Obesity Health Risks

Overweight and obese individuals have a much higher rate of many medical problems, including those listed below. Morbid obesity is a chronic medical condition that deserves compassionate treatment from qualified medical personnel. Call Swedish Weight-Loss Services at 206-215-2090 for more information.

Type 2 Diabetes

High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease

High Cholesterol

Degenerative Arthritis

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Problems

Urinary Incontinence

Gastroesophageal Reflux/Heartburn

Venous Stasis Disease

Cancer 

Skin Infections

Infertility

Mental-Health Issues

Diabetes

Chronically elevated blood sugar causes tissue damage throughout the body that can lead to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, blindness and arterial blockage in the legs that can require amputation. Diabetes mellitus, specifically adult-onset or type 2 diabetes, is 10 times more common in people who are obese.

High blood pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common problem for people who are obese. It can lead to heart and/or kidney disease, stroke and arterial blockage.

High cholesterol

Obesity can lead to high cholesterol levels and a higher incidence of heart disease and high blood pressure.

Degenerative arthritis

Obesity puts stress on the lower back and weight-bearing joints (knees, ankles, feet, hips) that can lead to degenerative arthritis. In the lower back, arthritis can cause nerve compression and chronic pain.  In the joints, arthritis can cause difficulty in walking and problems that may require joint-replacement surgery. (Surgeons may, however, decline to perform surgery on an obese patient until weight is lost.)

Sleep apnea and respiratory problems

A heavier-than-normal chest wall may cause overweight people to feel "winded" after slight physical exertion. Two serious breathing problems caused by severe obesity are sleep apnea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome. With sleep apnea, fat compresses the neck and blocks the windpipe, causing loud snoring and periods where the person appears not to breathe. Sleep apnea can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and even sudden death. People over 350 pounds are at greater risk for obesity hypoventilation syndrome, a condition that causes shortness of breath even while resting. The failure to bring adequate oxygen to organs and tissues can result in heart and/or lung failure and blood clots that may lead to stroke.

Urinary stress incontinence

A loss of urine may occur when the bladder valve is overcome by the pressure of a heavy belly pressing against the bladder, combined with pressure (stress) from a cough, laugh or sneeze.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Acid in the stomach is normally prevented from going back up the esophagus by a valve. This valve, however, can be overcome by increased pressure after a large meal or a heavy belly. As a result, food and acid can wash back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. In severe cases, the food and acid enters the wind-pipe (trachea) and is inhaled, resulting in severe pneumonia or lung injury. Chronic acid reflux also increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Venous stasis disease

Veins in the leg must work against gravity to carry blood back to the heart. As the abdomen of an obese person grows, the one-way valves in the legs may break down with the increased resistance against the flow of blood. As the valves fail, the legs swell and become discolored and ulcers may form. A debilitating condition, venous disease rarely improves without weight loss.

Cancer

Overweight women have been shown to have a higher risk of cancer of the breast, uterus and ovaries. Obese men run a higher risk of esophageal, colon and prostate cancer.

Skin Infections

When an overweight person has skin that folds in on itself, the creased areas can become irritated from sweating and chafing. Even with frequent bathing, infections can occur, causing pain and discomfort. Skin cuts from bras are also painful and may become infected.

Infertility

Excess levels of fat contribute to a changing the levels of estrogen and progesterone in women, causing irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. This is reversible with weight loss and women who lose weight should take precautions if pregnancy is not desired.

Mental-Health Issues

In addition to physical concerns, overweight people can suffer mental health issues including depression, anxiety and low self esteem. Being subjected to disapproval, even lectures, from family and friends can lead to avoidance of social gatherings and formerly pleasurable activities. Even physicians sometimes exhibit prejudicial attitudes toward obese patients, further complicating their ability to receive the help they need.