What are the side effects of being obese?
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of health problems, including:
- Heart disease: Obesity increases the risk of developing heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer: Obesity increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.
- Sleep apnea: Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
- Osteoarthritis: Obesity increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
- Depression: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of depression.
- Infertility: Obesity can affect fertility in both men and women.
- Erectile dysfunction: Obesity is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction.
- Skin problems: Obesity can lead to a number of skin problems, including acanthosis nigricans, striae, and cellulitis.
- Mobility problems: Obesity can make it difficult to move around and can lead to social isolation.
- Increased risk of death: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes.
Additional Side Effects of Obesity
In addition to the health risks listed above, obesity can also lead to a number of other side effects, including:
- Fatigue: Obesity can cause fatigue and make it difficult to exercise.
- Sweating: Obesity can lead to excessive sweating.
- Bad breath: Obesity can contribute to bad breath.
- Snoring: Obesity can lead to snoring.
- Joint pain: Obesity can cause joint pain, especially in the knees and back.
- Difficulty sleeping: Obesity can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Obesity can increase the risk of developing GERD, a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
- Constipation: Obesity can cause constipation.
- Incontinence: Obesity can increase the risk of incontinence, a condition in which a person loses control of their bladder or bowels.
Obesity is a serious health problem that can have a number of negative side effects. If you are obese, it is important to talk to your doctor about weight loss options.