea about the risks, we outline some of the potential health complications here.

Like many nations around the world, the United States has a weight problem. About two-thirds of Americans are overweight or have obesity, and the future isn’t looking any better. In fact, a recent study found that we’re on a crash course toward 64% of the population being obese by 2050.

Carrying unhealthy pounds can affect your health and wellness in a number of different ways, 10 of which our team of healthcare providers here at LaSante Health Center reviews below.

Diabetes

There’s a direct link between obesity and diabetes, a chronic condition that affects 38.4 million Americans. Obesity can alter your metabolic balance and leave you with insulin resistance, which can put you on the fast track to Type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease

Your cardiovascular health is in the direct line of fire when you’re carrying extra pounds, as fat deposits can build up in your bloodstream and clog your arteries. Nearly half of Americans have cardiovascular disease, which includes everything from high blood pressure to heart disease.

Kidney disease

Obesity increases your risks for both diabetes and hypertension, which are the most common drivers of chronic kidney disease.

Sleep apnea

When you’re carrying too many pounds, your body can store fat in your neck, which places pressure on your airways. And the extra tissues at the back of your throat can collapse during the night while you sleep and further block your airways, which is the hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea.

Osteoarthritis

Your musculoskeletal structure is designed for a certain amount of weight and, when you exceed that, your joints can wear down prematurely, leading to osteoarthritis.

Fatty liver disease

Another area where your body stores extra fat is in your liver, which can lead to fatty liver disease and liver failure.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Obesity is one of the primary risk factors for PCOS — a condition in which the ovaries produce too many androgen hormones in women, upsetting their reproductive hormone balance. In fact, PCOS is a leading driver of infertility in women.

Certain cancers

Obesity raises your risks for certain cancers, including:

Prostate cancer
Colorectal cancer
Breast cancer
Uterine cancer
Gallbladder cancer

This list is far from complete, as ongoing research continues to uncover connections between obesity and cancer.

Sexual dysfunction

Men with obesity are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, and women with obesity may be more at risk for loss of libido and arousal.

Mental health issues

The effects of obesity aren’t just physical. Extra pounds can affect your mental health and place you more at risk for issues like depression and anxiety.

While this certainly is a frightening list, the good news is that you can reduce your risks for each of these conditions, and more, through weight loss. The even better news is that our team can help you design a weight loss plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

A good place to start is to sit down with one of our providers to discuss the best path forward for a healthier you. To get that ball rolling, book an appointment online or call us at our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-246-5700.

We serve the Flatbush and East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Little Haiti, Little Caribbean, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens communities.