More than 2 in 5 adults have obesity in the US according to the 2017 – 2018 findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The report also found that 1 in 3 adults are overweight. When dealing with body fat health risks, it is important to be aware of the early signs because most times, you aren’t even aware of what’s going on inside your body.
Body fat health risks to keep an eye on
Cancer risks
Obesity doesn’t directly cause cancer. However, long-term obesity can increase the risk of more than 10 types of cancer including liver, kidney, pancreatic, thyroid, esophageal, and breast. Obesity and being overweight increases inflammation throughout the body. Overeating and an unhealthy diet also lead to harmful compounds including carcinogens going inside the body. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy physique is a great way to fight off cancer and different diseases.
Mental disorders
There is a clear link between obesity and mental health issues. Body fat health risks don’t only affect people physically but also take a toll on people’s mental health. According to a 2021 article written by Dorothea Vafiadis, Director of Health Partnerships and Strategic Engagement for the National Council on Aging, “Older adults who carry excess weight often struggle with depression and other mental health disorders.” Vafiadis further discussed that obesity amplifies mental health problems because it diminishes the quality of life and can lead to weight discrimination which will then eventually result in poor body image.
Experts suggest that the best way to deal with body fat health risks associated with mental health is to get effective treatment for both.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a very common form of arthritis. There is no cure for osteoarthritis but it is not a series condition that would greatly impact lives. But, despite being common, osteoarthritis, if left unchecked can result in physical disability. One of the top risk factors for this condition is being overweight and obese. Excess body fat adds more tension or stress to weight-bearing joints in the lower body, mostly in the knees and hips.
It is not just the weight. Fat tissues throughout the body can result in painful inflammation in the muscles and joints. Osteoarthritis can also be the result of inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle. Without exercise, muscles and joints tighten up resulting in pain and inflammation throughout the body. What’s more, if people are obese and aren’t exercising much.
Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is not one but a group of conditions that can lead to severe diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome conditions include high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and high levels of triglyceride in the blood. Too much weight can also reduce HDL or good cholesterol levels, which is also considered a metabolic syndrome.
Dealing with body fat health risks
There are different ways you can fight off body fat health risks. One important thing is to be more active and burn off fat in your body. Replace your body fat with muscles and strengthen the very structure of your body. Staying active and fit improves both your physical and mental health.
Another factor is your diet. Eat healthy, be healthy. Eat unhealthily, be unhealthy, and suffer the consequences in the future. Indulging in too much food, especially unhealthy food will do nothing but diminish your lifestyle. Embrace healthier diet plans and plan out your meal plans. Eating healthy can promote weight loss and strengthen your immune system.
By any chance, if you are overweight or obese, it is advisable that you change certain aspects of your life for the better.
