Shocking Obesity Problems

We hear so much about the rise of obesity, yet we may not realize just how many obesity problems are linked to this. Sure, you may find that you are at greater risk for certain health conditions, but it may run even deeper than that. We all know that those who are obese are at a greater risk of certain health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes, but it doesn’t end there. Here we look at some obesity problems that are more indirect, less well-known, or even lifestyle-related.

Higher Cancer Risk

Though the exact reasons are still under study, people who are obese tend to have a greater likelihood of developing cancer later on. If there is a family history, then the obesity problems surrounding cancer are even greater. This may be due to the fact that the body isn’t operating at its best, and, therefore, there is a greater likelihood that certain types of cancer may develop more easily.

Greater Fertility Issues and Greater Risk for Premature Birth

A woman who is obese may find that she has a much harder time getting pregnant. The excess weight may interfere with a woman’s monthly cycle and make getting pregnant much harder. For a man, obesity problems are often linked to decreased sperm production and a whole host of fertility problems. For those women who are obese when they do get pregnant, it may be quite common that the baby is born prematurely with his or her own health problems.

Sleep Issues

For those who are obese, getting a good night of sleep may seem impossible. One of the lesser-known obesity problems is that breathing issues interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep. The excess weight may put too much strain on the body and make sleeping much harder than it should be.

Lower Self-Esteem

Though this may not be one of the more shocking obesity problems, those who are severely overweight may have a harder time socially. They may get bullied, and they may have a harder time fitting in, making friends, or finding love. As a result of this, a person who is obese may have much lower self-esteem.

Greater Financial Hardships

A perhaps less-direct consequence of being obese is that many obese people find that they suffer from financial troubles. The correlation is not necessarily understood, but there are more financial hardships present when somebody is obese. This is a lifestyle problem, just as lower self esteem is; and though it is not health related, it is still important to understand. Those who are obese have a much harder time in dealing with such basic issues, and they often seem to be worse off in the long run.