There are some serious health issues with being overweight or obese for men, women & children. Wanting to lose weight is important for a long and healthy life but one needs to be careful to pick a program that will not do more harm than good. First, let us go over many of the possible health issues that men and women can have when being overweight or obese. It should be noted that there has been an alarming increase in these diseases in children from 8-17 years of age.

Heart disease - Heart attack, heart failure or angina (chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart) are the leading causes of death for both men and women in North America.

Stroke - Known as a “brain attack”, most strokes are due to restricted blood flow to the brain caused by a clot blocking an artery.

Diabetes - Overweight people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as people who are not. It is the inability of your body to control your blood sugar level causing death, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. Control your blood sugar levels by losing weight, become more physically active and you may find you can reduce medications that you need.

Cancer - In overweight women, cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries are possible. Overweight men are at a risk for developing cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate.

Gallstones or gallbladder disease - Gallbladder disease and gallstones are more common in overweight individuals and the risk increases as weight increases. Rapid weight loss can increase your chances of getting gallstones. Regulated weight loss of about 2 pounds a week is less likely to cause gallstones.

Osteoarthritis - A common joint disorder that most often affects knees, hips, and lower back joints. Additional weight puts pressure on the joints, wearing away cartilage that protects them. Weight loss can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Gout - Also known as the “rich man’s disease”, it is a joint disease caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid can form crystals that collect in the joints. Gout is more common in overweight people.

Breathing problems (including sleep apnea) - It is a serious condition that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods during sleep and to snore heavily. It may cause daytime exhaustion or even heart failure. The heavier you are the greater your chances of having sleep apnea. Sleep apnea usually improves with weight loss.

High blood cholesterol - High levels of “Bad” cholesterol (LDL & triglycerides) can lead to heart disease. Obesity also causes low levels of “Good” cholesterol (HDL). Weight loss usually improves cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure - Is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Obese adults are twice as likely to have high blood pressure then those who are a healthy weight. Weight loss lowers your blood pressure.

Complications of pregnancy - Being obese during pregnancy increases the risks of high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity can also lead to problems with labor, delivery, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Psychological and social effects - The emotional suffering that obesity causes is often overlooked but is one of the most painful aspects of being overweight. Society puts great emphasis on ones appearance, often associating slimness with attractiveness, especially women. This makes overweight people feel unattractive and can lead to depression. The obese often face prejudice or discrimination in their everyday lives. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are very common.

If you are overweight/obese, you are shortening your life continuing as you are. Now is the time to make a change before it is too late!

Today, you have taken the first step towards your weight loss goal. Don’t continue being unhappy and unhealthy, take that next step and start a healthy weight loss program today!

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