According to The Mayo Clinic, body mass index (BMI) is a formula that doctors use to determine if you are obese. A BMII measuring at 30 or higher is considered obese and comes with negative health consequences. A BMI of 40 or more indicates that the individual is extremely, or morbidly, obese. Morbid obesity makes health problems especially likely.
Heart Attack and Stroke
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that obese individuals have an elevated risk of potentially fatal heart disease. Overweight individuals are more likely to develop the risk factors for heart attacks and stroke. High blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, and low levels of good cholesterol are all more prevalent in the obese. Any of these risk factors can contribute to a heart attack or a stroke.
Sleep Apnea
According to the NIDDK, Sleep Apnea is also a common medical condition associated with a high BMI. In this condition, the individual stops breathing at short intervals throughout the night. This interruption in sleep can lead to fogginess during the daytime hours. Overweight individuals have more fat around their necks, which can make the airways smaller can contributes to this disorder.
Diabetes
The NIDDK points out that diabetes, a common problem associated with obesity, is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Over 85 percent of individuals with this disorder are overweight. The disease sees an increase in blood sugar levels, which can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, blindness, and other physical disorders. Increasing physical activity and losing weight are key to avoiding diabetes.
Cancer
Certain type of cancer, including colon, kidney, and esophageal, are more prevalent in overweight patients. The NIDDK also states that a high BMI might also be linked to postmenopausal breast cancer and uterine cancer in females.
Gallbladder Disorders
Overweight individuals also carry higher risk for gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder. The increased levels of cholesterol associated with a high BMI are a risk factor for these gall bladder disorders. The disorders produce sharp or dull abdominal pain.
