BMI (body mass index) is a ratio of weight to height. You can use your BMI to determine if you are at a healthy weight, overweight or obese. Your doctor may also consider other factors, such as your previous health conditions or age. These factors may warrant a different healthy range--for instance, a pregnant woman would have a larger weight range that is considered healthy. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of many health conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes
A high percentage of people who suffer from type 2 diabetes are overweight, putting them at a higher BMI. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which a person's blood sugar levels are higher than normal. High blood sugar levels increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and blindness. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in the United States and was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States in 2002.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Heart disease can include heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, angina or high blood pressure. Being overweight--especially having excess body fat in the abdominal area--can raise your levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cancer
According to the Weight-Control Information Network, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Being overweight can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colon, esophageal, kidney, endometrial, gallbladder, prostate and postmenopausal cancer. According to the American Heart Association, women who gain more than 20 lb. from age 18 to midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a person ceases to breathe for short periods throughout the night. This results in daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating or heart failure. The risk for sleep apnea is higher in a person who is overweight, possibly due to more fat stored in or around the neck, making the airway smaller.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease characterized by the wearing down of cartilage and joints. Arthritis commonly affects the knees, hips and lower back. The American Heart Association reports that for every 2-lb. increase in weight, the risk of developing arthritis increases by 9 to 13 percent. Symptoms can improve with weight loss.
Gallbladder Disease
According to the Weight-Control Information Network, people who are obese are at a higher risk of developing gallbladder disease. Symptoms of gallbladder disease include gallstones and inflammation. Gallstones are generally made up of cholesterol, causing sharp or dull abdominal pain that may be worse after consuming fatty foods.
Fatty Liver Disease
People who are overweight and have type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is injury and inflammation to the liver caused by fat buildup in the liver cells. Severe cases can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis or liver failure. Liver damage includes hardening, scarring and impaired functioning. This condition is similar to liver damage caused by alcohol but occurs in people who consume little to no alcohol.
Member Comments