The terms “obesity” and “overweight” refer to an individual’s body weight. Also, it specifies whether the body weight is too high. Obesity is the high amount of excessive body fat a person can have. On the other hand, overweight is the additional body weight from fat, bone, muscle or water. Body mass index (BMI) is the most important and effective measuring tool for obesity and overweight. Read on to know more about the health risks associated with obesity and overweight.
Associated Diseases of Obesity in Adults
These diseases which are associated with obesity and overweight include:
- Specific cancers
- Respiratory disorders
- Gallstones
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Coronary heart disease
Many factors are responsible for your weight. Factors such as habits, behavior, metabolism rate, genetics, family history, and environment play a key role in your weight gain or loss. Some of the factors like family history are irreversible. But factors like lifestyle habits can be changed and managed accordingly. A few of the diseases are mentioned briefly.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
This is a medical condition which is manifested when a plaque forms inside the coronary arteries. They supply oxygenated blood to the heart. The plaque is composed of calcium, cholesterol, fat and several other compounds found in blood.
With an increase in the body mass index (BMI), there is a higher risk of acquiring CHD and suffering a heart attack. Even heart failure can occur due to obesity.
High Blood Pressure
This is the force of blood that pushes against the arterial walls when the heart pumps out the blood. If there is a rise in the pressure, it may damage your body. If you are obese or overweight, you are at a higher risk of having a high blood pressure.
Stroke
Plaque formation may occur in the arteries in obese or overweight persons. If this plaque ruptures, this may lead to a blood clot formation. As the BMI increases, the risk of having a stroke also increases.
