The desire to lose weight is not just about wanting to fit into a smaller clothing size or look like you did in high school. Obesity comes with many serious health risks, some of which are obvious and some of which are not. Weight loss surgery is a valuable tool for patients to get their health back and reduce their risk of developing a number of serious health conditions.[1]
Heart Disease
Carrying extra weight dramatically increases your risk of heart disease and stroke because it also increases your blood pressure and your likelihood of having high cholesterol.
The good news is that even a small amount of weight loss can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is the most well-known health risk related to obesity. Unlike the other diseases on this list, type 2 diabetes is seen more commonly in people who are overweight.Losing weight can help stabilize your blood sugar levels, reduce your dependence on medication and help you feel better.
Cancer
There are several types of cancers that are associated with obesity. These include colon cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. Losing weight reduces your risk of developing cancer.
Arthritis
When you’re carrying extra pounds, that weight can take a toll on your joints. The longer you are overweight, the more stress you put on your knees, hips and lower back. The extra weight wears away cartilage, leading to damaged joints. Losing weight eases this pressure, though the damage to cartilage isn’t always reversible.
Gout
Gout is a disease of the joints that can lead to painful swelling and—in extreme cases—an inability to move your joints. Gout is much more common in overweight people than in those of normal weight.
Massive weight loss—like our patients see—can sometimes lead to a short-term gout flare-up, so it’s important that you speak with your doctor before you undergo weight loss surgery if you have a history of gout
Breathing Problem
Both sleep apnea and asthma are more likely to affect people who are overweight or obese. Because sleep apnea prevents you from getting a good night’s rest, you feel sleepy throughout the day, potentially leading to lower performance at work, lack of energy and depression.
Being tired isn’t the only downside of sleep apnea—it can be fatal in extreme cases and may contribute to heart disease since chronic lack of sleep increases stress on your heart.
Losing weight can help reduce your risk for these and other serious health problems.
The good news is, once you start losing weight, it becomes easier to get into a positive health cycle; losing weight contributes to an increase in physical activity because you feel better and are more able to move. This, in turn makes it easier to lose more weight and improve your general health.
Join the Center for Weight Loss Surgery in a Healthy Lifestyle
The Center for Weight Loss Surgery can help you discover a healthier lifestyle outdoors. We assist clients in Seattle, the Eastside, and surrounding areas of Washington in maintaining fitness and eating goals after weight loss surgery. We invite you to schedule a consultation with us to talk through your options.
[1] http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/obesity-health-risks#1
