The most important reason why your weight matters is because of your health. Being impacted by excess weight is a health concern and it can affect you in many ways:
It can lead to other health problems including obesity. More than 50 health problems are linked to having obesity. These health problems are diseases and conditions that decrease your quality of life and include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and many others.
Learn how to talk to your healthcare provider about your weight.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Excess weight is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. When you carry extra weight, especially around your abdomen, it can make your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which over time can cause serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.
Heart Disease:
Excess weight and obesity are significant factors that can contribute to dyslipidemia, an imbalance in blood lipid levels, including elevated LDL cholesterol. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can accumulate on the walls of arteries, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow and obstruct blood vessels, increasing the risk of conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing lipid levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):
Excess weight is closely linked with hypertension. Excess weight increases the workload on the heart as it has to pump blood through more tissues, leading to higher blood pressure. Hypertension significantly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
Sleep Apnea:
Obesity is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. Sleep apnea not only affects the quality of sleep but also increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, daytime fatigue, and other health issues.
Osteoarthritis:
Excess weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and lower back, increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The wear and tear on the joints can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life.
Emotional Implications:
Excess weight also has emotional implications. People affected by excess weight sometimes suffer from depression or a lack of self-confidence. They may even face weight-stigma or discrimination in their daily lives, which can deepen depression.
MASH/NASH:
Excess weight can lead to liver conditions like MASH (Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis) and NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis). These diseases involve fat buildup in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. Over time, this can progress to serious issues like cirrhosis or liver failure. Extra weight, especially around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance, which can result in fat buildup in the liver.
Your weight could be impacting your health and you may not be aware of it. That is why it’s important to understand your weight and talk to your healthcare provider about it.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re concerned about your weight and its impact on your health, start by discussing it with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and support to help you manage your weight and reduce your risk of associated health problems.