Obesity Related Health Conditions

Common Obesity Related Conditions

Obesity-related health conditions reduce life expectancy. Here are some of the more common
conditions. If you would like more information, please speak with your physician.

Type 2 diabetes. People who are obese become resistant to insulin, which regulates
blood sugar levels. They end up with high blood sugar, which causes Type 2 diabetes. Learn
more about Type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure/heart disease. The heart doesn't work right when the body is
carrying around excess weight. So, the obese person usually gets hypertension (high blood
pressure), which leads to strokes and damages the heart and kidneys. Learn more about
lowering your high blood pressure.
Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints. Additional weight placed on joints
especially knees and hipscauses rapid wear and tear, along with pain and inflammation.
Similarly, the strain on bones and muscles in the back leads to disk problems, pain, and
decreased mobility.Learn more about osteoarthritis.
Sleep apnea/respiratory problems. Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can block
air passages, especially in patients who sleep on their backs. This causes them to lose sleep
and results in daytime drowsiness and headaches. Learn more about sleep apnea.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (hiatal hernia and heartburn). Excess weight
weakens and overloads the valve at the top of the stomach, which then allows stomach acid
to escape into the esophagus. This is called gastroesophageal reflux, and "heartburn" and
acid indigestion are common symptoms. Approximately 10-15% of patients with even mild
heartburn develop Barrett's esophagus, which is a pre-malignant change in the lining
membrane and a cause of esophageal cancer. Learn more about gastroesphageal reflux
disease (hiatal hernia/heartburn).
Depression. People who are obese must deal with constant, depressing emotional
challenges: failed diets, disapproval from family and friends, remarks from strangers. Plus,
they often experience discrimination and cannot fit comfortably in public places. Learn more
about depression.
Infertility. Obesity wreaks havoc with male and female hormones, disrupting normal
cycles and function, and leading to difficulty or inability to conceive. Learn more about
infertility.
Urinary stress incontinence. A large, heavy abdomen relaxes pelvic muscles,
compounding the effects of childbirth. This weakens the valve on the urinary bladder, allowing
leakage when coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Learn more about urinary stress
incontinence.