Health Risks Of Obesity

Obesity is a condition where large amount of excess fat is accumulated in the body. It can be hereditary, due to an existing medical condition, but majority is usually due to too much food intake coupled with sedentary living.

Obese people especially if excess fat is around the belly, are at a greater risk of contracting certain diseases. According to Eduardo G. Gonzalez, M.D., obesity is known to contribute to the development of Diabetes Mellitus. It is also associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and high levels of cholesterol which predispose to heart disease. It increases the workload and the chances of failure of the heart.

Among fat people, the incidence of gallbladder stones is also higher, Dr. Gonzalez wrote. Obese women have a higher than average incidence of menstrual disorders, infertility and complicated pregnancies. In overweight men, the occurrence of impotence and sterility is higher than average.

Some forms of cancer are also strongly associated with obesity. The risk of developing cancer of the breast, uterus, cervix, ovary and gallbladder is higher than normal among obese one. In fat men, the risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum, prostate, pancreas, and stomach is increased.

The good news is that obesity can be corrected. If it is due to an underlying medical condition, then, treatment should be directed to correct of the underlying disease process. However, in otherwise normal people, correction of the condition has been noted to be effective only if the approach is multi-dimensional. Diet, exercise or drugs are not effective when used alone. Success of a weight-reduction program is high if the program includes : continous professional contact with a doctor, a dietitian or some other professional who can formulate a high-fiber-diet that will best suit the person and at the same time motivate the person to comply with his diet; social support; and life-long exercise.