  |
Diseases Related to Obesity
|
Disease |
Summary |
Symptoms |
| Diabetes mellitus | A disease that effects the bodies metabolism. The body loses its ability to absorb glucose into cells. Glucose is used for energy in the body so when it can't be absorbed the the body doesn't have any energy. A person can either be born with diabetes (type I), which is genetic, or they can get it after birth, caused by obesity, physical inactivity or other factors. | Increased thirst and urination, constant hunger,
weight loss, blurred vision, and extreme fatigue, frequent
infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores.
A life-threatening diabetic coma can occur if untreated |
| Hypertension (high blood pressure) | A condition where a persons blood pressure is persistently higher than normal which puts stress on blood vessels, arteries and veins with every beat of the heart. There is no direct cause for high blood pressure but lack of physical activity, obesity, a diet high in fats and cholesterol, stress, smoking, and drinking alcohol can be contributing factors. | Increased risk of hearth attack, stroke, and kidney
failure.
All are life-threatening |
| Sleep apnea | A sleeping disorder where the person stops breathing for periods of time while sleeping. Breathing stops either because the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses, the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath, or both. Risk factors include being male, overweight, or over the age of 40, but it can strike anyone at any age. | High blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases,
memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Normally not deadly but the side effects can be life-threatening |
| Coronary heart disease | The narrowing of the arteries in the heart. Risk factors are obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and cholesterol. | Heart attack, angina pectoris (chest pain) or both. Death by heart attack |
| Osteoarthritis (Knees) | A degenerative joint disease that is the break down of cartilage in the joints causes bone to rub on bone and pain. Risk factors are obesity (because the knees have to support more weight so they are constantly under strain), age, genetics, injuries and diet. | Pain and swelling in the joints Isn't life-threatening |
| Hyperuricemia and gout | The build up of uric acid crystal deposits in joints. Risk factors are obesity, weight gain, alcohol intake, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, drugs, dehydration, injury, and recent surgery | Pain and swelling in the joints Isn't life-threatening |
| Cancer | When the DNA in a cell gets damaged beyond repair and begins to grow out of control. When the abnormal cells divide they produce more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells create tumors which can cut off circulation to surrounding areas and cause damage that leads to serious symptoms. Risk factors included age, sex, genetics, tobacco and alcohol use, diet (leads to obesity), and sun exposure. | Cancer has a large number of different symptoms
depending on where it is in the body, how big it is, and what tissue
it's in. They range from minor bumps or spots to death. Death can be from a wide variety of causes |
