The simplest definition of obesity is to be overweight. However, obesity is a silent killer, like with many severe diseases you may be concerned about. If you’re obese, this means your body is holding enough excess body fat to make you susceptible to severe health implications.
In Calumet Heights, Chicago, and Munster, Indiana, Dr. Nidal Hasan, a board-certified endocrinologist and internist, has seen firsthand how dangerous obesity can be for your health.
At Optimum Endocrine Care, he provides healthy weight loss support for anyone struggling with their weight.
Here, he highlights the risks of obesity, how to recognize if you’re obese, and the health conditions associated with it.
Obesity is more than carrying some extra weight around. It’s a medical condition that can lead to more complex health problems over time. Being obese means your body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may hurt your health.
Your body mass index (BMI) can help you figure out if you’re obese or not. BMI is a medical calculation based on height and weight used to determine a healthy weight. If you have a BMI that’s 30 or above, then you’re considered obese.
However, BMI as a tool to determine obesity has been criticized by researchers. It doesn’t consider your muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, or where the body fat is located. Two people who have the same BMI may experience different health risks, which is why consulting with Dr. Hasan is crucial if you suspect you’re obese.
Being obese increases your risk of developing several health conditions, some of which can be life-threatening. Each extra pound you carry can make you more susceptible to developing the following conditions.
Excess body fat, especially around your stomach, can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Obesity also triggers high blood pressure, which strains your heart, making it work harder to circulate blood. Both these factors increase your risk of developing severe heart conditions.
Obesity is a leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Excess fat, particularly around the waist, can cause insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to control blood sugar levels. Healthy weight loss can help you manage healthy blood sugar levels and make you less susceptible to developing diabetes.
Your joints and bones are designed to support a certain amount of weight. When they’re forced to bear extra pounds, it can lead to various joint and muscle problems. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common of these disorders. It causes the protective cartilage at the end of your bones to become worn down.
Carrying extra weight, especially around your neck, can lead to sleep apnea, a condition where your breathing frequently stops and starts as you sleep. Sleep apnea not only causes you to sleep poorly, it can increase your risk of developing heart problems and Type 2 diabetes.
If you have other respiratory problems such as asthma, obesity can also worsen your symptoms and make it harder to breathe easily.
Trying to lose weight when you’re struggling with obesity can be challenging. At Optimum Endocrine Care, Dr. Hsan provides a medical weight loss program to help you shed the extra pounds in the healthiest way possible and protect yourself from developing more severe conditions. Book an appointment online today or call 219-732-2231 to get started.
