Obesity
Health Threat
Blair M. Rowitz, MD FACS
Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery
Anderson, SC 29621
Tel: 864-231-2773
Fax: 864-231-2780
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Obesity
Health Threat |
Blair M. Rowitz, MD FACS |
2000 East Greenville St., Suite
2600 Anderson, SC 29621 Tel: 864-231-2773 Fax: 864-231-2780 |
 |
Morbid obesity brings with it an increased risk for a shorter life expectancy.
For individuals whose weight exceeds twice their ideal body weight (that’s about
2 to 6% of the U.S. population), the risk of an early death is doubled compared
to non-obese individuals. The risk of death from diabetes or heart attack is 5
to 7 times greater. Even beyond the issue of obesity-related health conditions,
weight gain alone can lead to a condition known as “end-stage” obesity where,
for the most part, no treatment options are available. Yet an early death is not
the only potential consequence. Social, psychological and economic effects of
morbid obesity, however unfair, are real and can be especially devastating. Significant obesity-related health conditions Obesity-related health conditions are health conditions that, whether alone or in combination, can significantly reduce your life expectancy. A partial list of some of the more common conditions follows. |
Type 2 Diabetes. Obese individuals develop a resistance to the insulin
(that regulates blood sugar levels). Over time, the resulting high blood sugar
can cause serious damage to the body.
High blood pressure/Heart disease. Excess body weight strains the ability
of the heart to function properly. The resulting hypertension (high blood
pressure) can result in strokes, as well as inflict significant heart and kidney
damage.
Osteoarthritis of weight bearing joints. The additional weight placed on
joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, along with
pain caused by inflammation. Similarly, bones and muscles of the back are
constantly strained, resulting in disc problems, pain and decreased mobility.
Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems. Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can
cause intermittent obstruction of the air passage. Because the obstruction is
increased when sleeping on your back, you may find yourself waking frequently to
reposition yourself. The resulting loss of sleep often results in daytime
drowsiness and headaches.
Gastroesophageal reflux/Heartburn. Acid belongs in the stomach and seldom
causes any problem when it stays there. When acid escapes into the esophagus
through a weak or overloaded valve at the top of the stomach, the result is
called gastroesophageal reflux, and “heartburn” and acid indigestion are common
symptoms. Approximately 10 – 15% of patients with even mild sporadic symptoms of
heartburn will develop a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a
pre-malignant change in the lining membrane of the esophagus, a cause of
esophageal cancer.
Gallbladder. Gallbladder disease occurs more frequently in the obese, in
part due to repeated efforts at dieting, which predispose the patient to this
problem. When stones form in the gallbladder and cause abdominal pain or
jaundice, the gallbladder must be removed.
Depression. Seriously overweight persons face constant challenges to
their emotions: repeated failure with dieting, disapproval from family and
friends, sneers and remarks from strangers. They often experience discrimination
at work, cannot fit comfortably in theatre seats, or ride in a bus or plane. No
wonder that anxiety and depression may accompany years of suffering.
Infertility. The inability or diminished ability to produce offspring.
Skin breakdown. Skin hygiene can be a significant problem in obese
individuals as the layers of skin can rub against each other causing skin
breakdown and infection.
Swollen legs/Skin ulcers. Leg swelling is common and may be caused by
blood clots in the leg veins. If untreated, skin breakdown can occur and the
resulting wounds can be extremely hard to heal.
Urinary stress incontinence. A large heavy abdomen and relaxation of the
pelvic muscles, especially associated with the effects of childbirth, may cause
the valve on the urinary bladder to be weakened, leading to leakage of urine
with coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Menstrual irregularities. Morbidly obese individuals often experience
disruptions of the menstrual cycle, including interruption of menstrual cycle,
abnormal menstrual flow and increased pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
Lower extremity venous stasis. Heart or kidney disease brought on by
excessive weight may also result in a condition known as venous stasis that
affects the proper function of the veins in the legs that would normally carry
blood back toward the heart. The common result is swelling in the lower legs and
ankles.
Ideopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). (also known as Pseudotumor
Cerebri) is a condition of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Cerebrospinal
fluid is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. IIH is most common in
overweight females of child-bearing age. If untreated, IIH can cause visual loss
and even blindness.
Dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism abnormalities). Dyslipidemia means a
disorder of fat-like substances in the blood. A common form of dyslipidemia is
what people often refer to as “high cholesterol.” Dyslipidemia, however, is a
term that refers to all lipid-related health problems that result from having
either too much or too little of certain lipids. The danger is that when lipids
start to build up inside the artery walls, scar tissue and other debris begin
thickening and
hardening the walls. Some arteries literally become clogged. Doctors call this
condition atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is caused by a clot from the
venous circulation. Most are caused from clots originating in the lower
extremities known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Because overweight individuals
are more susceptible to circulatory problems, their chances of experiencing a
pulmonary embolus are higher.
Pancreatitis. A disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Damage to
the gland occurs when digestive enzymes are activated and begin attacking the
pancreas.
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