When much of the world has been wracked by an epidemic of obesity, especially people living in developed countries, there has been a focus on the health risks of being overweight. Weighing more than average becomes a major problem when it starts to affect your health.

People living in modern times are more likely to be obese than their parent’s generation. This has much to do with changing lifestyles and diet patterns. People have more access to instant foods and junk food, and this is a cause of alarm for not only adults but also children. As a matter of fact, a significant number of children are obese in the modern era, and this can set alarm bells ringing.

Health Conditions

Obesity is linked to many chronic health conditions. Not only that, childhood obesity is persistent and can last well into adulthood. Therefore, it’s vital to tackle childhood obesity as well as chronic health conditions caused by obesity.

Diabetes

Cases of diabetes have risen over the years, and this can be attributed to obesity. When you are obese, you have a higher risk of developing type II diabetes. This type of diabetes develops later on in life due to insulin not being able to function properly and leading to high blood sugar levels.

The initial stage of diabetes is often silent, in that there are few symptoms. This can often cause patients to miss the fact that they are ill or on the verge of developing full-blown diabetes. It is important to get tested for high blood sugar regularly, even if you are not overweight, as early treatment can lead to faster recovery.

High Blood Pressure

Another problem linked to obesity is high blood pressure levels. High blood pressure increases the risk of getting a stroke, and this can be fatal. While there are medications to control blood pressure levels, if you are obese, then your doctor will likely ask you to lose weight. People who are obese may also be diabetic, and this can also increase the risk of getting a stroke.

Cancer

This dreaded disease can often be linked to lifestyle habits. One of the outcomes of a poor diet or lack of exercise is obesity, and this can lead to certain types of cancer. Not all cancer is caused by obesity, but this can be a significant factor. Therefore, to lead a healthy life, you need to look at the right weight-management solutions.

Joint Pain

Excess weight puts more pressure on the joints, so you might experience problems such as pain in the knees. Also, if the conditions persist, the cartilage of the knees may wear down, and this can cause further problems.

Solutions

Typically, patients are advised to regularly exercise and start a doctor-assisted diet program to lose weight. Weight management should not be a one-off effort – you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your life to prevent obesity. You will also need to be regularly screened for diseases that you are at risk for because of obesity.

In some cases, bariatric procedures may be the ideal option. There are a number of surgical and non-surgical solutions available at Smart Dimensions™.

Scheduling Your Appointment for a Consultation

Learn more about your weight-loss options with a visit to an experienced and skilled surgeon. For a consultation contact our office.