We all want to look and feel confident, and our weight is often one of the biggest roadblocks. But when it comes to obesity, the conversation shifts from appearance and fitting into clothes to the harmful, long-term effects on your health.
At Marina OB/GYN, our team of compassionate, experienced experts understands that speaking openly about your weight problems can be difficult. So, we create a safe space to ask questions and get the help you need.
Here’s an inside look at how your health can suffer when you’re obese.
Overweight vs. obese
Before we discuss the dangers of obesity, it’s important to define some terms. The words overweight and obese get thrown around, and many use them interchangeably. However, both have different medical definitions.
Being overweight means you weigh more than what is considered normal for your height, age, and sex — you may have heard it called your BMI. BMI (body mass index) measures your height and weight to determine if your weight is healthy. A normal BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, and a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
Contrary to being overweight, obesity is a disease marked by excessive body fat. If you have a BMI of 30.0 or higher, you’re classified as obese.
While BMI can provide a general indication of weight status, you should always consult one of our experts for a comprehensive health and well-being evaluation. BMI doesn’t account for factors like body fat percentage versus muscle mass.
How obesity impacts your overall health
Obesity is a complicated disease that can stem from lifestyle and genetic factors; however, regardless of what has led you to this point in your health journey, it’s still important to understand what you’re up against. Here’s a breakdown of how obesity can impact your overall health.
Heart disease
Being obese can strain your heart and put you at risk of developing various cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and an increased likelihood of heart attacks.
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity is closely linked to developing type 2 diabetes because carrying extra weight compromises your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Joint issues
The more weight you force your body to carry, the more stress your joints (particularly your knees and hips) have to bear. This breakdown of your joints can lead to osteoarthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Sleep apnea
Complications from obesity can even strike when you’re sleeping. Being obese puts you at risk for sleep apnea, a condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. Excess weight puts pressure on and obstructs your airways, making breathing at night difficult.
Mental health concerns
While you should focus on the physical health risks, you shouldn’t overlook the impact of obesity on your mental and emotional well-being. The Obesity Action Coalition reports that individuals with obesity are 55% more likely to develop mental health issues. There’s also a link between weight problems and significant increases in depression, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder or agoraphobia.
Where do you go from here?
If you’ve known for a while that you’re obese or just found out, it’s important to remember that everybody is unique, and the impact of obesity on health varies from person to person. You should also know that there’s hope in treatment.
Our weight loss specialists work closely with you to identify the factors in your life contributing to your struggle with weight. Then, we create a customized weight-loss plan to help you establish healthy and sustainable habits.
Being obese poses various health risks, but the good news is you have the power to take control of your health. You can reduce these risks and enhance your well-being by making positive lifestyle changes and teaming up with our experts.
If you’d like more information about our weight loss programs, don’t hesitate to request an appointment online or over the phone at one of our offices in Marina Del Rey, Hawthorne, South Gate, or Carson, California.