If you are obese, the reasons why are not as important as a focus on what can be done to help you. Unfortunately, no matter the reason for your weight gain, there are negative consequences of obesity.

Major Health Risks

Shorter life expectancy is linked with obesity. Studies have shown that compared to people of normal weight, people who are obese have a 50% to 100% increased risk of dying prematurely.

People who are obese have more risk of:

Type 2 Diabetes

This disease was primarily diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but as the obesity epidemic has increased, we now regularly see Type 2 diabetes in people as young as teenagers. Obesity is strongly tied with Type 2 diabetes; about 90% of the diagnosed people are in the weight categories of Overweight or Obese. Complications of diabetes result in about 200,000 deaths per year in the US.

Joint Problems

Each year an increasing number of people seek hip and knee replacements due to their weight. The Arthritis Foundation says more than 1 in 3 people with obesity will have arthritis, and this is particularly damaging since someone with joint pain is less likely to be able to exercise. Every pound of extra weight you carry can put additional pressure of 3-4 pounds on your knees. This can lead to significant pain and mobility challenges.

Cancer

Obesity has been linked to increased chances of developing several types of cancer, including breast, endometrial, colorectal, kidney, esophageal, pancreatic, thyroid, and gallbladder cancers. A 2007 study estimated that about 85,000 new cases of cancer each year are attributed to obesity. With obesity rates increasing steadily, the cases of related cancers are rising as well.

Digestive Disorders

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the condition where your stomach leaks backward into your esophagus. This can irritate your esophagus causing symptoms such as heartburn. In addition to reflux being uncomfortable, it can lead to medical conditions like Barrett’s Esophagus which increases your risk of serious cancer.

Breathing Difficulties

Extra fat keeps your ribcage from expanding fully, which prevents you from breathing as easily. Your lungs also store excess fat, which decreases the exchange of oxygen in your body. A recent study found that obese adults with asthma are five times more likely to be hospitalized than non-obese adults with asthma.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

High blood pressure can cause damage to your arteries and heart. It can even damage your brain, leading to issues such as dementia and stroke. Excess fat puts pressure on your heart and can lead to life-threatening problems such as clogging and obstruction. The World Heart Federation says if you are obese, you are at serious risk for having heart disease. Heart disease kills over 600,000 people in the United States every year.

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Obesity And Covid19

Data from China, Seattle, New York, and France showed that patients with a BMI over 40 were much more likely to be hospitalized for Covid-19, more likely to be admitted to ICU, and more likely to be intubated.

This progression also means a higher mortality rate for our patients. Together, these studies clearly show that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of severe Covid-19 disease. This risk appears to be independent of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. The good news is that successful weight loss surgery reverses the pulmonary and metabolic changes associated with obesity and lowers your risk of severe illness substantially.

Other Health Consequences Of Obesity Include

  • Problems with fertility and pregnancy
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Negative self-image
  • Discrimination

At the New York Bariatric Group, we can help you to overcome these problems and experience an improved health status and quality of life by shedding excess weight. Our bariatric surgery options are geared toward treating the physical components of obesity, as well as substantial focus on improving each patient’s health and well-being. Contact us today at 866-569-7049 to find out more about our weight loss surgery and non-surgical obesity treatment options.

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Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.