Health RisksThere are many severe health risks associated with Class III Obesity which have the potential to cause serious harm and in some cases death. These health risks include; diabetes, cancer, heart attacks, high cholesterol and severe breathing problems.
The image to the right shows the other risks related to severe obesity. To prevent these potential risks, seek professional advice from a local gp or see our contacts page for some useful numbers and websites. |
Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. The symptoms are:
- Urinating frequently, (particularly at night) - an increased feeling of thirst - extreme tiredness - unexplained weight or muscle mass loss - slow healing of cuts or wounds - fuzzy or blurred vision |
Cancer
Cancer is a condition where cells develop uncontrollably at a fast rate and cause tissues and surrounding organs to deteriorate. The most common types of cancer are; breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.
Class III Obesity can often increase the risk of developing these types of cancer: - Oesophagus - Pancreas - Colon - Breast - Endometrium - Digestive Tract - Kidney - Thyroid - Gallbladder One theory which shows this association highlights the correlation between the creation of leptin, a protein produced by fatty tissue, and the promotion of cell reproduction which increased the overall risk of cancer especially in fattier areas of the body. |
Heart Attacks
A heart attack is when a added pressure is applied to the coronary artery caused by a blockage so the heart fails and stops. Heart attacks link in with Class III Obesity because fat cells release particular chemicals that block the artery. It also relates because people with a higher BMI have larger hearts in order to cope with the added stress, and this means the heart can not cope during a heart attack.
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High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is produced in the liver but is also found in some high-fat foods. A build up of Cholesterol has no immediate health risk but a long-term build up can cause some very serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes.
Obese people will naturally have a higher cholesterol because of the types of foods they have consumed. As a result the risks associated with a high cholesterol have an increased likelihood in obese people of all ages. Methods of reducing cholesterol include moderate exercise and a healthier diet. |
Breathing Problems
Breathing problems such as asthma can occur more frequently in those who are Class III Obese. This is because of the increased pressure on the cardiovascular system as it has to work harder for the body to function properly.
To overcome this, simple exercises can be done on a daily or weekly period which, over time, will burn excess fat and reduce stress on the cardiovascular system. |