What impact does overweight have on health?
March 9, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
my name is Emil Heck and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my health. In recent years, I have gained weight and am now significantly overweight. I feel tired, often lack energy, and suffer from various physical complaints such as joint pain, shortness of breath, and sleep problems. My blood pressure is also elevated and my blood lipid levels are not optimal.
I know that being overweight is not only an aesthetic issue, but can also have serious effects on health. I have already tried to lose weight, but unfortunately without success so far. That's why I would like to learn more from you about the specific effects that being overweight can have on health and how I can best protect my health despite my weight.
Which organs and systems can be particularly affected by being overweight? How can being overweight increase the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or joint problems? Are there specific measures I can take to improve my health, even if I have not lost weight yet? What role does a healthy diet and regular exercise play in this?
I would be very grateful if you could answer these questions for me to better inform me about the risks of my weight and show me possible solutions. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Emil Heck
Dear Emil Heck,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise in the field of internal medicine. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health, especially due to your overweight and the associated symptoms. Overweight can indeed have serious impacts on health, so it is important to address it and take appropriate measures.
Overweight can affect various organs and systems in the body. Particularly affected are the cardiovascular system, joints, metabolism, and immune system. The cardiovascular system has to work harder due to the extra weight, which can lead to long-term strain and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. Joints are put under more pressure by excess weight, leading to joint problems like osteoarthritis. Additionally, overweight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, lipid metabolism disorders, and even certain types of cancer.
It is important that despite your overweight, you take steps to improve your health. A healthy diet plays a central role. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while avoiding excessive consumption of sugar, saturated fats, and highly processed foods. Also, reduce your calorie intake to slowly but steadily lose weight.
Regular exercise is also crucial. Try to be physically active daily, whether through walks, cycling, swimming, or other sports. Even small changes in your daily routine, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking short breaks for movement, can have a positive effect.
In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, make sure to get enough sleep, reduce stress, and attend regular medical check-ups to detect and treat potential health issues early.
I hope this information helps you and gives you an overview of the effects of overweight on health as well as ways to improve your health. If you have any further questions or need support, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Yvonne König
