Obesity is associated with cardiovascular conditions, but it also has consequences related to the heavy weight of fat tissue. What else can obesity do to the body?
Obesity is typically mentioned alongside risk factors for heart attack and stroke. In reality, obesity increases the risk for a long list of conditions. The information here will not cover every single one, but it will highlight some that people may be less aware of.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when one stops breathing momentarily while asleep. It can be a central sleep apnea from neurological impairment or obstructive sleep apnea from the airway closing off. Obesity causes obstructive sleep apnea because excess fat tissue in the neck can make the airway easier to collapse. One may snore loudly or wake up multiple times with shortness of breath. This ultimately leads to excessive sleepiness in the daytime, enough to impair concentration and increase risk for automobile accidents.
Note that obstructive sleep apnea has other causes, including substances relaxing the throat muscles (e.g., alcohol) and anatomical causes (e.g., enlarged tonsils). Therefore, even thin people can have sleep apnea.
Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, also called Pickwickian syndrome, occurs when the heavy fat tissue in the belly makes it difficult to take a deep breath, particularly when lying down. Over time, carbon dioxide accumulates in the body while blood oxygen level drops. This can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and a decreased drive to breathe. Although it has similarities with sleep apnea, they are still considered two different entities.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD, commonly known as acid reflux, can occur with obesity for the same reason as obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Weight from abdominal fat tissue can push the stomach upward, which then propels its acidic contents upward into the esophagus. While medications for acid reflux can be used, weight loss also addresses the root of the problem.
Intertriginous Dermatitis
Certain areas of skin can fold and allow moisture to collect, particularly if there is a lack of hygiene. They include the groin and the skin under the breasts in women. With obesity, the skin under the protruding belly would be another place. If moisture is trapped in these tight spaces long enough, skin inflammation takes place, a process called intertriginous dermatitis.
Osteoarthritis
Obesity can be a factor for osteoarthritis of the knees because of the amount of stress put on the legs. Surprisingly, obesity is also associated with an increased risk for osteoarthritis in other joints, like the hands. This may suggest a metabolic process with obesity and osteoarthritis, not just a mechanical one.
Final Words
Obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities. While there are ways to treat them, the best way is to lose weight and eliminate the root of the problem. Maintaining a healthy weight is more than preventing cardiovascular disease and other conditions. It is about living a long healthy life.
References
- Wolk, Robert, et al. "Obesity, Sleep Apnea, and Hypertension." Hypertension 42 (2003): 1067-74.
- Teichtahl, Harry. "The Obesity-Hypoventilation Syndrome Revisited." Chest 120 (2001): 336-9.
