Overweight Health Risks

Introduction

Overweight and obesity are conditions characterised by the accumulation of abnormal or excessive body fat, which poses a significant risk to one’s health. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used metric to categorise these conditions, with a BMI over 25 indicating overweight and a BMI over 30 classified as obese (WHO, 2022). In this topic, we’ll explore the potential health complications associated with overweight and obesity, backed by research and data.

Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity

Excess body fat imposes strain on the body and its organs, leading to complex hormonal and metabolic changes, as well as increased inflammation.

1. Heart Disease: Overweight and obesity significantly elevate the risk of heart disease, a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
2. Gallbladder Disease: Obesity is linked to a higher incidence of gallbladder diseases, which may require medical intervention.
3. Stroke: Research has shown that obesity increases the risk of stroke, with a 64% higher likelihood compared to non-obese individuals (Strazzullo et al., 2010).
4. Sleep Apnea: Obesity is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition associated with disrupted sleep patterns and reduced oxygen intake during sleep.
5. Type 2 Diabetes: Individuals with overweight or obesity are at an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition affecting blood sugar regulation.
6. Osteoarthritis: Excessive body weight places added strain on joints, increasing the likelihood of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder.
7. Kidney Disease: Obesity is a recognised contributor to kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease.
8. High Blood Pressure: Overweight and obesity are linked to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
9. Liver Disease: Obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and, in more severe cases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
10. Certain Cancers: Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. In 2019, high BMI was responsible for 462.55 thousand deaths and 11.18 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) related to cancer (Zhi et al., 2022).
11. Depression: There is a connection between obesity and increased rates of depression and other mood disorders.
12. Pregnancy Complications: Overweight and obesity can lead to complications during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Obesity Classification

BMI serves as a basis for categorising obesity:

• Obesity (≥30) is classified as moderate.
• Class I (30-34.9) is moderate.
• Class II (35-39.9) is severe.
• Class III (≥40) is considered extremely severe.

Risk Reduction and Management

To mitigate these health risks and improve overall well-being, consider the following steps:

1. Weight Loss: Even a modest reduction of 5% to 7% of your body weight can substantially lower the risk of type 2 diabetes (NIDDK, 2008).
2. Calorie Deficit: Weight loss primarily depends on creating a calorie deficit through sustainable changes in diet and exercise, ultimately leading to fat loss.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Initiate positive changes in your daily life, focusing on healthier dietary choices and increasing physical activity. This holistic approach is an effective starting point in the journey toward better health.

In conclusion, overweight and obesity come with a multitude of health risks, and their impact on various body systems can be significant. This topic provides an understanding of the health implications of these conditions and emphasises the importance of risk reduction and management strategies.

References

• NIDDK (2018) Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity/health-risks?dkrd=%2Fhealth-information%2Fweight-management%2Fhealth-risks-overweight (Accessed: November 11, 2022). 
• Strazzullo, P. et al. (2010) “Excess body weight and incidence of stroke,” Stroke, 41(5). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.109.576967. 
• WHO (2022) Obesity, World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1 (Accessed: November 10, 2022). 
• Zhi, X. et al. (2022) “The global burden and temporal trend of cancer attributable to high body mass index: Estimates from the global burden of disease study 2019,” Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.918330.