Learn how obesity affects diabetes, blood pressure, fatty liver, sleep and heart health and what evidence-based treatment can involve.
Why Does Obesity Matter?
Obesity is a chronic health condition associated with several metabolic and cardiovascular problems.
It is not simply a question of appearance or willpower.
Health conditions associated with excess weight
These can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Fatty liver disease
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems
- Cardiovascular disease
What causes weight gain?
Body weight is influenced by multiple factors:
- Food intake
- Physical activity
- Sleep
- Stress
- Genetics
- Medications
- Hormonal and metabolic factors
- Environment
Is crash dieting effective?
Extreme diets may produce short-term weight loss but can be difficult to sustain.
A better approach is usually an individualized plan involving nutrition, physical activity, sleep and medical evaluation where appropriate.
When should you see a doctor?
Medical assessment is especially useful when obesity occurs with diabetes, hypertension, sleep problems, fatty liver, abnormal cholesterol or difficulty losing weight despite sustained lifestyle efforts.
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