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Effects Of Obesity On Your Body

Dr. Parameshwar, a laparoscopic bariatric and metabolic surgeon at Sahyadri Hospital, shares insights on how obesity affects the body. Obesity has become a global epidemic, with a particularly high incidence in Asian populations, including India. Understanding how obesity impacts various aspects of health can help highlight the importance of addressing it proactively.

As Body Mass Index (BMI) increases with weight gain, numerous changes occur within the body, impacting different systems and organs. Dr. Parameshwar explains some of the key health complications related to obesity:

A. Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
With rising BMI, the body often develops insulin resistance, meaning cells become less responsive to insulin. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and eventually to type 2 diabetes, a condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar without medical intervention.

B. Cardiovascular Health and Hypertension
Obesity can also negatively affect blood vessels, potentially causing them to stiffen or clog. This leads to hypertension (high blood pressure), which puts additional strain on the heart and heightens the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

C. Higher Risk of Cancer
Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers. According to Dr. Parameshwar, individuals with obesity are at higher risk for cancers such as uterine, breast, and colon cancer. The likelihood of developing these cancers increases with higher BMI, making weight management crucial to reducing cancer risk.

D. Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Poor Sleep Quality
Obesity commonly leads to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep due to airway blockages. Fat deposits around the neck area can obstruct breathing passages, resulting in interrupted sleep and a lack of restful rest. Dr. Parameshwar highlights that these interruptions can cause patients to feel tired and drowsy during the day, impacting their cognitive and physical well-being.

Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue but a severe health condition with long-term implications. Dr. Parameshwar stresses the importance of addressing it seriously. Weight loss achieved through diet and exercise is often the most effective and sustainable approach. However, individuals who find it challenging to lose weight through lifestyle modifications alone may consider bariatric surgery as a potential solution.

Have queries or concern ?

For those struggling with severe obesity, bariatric surgery offers a medically supervised path to significant weight loss and improved health outcomes. Dr. Parameshwar notes that bariatric surgery can transform quality of life, particularly for patients with health conditions exacerbated by obesity.

For more information on weight management and bariatric surgery, Dr. Parameshwar is available for consultations at Sahyadri Hospital.

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