Obesity is a serious medical condition that occurs when a person has accumulated an excessive amount of body fat. It has become a significant problem in nearly every country, including India. According to a new report on global trends, it has been estimated that nearly 27.8% of all Indians would be overweight by 2030. And while we tend to think of obesity as primarily a physical issue, it can also have significant consequences for our mental and emotional health.
Obesity can affect a person's health in more ways than you can imagine, including increasing their risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. This blog, by the experts specializing in bariatric surgery in Gurgaon, will explore how being obese can affect your overall health. We'll look at the physical, mental, and emotional effects of obesity and how they can impact your quality of life. We'll also offer some tips on how to overcome obesity and live a healthier life.
Health risks of being obese
When it comes to overall health, being obese can put you at risk for several different health problems. It's a significant risk factor for heart disease since fat deposits can build up in the arteries. Narrowed or blocked arteries can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems, putting additional strain on the heart and increasing the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes is also a big problem in obese people, which happens when your body can't properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It can lead to serious health complications like kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness. As per the top bariatric surgeons in Gurgaon, obesity can also contribute to other respiratory and joint problems since obesity can put added stress throughout the body, like knees, hips, airflow and lungs. So let's take a deep dive into the physical, mental, and emotional effects of obesity and how they can impact your quality of life.
Obesity and physical health
The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically in recent years. In fact, obesity is estimated to cause 112,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Aside from the direct effects of obesity on health, being overweight can also lead to social isolation and discrimination. It can further compound the adverse health effects of obesity and make it even harder to lose weight.
People who are obese are also at increased risk for developing other health problems, such as sleep apnea, arthritis, and gallbladder disease. Excess weight causes the collapse of the soft tissue in the back of the throat, blocking airflow and leading to interrupted breathing during sleep. It can cause fatigue during the day, and over time, these health problems can also lead to psychological problems, such as depression and low self-esteem.
Obesity and mental health
Obesity and mental health are closely linked. Obesity can lead to or worsen certain mental health conditions; conversely, having a mental illness can lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Obesity has many causes, including genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. But whatever the cause, obesity affects your physical and mental health.
Obesity can increase your risk of developing depression. One reason may be that carrying extra weight can make you feel isolated and alone. Additionally, the stigma surrounding obesity can lead to low self-esteem and inadequacy. It can also worsen anxiety or lead to new cases of anxiety disorders. The added stress of carrying extra weight can trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
And like depression, the social stigma of obesity can also contribute to anxiety and insecurity. And finally, the physical pain and fatigue associated with obesity can also contribute to depression or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is an obsessive preoccupation with one or more perceived defects in appearance like weight and body shape.
Obesity and fertility
Obesity has been linked to various health problems, including fertility. Women who are obese may have difficulty becoming pregnant and may be more likely to miscarry. It can also cause problems during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also affect a man's fertility. Obesity can lead to lower testosterone levels, which can impact sperm production. In addition, obesity can cause erectile dysfunction, which can make it difficult to conceive. So if you are struggling with obesity, you must talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely and improve your overall health.
How to lose weight safely.
If you are obese, there are things you can do to improve your health. Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce your risk of developing health problems. And if you already have one or more of these conditions, losing weight may help improve your condition. Luckily, there are many proven ways to lose weight safely, but crash diets and other extreme measures are generally not sustainable or healthy long-term. Healthy eating and regular physical activity is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Here are some tips, from the best doctor in Gurgaon, for safe and effective weight loss:
We didn't want to scare you and only wanted you to be aware of the problems of being obese. You can reduce your risk of these diseases by losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you are struggling with your weight, we can offer you help and guidance on how to make small changes to your diet and lifestyle that can make a big difference to your health in the long term.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant
GI, General, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
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