Obesity-related health conditions are health conditions
that, whether alone or in combination, can significantly
reduce your life expectancy. A partial list of some of
the more common conditions follows. Your doctor can provide
you with a more detailed and complete list:
Type 2 Diabetes. Obese individuals
develop a resistance to insulin, which regulates blood
sugar levels. Over time, the resulting high blood sugar
can cause serious damage to the body.
High blood pressure/Heart disease.
Excess body weight strains the ability of the heart
to function properly. The resulting hypertension (high
blood pressure) can result in strokes, as well as inflict
significant heart and kidney damage.
Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints.
The additional weight placed on joints, particularly
knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, along
with pain caused by inflammation. Similarly, bones and
muscles of the back are constantly strained, resulting
in disk problems, pain and decreased mobility.
Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems.
Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can cause intermittent
obstruction of the air passage. Because the obstruction
is increased when sleeping on your back, you may find
yourself waking frequently to reposition yourself. The
resulting loss of sleep often results in daytime drowsiness
and headaches.
Gastroesophageal reflux/Heartburn.
Acid belongs in the stomach and seldom causes any problem
when it stays there. When acid escapes into the esophagus
through a weak or overloaded valve at the top of the
stomach, the result is called gastroesophageal reflux,
and "heartburn" and acid indigestion are common symptoms.
Approximately 10-15% of patients with even mild sporadic
symptoms of heartburn will develop a condition called
Barrett's esophagus, which is a pre-malignant change
in the lining membrane of the esophagus, a cause of
esophageal cancer. For more information on Heartburn,
its causes and possible cures, visit www.heartburnhelp.com.
Depression. Seriously overweight persons
face constant challenges to their emotions: repeated
failure with dieting, disapproval from family and friends,
sneers and remarks from strangers. They often experience
discrimination at work, cannot fit comfortably in theatre
seats, or ride in a bus or plane.
Infertility. The inability or diminished
ability to produce offspring.
Urinary stress incontinence. A large,
heavy abdomen and relaxation of the pelvic muscles,
especially associated with the effects of childbirth,
may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to be weakened,
leading to leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing,
or laughing.
Menstrual irregularities. Morbidly
obese individuals often experience disruptions of the
menstrual cycle, including interruption of the menstrual
cycle, abnormal menstrual flow and increased pain associated
with the menstrual cycle.
To schedule a consulation, call Dr. Jesse Lopez in
the Surgical Specialties
office. The phone number is (913) 469-6447.
