Many people today struggle with excess weight, largely due to dietary habits. But did you know? Severe obesity poses significant health risks, potentially even fatal in extreme cases. So, how exactly does obesity harm our bodies? Let's explore...
From a modern medical perspective, obesity is not a blessing but a curse.Obesity carries at least the following "hazards": First, it causes physical bulkiness, hinders mobility, and leads to psychological barriers; second, it increases expenses for clothing, food, housing, and transportation; third, it brings various life-threatening diseases and may even cause premature death. Among these, the most significant harm of obesity is its potential to trigger a series of severe complications, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and malignant tumors—all major killers of human health.
In summary, obesity itself is not fatal, but the easily associated complications like diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension can significantly shorten life expectancy.Therefore, we neither advocate blind weight loss nor encourage "gaining weight and storing fat." Instead, we should strive for a moderate weight. This means calculating your ideal weight based on your specific circumstances and then using measures like diet and exercise to maintain your weight within that ideal range. Only then can you ensure a healthy physique and truly achieve longevity.
Causes of Dyslipidemia
Obese individuals, particularly those with abdominal obesity, are more prone than average to hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and abnormally elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are conversely reduced.The exact reasons why obese individuals are prone to hyperlipidemia remain unclear, but possible factors include: high dietary fat intake, excessive fat storage in the body, hyperinsulinemia increasing blood lipids, and impaired lipid clearance.
Increased Risk of Cerebrovascular Disease
Obesity predisposes individuals to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. When obesity coexists with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, the brain becomes particularly vulnerable. Firstly, these individuals are prone to cerebral atherosclerosis. Their cerebral vessels become stiff and brittle, making them susceptible to rupture under the pressure of hypertension. This can lead to dangerous cerebral hemorrhage, potentially threatening life.Second, obese individuals have higher levels of tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor in their blood. This factor makes blood clots difficult to dissolve once formed, increasing the risk of cerebral thrombosis, or cerebral infarction.
Increased Probability of Hypertension
Obesity is closely linked to hypertension.Among obese individuals aged 40–50, the incidence of hypertension is 50% higher than in non-obese individuals. A moderately obese person has over five times the risk of hypertension compared to someone of normal weight, and over twice the risk compared to a mildly obese person. Increased cardiac load Studies indicate that obese individuals face a fourfold increase in the incidence of angina and sudden cardiac death.This indicates obesity inevitably increases cardiac burden, causing heart damage. The human heart functions like a pump, continuously contracting and relaxing to maintain blood circulation. In obese individuals, excessive fat storage in the blood significantly increases total blood volume, forcing the heart to exert greater force during contraction.When the heart becomes overburdened, it can no longer pump blood effectively, leading to blood pooling within the cardiovascular system. In severe cases, this may result in pronounced heart failure.
Causes Fatty Liver Disease
Approximately half of obese individuals suffer from fatty liver disease. The liver synthesizes triglycerides, yet it possesses limited storage capacity for excess triglycerides.In obese individuals, the balance between triglyceride synthesis and transport becomes disrupted. Since obese people consume more fatty acids, the liver synthesizes more triglycerides. Large amounts of triglycerides accumulate in the liver, ultimately forming fatty liver. Increased Risk of Diabetes Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. Among type 2 diabetes patients, 80% are obese.Moreover, the longer obesity persists, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Causes Bone and Joint Diseases
Obesity can lead to three primary bone and joint disorders: osteoarthritis, diabetic osteoarthropathy, and gouty osteoarthropathy. Among these, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent and harmful. Obesity-related osteoarthritis primarily affects the knee joints, followed by the hip joints and finger joints.
Increased Cancer Risk in Obese Individuals
Epidemiological studies indicate obese women face higher risks of endometrial cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer, while obese men are more prone to prostate cancer. Additionally, obesity increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer in both sexes. The severity of obesity correlates directly with higher incidence rates of these cancers.