While being overweight does not necessarily mean you are unhealthy, obesity does increase one’s risk of developing very serious health issues over time. If you’re struggling to lose weight near Fort Wayne , keep reading to learn about some common health problems associated with being overweight.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that elevates your blood sugar level. There is a clear link between obesity, particularly excess weight around the midsection, and an increased diabetes risk. Other factors that may increase your risk even more include a family history of diabetes, an inactive lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet. Type 2 diabetes can also lead to heart and kidney disease and strokes. A healthy weight loss plan can help you reach your weight loss goals and decrease your risk of developing diabetes.
Cardiac Disease
A common cause of cardiac disease is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. This narrows the arteries and makes it more difficult for your heart to pump blood efficiently, and it also elevates your blood pressure and decreases the amount of blood that can reach your heart, making your heart unhealthy. An unhealthy diet contributes to high cholesterol, which causes this plaque to buildup in the arteries. Excess weight and limited physical activity also puts stress on your heart, and can affect how well it is able to pump blood. Losing weight can relieve this pressure on your heart, and decrease your risk of developing cardiac disease.
Strokes
Strokes occur when blood flow to your brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. If blood can’t flow to your brain, your brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, and brain cells begin to die quickly. Being overweight elevates your blood pressure, and high blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. Ask your doctor for weight loss tips, or join a weight loss program near you. Losing weight will help you keep your blood pressure in a healthy range, and decrease your risk of suffering from a stroke.