Family Health: The Most Common Complications of Obesity
Obesity can impact your life in various ways. Excess weight cannot only affect your self-esteem, but it can lead to the development of serious health issues that can limit your mobility, reduce your energy levels, and shorten your lifespan. If you or a loved one have a high BMI, it is essential to understand its consequences. Continue reading to learn about the most common complications of obesity.
Sleep Apnea
Believe it or not, there is a difference between snoring and sleep apnea. Most people will snore at some point, which occurs due to a deep relaxing of the airways that causes an annoying buzzing sound.
However, people living with sleep apnea will have shallow breathing or even pauses between breaths. While a person’s age, family history, and gender can increase the likelihood of sleep apnea, you will have a greater risk if you’re obese.
If you suspect you or your partner have sleep apnea, a snore guard appliance is an ideal solution, as it can regulate breathing during sleep. It can ultimately improve a person’s sleep quality and prevent associated health issues, such as increased weight gain, depression, and risk of heart conditions.
Of course, losing weight can treat sleep apnea, but it can take time to do so, which is why you must seek immediate treatment.
Diabetes
Obesity is linked to pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy). Excess weight can lead to insulin resistance, as the body cannot efficiently use insulin to incorporate glucose into the body’s cells.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop:
- Heart disease
- Nerve disease
- Eye damage
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and increased hunger. If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your doctor will likely prescribe a medication or insulin therapy.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you will have an increased risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes in later life
- Excessive birth weight
- Breathing difficulties
- Early preterm birth
- Hypoglycemia
Gestational diabetes doesn’t have any symptoms, but you will receive a blood test during your second trimester if you’re obese or have a family history of diabetes. If you do have gestational diabetes, you might receive prescription medication.
Cardiovascular Problems
Obesity is the leading cause of heart disease. Carrying too much weight can cause functional and structural changes to the heart, which will increase a person’s risk of an irregular heartbeat, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and a stroke.
Losing as little as 5lbs can take some of the pressure off of a person’s heart, as it can lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Plus, it can decrease inflammation in the body.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is obese, you cannot ignore the problem. Most people will struggle with weight gain throughout their life, but it is vital to shed excess pounds to protect the mind and body throughout the years.
If you or your nearest and dearest need a little extra help, talk to a doctor or nutritionist for advice or join a weight loss class. Plus, you must receive treatment for the above health issues while attempting to lose weight, which can prevent symptoms from spiraling out of control.
