Weighing too much might increase your risk of developing many health problems. If you are overweight, you may be at risk for:
*increased blood pressure levels
* high cholesterol
* arthritis
* joint replacement surgery
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
* Social issues
* Low self-esteem
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases. Losing weight, even if it is only a fracture of a pound, can help reduce your likelihood of suffering from different diseases as you age. If by now you are suffering from a medical disorder, weight loss can assist you in controlling your health. In certain diseases, losing weight can actually lend a hand in decreasing and even doing away with the necessity to take medicines.
Hypertension is one of the main causes of cerebrovascular accident that could result to an enduring medical problem and loss of life. You can reduce your risk of developing hypertension and hypercholesterolemia if you keep your weight within a healthy range. But, you have to be aware as well on the place where fat is concentrated in your body. If you are like most men, your body stores fat around the abdomen, and a large amount of abdominal fat raises your likelihood of developing heart disease. Regular aerobic exercise is the best way to get rid of abdominal fat. And if your waistline is over 40 inches, you are more at risk of having hypertension. Your BMI is also a significant guide in determining your likelihood of developing cardiac problems. Strive to maintain your body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health.
Another thing about being overweight is that it puts extra pressure on your joints, especially those in your knees, hips, and lower back. Because of this extra pressure, the cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions and protects the joints gradually wears away, causing a form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Over the years, the damage to the joint may be so extensive that the joint must be replaced surgically. This damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. Tendinitis, or swelling of the tendons, is also widespread among those who are overweight. Tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon that extends from the calf to the heel, could swell and get irritated even just from walking. Losing weight decreases the stress on your joints and tendons and reduces wear and tear. Weight loss also may reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.
And, being overweight means the extra fat in the stomach area adds strain in it. This makes gastric acid go up into the esophagus. Loss of weight reduces stomach acid reflux.
Those who are fat acquire unconstructive impressions of themselves. Low self-esteem can affect aspects of health and behaviour such as social adjustment, activity engagement, and goal direction. Getting ridiculed is extremely nasty and it could harshly wound one’s sense of worth.
Those who are obese are aware they are in a predicament. They realize that their bodies are not the size they would like them to be. They recognize as well that they consume more than what is needed.
The trouble is that they might not be well-informed about stopping this behaviour. Food often means comfort to them. These people may label themselves as losers for not being able to conquer their weight problem.
But then, they might not have the necessary equipment and encouragement. They may be surrounded by family and friends who do not have weight issues and who just do not get it.
These are only a small number of ways that excess weight can harmfully influence the well-being of a person. What’s great is that more people are getting more conscious with weight issues and its prevention.