The Harmful Effects of Obesity on Health

Obesity not only affects appearance but also causes serious health consequences. Obesity can lead to risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, and even cancer. Additionally, obesity can reduce quality of life and life expectancy. Understanding the harmful effects of obesity will help better control the condition while comprehensively protecting health.

1. What is Obesity?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body to the extent that it may negatively affect health.

WHO uses Body Mass Index (BMI) to classify obesity:

• BMI from 25 to 29.9: Considered overweight.
• BMI of 30 or above: Considered obese. Within this:
  • BMI 30 – 34.9: Class 1 obesity (mild)
  • BMI 35 – 39.9: Class 2 obesity (moderate)
  • BMI ≥ 40: Class 3 obesity (severe)

BMI is a simple measure, calculated by dividing weight (kg) by the square of height (m²). Although BMI is a useful tool for assessing obesity on a large scale, it doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat mass and may not be accurate for some population groups like athletes. However, it remains the widely used global standard for identifying and monitoring obesity.

In addition, the following indicators can be used to assess an individual’s obesity status:

Body Fat Percentage. Besides BMI, body fat percentage is also an important indicator to assess obesity:

• For men, normal body fat percentage ranges from 6% to 24%. A percentage above 25% is considered obese.
• For women, normal body fat percentage ranges from 14% to 31%. A percentage above 32% is considered obese.

Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio

• Waist Circumference: Measuring waist circumference is a simple way to determine obesity risk. A waist circumference greater than 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women is often considered a sign of obesity.
• Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR): This ratio measures fat distribution in the body. A WHR above 0.9 in men and 0.85 in women may indicate abdominal obesity, a type of obesity with high health risks.

A general health check-up may include body fat assessment using methods such as measuring subcutaneous fat thickness or using specialized devices like DEXA scans or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) machines.

2. The Harmful Effects of Obesity on Health

Obesity is a serious health condition that can lead to many other severe problems. Below are some of the harmful effects of obesity, how they affect health, and measures to mitigate them:

2.1. Cardiovascular Diseases

• Impact of obesity on cardiovascular health: Many people wonder what diseases obesity can cause. Research has shown that one of the harmful effects of obesity is that it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Excess fat, especially in the abdominal area, can lead to inflammation and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• How to mitigate the harmful effects of obesity on health: Maintain a reasonable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. Reduce intake of saturated fats, salt, and sugar; increase consumption of fiber-rich foods, such as green vegetables and whole grains. Control blood pressure and cholesterol through regular health check-ups.

2.2. Type 2 Diabetes

• What diseases does obesity lead to? Obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. When the body contains too much fat, especially in the abdominal area, insulin no longer works effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can cause damage to nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.
• How to mitigate diabetes and obesity: Weight loss can improve blood sugar control. Implement a diet low in sugar and simple carbohydrates, exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity, and check blood sugar regularly.

2.3. Sleep Apnea

• Sleep apnea is one of the complications of obesity. How does this condition affect the patient’s health?
• Obesity increases the risk of sleep apnea syndrome, a condition in which the airway is blocked during sleep, leading to temporary breathing cessation and reduced sleep quality. This can cause daytime fatigue, increased blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• How to mitigate sleep apnea complications: Weight loss is the most effective measure to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Better sleeping positions and the use of supportive devices such as CPAP machines can also improve this condition.

2.4. Osteoarthritis

• Impact on health: Excess body weight puts great pressure on joints, especially knee, hip, and spine joints. This can lead to osteoarthritis, causing pain and reduced mobility.
• How to mitigate: Weight loss helps reduce the load on joints and decrease pain symptoms. Gentle exercises such as swimming or walking can help improve muscle strength and enhance bone and joint health.

2.5. Cancers

• Impact on health: Obesity is associated with many types of cancer such as breast, colon, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. Excess fat can increase levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
• How to mitigate: Maintaining a reasonable weight, following a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables), reducing consumption of processed foods, and increasing regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cancer.

2.6. Liver Function Impairment

• Impact on health: Obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where fat accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to liver conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
• How to mitigate: Weight loss, limiting alcohol and saturated fat consumption, and eating a diet rich in fruits, green vegetables, and whole grains can improve liver health.

2.7. Psychological Issues

• Impact on health: Obesity can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems due to social stigma and feelings of helplessness in controlling weight.
• How to mitigate: Psychological support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can help improve this situation. Participating in support groups, focusing on a healthy lifestyle, and building self-confidence are also ways to overcome these issues.

2.8. Reproductive Problems

• Impact on health: Obesity can affect fertility in both men and women. In women, it can cause menstrual cycle disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and reduced fertility. In men, sperm quality and quantity may be reduced due to obesity.
• How to mitigate: Weight loss through diet and exercise can improve fertility. Medical consultation and treatment of fertility-related issues may also be necessary in some cases.

WHO emphasizes that obesity is a global health problem, associated with many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Obesity not only causes many serious effects on physical health but also significantly affects mental health. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep can help minimize these harmful effects and improve quality of life. Each person needs to actively take care of their health early to live healthily and longevity.

References: Niddk.nih.gov, Healthline.com, Who.int