The Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. The convenience of fast foods, highly processed boxed dinners, and high-calorie, sugar-laden drinks have all contributed to increased waistlines.

When you are overweight or obese, your entire body suffers in many ways. These are just a few of the health risks of obesity:

  • Higher blood pressure, which can lead to heart damage
  • Elevated cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease
  • Elevated blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes
  • Pressure on your joints, which can lead to arthritis

Obesity risks don’t just stop with your body. Your mental state can be affected too. You can develop:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Loss of self-confidence

Even losing a small amount of weight can make a big difference in how you look and feel. There are small steps you can take to help you lose weight. Remember to:

  • Avoid fatty, fried foods, including fast food, and red meat–choose baked foods, and lean poultry or fish instead.
  • Avoid highly processed foods, including boxed or frozen dinners–choose single-ingredient, natural foods instead.
  • Avoid high-sugar foods and beverages like sodas–choose water instead.
  • Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits–they have plenty of fiber and can make you feel full.
  • Add exercise–at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Pick exercises you enjoy, so you will stick with your exercise program.

People tend to overeat due to stress too, so try and incorporate some stress reduction techniques, including yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

If you have tried losing weight, but have been unsuccessful, maybe you need a little help from your doctor. Weight loss is at the forefront of medicine because obesity is such a common, serious health condition. To learn more about the health risks of obesity, how you can manage your weight, and how your doctor can help with weight loss, call your doctor today.

 

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