Health Effects of Obesity
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Health Effects of Obesity
Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat within the body. It is a chronic disease caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and personal factors. Eating a diet rich in sugar and fat, neglecting exercise and a variety of unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to the development of obesity.
As you gain weight your risk of experiencing health problems increases. These secondary health problems are called obesity-related diseases or co-morbid conditions. Obesity-related diseases are often preventable, but are becoming more common because of the rise in obesity rates throughout the United States.
Obesity increases your risk for:
- Physical health problems
- Mental health disease
- Joint pain and physical injury
The Medical Cost of Obesity
Every year, obesity is responsible for about $147 billion in medical bills nationwide. In fact, the average obese person will pay more than $1,400 annually in medical costs directly as a result of the additional health complications associated with carrying excess weight. In many cases, these medical costs are for conditions that could be prevented through weight management.
Often, the personal cost of obesity is much greater than the financial expense. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, complications that can be fatal.
When you are overweight or obese, you are at increased risk for developing:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Hyperlipidemia (High triglycerides and poor cholesterol levels)
- High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia)
- Type-2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis (Joint pain)
- Obstructive Sleep apnea
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
Obesity can also increase your risk of developing certain forms of cancer, including breast, colon, gallbladder and prostate cancer.
Mental Health and Obesity
People who are overweight or obese are more likely to experience mental health disorders such as depression and severe anxiety. They are also more likely to be bullied and increases chances of social isolation and similar experiences that can reduce personal confidence and self-esteem. Obesity has also been shown to negatively influence:
- Mood
- Energy levels
- Body image
Treatment for Obesity Related Disease
Losing weight is the most effective method of treatment for obesity related diseases. In some cases the onset of obesity related disease can be entirely reversed through successful weight management.
You do not have to reach your weight loss goal to begin experiencing the health benefits of weight loss. Losing just five to 10 percent of your excess body weight can result in lasting changes to your health and wellness level.
Learn More About the Health Effects of Obesity
Joint Pain and Obesity
Obesity and excessive weight can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on your body. Carrying extra weight makes it more difficult to move around and accelerates the wear on your joints and your spine.
Joint Pain and Obesity
Obesity and Heart Disease
Heart disease is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Every year, about 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. That is one death every minute related to heart disease.
Obesity and Heart Disease
Understanding Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition resulting in the contents of the stomach flowing back up and irritating the esophagus.
Understanding Acid Reflux
Understanding Hyperlipidemia
In small quantities, fat is useful to our health. Unfortunately, we often eat more fat than necessary for benefits like nutrient absorption and joint protection.
Understanding Hyperlipidemia
Understanding Hypertension
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart beats. If this pressure remains consistently high, this can cause a number of health issues.
Understanding Hypertension
Understanding Metabolic Syndrome
Being overweight or obese increases your risk for a series of health problems. One common obesity-related condition is metabolic syndrome.
Understanding Metabolic Syndrome
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Obesity is among the leading causes of immobility in adults. An accumulation of excess body weight increases pressure on the joints, especially the hips, knees and ankles.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Lost 44.5 lbs
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I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More
Lost 60 lbs
"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More
Lost 66 lbs
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You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.
Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More
Lost 61 lbs
"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 61.5lbs, 48.5lb of body fat gone, BMI of 39 when I started, to 27.9, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 34.6%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself..." Read More
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Meet Our Team
Robert Ziltzer, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Diana Bone, FNP-C
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA
Jillian Swope, DNP, FNP-C
Dr. John De Guzman
