Health risks of obesity: Why losing weight is key to preventing diabetes, cancer, heart disease

Health risks of obesity: It is the leading cause of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, promotes insulin resistance, which results in increased blood sugar levels (Image: Canva)

Abnormal or excessive accumulation of body weight is known as obesity. It is measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or above indicates obesity, and a BMI of 25–29.9 indicates being overweight. While BMI does not measure body fat directly, it provides a practical and widely used indicator for assessing weight categories.

Excessive body fat can interfere with the body's normal functions, leading to insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Over time, obesity raises the risk of chronic diseases, shortens life expectancy, and affects mental health, making it essential to address and manage effectively.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 650 million adults worldwide suffer from obesity, with its prevalence having tripled since 1975. Urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and high-calorie diets are major drivers of this epidemic.

Also read | How obesity can lead to another chronic diseases

Here are some health risks associated with obesity:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus:

Obesity is the leading cause of T2DM. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat, promotes insulin resistance, where cells fail to respond to insulin. This results in increased blood sugar levels, which  further increase the risk of complications such as neuropathy, kidney disease, and vision loss.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD):

Obesity is strongly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia (high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol), and atherosclerosis. These factors increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Visceral fat also releases inflammatory markers that may also damage blood vessels.

Osteoarthritis:

Excess weight places stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, accelerating cartilage breakdown. Fat tissue also produces inflammatory chemicals that worsen joint damage.

Also read | What is obesity, why is it a problem, and the truth about fat loss

Obstructive sleep apnea:

Fat deposits around the neck narrow the airway, leading to interrupted breathing during sleep. This condition increases the risk of heart arrhythmias, stroke, and daytime fatigue.

Depression and mental health issues:

Obesity can lead to low self-esteem, social stigma, and body image issues, increasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety disorders. Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may also contribute to mood disorders.

Also read | Obesity paradox: Does being overweight really protect against heart disease? Here's the truth

Cancer:

Obesity-related chronic inflammation, hormonal changes, and insulin resistance are implicated in the development of certain cancers, which include:

Breast cancer: Excess fat increases estrogen levels, a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer.

Colon cancer: Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation affect cell growth in the colon lining.

Liver cancer: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, often linked to obesity, increases the risk of liver cancer.

Kidney and prostate cancer: Obesity-related metabolic and hormonal changes contribute to the growth of abnormal cells in these organs.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.