1. Hypertension. Hypertension is the most common complication of obesity. Among those exceeding standard weight by 15 kilograms, 30% suffer from hypertension. As a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, untreated hypertension can lead to severe consequences.
2. Coronary Heart Disease. Epidemiological studies indicate obesity is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Additionally, obesity increases the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke.
3. Diabetes. When obesity reaches a certain level, muscles and fat become insulin-resistant, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. In response, pancreatic beta cells compensate by secreting increased insulin to counteract this resistance.
3. Diabetes. When obesity reaches a certain level, muscles and fat become insensitive to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. In response, pancreatic cells compensate by secreting more insulin to counteract this resistance. After several years to decades, these overworked pancreatic cells eventually fail, leading to diabetes.
4. Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Excessive fat accumulation often leads to daytime sleepiness and poor nighttime sleep quality, accompanied by symptoms like snoring, edema, and even breathing difficulties. Severe cases may develop into "sleep apnea syndrome."
Concurrent symptoms include poor concentration and memory impairment. Parents should take seriously any significant snoring in obese children.
5. Hyperlipidemia. Most obese individuals experience disrupted fat metabolism, manifesting as hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hyperlipidemia can trigger cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and cerebral thrombosis at any time, earning it the moniker "silent killer."
6. Osteoarthritis. The excessive weight in obese individuals places additional strain on bones and joints, increasing susceptibility to arthritis, muscle strain, or spinal nerve root compression. This can cause aching in the lower back, legs, shoulders, and back, and may even lead to joint deformities, severely impairing limb mobility.
7. Fatty Liver Disease. Obesity-related fatty liver can lead to complications like diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and gout. The ideal body weight is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated as weight divided by height squared. A result between 18 and 25 indicates a standard weight.