If you’re struggling with your weight, you’re not alone. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2016, a whopping 39.8 percent of the United States population is considered obese. That is about 93.3 million Americans. How do you know whether you qualify for the term obese? There are certain factors that define obesity, such as a body mass index of 30-40 or greater or being 100 pounds or more above your ideal body weight for your height.

*What factors contribute to the obesity pandemic in the US*

There are serious health problems caused by obesity that you should be aware of. These health issues ranging from diabetes and heart disease to certain types of cancer. If you’re one of the many folks struggling with obesity problems, here are some possibly life-saving facts you should know.

Health Risks and Obesity

It can sound scary to learn that obesity is considered a serious medical condition. Obesity means that your percentage of body fat is so high you’re at a high risk of developing many severe health problems beyond the stigma, discomfort, and lower quality of life associated with being significantly overweight. This list is by no means comprehensive, but it includes the most commonly developed health problems associated with obesity:

Type 2 diabetes (or high blood sugar);
Heart problems (coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart attack);
High cholesterol;
Hypertension (aka high blood pressure);
Stroke;
Sleep apnea;
Osteoarthritis and joint and bone problems;
Gout;
Gallstones;
Liver problems;
Kidney disease;
Certain types of cancer;
Premature death.

Fortunately, social media and the movement toward positive body image are reducing the shame and stigma around being overweight. It’s now more acceptable to not have the perfect body modeled to us by actors in the movies and on TV. However, if you’re one of the many people dealing with obesity, you should know that the extra body weight you’re carrying around could be an issue of life or death. Not everyone walking around with some extra baggage will experience a heart attack, stroke, diabetes-related amputation, or liver failure, but now that you know what health problems obesity can cause, you should understand your health is definitely at risk.Luckily, effective weight loss can have a huge effect on obesity-related health problems. But losing weight is usually easier said than done. That’s why we find ourselves in this situation in the first place. Perhaps it’s time to enlist some professional help. If you’re struggling with obesity, consider the expertise of Dr. Batash and the team at Batash Medical. We specialize in endoscopic weight loss solutions.