Taking Action with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Obesity affects more than one-third of adults today. It means having a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. It also means having a high amount of body fat for your height. There are many causes of obesity. Some of these are family history, lack of exercise or a poor diet. Carrying excess body fat is very bad for your health. Here, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding shares health risks associated with obesity.

Health Risks Associated with Obesity

First, excess weight and body fat contribute to many diseases. The more obese someone is, the greater their health risks. These problems can occur at any age. These are the most common health risks associated with obesity:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Some cancers
• Gallbladder disease
• High cholesterol

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding on Other Risks

Next, there are other health problems connected to obesity. Obesity increases the possibility of needing surgery to repair weight-related issues. Being severely overweight also affects quality of life. You might not realize it, but obesity also causes:

• Sleep apnea and breathing problems
• Joint problems
• Mental illness, like depression and anxiety
• Fertility problems
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• General body pain and problems functioning

Finally, losing weight may help many of these health problems. This can improve your quality of life. Even losing 10 to 15 pounds can greatly improve some health issues. If your BMI is greater than 30, you may need a surgical answer. If you are obese, ask your doctor about a weight loss program. Taking action today can add years to your life. Losing weight can also help you live a better quality of life.

Consultations with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Are you interested in learning about your weight loss options? Contact an expert like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding. Visit the NYU Langone Weight Management Program today.