Excess Weight and Chronic Diseases: What you need to know

Platos

• 5 min read
Excess Weight and Chronic Diseases: What you need to know

Reviewed Dr Itopa Jimoh, MBBS, MPH, DrPH

Excess weight, including overweight and obesity, is a growing global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a significant risk factor for several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

How excess weight affects health

Too much fat around your middle can mess with your body's normal functions and make you more likely to get sick. This happens in several ways, including the extra strain of carrying around extra weight and changes in your hormones and metabolism. For example, fat cells release chemicals that can damage your tissues and organs, leading to a variety of health problems.

Here's an analogy that might help: Imagine your body is a car. Excess fat is like adding too much weight to your car. This extra load can strain the engine and other parts of the car, making it less efficient and more likely to break down.

Similarly, excess fat in your body can put extra stress on your organs and systems, making them less able to work properly and increasing your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Chronic diseases linked to excess weight

Type 2 Diabetes

Being overweight has a big impact on getting type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat makes it harder for the body to use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to produce and use insulin that regulates blood sugar.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Excess weight can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by raising blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, and inflammation. These factors can damage arteries, making them more likely to clog and block blood flow. This raises the chances of having heart disease, stroke, or even dying from heart issues.

Certain Types of Cancer

Excess body fat is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. The link between obesity and cancer is complex due to the diversity of cancer types. A 2007 review by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research established a strong connection between obesity and cancers of the oesophagus, pancreas, colon, rectum, breast, endometrium, and kidney, and a probable link to gallbladder cancer. Subsequent studies confirmed direct associations with various cancers, including breast, colon, rectum, endometrium, oesophagus, kidney, ovary, and pancreas

Osteoarthritis

Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and ankles. This can lead to the development of osteoarthritis, a painful and debilitating condition that causes the cartilage in the joints to wear down. Obesity is linked to osteoarthritis in the knee and hip, and about one-third of joint replacement surgeries involve obese patients. Additionally, carrying excess weight increases the likelihood of experiencing back pain, lower limb pain, and disability related to musculoskeletal conditions.

Weight loss is health gain

Obesity not only diminishes both the quality and duration of life but also escalates healthcare costs. Fortunately, there is encouraging news – shedding weight can mitigate some of the risks associated with obesity. Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent of body weight can yield meaningful health advantages for individuals grappling with obesity, irrespective of whether they attain their "ideal" weight or embark on weight loss later in life.

Preventing excess weight and chronic diseases

The best way to prevent excess weight and chronic diseases is to maintain a healthy weight by adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting processed foods and sugary drinks, and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

Managing excess weight and chronic diseases

If you are already overweight or obese, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized weight management plan. This may include lifestyle changes, such as diet modifications and increased physical activity, as well as medical interventions, such as medication or bariatric surgery. Early detection and management of chronic diseases are crucial for improving overall health and well-being.

Measuring weight and body composition

Monitoring your weight helps you understand where you are and can improve your weight and health outcomes. But weight alone doesn't paint the whole picture of your overall wellness. Understanding your body composition through data points such as visceral fat or fat distribution are vital insights for you, your dietitians, and your doctors when evaluating progress and setting health goals.

Conclusion

Excess weight is a significant health risk factor for several chronic diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with your healthcare provider can help prevent excess weight gain and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Early detection and management of chronic diseases are essential for maintaining good health.

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