Obesity Problems Take a Hefty Toll on Body and Mind

Health Effects of Obesity

The World Health Organization estimates that having too high a BMI is responsible for 21 percent of the cases of ischemic heart disease, 23 percent of ischemic stroke, 58 percent of type 2 diabetes, and 39 percent of hypertension. Obesity also increases the risk of some cancers, as well as the risk of nonfatal diseases, such as joint problems and infertility.

Obesity and Cancer

The association between obesity and cancer is not quite as clear as that for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This is due in part to the fact that cancer is not a single disease but a collection of individual diseases.

In an exhaustive review of the data, released in 2007, an expert panel assembled by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research concluded that there was convincing evidence of an association between obesity and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast, endometrium, and kidney, and a probable association between obesity and gallbladder cancer. (15) Abdominal obesity and weight gain during adulthood were also linked with several cancers. A later systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed direct associations between obesity and cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, ovary, and pancreas. Encouragingly, the Nurses’ Health Study has found that for overweight women who have never used hormone replacement therapy, losing weight after menopause-and keeping it off-cut their post menopausal risk by one half.

Overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease risk

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of having a heart attack and stroke, along with other health problems including:
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure (hypertension)
high cholesterol
gallbladder disease
joint problems, such as gout, arthritis and joint pain
sleep problems, such as sleep apnoea
certain types of cancer.

Carrying extra weight around your tummy is also a risk factor for heart disease.

Lose weight, get healthy and reduce risk

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lose weight, get healthy and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

The number one thing any obese individual, especially those with a family history of cardiovascular disease, should do to get healthy is to exercise regularly and eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Talk with your doctor about creating a diet and exercise plan that works best for you based on your current goals and health status.

For some individuals, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to achieve a healthy weight. If you have a BMI greater than 35, bariatric surgery may be right for you. Safe and effective, it has been shown to improve or resolve high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes in obese individuals.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you may be instructed to consult with a cardiologist first for “cardiac clearance.” Untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart-related conditions can put a person at high risk for complications during and after surgery. Your cardiologist will be able to help you monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol level and any heart conditions that could create issues before you head into surgery.

After weight loss surgery you will still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Bariatric patients may require more protein and exercise to ensure that they are losing fat and not bone or muscle weight, including the most important muscle of them all: the heart. Proper diet and exercise post-bariatric surgery will ensure that you maintain a strong and healthy heart, and thereby continue to lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Why Choose GoalBMI For Your Surgical & Medical Weight Management?

At Goal BMI Brooklyn Bariatric clinic, we are your partner in a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The focus of our comprehensive weight loss procedures utilizing the most minimally invasive techniques. Our highly skilled team of specialists which includes physicians, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and psychologists work closely to help patients maintain healthy lifestyle habits designed to ensure they achieve success.

Don’t let your weight define you. Take back control of your life by getting down to your desired weight. Our expert staff and trained professionals are here to guide you throughout your life changing weight loss journey.