CDC.gov reports that obesity rates for all demographic groups in American society have risen throughout the decades leading to and beyond the 21st century. Obesity affects us by contributing to multiple elements of health and well-being. Obesity drives economic costs that affect obese people in addition to their families and loved ones. The monetary cost of obesity also affects society and larger economies.
Physical
Obesity impairs your ability to perform normal, daily, recreational physical activities by yourself and with others. It may affect your physical health and by increasing your risk for other diseases. The affects of obesity may lead to gallbladder, heart, blood pressure or metabolic diseases. Obesity increases your risk of developing skin problems such as impetigo and impaired wound healing. You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes or suffer from a stroke. Gynecological problems such as infertility and irregular menstrual periods may affect you if you are obese, the Mayo Clinic says.
Psychological
The psychological effects of obesity diminish your quality of life. Health.harvard.edu reports that obesity may reduce the psychological benefits of exercise. Obesity may inflict emotional strain that contributes to comfort eating and additional weight gain. Failure to lose weight may worsen the physiological effects of obesity by creating a negative self-image and diminish your self-control, says Harvard Health Publications. Other psychological effects of obesity may include depression, shame, self-doubt and sexual problems.
Social
Obesity affects us by contributing to social isolation and discrimination. The mobility impairments associated with obesity may lead you to avoid public places or avoid using public facilities. You may isolate yourself from others as a result of the emotional and physiological effects, the Mayo Clinic says. The results of a 2007 rat study by Japan's Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine suggest that social isolation is an environmental factor that contributes to obesity. Social isolation may also increase your risks of mortality and morbidity, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Financial
CDC.gov reports that obesity-related medical care costs reached approximately $147 billion in 2008. Obese people cost $1,400 more than people with normal weight in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a December 2010 CNBC.com article, obese women may spend more than $4,700 more than women with normal weight on health and work expenses. Obese men spend approximately $2,650 more than the average on these expenses. Obesity may contribute to annual wage losses as high as $1,855. Obesity-related diseases may contribute to millions of lost workdays; private medical insurance premiums may be $1,100 higher for obese people, CNBC says.
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