Many complex genetic, physical and psychological factors contribute to weight gain, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, fitness level and diet.
We know that losing weight is not easy. Before they come to us, our patients have usually tried numerous diet plans over the years and not seen much change despite their efforts. It’s demoralising.
But a healthy weight is worth pursuing. It gives you more energy for your day and protects your long-term health. With no blame or judgment and with a great deal of empathy and understanding, let’s take a look at the health risks of obesity.
The health risks of obesity
Obesity places you at greater risk of developing a number of serious health conditions.
As the amount of weight increases, generally the risk factors increase as well.
Type 2 diabetes
Being overweight increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body does not produce or use insulin effectively. This can cause serious complications as the body struggles to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to the kidneys and eyes, as well as increasing risk of heart disease and stroke. Circulation problems can also occur, causing infections.
Cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease can occur with obesity. Excess weight can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- High blood glucose
- Triglycerides (fat) clogging the arteries.
These factors can increase the chances of developing serious cardiovascular disease such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.
Musculoskeletal conditions
Excess weight places excess strain on muscles, joints and bones, potentially leading to the development of musculoskeletal conditions. This pressure on the body can cause pain, strains, and increased risk of osteoarthritis.
If weight gain leads to a lack of movement, this can cause further issues as muscles lose strength and misalignment can occur. Knee, hip and back pain are some of the most common pain points because they are load bearing joints.
Respiratory diseases
Due to inflammation and physical effects of excess weight, people with obesity are at a higher risk of respiratory symptoms and diseases such as obstructive sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, which can cause daytime sleepiness and place long-term stress on your heart and lungs.
Liver and kidney disease
Obesity means your kidneys must work harder to filter your increased blood volume. This can strain the kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease, alongside high blood pressure.
Additionally, weight is linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where fat tissue builds up within the liver, causing inflammation, scar tissue, and damage. Eventually the liver struggles to function properly.
Other health difficulties
Obesity can also lead to a number of other health difficulties, including fertility struggles. Significant reductions in weight can help with gynaecological conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which can lead to increasing the chance of pregnancy.
How bariatric and metabolic surgery can help
Over time, many people with obesity begin to develop obesity-related conditions like those listed above. You may begin to be concerned about the direction you’re heading in and be keen to change course.
Bariatric and metabolic surgery may be an option for you if you:
- Have a BMI over 35
- Have a BMI over 30 with weight-related health issues.
Various studies show that bariatric and metabolic surgery not only helps you lose weight but also improves your long-term health and well-being. Surgery can:
- Lead to the remission of type 2 diabetes
- Decrease your risk of coronary heart disease – including returning blood pressure and cholesterol to normal levels
- Relieve depression
- Bring an end to obstructive sleep apnoea
- Relieve joint pain
- Improve fertility
Bariatric and metabolic surgery with Dr Qiuye Cheng
As Australia’s first internationally accredited Centre of Bariatric Excellence, we provide high-quality bariatric and metabolic surgery with wraparound care from a skilled multidisciplinary team.
If you’re concerned about potential risks due to your excess weight and you would like positive, educated and empathetic support to lose weight effectively, we’d love to help you.
Please call us on (02) 9587 8813 and speak to one of our trusted team or complete our enquiry form.
All information is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Dr. Qiuye Cheng can consult with you to confirm if this advice is right for you.
