• Health Problems of Obesity

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About Obesity

Health Problems of Obesity

Obesity related problems begin at the head and end at the toes, affecting almost every organ in between.

About Obesity

Diabetes

Obesity decreases the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar level leading to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its complications on the kidneys, eyes and heart.

Weight loss by itself is considered a cornerstone in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes; it helps in preventing the complications and delaying the use of insulin.

Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity increases the risk of lipid disorders, high blood pressure, and as a result the risk of heart disease and stroke, even at a young age.

Weight loss lowers blood pressure and improves blood lipid levels by lowering triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Liver Steatosis and Gallbladder Disease

Liver Steatosis is a condition where fat accumulates in liver cells. It’s commonly associated with metabolic syndrome and can be reversed by weight loss.

Gallstones (stones in the gallbladder) are common among overweight and obese persons and can also be the result of rapid weight loss.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a debilitating sleep disorder defined as the cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more (called apnea) at least five times per hours of sleep.

The cessation or reduction in respiratory airflow may be associated with a decrease in oxygen saturation or arousal (awakening) from sleep. The patient will manifest the following:

During sleep:

  • Loud disruptive snoring
  • Breathing pauses (apneas)
  • Choking, gasping, and frequent awakenings

During the day:

  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Deficits in attention and memory

A sleep study or a polysomnogram is the standard diagnostic test for OSA.

At COCP, an initial evaluation with Overnight Pulse Oximetry is advised and done for the below advantages:

  • it is a very useful tool for the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing
  • it is cost-effective
  • it has a substantial accuracy as a screening tool to diagnose OSA

Bariatric surgery is highly beneficial for OSA. It is cured in most patients after surgery.

Obstetric and Gynecologic Complications and Fetal Abnormalities

Mother

  • Polycystic ovaries and infertility
  • High blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy
  • Higher rates of cesarean section with higher incidence of blood loss, infection, and wound complication during delivery

Baby

  • Birth defects
  • Preterm birth
  • Injury (like shoulder dystocia during birth)
  • Death after birth
  • Being obese during childhood

Weight loss of initial weight is effective in improving menstrual regularity, fertility and pregnancy rates.

Cancer

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, obesity increases the likelihood of developing the following cancers:

  • Breast (post-menopausal)
  • Colon
  • Endometrial
  • Esophageal
  • Kidney
  • Prostate

Metabolic syndrome

Results from excess weight

  • It includes Diabetes Mellitus, elevated triglycerides levels and hypertension
  • It might lead to irregular menses, even amenorrhea and infertility in women