Obesity is a complicated condition characterized by an excess of body fat. Obesity isn’t only a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical condition that raises your risk of developing other diseases and health issues like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some malignancies. There are a variety of reasons why some people struggle to lose weight. Obesity is usually caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental variables, as well as dietary, physical activity, and exercise decisions. The good news is that even small weight loss can help or prevent obesity-related health problems. Weight loss can be aided by a healthier diet, more physical activity, and behavioral changes. Obesity can also be treated with prescription drugs and weight-loss treatments.

What are some health risks of overweight and obesity?

• Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose, often known as blood sugar, is too high. Approximately eight out of ten patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. High blood glucose levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, renal disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and other health issues over time. If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, decreasing 5 to 7% of your body weight and undertaking regular exercise will help you avoid or delay the disease’s beginning.

• High blood pressure: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a disorder in which blood flows through your blood vessels at a faster rate than normal. High blood pressure puts a load on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney illness, and mortality.

• Heart disease: The term “heart disease” refers to a variety of issues that can affect your heart. You could have a heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina, or an irregular heart rhythm if you have heart disease. Excessive blood pressure, irregular blood fat levels, and high blood glucose levels can all increase your chances of developing heart disease.

• Stroke: A blockage or the rupture of a blood artery in your brain or neck causes a stroke, in which the blood supply to your brain is suddenly cut off. A stroke can damage brain tissue, leaving you unable to talk or move certain body parts. Strokes are most commonly caused by high blood pressure.

• Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a frequent disorder in which you stop breathing during the night. For short periods, you may cease breathing completely. Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can increase your chance of developing other health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

• Kidney disease: Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys get damaged and are unable to filter blood as effectively as they should. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are two of the leading causes of kidney disease. Obesity may increase kidney disease and hasten its progression even if you don’t have diabetes or high blood pressure.