Like
most overweight people I had a goal.
That goal was to be High School Skinny by any means necessary. Quickly I realized in order to do so I could
not continue to eat just anything and expect miraculous dramatic weight loss
results. I had to do better! Gradually I started making healthier choices
in foods, leaner cuts of meats, fresh vegetables over frozen and even adding in
organic foods when possible. Exercise
became a necessary part of my life, I mean in order to be healthy and fit I
would have to also be active. I did a
full 360 of my former self-righteous sedentary self.
All
of this transpired just under one year ago.
Today I sit here feeling absolutely wonderful! However, I cannot help wondering "what would
have become of me if I’d stayed on the path of gluttony and conserved my ruinous
sedentary lifestyle?"
According
to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are 20 known diseases directly
related to Obesity! From manageable
disorders, to chronic illnesses and even fatal diseases – yes 20 of them! I am almost
certain this list will heighten as researchers continue pinpointing sources of many
other illnesses in the years to come.
Furthermore, the CDC also lists Obesity as a major growing concern in
North America because Obesity rates have doubled among children and tripled
among adolescents. OH MY GOSH!?!? What happened to believing the children are
the future?
This
highly alarming rate of obesity in younger people significantly increases their
exposure to dangerous health risks associated with obesity! The long term impact of obesity has not yet been
measured with tangible results; however scientists, researchers, doctors and
even the holistic forefront would certainly agree that Obesity is a leading
factor affecting overall mortality.
Below
are 20 Diseases or Conditions Directly Linked to Obesity.
1.
Diabetes: Diabetes can lead to a whole host of other medical issues and obesity is one of the main
causes due to the body having excess glucose due to overeating.
2. Cancer
has many different forms and types and many of them could be prevented with
more attention to eating healthy and avoiding obesity.
3. Congestive
Heart Failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood to the
body’s other organs.
4. Enlarged
Heart is another heart condition where the muscle of the heart become larger
due to being overworked which naturally happens if you are overweight obese.
5. Pulmonary
Embolism is a sometimes fatal blockage of an artery. Obesity causes
most people to reduce activity and after time lack of activity can result in an
embolism.
6. Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome is when cysts develop in your ovaries. These can burst causing
even further problems.
7. Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease means that stomach acid and juices flow from the
stomach back up into the esophagus. It is common in obese people.
8. Fatty
Liver Disease is a reversible condition where large pockets of fat accumulate
in liver cells. Fatty liver can be considered a single disease that occurs
worldwide in those with excessive alcohol intake and those who are obese.
9. Hernia
is caused when the hole in the diaphragm weakens and enlarges.
10. Erectile
Dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection which can be
caused by a medical problem due to obesity or a psychological effect.
11. Urinary
Incontinence is the inability to control ones urine and is frequently
associated with obesity, weak bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
12. Chronic
Renal Failure meaning the kidneys fail to work is a much greater risk to those
that are overweight or obese.
13. Lymph
edema is a condition that occurs from a damaged or dysfunctional lymphatic
system sometimes caused by people suffering from obesity actually crushing the
lymphatics.
14. Cellulitis
is clinically a spreading infection involving both the dermis and subcutaneous
tissues due poor lymph flow caused by obesity.
15. Stroke
is a lack of blood supply as the body has to work harder when you are obese.
16. Pickwickian
Syndrome is mainly characterized by sleep apnea due to obesity placing an
excessive load on the pulmonary system.
17. Depression
is a condition where a person feels extremely sad all the time. Even to the
point of being suicidal. This can be greatly enhanced for someone that is obese.
18. Osteoarthritis
is a clinical syndrome in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the
joints, caused by abnormal wearing of the cartilage oftentimes due to obesity.
19. Gout
occurs when uric acid accumulates in the blood. Nerve endings then become
irritated causing extreme pain made worse by carrying extra weight.
20. Gallbladder
Disease commonly affects overweight people as a result of high blood
cholesterol levels and causes gall stones.
Ok, I admit compiling this list literally scared the shit out of me! I am glad I found the healthy road, and am fighting the obesity odds. As for the weight loss I will take the slow but sure method, as someone mentioned to me recently "Taking your time to take it [the weight] off usually means you'll keep it off!"
Xoxo,
BG!
