CONSEQUENCES
OF OBESITY
OBESITY, EXPLAINED
Obesity is something that can happen for a variety of different reasons. Genetics may play a large part but so can environmental and situational choices. While the reasons why may not be important if you are already obese, learning more about it can help understand the issue. Unfortunately, no matter what the reason, obesity is ultimately signified by its unhealthy and negative consequences.
Not only does obesity make breathing and walking more difficult, there is also a chance for a reduced life expectancy by 10-20 years! Listed below are a few more health conditions caused by or affected by obesity.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & HEART DISEASE
Obesity means that the body is carrying around excess weight which causes the body and heart to work a little harder. This causes the individual to develop hypertension (high blood pressure) which can lead to strokes that damage the kidneys and heart.
CANCER
Being overweight or obese has been linked to Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Uterine Cancer, and Kidney Cancer. Several large studies have shown that weight loss surgery significantly reduces the risk of these cancers.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Generally speaking, people who are obese tend to become resistant to insulin, which is important for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. This causes higher blood pressure, which is cause for Type 2 Diabetes.
OSTEOARTHRITIS OF JOINTS
Since obesity means that a person is carrying around excess weight, this usually means that the body's joints, especially knees and hips, are under additional strain. This additional strain can cause rapid wear and tear, along with inflammation and pain. Similar to this, the additional strain on the bones and muscles in the back leads to issues such as pain, disk problems, and decreased mobility.
SLEEP APNEA & RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
Fatty deposits in the neck and tongue can cause blocked airways, especially in folks that sleep on their backs. These issues can cause lack of sleep and subsequent daytime drowsiness and headaches. Untreated sleep apnea has been known to cause massive heart attacks and fatal cardiac arrest.
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
Obesity leads to a state of chronic inflammation in the human body. This leads to fatigue, loss of energy, loss of focus, and development of autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease and Multiple Sclerosis (or MS). Losing weight through weight loss surgery has been shown to reverse the effects of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
FATTY LIVER DISEASE
Fatty liver disease from obesity is now one of the leading causes of end-stage liver disease in the United States. If left untreated, fatty liver disease could lead to hepatitis, and eventually, liver failure.
DEPRESSION
With obesity, there is a possibility that folks may have to deal with constant and depressing emotional challenges stemming from facial diets, disapproval from friends and family, comments from strangers, etc. In addition, folks struggling with obesity face unfair discrimination that can contribute to emotional complications.
INFERTILITY
Obesity often causes issues with both male and female hormones that lead to disrupted cycles and functions. These issues can lead to difficulty or even possibly an inability to conceive.
URINARY STRESS INCONTINENCE
Obesity can result in a large and heavy abdomen which relaxes the pelvic muscles, much like during childbirth. This weakens the valve on the urinary bladder which could allow leakage when laughing, coughing, or sneezing.
While Obesity can certainly be an important factor in all of the aforementioned health issues, it is important to note that none of the conditions present the full picture. For a detailed analysis about your personal health, please call Chaudhry Bariatric and set up an appointment with Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry.
GETTING STARTED
Our team is happy to speak with you and help you understand any of the treatments we offer, or answer any questions you have. Please call and speak with us at 832-408-9972, or read more about the surgical and non-surgical options we offer here.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
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"I had surgery on July 11th, 2016 by Dr. Chaudhry. I have lost 120.5 pounds. I knew I needed to take control of my life. I fretted over making the first appointment to see Dr. Chaudhry. He was amazing. He was very detailed in explaining my options and truly made me feel comfortable.
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For once a doctor was supportive of helping me be successful, not judging me as if I had made bad life choices. He recommended the Gastric Sleeve. I wish I would have had surgery sooner. I feel better than I did in my twenties. I had let life get the best of me.
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Food had become my comfort and then my excuse. When I saw Dr. Chaudhry I weighed 274 pounds. I am now 154 pounds almost 10 months post op. I am off all of my other medications other than an occasional headache. I am enjoying things that I either physically couldn’t do or I was embarrassed.
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My outside now matches my inside. I am proud of who I am. I am proud of what I have become. I appreciate what Dr. Chaudhry has done for me."