Obesity is one of the biggest issues of modern society. The sedentary lifestyle is one of the most contributory causes of rapid weight gain on the global scale. Because of the development of technology, we don’t move around as much as we used to, which causes even young children to gain kilograms that would otherwise be spent running around.
Another big problem is resorting to fast food whenever we feel a bit too lazy to do the cooking - it’s easier to eat a quick burger than to take the time to prepare a healthy meal at home.
The biggest issue with obesity is the fact that it causes or amplifies a huge number of health issues. Here are the main ones:
1. Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high. Normally, the most influential factor in getting this disease is genetics, but it was recorded that obese people are at a higher risk than those with regular weight. If there are members of your family who suffer from diabetes, you should make sure you eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. This measure of precaution may help you avoid the disease even if you have a genetic predisposition for it.
2. Problems with blood pressure
Obesity is linked to high blood pressure. It occurs when the blood causes abnormal pressure on the inner walls of the blood vessels in your body. If not treated, this condition causes damage to the vessels, strain on the heart, and can provoke various other problems, such as heart disease, kidney malfunction, and so on.
3. Heart disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for several health issues, such as heart failure, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm and so on. It is one of the most life-threatening entries on this list, so it should be taken quite seriously.
4. Sleep issues
Being overweight is one of the main causes of sleep apnea - a condition that makes you stop breathing in your sleep. It’s caused by the fat that is stored in your neck. It makes the airflow tighter, which makes breathing difficult, and causes pauses in breathing from time to time. It also causes snoring, and the fat can cause inflammation in the neck tissue.
5. Problems in pregnancy
Being overweight during pregnancy can lead to long-term consequences for both mother and child. In mothers, it raises the risk of getting diabetes and preeclampsia during the pregnancy, and the children are at risk of being born too soon or suffering from spine and brain-related issues. Also, the rate of stillborn babies is higher if the mother is overweight or obese.
Even though health issues connected to obesity are quite serious, they can be prevented with relative ease. Making sure you eat a healthy diet can go a long way in keeping you healthy, and regular exercise is an important factor in keeping your body fit and your mind sharp.
