Obesity & Health Risks
Obesity and its health risks are a growing problem. The risks involved with being are obese are numerous and can be fatal. The definition of obesity as well as illnesses associated with it are discussed below.
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Definition of Obesity
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According to the Medical College of Wisconsin's HealthLink website, the term "obese" is used for "an individual who is 20% heavier than his or her ideal weight ..." There are many determining factors for an ideal weight but height, age and build are most common. Your ideal weight can be calculated on such sites as Health Central (see Resources).
Risks to being Obese
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In 2008, The Toronto Star published an article showing how obesity was reaching alarming rates, stating that "...obesity is quickly becoming the world's most severe health-care crisis." Obesity puts a person at risk for numerous serious health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, breathing problems, gout, gallbladder disease, and joint disorders.
A 1998 panel report as part of the Obesity Education Initiative by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that obesity "is also associated with complications of pregnancy, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, stress incontinence, and psychological disorders (depression)."
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Most Dangerous Illnesses
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The most dangerous effects of obesity, however, are risks involving the heart and cholesterol. Obesity increases certain factors that can lead to heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol,and chest pain. Just being slightly overweight can adversely affect these. The more overweight a person is, the higher the risks become. As WebMD describes, "Someone who is 40% overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as is an average-weight person."
Body Types
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There are also different types of risks involved with different body shapes and the locations where a person holds weight. When weight is carried in the stomach, the associated risks are different than those that come with carrying weight in the hips. According to WebMD: "People whose weight is concentrated around their stomachs may be at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or cancer than people of the same weight who are "pear-shaped" (they carry their weight in their hips and buttocks)."
Losing Weight
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There are massive benefits to losing weight, according to WebMD. A small amount can even help, "...even a modest weight loss of 10 to 20 pounds can bring significant health improvements, such as lowering one's blood pressure and cholesterol levels." Weight loss also reduces the blood glucose level in people with and without diabetes. A weight loss of just 10% can lower the risks of all of these diseases significantly. Other benefits of weight loss are more energy, a better outlook on life, and reduced or eliminated sleep apnea.
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