A Lifestyle Change : Fighting the Obesity Odds!

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!