Health Risks Associated with Obesity

Weight loss surgery, such as Lap-Band surgery in Flint, Michigan is a step to reduce the health risks associated with obesity. Technically, an individual is said to be obese when his body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30. Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and cancer are among the myriad of health problems obesity can cause.

• Type 2 Diabetes – When a person has been obese for a period of time, their body may become less sensitive to insulin. When this happens, blood sugar rises, sometimes to dangerously high levels. Having diabetes over a long period of time may lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and even blindness. Being obese, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and choosing to eat an unhealthy diet all contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Disease – Too much fat in the body creates plaque in your arteries. Plaque buildup clogs arteries, which increases your risk of stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. By losing weight through weight loss surgery, obese individuals can reduce plaque buildup and also decrease the pressure on their arteries.
• Cancer – Although it may be surprising, research indicates that your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including kidney, colon, and esophageal cancer rises with obesity. These aforementioned cancers have the ability to spread to other organs and areas of the body, which may become fatal. While more research is needed into the link between cancer and obesity, it is thought that lifestyle choices related to obesity coupled with cell growth changes may play a role.
• Osteoarthritis – Excess weight places undue pressure on your joints. Over time, this weight causes a deterioration in your joints leading to osteoarthritis, a condition whereby joint and bone cartilage wears away, resulting in pain and sometimes disability. Losing weight through Lap-Band weight loss surgery can help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and regain more mobility.