The Consequences of Obesity

Drastic changes in physical appearance, commonly followed by negative mental impact and lost confidence, is often associated with being overweight. Unfortunately, that's not all that comes with neglecting to maintain a healthy weight for your body type - your risk for many diseases, conditions and other serious health problems heightens when you're obese. This can negatively affect your everyday life, and can ultimately reduce overall wellness and longevity. With more than one-third of the entire country reportedly being obese - according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - it's critical that more people understand just how harmful carrying around excess body weight can be, and why it's never too late to take back control of their well-being and follow healthier habits that lead them to live long, fulfilling lives, just as God intended for them. Devastating Consequences of Obesity The following conditions and diseases may impact your life if you are, or become, obese. High blood pressure - Obesity may cause your body to resist insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. High LDL cholesterol - Eating foods with excess saturated fats (meat and dairy products) raises bad cholesterol levels. Type 2 diabetes - Because obesity can make the body resistant to insulin, you may develop Type 2 diabetes. Coronary heart disease - High blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as diabetes, are all risk factors for coronary heart disease. Stroke - Narrowed or clogged arteries caused by eating excess fats from meat and dairy products lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can lead to stroke. Gallbladder disease - According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, obesity increases cholesterol in bile, which causes stones to form in the gallbladder. Sleep apnea - Excess weight can cause a blockage in the airway between the throat, thus leading to sleep apnea. Certain cancers - Breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, liver and endometrial cancers can occur as a result of obesity. Osteoarthritis - Excess body weight puts more pressure on your joints than your body can handle, often leading to osteoarthritis. Depression - The physical appearance that comes with being obese may cause you to feel low self-esteem or confidence, which can lead to increased feelings of depression and anxiety. Body pain - When your body is forced to lift excess weight on a daily basis, you may be more likely to feel muscle aches, sprains, cramps and other random pain. Poor life quality - Low self-esteem accompanied by your risk for developing multiple chronic conditions over time may leave you feeling less satisfied by life. Death - All diseases, cancers and conditions linked to obesity can cause early mortality. The CDC reports that obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, are some of the main causes of preventable death. Take Action Now Regardless of whether your current state of wellness is intact, or you're overweight and on the verge of obesity, it's important to take charge of your body and practice healthy eating habits to maintain overall physical, mental and emotional wellness. A primarily raw, plant-based diet, such as the Hallelujah Diet, prioritizes fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and organic whole grains so your body is fueled with the purest nutrients, vitamins and minerals available. By removing processed foods, refined sugars, meat and dairy from your diet, you can reduce your risk for obesity and all other conditions stated previously. So what are you waiting for? It's time to head down the path to better health today. Join the Hallelujah Diet movement with our Get Started Guide and helpful materials.