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Facts About the Risks of Overeating

Overeating can be triggered by hunger or a bad day, but it can also be compulsive and a serious health issue. Eating too many calories on a consistent basis puts a serious strain on the body. The more calories we take in, the higher our risk for becoming overweight or obese and developing disease.

  1. Weight Gain

    • Overeating is likely to lead to weight gain. If left unchecked, weight gain can result in obesity, a critical and costly health condition. Extra weight and fat impact the body's organs and its ability to sustain itself. WebMD reports that those who are overweight have a 40 percent greater risk of premature death.

    Heart Disease

    • The American Heart Association has linked excess weight to increased blood pressure and cholesterol and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Overeating, especially of fatty foods, can lead to a build up in the arteries that constricts blood flow to the heart. The more fat the body carries around, the harder the heart has to work.

    Diabetes

    • Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with overeating. Obesity and a high-fat diet inhibit the body's ability to produce insulin and keep blood sugar low. In this state, diabetes can develop. In people already diagnosed with diabetes, diet is critical to staying healthy. Overeating with diabetes puts nearly every organ in the body at risk.

    Sleep Problems

    • Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked and breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. Obesity is a known risk factor for developing the condition. Sleep apnea disrupts the body's sleep cycle and results in fatigue during the day. In the long term, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke.

    Cancer

    • Colon, breast, pancreatic, uterus and kidney cancer have all been tied to obesity, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Research reported in a November, 2009 CNN article reveals that extra estrogen and inflammatory agents produced by too much body fat may may cause cell and DNA mutation, the basis for cancer development.

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