Obesity is a multifactorial disease process that affects nearly every organ system in the body and is the one of the largest health crises in the United States. Obesity was long thought to be an issue with will power and eating habits. However, we have learned that obesity is a much more complex and insidious health issue that is both uncontrollable and controllable.
These may include the following:
- Genetics
- Health conditions
- Medications
- Gut micro biome
- Age
- Environmental
- Metabolism
- Activity level
- Environmental toxins
- Mental or emotion trauma
- Smoking
- Social Economic
- Pregnancy
- Diet
- Sleep Deprivation
In the United States more than one third of the population is facing obesity, it’s side effects and possible metabolic derangement. Contrary to popular misconceptions, body weight is not regulated by diet alone. Scientists have found that a number of factors determine one’s body weight, such as genetics, environment, emotional trauma, and daily activity. Obesity is a complicated world wide health concern.
It’s important to note that obesity is not yours to manage alone and there is help that is tangible and manageable.
While there are other factors involved, a healthy and non-excessive diet is still very important. Each individual still needs to examine the causes of obesity that can be controlled. There isn’t cure all for obesity but, Bariatric Surgery can counter the effects of some of the causes and may improve some health risks.
Common Obesity Related Health Risks:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Respiratory problems
- Fatty Liver disease
- Venous disease
- Acid reflux
- Menstrual irregularities and infertility
Obesity-Related Cancers:
- Meningioma (brain tissue and spinal cord)
- Thyroid
- Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
- Multiple myeloma (blood cells)
- Breast (post-menopausal women)
- Liver
- Kidney
- Gallbladder
- Upper stomach
- Pancreatic
- Colon and rectal
- Uterine
- Ovarian