Life quality has been improving, but it has also led to an increasing number of people suffering from obesity. Many people have become accustomed to it, but they may not know that excessive obesity can have negative effects on the body. Let's take a look at the dangers of excessive obesity.
Impact of Excessive Obesity on Sexual Quality of Life
Excessive abdominal obesity can hinder the penetration of the penis into the vagina and also interfere with sexual intercourse. If both partners are obese, it can make intercourse impossible inside the vagina. In obese men, the heavy pressure can cause discomfort for their spouse and even lead to sexual compression syndrome.
Hazards of Excessive Obesity During Pregnancy
Early pregnancy obesity can often lead to the occurrence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and the risk of developing preeclampsia. The chances of miscarriage and difficult labor will also significantly increase. Excessive obesity during pregnancy also poses significant risks to the fetus. Obese pregnant women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, excessive pregnancy, uterine inertia, postpartum hemorrhage, perineal damage, placental abruption, perineal tears, and postpartum uterine inertia, which can affect the development and growth of the fetus and newborn.
Diseases Easily Caused by Excessive Obesity
Diabetes
Obesity can lead to diabetes because the cells in obese individuals, especially fat cells, are insensitive to insulin. They require more insulin than normal weight individuals to utilize glucose properly. Over time, the pancreas becomes fatigued and cannot produce sufficient insulin. After the age of 40, the obesity rate among diabetes patients is about 70 to 80%.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common complication of obesity. The causes of obesity-induced hypertension are multifactorial. On one hand, the excess fat in obese individuals leads to a significant increase in blood volume, requiring a higher cardiac output to maintain normal bodily functions under normal heart rate conditions. Prolonged stress on the heart can cause left ventricular hypertrophy and elevated blood pressure. On the other hand, adrenal cortex hyperfunction in obese individuals leads to a long-term retention of water and sodium in the body, further increasing blood volume and exacerbating hypertension.
Arteriosclerosis
Obesity itself is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis, and obesity-related complications such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are also risk factors for promoting arteriosclerosis.
Research has shown that obesity combined with arteriosclerosis can easily lead to coronary heart disease. This may be due to excessive weight causing increased strain on the heart and high-calorie diets promoting coronary artery sclerosis. Additionally, reduced physical activity in obese individuals can lead to poor collateral circulation in the coronary arteries.
Gallstones
50% to 80% of gallstone patients are obese individuals, with middle-aged women being particularly susceptible. The reasons for obesity-related gallstones are related to diet and cholesterol metabolism. A high-fat diet often leads to gallstone formation. The main component of these gallstones is cholesterol, and the metabolic disorders of cholesterol in obese individuals are related to the formation of gallstones.
Hazards of Childhood Obesity
Respiratory Diseases
Obese children are prone to respiratory diseases such as upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Severe obesity in children can obstruct normal breathing due to excessive fat in the chest and abdomen, as well as increased fat in the throat, leading to hypoxia. Once respiratory diseases occur, they are often difficult to cure, and in severe cases, respiratory failure leading to death can occur.
Decreased Cardiopulmonary Function
In children of the same height and age, obese children have a higher body weight, which requires increased circulation and respiration to meet their body's needs. This increases the burden on the heart and lungs. The more severe the obesity, the heavier the burden on the heart and lungs. Prolonged overload on the heart and lungs can lead to decreased function, and if obesity persists, organ damage such as ventricular hypertrophy can occur.
Other Diseases
Most obese children have high blood pressure, and the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure. In addition, their blood contains higher concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Prolonged high blood pressure and abnormal blood lipid levels increase the risk of developing hypertension and coronary heart disease.
Obese children have higher blood sugar levels compared to the normal population, and they are more likely to show abnormal changes in glucose tolerance tests. Therefore, obese children have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Psychological Impact
Obesity also has a significant psychological impact on children. Excessive obesity can easily lead to feelings of inferiority and depression in children. Over time, their personalities may become introverted and stubborn.
