Health Problems of Being Overweight - There are lots of people that are battling the problem of being overweight.
Obesity is bad news for both body and mind. Not only can it make someone feel tired and uncomfortable, carrying extra weight puts added stress on the body, especially the bones and joints of the legs. Kids and teens who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes and other health problems. And overweight adults have a higher chance of getting heart disease.
Weight-related health problems include:
High blood pressure. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder. If the problem continues for a long time, high blood pressure can damage the heart and arteries.
High cholesterol. Abnormal blood lipid levels, including high cholesterol, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels, increase the chances of having a heart attack or stroke when a person gets older.
Fatty liver. If fat builds up in the liver, it can cause inflammation, scarring, and permanent liver damage.
Asthma. Obesity increases the chance of having asthma. Breathing problems related to weight can make it harder to keep up with friends, play sports, or just walk from class to class.
Sleep apnea. This condition (where a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep) is a serious problem for many overweight kids and adults. Sleep apnea can leave people feeling tired and affect their ability to concentrate and learn. It also may lead to heart problems.
Joint and muscle pain. Wear and tear on the joints from carrying extra weight may lead to arthritis in adulthood.
Insulin resistance and diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. When there is too must body fat, insulin is less effective at getting glucose, the body's main source of energy, into cells.
Depression. People who are obese are more likely to be depressed and have lower self-esteem.
- There are lots of people that are battling the problem of being overweight.
- It is a worrying factor and can cause lots of health complications to the individual.
- Try our simple BMI calculator for kids and adults.
