Health Risks Associated with Obesity
Obesity is more than a quality of life issue. Being overweight can lead to chronic health problems and a shorter expected lifespan. To lower your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems associated with obesity, patients can experience the benefits of better health with the weight loss services at our state-of-the-art bariatric center in Tijuana, B.C.
Oasis of Hope Hospital was founded 50 years ago. Our bariatric center has become a world-class destination for patients who want to undergo weight loss surgery without having to pay the high prices charged in U.S. hospitals. Following your weight loss procedure, you can begin enjoying significant and life-changing health benefits.
What Is Obesity?
Obesity refers to a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Decades of research have found clear causal relations between obesity and serious health problems and chronic conditions. Many of these problems deal with the cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries, and blood vessels.
Heart-related Problems
Simply put, the more you weigh, the harder your heart has to work to pump blood to every cell in your body. Individuals who are obese are more likely to have fat clogging their arteries. This directly increases the risk of someone having a heart attack or stroke.
Another consequence of an overexerted heart is hypertension. Individuals who are overweight or obese are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Hypertension is a risk factor for:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Vision problems
- Dementia
Sleep Disorders
One of the most common forms of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and one leading risk factor for OSA is obesity. OSA interferes with your body’s ability to breathe while you sleep at night. Some type of natural obstruction in the mouth or throat is usually the culprit. Individuals who are obese are more likely to suffer from the type of blockages that cause OSA.
OSA is a serious condition. When your brain is deprived of oxygen, it cannot fully rest and recharge. Individuals with OSA report having difficulty focusing during the day. OSA is linked to hypertension and dementia. There’s even a link between OSA and individuals who develop Alzheimer’s.
Joint Problems
Obesity can take a toll on your joints and spine. The added pressure grinds knee and hip joints and stressed vertebrae. One study by the National Institutes of Health found a link between total joint replacement among adults under 60 and obesity. Over 70 percent of individuals who required the procedure were obese compared to only 26 percent of the general population.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires management and the active self-regulation of the body’s insulin. Around 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. While type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition, it can be life-threatening. Without monitoring, sugar levels can spike or drop with serious health implications.
Schedule Your Weight Loss Surgery Today
Oasis of Hope offers an English-speaking staff, on-site lab, imaging technology, an intensive care unit, and private rooms that are well furnished. If you are ready to start taking charge of your health by scheduling bariatric surgery at a trusted surgical center, we welcome you to contact our office online or call (619) 304-2084.