What Are the Consequences of Obesity? - Essay Sample

Introduction

Obesity can be defined as a chronic disease that results from the accumulation of excess fat in an individual's body. Consequently, people with obesity are usually at a higher risk of developing other more complex health conditions. A combination of both genetic and environmental influences is said to cause obesity. In the recent past, the prevalence of this health condition has increased globally and has been considered to be a worldwide epidemic. It is estimated that almost half a billion of the population in the world is overweight or obese, which explains why this is a topic of great concern today. Therefore, with the alarming rates of obesity in society, it is critically important to explore the consequences of being obese. Of particular concern is the health effects of obesity and some of the ways in which this global public health issue can be addressed.

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According to Afshin et al., one of the health effects of obesity is high blood pressure (22). As the authors explain, excess fat tissue in an individual's body needs nutrients and oxygen to live, which consequently requires more blood circulation. As a result, the blood vessels are forced to supply more blood than the required amount which also increases the heart's workload as it has to pump more. In the words of Afshin et al., "more circulating blood means more pressure on the walls of the arteries which leads to higher blood pressure" (24). Kelishadi also supports this idea by arguing that extra weight can raise the heart rate of an individual while reducing the ability of the person's body to transport blood through the vessels (239). Additionally, based on studies on the relationship between obesity and high blood pressure or hypertension, Sahoo et al. state that the increased number of people with high blood pressure across the world can be attributed to the dramatic increase in obesity and overweight prevalence (191). It then follows that an intimate connection exists between obesity and high blood pressure.

Notably, in a study on the health impacts of obesity, Kelishadi established that a strong link exists between obesity and diabetes (239). The findings of the study depicted obesity as the major cause of type II diabetes. Shockingly, this type of diabetes is historically said to begin in adulthood but is now occurring even in children. Sahoo et al. explain that obesity causes resistance to insulin, the hormone which is responsible for the regulation of sugar in the blood. In effect, when insulin resistance occurs, the blood sugar of an individual becomes elevated (188). Currie et al. also acknowledge obesity as a primary cause of type II diabetes while maintaining that even moderate obesity is capable of dramatically increasing one's risk of diabetes (128). Importantly, studies have shown that obesity and hence type II diabetes are capable of substantially decreasing an individual's life expectancy (Currie et al. 129). As such, it is paramount to identify ways in which the disease can be prevented and one of the most effective measures is to avoid being overweight or obese. By avoiding being overweight or obese, one reduces their risk of diabetic complications.

Additionally, Sahoo et al. associate obesity with a high rate of heart disease today (187). According to these authors, obese people are ten times more likely to experience the hardening of the arteries, which is also known as atherosclerosis, compared to the non-obese (Sahoo et al. 190). Kelishadi agrees when she writes that coronary artery disease is highly prevalent among people with obesity because of the fatty deposits that build up in the arteries responsible for supplying the heart with blood. Specifically, narrowed arteries and reduced flow of blood to the heart can lead to chest pain or a heart attack (Afshin et al. 15). As well, Afshin et al. add that the clotting of blood can also result from narrowed arteries and this can consequently lead to stroke (17). Undeniably, such diseases are likely to lead to an increase in the rate of morbidity and mortality which has the potential to negatively affect the workforce of a nation. In a study by Currie et al., it was established that the complications arising from obesity, such as heart disease, impair the productivity of employees while increasing the healthcare expenditure (123).

Furthermore, obesity has also been linked to conditions such as cancer as well as psychosocial and psychological disorders (Kelishadi 239; Sahoo et al. 187). As argued by Kelishadi, being overweight or obese in women significantly contributes to one's increased risk for a range of cancers including uterus, breast, gallbladder, and colon cancer (239). Similarly, men who are obese are also at a higher risk of prostate and colon cancer (Kelishadi 241). Regarding psychosocial effects of obesity, Afshin et al. state that overweight and obese people often suffer disadvantages in today's culture where people often consider being slim or overly thin to be the ideal body that is physically attractive (26).Currie et al. assert that on many occasions, persons who are overweight or obese are blamed for their condition and are often considered to be weak-willed or lazy (127). Therefore, based on this idea, it is not uncommon for the obese face discrimination when it comes to things like relationships. Accordingly, such discrimination may result in obese persons having psychological disorders as well. In line with this, Sahoo et al. argue that the disapproval of obese individuals as expressed by others may trigger mental disorders as the victims feel discriminated and tormented (192). In agreement with this, Kelishadi adds that discrimination and disapproval can result in anxiety and clinical depression as well (239).

Admittedly, despite the risks associated with being overweight or obese, various actions can be taken to bring down the number of people with this health condition. As indicated earlier, preventing and treating obesity is a major step towards reducing the health effects associated with the condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer as well as the associated psychosocial and psychological effects. Based on their study findings, Currie et al. confirm that obesity can be prevented and treated through good eating habits and increased physical activity (129). Reducing the rate of calorie intake while increasing the amount of fiber in one's diet can be beneficial for people with obesity and diabetes (Kelishadi 242). On the other hand, Sahoo et al. point out that regular physical activity is critical to maintaining weight loss and preventing regain (191). Other ways of preventing obesity and related diseases include medication, promoting a healthy lifestyle and better nutrition (Afshin et al. 27; Currie et al. 28; Sahoo et al. 192).

Conclusion

In summary, as far as evidence goes, obesity is associated with a wide range of health conditions which on various occasions have been linked with increased morbidity and mortality. Base on the fact that this condition is on the rise worldwide and that it has severe consequences on people's health, the question that remains is whether enough efforts are being made to enlighten people and make them aware of the risks they expose themselves to by living a reckless life with poor eating habits and minimal physical activity. It is also surprising that the prevalence of diabetes has progressively increased over the years owing to the increased rated of childhood obesity. Therefore, more research should be dedicated to the topic of obesity with an aim of establishing comprehensive strategies for controlling and preventing this epidemic.

Works Cited

Afshin, Ashkan, et al. "Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years." New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 377, no. 1, June 2017, pp. 13-27., doi:10.1056/nejmoa1614362.

Currie, Shereen C., et al. "Effect of Obesity on the Work Health-Related Behaviors and Quality of Life of South African Mining Employees: A Pilot Study." Global Journal of Health Science, vol. 9, no. 12, 2017, pp. 122-129., doi:10.5539/gjhs.v9n12p122.

Kelishadi, Roya. "Health Impacts of Obesity." Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 31, no. 1, 2015, pp. 239-242., doi:10.12669/pjms.311.7033.

Sahoo, Krushnapriya, et al. "Childhood obesity: causes and consequences." Journal of family medicine and primary care, vol. 4, no. 2, 2015, pp. 187-192.