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Weight Gain Side Effects That Affect Your Health

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Most people want to lose weight because it will help them to fit back into their skinny jeans. But, the fact of the matter is, the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to encounter the side effects that accompany weight gain in women.

According to a 2005 Center for Disease Control (CDC) report, someone who is 40 percent overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as someone with a healthy weight. Here are some of the major health issues that are related to obesity.

Heart Disease

Weight can can promote heart complications, and eventually heart disease. This is including, but not limited to, chest pain, congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

High Blood Pressure

You are two times more likely to have high blood pressure, even if you are just slightly overweight.

Increased Risk of Stroke

Atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries which leads to the formation of an arterial blood clot, is an important pre-condition of most strokes. Atherosclerosis is accelerated through high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a lack of exercise, all of which are directly related to obesity. This correlation has made obesity a second risk factor for strokes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Weight gain of only 11 to 18 pounds increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. An alarming 80 percent of diabetics are overweight.

Cancer

Obesity has been associated as a risk factor for cancers, including endometrial (lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney and post-menopausal breast cancer.

Fatty Liver Disease

The main cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is insulin resistance. The most common risk for insulin resistance is obesity. According to the CDC, the higher the Body Mass Index (BMI) of a person with fatty liver disease, the higher the degree of liver damage.

Gall Bladder Disease

Gall bladder disease is three times more likely in obese patients.

Breathing Problems

Sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep) is common in obese people, as is asthma, severe bronchitis, hyperventilation syndrome and respiratory insufficiency.

Arthritis

Musculoskeletal disorders, like osteoarthritis, are more prevalent among obese people, and obesity is a strong predictor for symptoms, specifically in the knees. Your risk for arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders increases with every two pounds gained.

Pregnancy Complications

Expectant mothers and babies can suffer complications both before and after pregnancy due to obesity. High blood pressure can increase in moms, while there is an increased risk for birth defects like spina bifida in babies.

Social and Psychological Issues

Aside from the health issues, the emotional well-being of obese people also suffers. Obesity can create major self esteem issues, and obese people can become depressed, and even suicidal.

    While the effects of weight gain on your health are great, there is hope. Even losing just a small amount of weight can significantly reduce your chances for developing heart disease or a stroke. Also, reducing your weight by just 10 percent can improve your heart health, blood pressure and cholesterol. Small steps to losing weight can make large differences in the long run.

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