If you’ve started to notice that you’re piling on the pounds, your clothes not fitting may not be the only thing you have to worry about. As cosmetic surgery specialists Bella Vou note, people who are overweight (with a body mass index of 30 or more) are more at risk of a number of medical problems. If you want to learn more about how your weight could be affecting your health, this brief guide should help.
Heart disease
As your body weight increases, so does your risk of developing coronary heart disease. Extra weight causes plaque to build up inside the coronary arteries, making you more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol – both of which increase the chance of heart problems developing. It’s also worth bearing in mind that being overweight can increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. So, it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to consult a good cardiologist in your area (Cardiovascular Group perhaps for metro-Atlanta residents) to figure out how to get your BMI and any other parameters that might affect the healthy functioning of your heart under control.
Diabetes
Excess weight, particularly around the stomach, is also a major cause of type 2 diabetes. This is because the more fatty tissue you have, the more your body becomes resistant to insulin, which can result in high levels of glucose in the bloodstream and cause an insufficient supply of energy to the cells that need it. Your family care doctors might be able to guide you on your diet if you are diagnosed with diabetes, and it would be best if the same is followed.
Cancer
Being overweight or obese is also associated with an increased risk of a number of cancer types, including endometrial, colon, breast, and gallbladder. While there are several possible explanations, it is believed that people who are obese have more fatty tissue that can produce hormones such as insulin or oestrogen, which may cause cancer cells to grow.
Gum Disease
Excess weight is often linked to inflammation throughout the body, which can affect the gums as well. Chronic inflammation raises the risk of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. To lower the risk of these gum diseases, it’s therefore recommended to schedule dental check-ups every six months with a general or Family Dentistry practice provider. Regular appointments can allow your dentist to spot early signs of gum disease and offer necessary treatment to prevent it from worsening.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition whereby a person’s breathing is interrupted while they sleep. People who suffer from sleep apnea often have more fatty tissue around the neck, which can cause the airways to narrow and make it difficult to maintain a regular breathing pattern.
Vision
Obesity can be linked to your eyesight. If you carry some excess weight, it could put extra pressure on the blood vessels that are located in your eyes. Due to how delicate they are, they can be damaged fairly easily, thus causing you to experience poor vision. Wearing glasses, or looking into laser eye surgery and how long does LASIK last could be great ways to help improve your overall vision until this weight can be lost.
Depression and anxiety
It’s not just your physical health that can be affected by your weight. For some people, being overweight can cause low confidence and self-esteem – all of which are significant contributors to depression and anxiety.
If you feel that your weight is putting your physical or emotional health at risk, it’s a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional who can guide you through your options. Regular medical check-ups can help you to keep a close eye on your health and set realistic goals for your weight.