8 Diseases Caused by Obesity
8 diseases caused by obesity, obesity has become one of the biggest health problems of the modern world. Diseases caused by obesity can lead to serious health problems that negatively affect both physical and mental health. These diseases not only reduce the quality of life, but can also shorten life expectancy.
Obesity occurs as a result of the accumulation of excess fat in the body and has negative effects on many systems. In this article, we will discuss in detail the main diseases caused by obesity, how these diseases develop and how this condition can be managed.
1. Heart Disease and Hypertension
Heart disease is one of the most common and serious consequences of obesity. Excess fat accumulated in the body puts pressure on the blood vessels, causing the heart to work harder, which leads to fatigue of the heart muscle.
Obesity can also lead to the development of high blood pressure. This is an important risk factor for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Heart disease:
Obesity causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries, making blood flow difficult.
As a result of the heart working under pressure, the risk of heart diseases increases.
High Blood Pressure:
Obesity causes high blood pressure by increasing blood pressure.
High blood pressure can cause serious complications such as heart attack and stroke.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common complications of obesity. In obese individuals, the body’s resistance to the hormone insulin increases, causing blood sugar levels to rise uncontrollably.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and vision loss over time.
Insulin Resistance:
Obesity, especially fat accumulated in the abdomen, leads to increased insulin resistance.
The body’s ability to produce and use insulin is impaired, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
Complications:
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, kidney failure and nerve damage.
Management:
Weight loss, regular exercise and a healthy diet are critical in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Medication or insulin use also helps to keep blood glucose levels under control.
3. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of a number of health problems that obesity can lead to. It includes risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels.
This syndrome significantly increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors:
Obesity is one of the main causes of metabolic syndrome.
High blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels are components of this syndrome.
Consequences:
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Management:
Weight loss requires a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication to keep blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels under control.
4. Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is a condition frequently associated with obesity. This disease occurs as a result of excess fat accumulation in the liver and can disrupt the normal function of the liver.
Fatty liver can lead to inflammation of the liver (steatohepatitis) and over time can develop into more serious conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.
Causes:
Obesity, especially the accumulation of visceral fat, causes fat to accumulate in the liver cells.
Fatty liver disease is usually asymptomatic, so it can go unrecognised for a long time.
Symptoms:
In advanced cases, symptoms such as enlarged liver, abdominal pain and fatigue may occur.
Management:
Weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise are the main strategies for managing fatty liver disease.
Weight loss can help the organ regain normal function by reducing fat accumulation in the liver.
5. Respiratory Problems and Sleep Apnea
Obesity can adversely affect the respiratory system and lead to various respiratory problems. Excess weight, especially fat accumulation in the chest and neck area, narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult.
Sleep apnoea is a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop temporarily during sleep.
Respiratory Problems:
Obesity can lead to respiratory problems by narrowing the airways.
Reduced mobility of the diaphragm makes it difficult to breathe in the lying position.
Sleep Apnoea:
It causes respiration to stop temporarily during sleep.
It causes snoring, frequent awakening, daytime fatigue and concentration problems.
Treatment:
Weight loss, positional therapies and the use of CPAP devices can be effective in the management of sleep apnoea.
More invasive treatment methods such as obesity surgery may also be recommended in some cases.
6. Osteoarthritis and Joint Problems
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease directly related to obesity. Obesity creates excessive pressure on joints such as knees, hips and waist, causing these joints to wear out over time.
Osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joints. This makes daily activities difficult.
Causes:
Obesity causes joint cartilage to wear out and joint inflammation to increase.
The muscles and ligaments around the joints weaken, reducing the stability of the joints.
Symptoms:
Pain, stiffness and loss of movement in the joints are among the most common symptoms.
Management:
Weight loss can relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis by reducing pressure on the joints.
Physiotherapy, pain medication and, if necessary, surgical interventions are also among the treatment options.
7. Depression and Anxiety
Obesity can affect not only physical health but also mental health. Depression and anxiety are common psychological problems in obese individuals.
Obesity is closely associated with many psychological difficulties such as social isolation, low self-esteem and negative thoughts about body image.
Psychological Effects:
Obesity can cause individuals to feel physically uncomfortable and ostracised from society.
Social isolation and low self-esteem contribute to the development of depression and anxiety.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy can help improve individuals’ mental health.
Lifestyle changes and strengthening social support systems are also important.
If necessary, medication can also be used to manage depression and anxiety.
8. Other Diseases Caused by Obesity
The diseases that obesity can cause are not limited to those mentioned above. Other diseases caused by obesity cover a wide range of diseases such as gastrointestinal diseases, some types of cancer, kidney diseases and reproductive health problems. These diseases are linked to the systemic effects of obesity on the body.
Cancer:
Obesity can increase the risk of developing some types of cancer. In particular, colon, breast, uterine and kidney cancers are closely associated with obesity. Obesity can increase inflammation at the cellular level and lead to the growth of cancer cells.
Gastrointestinal Diseases:
Obesity can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as reflux disease (GERD), gallbladder diseases and fatty liver. These diseases develop due to the pressure of obesity on the digestive system.
Kidney Diseases:
Obesity can lead to chronic kidney disease by disrupting the normal function of the kidneys. Obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can accelerate kidney damage.
Reproductive Health Problems:
Obesity can adversely affect reproductive health in both men and women. In women, obesity can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. In men, obesity can negatively affect sperm quality and testosterone levels.
Conclusion: Prevention and Management of Obesity
Diseases caused by obesity can seriously affect the quality of life of individuals and lead to long-term health problems. Therefore, prevention and management of obesity is of great importance at both individual and societal levels.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management and medical interventions when necessary are the basic steps to prevent and manage obesity. In addition, being conscious in the fight against obesity and working in co-operation with health professionals are critical for the success of this process.
