The Dangers of Obesity

Did you know that not all overweight people are obese? In fact, it is possible to be overweight and metabolically healthy.  However, a person cannot be obese and metabolically healthy. Obesity impacts the body in many harmful ways. Thirteen types of cancer and 200 other health conditions have been linked to obesity (Bartosch, 2022), including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. Currently, 4 in 10 American adults have obesity, and obesity rates are continuing to climb nationwide (Trust for America’s Health, 2022). In nineteen states, the adult obesity rate exceeds 35 percent, with West Virginia, Kentucky, and Alabama having the highest rates of adult obesity at 40.6 percent, 40.3 percent, and 39.9 percent, respectively. To put this into perspective, a decade ago, no state had an adult obesity rate at or above 35 percent (Trust for America’s Health, 2022).

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than he or she burns through normal daily activities and exercise. Those excess calories are stored as fat. When too many calories are eaten each day repeatedly, a person develops more and more body fat. This results in obesity. In the United States, most people's diets are too high in calories — often from fast food and high-calorie beverages, such as full-sugar sodas and lattes. Additionally, many people living in Western countries have jobs that are sedentary in nature, so they do not tend to burn many calories at work. Even daily activities use fewer calories due to the convenience of such amenities as remote controls, escalators, and online shopping.

Obesity tends to run in families. There are two main reasons for this: 

1. The genes that someone inherits from his or her parents may affect the amount of body fat he or she stores and how that fat is distributed. Genetics may also play a role in how efficiently someone’s body converts food into energy, how one’s body regulates appetite, and how one’s body burns calories during exercise.

2. Family members tend to share similar eating and activity habits. Children learn eating habits from their caregivers. If their caregivers are eating a diet that's high in calories, lacking in fruits and vegetables, full of fast food, and laden with oversized portions and high-calorie beverages, the children will likely adopt these eating habits, which increases their likelihood of becoming obese.

In some people, obesity can be traced to a medical cause, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing syndrome and other conditions. Medical problems, such as arthritis, also can lead to decreased activity, which may result in weight gain. Some medications can lead to weight gain if you don't compensate through diet or activity. These medications include some antidepressants, diabetes medications, anti-seizure medications, steroids, antipsychotic medications, and beta blockers.

There are several long-term health consequences of obesity. Illnesses resulting from obesity are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. People with obesity are more likely to develop several potentially serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease and stroke. Obesity increases a person’s likelihood for high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease and strokes.

• Type 2 diabetes. Obesity can affect the way the body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels. This raises the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.

• Certain cancers. Obesity may increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, uterus, endometrium, breast, ovary, colon, rectum, liver, esophagus, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and prostate.

• Digestive problems. Obesity increases the likelihood of developing heartburn, gallbladder disease, and liver problems.

• Sleep apnea. People with obesity are more likely to have sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder in which a person’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly while sleeping.

• Osteoarthritis. Obesity increases the stress placed on weight-bearing joints and promotes inflammation within the body. These factors may lead to complications such as osteoarthritis.

Following a healthy eating plan that involves eating fewer calories is often the first step in trying to treat obesity. People who have obesity should also start regular physical activity when they begin their healthy eating plan. Being active will help burn extra calories. Regular physical activity can also help people maintain a healthy weight.

Changing one’s eating and physical activity habits and lifestyle is difficult, but with a plan, effort, regular support, and patience, it is possible to lose weight and improve overall health. Here are some tips on ways to lose weight, engage in regular physical activity, and improve health over the long-term.

1. Be prepared for setbacks. They are normal. The important thing is to refocus following a setback. For example, after a setback such as overeating at a family gathering, try to regroup and focus on getting back to your healthy eating plan as quickly as you can. Try to eat only when you’re sitting at your dining room or kitchen table. At work, avoid areas where snacks may be available. Track your progress using online food or physical activity trackers.

2. Set goals. Having specific goals can help someone remain focused. Rather than “be more active,” set a goal with numerical values, such as walking 20 minutes after work every Monday and Friday. If you miss a walk on Monday, pick it up again Tuesday.

3. Seek support. Ask for help or encouragement from family, friends, or health care professionals.

References

Bartosh, J. (2022, August 24). Can you be overweight and healthy? University of Chicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/can-you-be-overweight-and-healthy#:~:text=Is%20it%20possible%20to%20be,conditions%20are%20related%20to%20obesity.

Trust for America’s Health. (2022). The state of obesity: Better policies for a healthier America. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.tfah.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022ObesityReport_FINAL3923.pdf