Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and disability
for both men and women in the United States. Overweight people are more
likely to have high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease
and stroke, than people who are not overweight. Very high blood levels of
cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) can also lead to heart disease
and often are linked to being overweight. Being overweight also
contributes to angina (chest pain caused by decreased oxygen to the heart)
and sudden death from heart disease or stroke without any signs or
symptoms. The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce
your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Reducing your weight
by 10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease by
improving how your heart works, blood pressure, and levels of blood
cholesterol and triglycerides.
Diabetes
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) is the most
common type of diabetes in the United States. Type 2 diabetes reduces your
body's ability to control your blood sugar. It is a major cause of early
death, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. Overweight
people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as people who are
not overweight. You can reduce your risk of developing this type of
diabetes by losing weight and by increasing your physical activity. If you
have type 2 diabetes, losing weight and becoming more physically active
can help control your blood sugar levels. If you use medicine to control
your blood sugar, weight loss and physical activity may make it possible
for your doctor to decrease the amount of medication you need.
Cancer
Several types of cancer are associated with being overweight. In women,
these include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast,
and colon. Overweight men are at greater risk for developing cancer of the
colon, rectum, and prostate. For some types of cancer, such as colon or
breast, it is not clear whether the increased risk is due to the extra
weight or to a high-fat and high-calorie diet.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is closely associated with being
overweight. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for short
periods during sleep and to snore heavily. Sleep apnea may cause daytime
sleepiness and even heart failure. The risk for sleep apnea increases with
higher body weights. Weight loss usually improves sleep apnea.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that most often affects the
joints in your knees, hips, and lower back. Extra weight appears to
increase the risk of osteoarthritis by placing extra pressure on these
joints and wearing away the cartilage (tissue that cushions the joints)
that normally protects them. Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees,
hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Gout
Gout is a joint disease caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Uric acid sometimes forms into solid stone or crystal masses that become
deposited in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people and the
risk of developing the disorder increases with higher body weights.
Note: Over the short term, some diets may lead to an attack of gout in
people who have high levels of uric acid or who have had gout before. If
you have a history of gout, check with your doctor or other health
professional before trying to lose weight.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common if you are overweight.
Your risk of disease increases as your weight increases. It is not clear
how being overweight may cause gallbladder disease. Weight loss itself,
particularly rapid weight loss or loss of a large amount of weight, can
actually increase your chances of developing gallstones. Modest, slow
weight loss of about 1 pound a week is less likely to cause gallstones.
How You Can Lower Your
Health Risks
Weight-control Information
Network
1 Win
Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Tel: (202) 828-1025 or 1-877-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
E-mail:
win@info.niddk.nih.gov
The
Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a service of the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of
the National Institutes of Health, under the U.S. Public Health Service.
Authorized by Congress (Public Law 103-43), WIN assembles and disseminates
to health professionals and the public information on weight control,
obesity, and nutritional disorders. WIN responds to requests for
information; develops, reviews, and distributes publications; and develops
communications strategies to encourage individuals to achieve and maintain
a healthy weight.
This content
is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply the
approval or recommendation by Weightloss.ms .
Always
consult a medical professional before significantly modifying your diet or
beginning an exercise program. |
