Tuesday, September 2, 2008

What other weight related health problems do women face?


Apart from infertility, women have to worry about a lot of other health problems as a result of excess weight. Though overweight is not the sole reason or cause for these diseases, it is no doubt a major contributing factor.

Cancer: A recent government report by the Cancer Research, UK, shows that excess weight is one of the risk factors for breast and womb cancer.
Body fat increases the amount of estrogen in the blood, which stimulates growth of cancerous cells.
Fat increases the risk of acid reflux which is related to esophageal cancer.
Detection of cancer is difficult as the lumps are less detectable, which in turn complicates the mode of treatment to be given.
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Heart Disease: According to the American Heart Association and many other medical associations around the world, heart disease has been the main cause of death for women all over the world.
Excess abdominal fat is the key risk factor for heart attack and coronary heart diseases.
Excess weight means high blood cholesterol, which again increases the chances of developing heart diseases.
Inactive women accumulate more cholesterol and eventually are at a higher risk.
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Diabetes: According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, obesity and diabetes are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
Excess fat blocks the keyhole which produces insulin. The liver then starts producing its own glucose which leads to excess glucose levels in the blood.
Excess glucose levels in the blood leads to serious damage to the blood vessels.
Excessive damage to blood vessels will eventually result in the malfunctioning of kidneys and heart.
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Osteoarthritis: The University of Bristol in its research, ‘Obesity and Osteoarthritis’ terms osteoarthritis as the fourth important cause for disability in the world. And the major cause for this is obesity.
Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder which causes the joints to wear away gradually.
Osteoarthritis affects the knees, hips, and the lower back.
Excess weight puts more pressure on joints and the cartilage (which protects the joints) wears away gradually resulting in pain and walking disabilities.
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Sleep Apnea: Though not an alarming problem when compared to other diseases, sleep apnea can lead to major health disorders. Sleep apnea occurs when there are pauses in your breathing while you are asleep.
Overweight can cause breathing problems including sleep apnea which is a state of breath interruption during sleep. This leads to heavy snoring.
Sleep apnea may sometimes cause heart failure.
For people who are overweight, the risk of getting affected by sleep apnea is higher.
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Stroke: Excess weight increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke.

Obese women have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
Women with a family history of high blood pressure are at a greater risk, if they are overweight.
Excess weight is a common side–effect of many a birth control pill.
These disorders show the harmful effects of obesity on our body. But did you know that it affects our mind too?

See also:

Obesity and Emotional Problems
Obesity and Interpersonal Relationships
Obesity and Socio-Economic Implications

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