5 Obesity Associated Diseases You May Not Know about
Due to modernization with increased refined dietary nutrients and technological advancement to allow less labouring, obesity has become a pandemic.
There are many chronic diseases associated with obesity and caused a shorter life expectancy and decreased the quality of life. (also see: Obesity is a Disease)
Most of us already know obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases.
Here are some obesity associated diseases you may not know about:
1. Dementia
A review of several studies published in 2008 have concluded the association between obesity and dementia (1). Although more researches are needed to understand the association, we now know weight gain and having high waist circumference increase the risk for dementia.
2. Heart Burn
A review was done after an observation of an increased amount of obese patients needing treatment for heart burn (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) (2)
The review have found the association of heart burn and obesity.
3. Asthma and Sleep Apnea
A medical journal from 2006 concluded that respiratory diseases like asthma is associated with obesity. (3)
It concludes, "The influence of obesity on asthma and obstructive sleep apnea has been well documented, and weight loss has been associated with improved symptomatic control in these diseases".
4. Cancer
Numerous reviews have shown the link between obesity and cancer, especially endometrial, post menopausal breast, colon, and esophageal cancer. The death rate and incidents of cancer reduce as high risk individuals lose and maintain healthy weight. Weight loss has also shown hope to prevent cancer.
5. Erectile Dysfunction
There is a link between erectile dysfunction and obesity. This can happen to younger obese individuals as well.
Also see: What BMI is not telling you