Obesity has physical, psychological, and social effects. It increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and reduces energy levels. Obese people may also suffer from discrimination, low self-esteem, and depression. Seeking medical guidance before starting an exercise program is recommended.
The effects of obesity are numerous and daunting, and it is a condition that few people willingly choose. However, in many industrialized societies it has become or is developing into a serious problem and there are numerous countries, assisted by medical experts, trying to stem the tide with government awareness programs. It’s important to clearly understand the risks of this condition because it can help encourage people to pursue healthier choices that could reduce these risks.
While there are numerous physical effects of obesity, which is usually defined as having a body mass index greater than 95% for a person’s age and height, it is also worth noting the psychological and social disadvantages of this condition. In most of the Westernized world, there is perhaps an excessive obsession with body appearance that governs the way people see one another. Those who are obese may be judged differently due to appearance; they are common victims of bullying, may have fewer choices in mates, and may experience discrimination in the workforce.
Negative opinions aimed at the obese can lead to lifelong psychological effects. Body image and self-image can be extremely poor, and these things can lead to a higher risk of depression and behaviors that fuel obesity. Many people who binge eat do so because they feel deep grief over the way they have been treated by others on the matter of body size.
In addition to the psychological and social effects of obesity, there are all the medical risks it causes. Nearly every type of heart disease risk increases, and obese people are more likely to have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol. These lead to a higher chance of suffering from heart attacks and strokes.
The effects of obesity on the body aren’t limited to the heart. You develop a much greater risk of becoming diabetic, and this is especially worrying for children who are very overweight, as they develop diabetes at a very young age. Additionally, the body was not built to withstand carrying large amounts of extra weight, and people thought to be obese can struggle with bone and joint strength. They may be more like developing arthritis and some are at risk for osteoporosis.
A higher weight is associated with a greater risk for some forms of cancer, particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer. Another of the effects of obesity can be the reduction of energy levels. People with this condition often have snoring problems and may have bouts of sleep apnea episodes. These can cause extreme tiredness during daytime hours.
Given the very serious effects of obesity, people are strongly encouraged to see a doctor if they suffer from this condition. People should especially seek guidance before starting any rigorous exercise program. It’s best to start slow and build up activity gradually, then start fast, get injured, and get discouraged.
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