Health problems linked to being overweight: What you need to know

Some people say that our desire to weigh less is being driven by the media and the fashion industry and is essentially unhealthy. While this may be true at least in part, there are many good reasons to maintain your weight at a reasonable level.

Researchers at The University of Warwick say:

“There are more than fifty co-morbidities of obesity that can be lessened as we lose weight, including diabetes, psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, osteoarthritis and other mechanical problems. Obesity is also linked to increased mortality and poor wellbeing.”

These include:

• An increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Reduced life expectancy.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Elevated cholesterol.
• A reduced ability to take exercise and manage every day tasks.
• Increased risk of gallstones.
• Increased risk of diabetes  and diabetic retinopathy. Obese women are almost 13 times more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes than non-obese women. The figure for men is 5 times as likely.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) of the eyes.
• Cataracts (the risk of developing cataracts for obese people can be as high as double that of people who are not overweight).
• Increased risk of varicose veins.
• Increased risk of hiatal hernia.
• Increased risk of constipation.
• Increased risk of post-operative infections.
• Poor wound healing.
• Increased risk of osteoarthritis.
• Back problems.

And for women additionally:

• An increased risk of irregular periods and period pains.
• An increased risk of hairiness and cancers of the breast and womb.

Being slim is not just about looking like models. In fact many of them offer a ridiculous standard that has nothing to do with fitness and good health. Being the right weight for you is about looking after your body, showing it respect, making time for yourself and your needs. Being the person you were meant to be. It’s not vain to want to be healthy and fit with a body that functions to the best of its ability.