Obesity and chronic disease

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Obesity is a major risk factor for over 50 different chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are conditions that last for a long time and often progress slowly. They include conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, and osteoarthritis. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing these chronic diseases and can also worsen their severity and lead to complications.

Obesity related conditions list

Heart disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Excess body fat can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Obesity is also associated with other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, which means the body is less able to use insulin effectively to control blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to high blood sugar levels and the development of type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure: Obesity is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Excess body fat can increase the volume of blood that the heart has to pump, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Stroke: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Excess body fat can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of stroke. Obesity is also associated with other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Certain Cancers: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. The exact mechanisms behind this link are not fully understood, but it may be related to the fact that excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of cancer.
Osteoarthritis: Obesity is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, which is a condition that affects the joints. Excess body weight can put additional stress on the joints, leading to wear and tear and increased risk of osteoarthritis.

Other obesity related conditions

Sleep apnea and other breathing problems
Arthritis and joint problems
Gallbladder disease
Fatty liver disease
Kidney disease
Certain types of cancer (breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, ovarian, pancreatic)
Depression and other mental health disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Infertility
Asthma
Skin problems (acne, fungal infections)
Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
Urinary incontinence
Chronic inflammation
Osteoporosis
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Also see

W8MD's Free E-book on Obesity and Weight Loss
Overweight / obesity - causes (insulin resistance - stress - lack of physical activity
Childhood obesity - abdominal obesity - weight gain
Weight loss - bariatric surgery - anti-obesity medications
Obesity and walking - obesity and the environment - obesity and sexuality
Fat fetishism - overnutrition - diets - VLCD diet - meal replacements - weight loss supplements

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