Morbid obesity--severe obesity that hinders a person's ability to partake in normal functions, such as walking and breathing--poses an array of negative complications. To prevent these complications, a healthy dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity and, in many cases, psychological and behavioral counseling are recommended.
High Blood Pressure
Morbid obesity is correlated with high blood pressure--elevated blood pressure readings that indicate plaque build-up or blockage in the arteries. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work to pump blood throughout your body, increasing your risk for serious conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, damaged arteries and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, when high blood pressure is left untreated, it may also lead to kidney damage, vision loss, memory loss, fluid in the lungs and angina (chest pain correlated with heart disease).
On a positive note, you can learn to effectively manage your blood pressure by adhering to a healthy dietary and physically active lifestyle. Medications are available for people with severe high blood pressure.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes involves the body's inability to manage glucose properly. According to the American Diabetes Association, a body mass index (BMI) reading above 30 is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Morbidly obese individuals are at even higher risk for the disease. A healthy dietary lifestyle and incorporating regular physical activity may reduce your need for medication or help prevent those at risk for diabetes from developing it.
Depression
Depression is characterized by elongated periods of negative emotions, such as sadness, loneliness, lack of purpose and/or anxiety which have a significant impact on a person's ability to function normally. According to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on September 22nd, 2003, severely obese individuals are at high risk for developing depression. Obese women are at particularly high risk. Morbid obesity may also exacerbate symptoms of depression, creating a complex set of complications that may continually worsen until treatment for emotional and physiological issues are addressed.
Healthy weight management and behavioral therapies can help reduce symptoms of depression and other complications of obesity. If you are struggling with obesity and depressive moods, seek guidance from a qualified doctor or therapist who can guide you toward long-term healing and recovery.
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