Obesity rates are on the rise, and many health conditions are on the rise with it. Being overweight or obese takes a toll on every part of the body, and can increase the risk of developing many different conditions. Obesity is incredibly common, with estimates placing the obesity rate in the U.S. at over 38% of the population aged 20 and over. This means that almost half of the adult population in the U.S. is obese, and this number doesn’t include people who are just overweight and not yet obese. People should be informed of the dangers of obesity so they can be more conscious of their daily habits, so let’s take a look at how that excess weight can affect the body.
How it Affects Your Body
Obesity can contribute to the development of many different health conditions by affecting different parts of the body. Sleep apnea can be caused or worsened by obesity due to the airways being compressed. Blood pressure levels may increase in a person who is overweight or obese because the excess weight increases pressure on the veins and causes the heart to work harder. The risk of heart disease is increased, usually due to a hardening of the arteries caused by high blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol build-up, and high blood sugar levels. Obesity has also been found to play a role in the development of liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, infertility, gallbladder issues, acid reflux, and certain types of cancer.
What to Do
Maintaining a healthy weight is a crucial part of good overall health. You should be eating a balanced diet of organic fruits and vegetables, good fats, and high-quality meats and fish. Different diets work for different people, but regardless of which diet you choose to follow, make sure you are getting enough protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates. It should also only include foods that are unprocessed and free of additives. If you are unsure of where to start, you can track your daily calorie intake for a few days to see if you are eating too little or too much food, then make any necessary adjustments. Your calorie requirements will depend on your height, weight, and muscle to fat ratio.
While the dangers of obesity are many, being underweight can also be dangerous, so aim for the recommended weight for your height and age. However, some people still struggle to reach a healthy weight even when eating the right foods in the right amounts, and this could be due to a thyroid issue, hormonal imbalance, or other health conditions. You should be checking your thyroid and hormone levels regularly to make sure they are at the correct levels. Form healthy habits, and your body will thank you!
You can listen to our Obesity – The National Plague podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.