Have you gained a significant amount of weight in recent years? You may notice that you don’t look or feel as good as you’d like. It is likely that your stamina is reduced and your energy level is also reduced. You may find it difficult to fit into your clothing. It may also be difficult moving around; even a flight of stairs can seem daunting when you’ve packed on the pounds. But there are more important consequences associated with weight gain than how you look and your activity level.

Obesity comes with major health risks. If you have a BMI over 30, you fit into the category of obese. Here are just a few of the health risks associated with obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high cholesterol, joint pain, back pain, knee pain, foot pain. Obesity can render people disabled and even lead to death. Individuals who are overweight may find that they have trouble sleeping as well. The cause is usually sleep apnea. Obese individuals who have asthma or arthritis will notice that their symptoms get worse as they put on more weight. Obesity also increases the risk of gallbladder and liver problems significantly.

Here are a few facts:

• When you are overweight, your heart has to work harder to pump blood.
• Obesity results in more stress on the joints.
• Obese individuals are more prone to injuries and arthritis.
• Obesity alters the way the body processes foods that are high in sugar, fat, and cholesterol.
• Obesity increases the risk of colon and breast cancer.
• Obesity increases the risk of developing sleep apnea.

It is important to keep in mind that genetics do play a role in reducing or increasing the risk of developing all of these conditions. However, if you are genetically predisposed to developing these conditions obesity can bring them on even quicker than anticipated.

Find a bariatric surgeon in Austin or contact a gastric bypass surgeon in Austin. Learn more about bariatric surgery by speaking with a specialist.