Obesity is a serious and chronic condition that impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s health. It is far more than concerns related to physical appearance. It is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is commonly measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), a calculation based on height and weight. A BMI of 30 or above typically classifies a person as having obesity, though BMI alone may not fully capture the complexities of obesity.
Obesity significantly raises the risk of numerous life-threatening diseases and conditions, many of which are preventable through early intervention and effective treatment. Understanding the health risks associated with obesity is crucial for both preventing these conditions
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Type 2 Diabetes
One of the most well-known health risks associated with obesity is type 2 diabetes. Obesity and excess weight is associated with insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Over time, this can result in high blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to type 2 diabetes. This condition increases the risk of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems, and requires lifelong management through medication and lifestyle changes.
Maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition, exercise, and medical interventions can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is another major health risk associated with obesity. Excess body fat, especially around the organs in the abdomen, increases the workload on the heart, leading to higher pressure in the arteries. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the blood vessels, which in turn raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Hypertension often presents without noticeable symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” Left untreated, high blood pressure can cause serious complications, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Obesity is a major contributor to the development of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Excess weight strains the heart, leading to conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure. People with obesity are also more likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which increase the risk of heart disease.
Similarly, obesity increases the risk of stroke. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, often due to a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. The increased pressure on the heart and arteries caused by obesity can contribute to these events, leading to long-term disability or even death.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
MASLD (Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) and MASH (Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis) are updated terms for conditions previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
MASLD refers to the buildup of excess fat in the liver not caused by alcohol. It is associated with metabolic factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or insulin resistance. It is characterized by fatty liver without significant inflammation or liver damage.
MASH is the more severe form of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). It includes liver inflammation and damage, in addition to fat accumulation in the liver. It can lead to fibrosis (scarring) of the liver, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer if left untreated.
Cancer and Other Health Conditions
Obesity is a risk factor for many different types of cancer.
Additionally, obesity can play a role in the manifestation of other common health conditions such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Kidney Disease
- Erectile dysfunction
Clinical Trials: A Path to Better Health Outcomes
More solutions are needed to treat obesity, and clinical trials are leading the way. If you are living with obesity and have experienced complications such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or fatty liver disease, consider participating in a clinical trial.
Beyond personal benefits, participating in a clinical trial may also contribute to scientific advancement. By joining a trial, you may help researchers better understand obesity-related diseases and develop therapies that could improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. Click here to learn more about ongoing clinical trials.
References:
NIH. NIDDK. Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity
OMA. What Is Obesity?
