Type 2 Diabetes

Many obese persons develop a resistance to insulin, a body chemical which regulates blood sugar. Over time, the resulting high blood sugar can cause serious damage to a variety of different tissues and organ systems.

High Blood Pressure / Heart Disease

Excess weight strains the heart’s ability to function. The resulting hypertension (high blood pressure) can result in strokes, and do significant damage to the kidneys as well as the heart itself.

Osteoarthritis of Weight–Bearing Joints

Surplus weight placed on joints − particularly the knees and hips − results in an acceleration of normal wear and tear, along with painful inflammation. Similarly, the bones and muscles of the back remain under constant strain, which results in disk problems, pain and decreased mobility.

Sleep Apnea / Respiratory Problems

Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can cause intermittent obstruction of the air passage. Because the obstruction tends to increase depending on body position, affected sleepers may be awakened frequently by an inability to breathe. The resulting loss of sleep often results in daytime drowsiness and headaches.

Gastroesophageal Reflux / Heartburn

In reflux disorders, acid escapes into the esophagus through a weak or overloaded valve at the top of the stomach. “Heartburn” and indigestion are common symptoms. Up to 15 percent of patients with even mild sporadic symptoms of heartburn will develop a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is a change in the membrane that lines the esophagus. It is often a precursor to esophageal cancer.

Depression

Seriously overweight persons are subject to repeated emotional challenges, which may appear in the form of repeated failure with dieting, disapproval from family and friends, or sneers and insults from strangers. They may also experience discrimination at work, and difficulty using public transportation and other shared facilities.

Infertility

An inability or diminished ability to produce offspring.

Urinary Stress Incontinence

A large, heavy abdomen and relaxation of the pelvic muscles, especially as a sequel to childbirth, may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to weaken, leading to leakage of urine during episodes of coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Menstrual Irregularities

The morbidly obese often experience disruptions of the menstrual cycle, including cycle interruption, abnormal menstrual flow and increased pain.