You know that obesity is not healthy. You don’t feel good, you don’t look your best and you may have begun to suffer some of the health consequences of being overweight. But what, exactly, are those consequences? Is being fat really as unhealthy as people say?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The top consequences of obesity and being overweight
- Why it’s important to your long term health to begin a weight loss plan
- Health repercussions you’ll avoid by losing weight
Are you ready for some inspiration and motivation? Here, in no particular order, are the consequences of obesity and being overweight over time.
1. Type 2 diabetes
When you’re overweight, you’re at a higher risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Not everyone who is obese will have this disease, but a large proportion of those who have been diagnosed are, in fact, overweight.
Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes, though children can be diagnosed as well. And this disease is nothing to joke about! When you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’ll notice an increase in thirst and a numbness in your extremities. You may suffer frequent infections and sores that just won’t heal.
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can be deadly. Amputations aren’t uncommon, and blindness is a risk as well. In severe cases, diabetic coma or death can occur. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with medication and an improved lifestyle. But suffice to say, it’s one of the more dangerous consequences of obesity.
2. Bone and joint disease
When you’re overweight, you’re more likely to suffer bone and joint disease. There are a few reasons for this, but two are the most commonly seen. First, obesity leads to lower bone density. This makes fractures and bone disease.
Secondly, when you’re obese you’re obviously not eating the right foods. A lack of proper nutrition will cause problems with your bone health and can also lead to injury or bone disease.
Concerned about your joints? This one’s simple – you’re carrying more weight on your joints. People who are obese are more likely to suffer arthritis and other joint conditions as a result of their weight. Take steps now and lose weight so that you don’t experience one of the most painful consequences of obesity, bone and joint disease.
3. Heart disease
You may have already known that one of the most prolific consequences of obesity is heart disease. Heart disease takes quite a few forms – here are a few:
- Enlarged ventricles which can cause heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Angina
That’s just to name a few! When you’re making your heart work harder, you’re going to be at a greater risk for heart disease, plain and simple. As you’re likely aware, heart disease can be fatal.
4. Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep. Sound scary? It is. It’s potentially dangerous for several reasons. First, of course, is that you’re not breathing. You may wake up to find yourself gasping for breath. The second is that sleep apnea greatly reduces the quality of your sleep.
People who suffer from sleep apnea find themselves drowsy and unable to concentrate during the day. Obviously this could be quite hazardous when you’re driving, or if you’re operating machinery at work. People who suffer this consequence of obesity are also often irritable, complain of frequent headaches and report a decline in the quality of their performance at work.
5. Cancer
Did you know that one of the consequences of obesity is an increased risk of certain types of cancer? It’s true, so all those antioxidants you’ve taken and the sunscreen you’ve religiously worn may not help you after all.
People who are overweight are more likely to be diagnosed with quite a few different types of cancer. These include:
- Endometrial cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer (men, too)
- Gallbladder cancer
- And more
Interestingly, obesity is linked to a cancer diagnosis, but also to a prognosis. People who are obese are less likely to survive cancer than those who are a healthy weight. Furthermore, people with a higher BMI are more likely to see cancer return once treated.
Keep applying sunscreen and keep taking your antioxidants. But realize that maintaining a healthy weight is also a good way to prevent cancer.
6. Metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome has become one of those buzz words you’re probably hearing more frequently. In some ways, it’s akin to people who state that their obesity is a consequence of “thyroid problems.” In certain instances that may be true. But in most, it’s not.
While many people complain that metabolic syndrome is the reason they’re obese, it’s more likely that the reverse is true. Metabolic syndrome is exactly what the name implies: it’s an inability of your metabolism to work properly. This may lead to high blood pressure, high triglycerides, diabetes or pre-diabetes and many other ailments.
But make no mistake: you’re not obese because you have metabolic syndrome. You have metabolic syndrome because you’re obese. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can decrease the risks associated with metabolic syndrome and keep you healthy, longer.
7. Psychological disorders
When you’re obese, you’re more likely to seek treatment for or be diagnosed with a psychological disorder. We’ll talk about depression in a moment. Right now, we’re discussing different disorders.
Studies have shown that obesity has psychological consequences including:
- Dysthymia (persistent mild depression)
- Agoraphobia (fear of leaving one’s home or of crowds)
- Other specific phobias
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse including drugs and alcohol
These disorders are more likely to impact women than men, though science isn’t clear why.
Of course, there are some very specific reasons why these mood disorders may be a consequence of obesity you suffer. For instance, bullying and ostracization are commonly experienced among obese people. But although the research is still ongoing, scientists have positively linked obesity with an increased instance of psychological disorders, regardless of relationships.
8. Depression
When you’re fat, you don’t feel good. You feel physically tired, you don’t feel good about yourself and you may have additional stressors in your life that someone of a normal weight does not. What’s worse is that your prescription medications for depression may actually cause weight gain, perpetuating the cycle.
There’s no doubt about it: obesity has some serious consequences when it comes to your mental and emotional health. No matter your age, it’s easy to feel out of place, left out by others and generally down a lot of the time.
Depression is one of the most serious consequences of obesity. Obesity is directly linked with an increase in suicide rates, particularly in women and particularly in people with a BMI greater than 40. If you feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts, please seek help from a qualified professional.
9. Shorter life expectancy
We’re not saying that you’re going to die tomorrow as a consequence of obesity. But it sure doesn’t help your chances. Whether it’s from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, liver or kidney disease or any other disorder, obesity has been proven to reduce your life expectancy.
A study by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes for Health in the United States observed adults from Australia, Sweden and the United States. The study concluded that people with a BMI of between 40 and 44.9 lost, on average, 6.5 years of life. Those with a BMI of 55 to 59.9 died a full 13.7 years sooner than those with a healthy BMI.
Again, we’re not saying you’re definitely going to die younger than your healthy counterparts if you’re obese. But this study sure does make you take pause and think about whether improving your lifestyle might be a good idea.
10. Infertility
If you’re obese, you’re more likely to be infertile than if you’re healthy. And that’s not all. If you’re obese or overweight, you’re less likely to carry a healthy baby to term than if you’re healthy.
The reproductive consequences of obesity are true for both men and women. Men, you’re less likely to be able to start a family if you’re fat. Women, you carry a whole range of consequences if you’re overweight. You’re more likely to suffer gestational diabetes. Your conception and implantation rates fall drastically. Your risk for miscarriage is greatly increased. And you’re more likely to experience miscarriage if you’re fat.
These facts are true for both men and women whether conception takes place naturally or via IVF. Even artificially inseminated couples experience loss and lack of success as a result of obesity.
11. Alzheimer’s and dementia
Unfortunately, medicine has not yet led us to a treatment for Alzheimer’s. We don’t know what causes it and we don’t know how to cure it. Alzheimer’s and dementia are devastating to those who experience them and to the families who are left to care for them.
What we do know, though, is that obesity is directly linked to the risk for dementia. This is particularly true for those people who are obese between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. Science has not quite pegged down the why of this, but the what is very clear.
Interestingly, scientists have gotten even more specific than BMI to determine risk factors for dementia. In short, people who are “thicker around the middle” are more likely to suffer dementia than those who simply have a higher BMI. They call this “centrally obese,” and those who are categorized as such are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The fight for early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s is ongoing. But we do know that you can decrease your risk of dementia by maintaining a healthy weight.
12. Difficulty in movement
When you first began to gain weight, you probably noticed that you weren’t as “spry” as you once were. Sometimes it may have been a struggle to get up from a seated position on the floor. Then your boots became more difficult to pull on and lace up. Now, you just feel lethargic – maybe even achey – when you move around.
You’ll have good days and you’ll have bad days. But as a general rule, one of the consequences of obesity is difficulty in movement. Your bones and joints will not be as healthy as they once were and, of course, you’re carrying quite a bit of extra weight around.
The good news is this: difficulty in movement is almost completely reversible. If you have trouble with everyday activity, don’t worry. You can make it better by simply following a weight loss plan and exercising those muscles! Difficulty in movement is hard to bear, but it’s a long term consequence of obesity that can certainly be overcome.
13. Digestive disorders
There are dozens of digestive issues that can be caused by obesity. We’ll just look at a few here. First, we’d like to reiterate that if you’re obese, you’re not eating right. The nutrients you’re putting into your body are shoddy at best, and that could very well be a leading cause of your digestive issues. Too many fats can make your bowel movements abnormal. Too little fiber will as well. The list goes on. If you’re experiencing digestive disorders, talk to a dietician to resolve what you can through a healthier diet.
That said, there are other digestive disorders that are consequences of obesity. To name a few:
- Gastric ulcers
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Frequent diarrhea
- Frequent constipation
If these sound uncomfortable, they are! You may also experience excess gas and other embarrassing issues as a result of your obesity. Protect your gut health and begin a weight loss plan to avoid this consequence of obesity.
14. Inability to perform proper hygiene
Ladies and gents, you know it’s true. When you first began to gain weight, it became harder and harder to wipe. To wash. To reach down and clip your toenails. This is one of the most embarrassing consequences of obesity.
If you’re reading this as a thin person, trust us when we say that even the most mundane hygiene tasks become much more trying. Sure, it’s easy to wash your face and brush your teeth. It’s easy to put on makeup.
But it becomes harder and harder to reach back and brush your hair, let alone style it. Even if you’re using a back scrubber, reaching around back there to wash your back becomes difficult. As mentioned, wiping after the toilet gets harder. Shaving your legs? Forget it.
When you begin to get heavier, the little hygiene acts you took for granted become much more difficult. Your look will change, as will your personal scent. Trust us when we tell you that this is a long term consequence of obesity that’s not pleasant.
It can be harmful to you, as well. Bed sores are real, folks, as are adult rashes and ingrown toenails. Do yourself a favor and start a weight loss plan to avoid this unfortunate consequence.
15. Discrimination
When you’re fat, you’re discriminated against. You might get passed up for the promotion. You may be forced to buy two plane tickets. You’ll probably have to pay a “fat tax” at some point in your life – you know – higher prices for plus sized clothing.
Discrimination is a very unfortunate but very real consequence of obesity. Can you do something to change it? Absolutely. You can get yourself on a weight loss plan and be one of the “skinny people.” But that’s usually easier said than done, and what do you in the meantime? While you’re busting your tail at the gym, at home, at work, at school or all of the above, you’re still having to deal with the thin crowd telling you you’re not good enough.
Men and women, bullying is never okay. And you should never let bullies dictate your self-esteem and self-worth. Or body-shame you into thinking you can’t do something you know you can. Your obesity is unhealthy, yes. Work to change it to establish a healthy lifestyle, but do not let it define you.
16. Higher medical costs
Alright. So, we touched on discrimination, but what about health costs? Is it fair, or is it right, for an insurance company to charge you a higher premium? For a doctor to charge you more, or for more tests, based on your weight?
Yes. Absolutely.
As mentioned, one of the consequences of being obese is that you’re more likely to die sooner. Hence the higher insurance premiums. When you’re fat, you may have underlying issues that your doctor can’t immediately diagnose as he could in a healthy person. That’s literally the price you pay, and there’s only one way to remedy it.
Get on a healthy weight loss plan.
As your BMI drops, so will your medical costs. You’ll be eligible for general insurance, as you’re no longer going to be high risk. Your doc can run some blood tests or otherwise examine you and be able to narrow down the source of your ailment.
17. Respiratory disease
More and more, doctors and scientists are beginning to acknowledge that there’s a connection between obesity and respiratory disease. That said, this could be cyclical and it’s still yet unknown what that link is. See, if you have asthma you’ll be less likely to work out and get the exercise you need. But is your obesity caused by the asthma or is your asthma caused by your obesity?
Obesity is definitely linked to sleep apnea, a respiratory condition. It’s also directly linked to COPD. Obesity and asthma have been linked as well. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have enough studies to tell us which is the cause and which is the consequence.
That said, if you’re obese, you’re more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, sleep apnea or COPD. Conversely, if you’re a healthy weight, that risk decreases. So why not just bite the bullet and start a weight loss plan? You’ll be less likely to suffer respiratory disease, no matter the causal relation.
18. Lower quality of life
When you’re fat, you can’t get out and do things like healthy people can. You’re more likely to:
- Suffer depression
- Suffer anxiety
- Suffer chronic pain
- Be diagnosed with dementia
- Be discriminated against
- And more
It only stands to reason that, as an obese person, you’re going to have a lower quality of life. That’s not to say you’re without friends or fun. You just won’t be able to enjoy your time in the same way that a healthy person can.
A study conducted by the Northwestern University Department of Medicine found that, as weight decreased, the psychosocial and physical lives of obese people improved. The reverse was also true – as weight increased, the social and physical well-being of these patients lessened.
If you’ve been overweight for some time, you may simply not remember how easy it was to go about your day and enjoy it. A weight loss plan can help you improve your quality of life as well as your longevity.
19. Social isolation
It’s sad but it’s true. Obesity can lead to social isolation. Whether it’s by choice or not, you may find yourself enjoying fewer outings, dates, social engagements and family gatherings.
You can get yourself back on track. Again, don’t ever let a bully dictate what you can and can not do, but do take the words of caring family members to heart. They want you to live longer, to feel healthier and to be your best self.
Get out there, meet up with friends and get your weight loss plan on track. You don’t have to feel isolated anymore!
Conclusion
The consequences of obesity go far beyond simply not feeling or looking your best. There are some very serious long-term effects obesity will have on your body. Thankfully, most of these conditions can be remedied quite simply: just get out there and give if your best! Exercise, proper nutrition and a positive outlook will go a long way toward helping you avoid these consequences!