- Type 2 Diabetes
- Coronary
Heart Disease and Stroke
- Sleep Apnea
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Gall Bladder Disease
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a
disease in which blood sugar levels are above normal. High blood sugar is a major cause of coronary heart disease, kidney
disease, stroke, amputation, and blindness. In 2002, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Type
2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in the United States. This form of diabetes is most often associated with old
age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, and physical inactivity. The disease is
more common among certain ethnic populations.
Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: Coronary heart disease means that the heart and circulation (blood flow) are not functioning normally. Often, the
arteries have become hardened and narrowed. If you have coronary heart disease, you may suffer from a heart attack, congestive
heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina (chest pain), or abnormal heart rhythm. In a heart attack, the flow of blood and
oxygen to the heart is disrupted, damaging portions of the heart muscle. During a stroke, blood and oxygen do not flow normally
to the brain, possibly causing paralysis or death. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States,
and stroke is the third leading cause.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during the night.
A person who has sleep apnea may suffer from daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and even heart failure. The risk
for sleep apnea is higher for people who are overweight. A person who is overweight may have more fat stored around his or
her neck. This may make the airway smaller. A smaller airway can make breathing difficult, loud (snoring), or stop altogether.
In addition, fat stored in the neck and throughout the body may produce substances that cause inflammation. Inflammation in
the neck is a risk factor for sleep apnea.
Cancer: Cancer occurs
when cells in one part of the body, such as the colon, grow abnormally or out of control. The cancerous cells sometimes spread
to other parts of the body, such as the liver. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Being overweight
may increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, including cancers of the colon, esophagus, and kidney. Overweight
is also linked with uterine and postmenopausal breast cancer in women. Gaining weight during adult life increases the risk
for several of these cancers, even if the weight gain does not result in overweight or obesity. It is not known exactly how
being overweight increases cancer risk. It may be that fat cells release hormones that affect cell growth, leading to cancer.
Also, eating or physical activity habits that may lead to being overweight may also contribute to cancer risk.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder that causes the joint bone and cartilage (tissue that
protects joints) to wear away. Osteoarthritis most often affects the joints of the knees, hips, and lower back. Extra weight
may place extra pressure on joints and cartilage, causing them to wear away. In addition, people with more body fat may have
higher blood levels of substances that cause inflammation. Inflammation at the joints may raise the risk for osteoarthritis.
Gall Bladder Disease: Gallbladder disease includes gallstones and inflammation or infection
of the gallbladder. Gallstones are clusters of solid material that form in the gallbladder. They are made mostly of cholesterol
and can cause abdominal pain, especially after consuming fatty foods. The pain may be sharp or dull. People who are overweight
have a higher risk for developing gallbladder disease. They may produce more cholesterol (a fat-like substance found in the
body), a risk factor for gallstones. Also, people who are overweight may have an enlarged gallbladder, which may not work
properly.
