Although medical research into the causes and effects of obesity is still in its early stages, we are beginning to have some indication of the medical side-effects of being overweight - and correlations between diseases which are on the increase and our expanding waist lines are being drawn.
The heart is one of the areas most seriously affected by excessive weight gain; and these effects can range from increased blood pressure to cardiac arrest. Excessive Weight and/or a diet high in cholesterol can put an immense strain on the heart, leading to heart failure, angina or abnormal heart rhythm.
An excess of fat in the diet over a long period of time can lead to a build up of fatty deposits in the liver. This can lead to serious liver damage or even liver failure. Hyperlipidemia can also occur as a result of a diet high in cholesterol, as fat builds up in the arteries. This can cause the arteries to become too narrow, reducing blood flow and, in extreme cases, resulting in a heart attack. Cholesterol can also form in the gallbladder, resulting in the painful condition of gallstones.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by an excess of blood sugar. The cells of obese or overweight people are less effective at removing sugar from the blood stream, and tend to rely on the insulin-producing cells to do this job. If this state continues long-term, these insulin-producing cells can become worn down and eventually stop working. In these cases, the level of blood sugar will continue to climb and type 2 diabetes may result.