Obesity has been declared an epidemic in the United States, and Los Angeles County is no exception. There are more obese people throughout the country now than there have been ever before, and recent reports from the Center for Disease Control note that 33 percent of American adults are considered obese. A person is considered obese if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. An adult is considered overweight if their BMI is between 25 and 29.9. Health care workers are hoping to reduce the number of people battling obesity. It is essential for Glendora residents to understand that obesity is about more than being overweight. It has a significant impact on a person’s overall health.
How Does Obesity Affect a Person’s Overall Health?
Obesity puts a person at a higher risk for developing health issues and complications throughout their lifetime. There are many health risks associated with being obese, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, gallbladder disease and stroke. Obesity also puts a person at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and colon cancer.
A person who is obese is more likely to have a shorter life than someone who maintains a healthy BMI. Obesity can cause a person to have respiratory issues, sleep issues and other chronic health problems. Some of these health issues, such as heart disease or cancer, can potentially be fatal.
Obesity can have an impact on a person’s social and emotional life. There is a stigma attached to obesity that can leave a person feeling lonely, isolated and even depressed. It can be difficult for an obese person emotionally when they are too large to experience normal activities, such as sitting in a restaurant, flying on an airplane or riding a thrill ride with their children.
Obesity can prevent a person from enjoying normal daily activities, as it is difficult for someone who is extremely overweight to move around easily. This can exacerbate social isolation issues as well as feelings of depression.
Obesity is a health issue that can be treated. The first step to combating obesity is to start on a healthy diet that is balanced with the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Obese patients should avoid crash diets or dieting trends, as these diets produce quick results that cannot be maintained in the long-term. In addition, people who are overweight or obese should start an exercise program with the help of their physician. In some cases, patients may be qualified for a weight loss surgery. If you want to know if you are a qualified candidate, set up a consultation with an expert general surgeon today.
