Obesity is now hitting critical levels, and affecting every branch of medicine. The Center of Disease control (CDC) now reports obesity affects 4 out of 10 people. Furthermore, 3 out of 10 people are considered overweight, just shy of obese. The effect on eyes is greatest on the small blood vessels of the eye, which can cause bleeding which leads to blindness. This is mostly in association with systemic diabetes or hypertension in which obesity is a leading factor. Obesity has a very real and lasting effect on individuals and families.
Certain health effects that come as result of obesity are as follows:
Cancer: In some cases, excess fat cells can affect the growth of tumors, according tho the NCI (National Cancer Institute), and thousands of cancer cases are linked directly to obesity.
High blood pressure: Aneurism,stroke, heart failure, and death are the consequences of hypertension. According to the American Heart Institute, obesity is a leading cause of heart disease. Blood pressure is simply the force of the blood pushing against the arteries, and too much pressure weakens those vessels over time. Obesity causes these vessels to strain more than normal.
Diabetes (type 2): Being obese puts extra work and stress on the body’s natural ability to maintain proper glucose levels for the bloodstream, which in turn creates a greater need for insulin. Over time, the body cannot make enough insulin to keep up, thus creating a diabetic state. Over 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, so decreasing obesity can markedly lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Infertility and premature birth: Overweight women have greater risk in delivery, because too much fat can weaken the cervical membranes. Additionally,overweight women have more trouble getting pregnant because of the effect of obesity on hormonal changes that impact conception.
Insomnia: According to the American Sleep Foundation, obesity is linked to sleep apnea, preventing a restful night sleep. Interruption in sleep patterns due to momentary gasping for breath can have a poor overall effect on all health aspects of life.
Losing weight through daily diet, exercise, and the help of your physician and dietician are viable solutions and treatment for obesity. Eliminating obesity can attribute to a healthier lifestyle and in many cases can extend or save your vision and your life.
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