7 Serious Health Problems That Are Linked to Your Excess Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, you might miss doing some of the things you did before you gained weight. 

At Turnquest Surgical Solutions in Houston, Texas, our board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dexter Turnquest, MD, and Victoria C. Chang, MD,  perform weight loss surgeries that help you regain your quality of life. 

You’ve likely tried many times to lose weight. If you’re tired of the battle, it’s time to consider a more permanent solution. Take charge of your health before the excess pounds take a real toll on your health. 

Here are seven of the more dangerous health conditions associated with being overweight or obese. 

High blood pressure 

Excess body weight can lead to high blood pressure because your heart must work harder to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure eventually damages your heart and arteries. 

The result could be heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, sexual dysfunction, and even vision problems.

Heart disease and stroke

There’s a direct link between obesity and heart disease and stroke. Researchers have demonstrated that being obese is a major risk factor not only for cardiovascular disease but also for death from the disease. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. 

Excess body fat forces your heart to pump harder to circulate the blood through your body. The stress on your heart eventually causes structural changes and can lead to heart disease and heart failure. 

Diabetes 

The number of people with diabetes has significantly increased in the US during the past two decades. Obesity is also increasing. One-third of American adults are overweight. In the last 20 years, the percentage of obese adults in the US has increased from 30.5% to 42%.

The link between obesity and diabetes is clear: Being obese increases your risk for diabetes. In fact, you’re six times more likely to develop diabetes if you’re obese versus if you’re at a normal weight. 

Liver disease 

If you’re significantly overweight you may develop fatty liver disease. Your liver stores too much excess fat, eventually creating scar tissue that disrupts normal liver function. 

This disease of the liver may not produce symptoms, but it’s dangerous because it can lead to liver failure. 

Sleep apnea

Being overweight or obese can lead to sleep apnea, a condition in which excess fat can block your airway when you’re asleep. You stop breathing temporarily and wake up gasping for breath. 

These lapses in breathing can occur many times during the night. In addition to causing sleep deprivation, the condition can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter life span. 

Gallbladder disease 

You’re at higher risk of developing gallstones if you’re overweight or obese, and they can be quite painful. 

Your gallbladder produces bile, which helps digest your food, including fats. Excess body weight may lead to high amounts of cholesterol in your bile, and that can lead to gallstones. 

Depression 

Studies link obesity and depression. You may have low self-esteem because of your weight, and you may no longer be able to participate in physical activities you used to enjoy. Living a sedentary life may also increase your risk of depression.  

Call us at Turnquest Surgical Solutions today or book an appointment through our online portal to learn about weight loss surgery if you haven’t been able to keep off the excess pound