Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, and you've probably heard countless times about how dangerous it is. But do you really understand how serious the health risks associated with obesity are?
Obesity is more strongly linked to high rates of chronic illness than smoking, drinking, and even poverty is. Data collected from Healthcare for Communities brought to light that chronic illnesses are strongly correlated to obesity. Illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and cancer are more likely to show up in those dealing with obesity, even more so than those who smoke, drink, or are in poverty.
Individuals suffering from obesity on average spend more on health care- Health care expenditures for services and medication were shown to be higher for those with obesity than those who are/were smokers or drinkers. Obesity isn't just its own condition, it opens a flood gate to a great amount of other illness that must be addressed as well.
All the problems linked to obesity - The list of disease correlated with the onset of obesity is lengthy. Here are some of the major complications that arise:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease and strokes
- certain types of cancer
- sleep apnea
- osteoarthritis
- fatty liver disease
- kidney disease
- pregnancy problems, such as high blood sugar during pregnancy, high blood pressure, and increased risk for cesarean delivery (C-section)
We’ve mentioned a lot of frightening information above, but know that there are many steps you can take to combat obesity. If you yourself are overweight or dealing with obesity, talk to your doctor about plans to help tackle the problem. Reach out to programs designed to help you lose weight the right way, just like what we do in The Mindful Living Institute. Look out for legislation and programs that help to alleviate this epidemic, and try your best to voice your support for these causes. The effects of Obesity are reversible, as long as we address the problem as early as possible.