There are many people who always talk about losing weight. They lose weight to look good and have a svelte figure. They are ashamed of their bodies and hence wish to lose weight.
While there is another set of people, generally the men who would say “I don’t care about my looks so why should I lose weight?”
Weight loss should not only for good looks. It is imperative to remember that weight loss is not about appearance. It is important to control your weight and live a healthy lifestyle, to reduce the chances of developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
Understanding the reasons why you should lose weight can be a motivating factor that will help you achieve your goal.
Let’s understand the various health issues that can be caused if you are overweight.
1. Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder which causes interrupted breathing during sleep. It generally affects the respiratory air inflow during sleep. Sleep apnea can make you sleepy in the daytime.
2. Diabetes
Being overweight increase the probability of having diabetes. Studies suggest that 20% increase in your weight over the desirable body weight doubles the chances of developing diabetes. “Weight gain increases the insulin resistance and increases the chances of developing diabetes” says, Dr Tejas Shah, well known Diabetologist from Holy Spirit Hospital.
3. Osteoarthritis
It is a disorder that affects the bones and joints. Over weight individuals are more prone to joint pain as there is more pressure on the joints. The knee joints often get damaged in overweight people. Weight loss can reduce the stress caused on the joints and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Dr Kaushal Malhan, well known Knee and Hip replacement surgeon from Fortis Hospital Mulund says, “Osteoarthritis is caused due to wear and tear of the joint. Higher loading and impacts due to obesity causes cartilage damage and increases the risk of early osteoarthritis. Obesity is probably one of the most important preventable causes of arthritis.
Obese individuals with arthritis may have a difficult time losing weight because pain may limit their mobility and physical activity, which is a key part of weight loss. However, low impact physical activity and dietary changes can lead to successful weight loss for persons with arthritis. In fact, losing 5-6 kgs weight can make a difference in pain and function. Aquatic exercise, stationary cycling or walking may be good options for increasing physical activity for most overweight or obese persons with arthritis.”
4. Skin disease
Overweight people are prone to skin conditions like fungal infection due to friction in skin fold in the lower belly and the groin region. Well Known Dermatologist, Dr Shankar Sawant from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Hospital says, “Overweight individuals have high insulin resistance which causes hyper pigmentation and thick black spots near the neck, groin etc. Stretch marks are also commonly seen in over weight individuals.”
5. Psychological factors
Most over weight individuals are not very confident about their look and hence do not mingle with friends and are confined to their homes. This leads to lower self esteem, depression and negative emotions.
6. Heart disease
Dr. Zakia Khan, well known Cardiologist from Fortis Hospital says, “Most overweight individuals follow a sedentary lifestyle and have higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea that multiply to heart ailments.”
7. Breast cancer
According to a research conducted by the American Association for Cancer research, the risk of death from cancer is 2.4 times higher in obese women than women of normal weight. Research also shows that the risk of breast cancer increases up to one and a half times in overweight women.
8. Joint and back pain
It has been studied that over weight individuals are prone to jointand back pain. Orthopaedic doctors advice patients to reduce weight to get relief from joint and back pain. The knee joint replacement surgery also does not help in the long run if the patient is obese.
9. Gynecological issue
Many overweight women face various gynecological issues. The incidence of menstrual dysfunction increases proportionately with increasing weight. Well Known Gynecologist Dr.Jyoti Kulkarni from Nova Medical says, “Most overweight women have irregular menstrual cycle and face difficulty in conceiving as excess weight affects the ovaries. Vaginal infection is also commonly seen in overweight women.”
Other than all these health issues, overweight people have low levels of stamina and tire easily. They have a decreased lung capacity and are always short of breath.
It is important to develop healthy habits that stick for a life time and offer long term gains. Maintaining your ideal weight and not following the fashion industry would help you in leading a healthy and long life.
