There is a strong and well-established link between obesity and chronic disease. Obesity doesn’t just affect body weight—it significantly increases the risk of many long-term health conditions.
Here’s how obesity is linked to chronic diseases:
🫀 1. Cardiovascular disease
-
Increased fat, especially around the abdomen, can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.
-
These changes damage arteries and raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
🍬 2. Type 2 diabetes
-
Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, leads to insulin resistance, where cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
-
Over time, this can cause chronically high blood sugar and lead to diabetes.
🦴 3. Joint and musculoskeletal disorders
-
Extra weight puts strain on joints, especially the knees, hips, and spine.
-
This increases the risk of osteoarthritis and chronic back pain.
🌬️ 4. Respiratory issues
-
Obesity can contribute to sleep apnea, asthma, and reduced lung function, causing fatigue and breathing problems.
🧠 5. Mental health
-
Obesity is often linked to depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem, creating a cycle that can worsen both physical and emotional health.
🧬 6. Cancer
-
Obesity is associated with higher risks of several cancers, including:
-
Breast (postmenopausal)
-
Colon
-
Endometrial
-
Kidney
-
Liver
-
🔥 7. Chronic inflammation
-
Fat cells, especially in abdominal fat, produce inflammatory chemicals (like cytokines).
-
Chronic, low-grade inflammation is a root factor in many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.