Diseases are everywhere and some are impossible to avoid – but did you know that being overweight is the leading culprit behind an increased risk factor for developing a number of unpleasant conditions and afflictions?
Some of these conditions are highlighted below.
Diabetes
While many people are born with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes often arises as a result of poor eating habits and obesity. According to statistics, approximately 85% of all diabetics are overweight, and 30% of all people who are overweight have been diagnosed with diabetes.
As you can see, there is a very strong link. The good news is that with the right supplies for diabetes care and the right medical support, the disease can be managed effectively and efficiently.
Hypertension
Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, can be particularly dangerous. This is because it can drastically increase a person’s risk of suffering from a stroke or heart disease. Couple this with being overweight, and the individual is running a high risk with the state of their health. Those with high blood pressure can manage it by altering their diet, limiting their sodium intake, and quitting smoking.
Heart disease
The more a person weighs, the harder their heart must work to keep them alive. Factor in high cholesterol and other aspects of their diet that contribute to reduced heart health and it isn’t surprising to learn that heart disease is more common in those who are overweight.
Heart disease is generally related to clogged arteries and is often the culprit behind a heart attack. However, there are many different types of heart disease including arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy, which is related to a lack of efficiency of the heart muscles.
Cancer
There have been many studies conducted on obesity that have shown a prominent link to a variety of different cancers. Those who are struggling to keep their weight down may well be predisposed to developing breast cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, and cancer of the esophagus.
Gout
Gout is a painful inflammatory condition that affects the joints. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which can be exacerbated through poor eating habits. Gout is more likely to affect older adults and men, and it is thought to be more common in elderly, overweight people rather than in elderly people who have a normal BMI. Gout often presents in the form of frequent flare-ups, as opposed to being permanently present, and various lifestyle changes can aid in reducing the frequency of these flare-ups.
Remember, being overweight does not necessarily mean that a person is destined to suffer from one or all of the above conditions. However, it does raise their risk factor quite significantly. This is especially true for those who also have a family history of one or more of these diseases.
So, in the interest of reducing your risk, be sure to switch to a healthier eating plan, get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, and learn to manage stress efficiently.
