Obesity or overweight is a contributor to over 50 medical conditions! Obesity related health care costs are estimated to be over 150 billion dollars in the United States.

It is important to note that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing these medical conditions. Losing weight through diet and exercise, as well as managing other risk factors such as smoking, can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. However, it is important to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program.

8 weight related conditions

Here is a list of some of the common medical conditions the risk of which can be reversed or reduced with weight loss and lifestyle intervention under the careful supervision of an obesity medicine physician. In fact, over 50 medical conditions are directly or indirectly related to being overweight or obese.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: This is a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells in the body don’t respond properly to insulin. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and blindness. Losing weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease and Stroke: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Excess body weight can lead to elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of blood clots, all of which can contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke. Losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

High blood pressure: Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure can lead to a variety of complications, including heart disease and stroke. Losing weight and engaging in regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing hypertension.

High cholesterol: Overweight and obesity can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, particularly an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol levels can increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Losing weight and adopting a healthy diet can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Gallbladder disease: Overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing gallbladder disease, which can lead to a variety of complications, including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Losing weight can help reduce the risk of developing gallbladder disease.

Other weight related conditions include:
Many types of cancers
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea