Chub Health
Health Risks of Obesity
The more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems. Mild obesity involving a body mass index (BMI) of 30+, is less dangerous to health than morbid obesity (BMI 40+) or malignant obesity (BMI 50+). For example, someone who is 40 percent overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as an average-weight person. This effect is seen after 10 to 30 years of being obese.
Central or Abdominal Obesity Carries Greater Health Risks
Patients with central or abdominal obesity, characterised by excessive visceral fat around the stomach and abdomen, have a higher risk of weight-related disease. Abdominal obesity is one of the core symptoms of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome. In women, central obesity is signalled by a waist circumference of about 35+ inches, while in men the danger waist measurement is 40+ inches. Alternatively, check your waist-hip ratio. Women with a waist-to-hip ratio of more than 0.8 or men with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1.0 are “apples” and are at increased health risk due to their fat distribution.
Increased Health Risk of Premature Death
According to CDC researchers, an estimated 300,000** American deaths a year are related to obesity, but see note, below. The risk of premature death rises with increasing weight. Even moderate weight gain (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults aged 30 to 64 years. Individuals who are obese (BMI greater than 30) have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
**NOTE: In April 2005, A new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published in JAMA concludes that obesity kills 112,000 Americans each year – significantly fewer than the original CDC study. Obesity experts now seem to state that, while patients with morbid obesity (BMI 40+) or malignant obesity (BMI 50+) remain at a high risk of premature death, regular obesity (BMI 30+) is no more dangerous to health than underweight. Controversy surrounding weight-related disease, comorbidities and premature death seems likely to continue!
Increased Health Risk of Heart Disease
The risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain is increased in persons who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol.
Increased Health Risk of Stroke
Atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, which may lead to the formation of an arterial blood clot, is an important pre-condition of many strokes. Atherosclerosis is accelerated by high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and lack of exercise. Obesity, especially morbid obesity is frequently associated with a high-fat diet, raised blood pressure and lack of exercise. Thus obesity is now considered an important secondary risk factor for strokes.
Increased Health Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A weight increase of 11-18 pounds raises a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. This may account for the newly invented word, “diabesity”®, which signifies the close association between obesity and diabetes.
Increased Health Risk of Cancers
Obesity is associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and post-menopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.\
Increased Health Risk of Fatty Liver Disease
The main cause of non alcoholic fatty liver disease is insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder in which cells become insensitive to the effect of insulin. One of the most common risk factors for insulin resistance is obesity, especially central abdominal obesity. Studies indicate a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the degree of liver damage. The higher the BMI the worse the liver disease.
Obesity is a Risk Factor For Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Although obesity is not a direct cause of chronic venous insufficiency, it is an important risk factor. This is because obesity, especially morbid obesity, leads to raised blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle and musculoskeletal problems (hampering mobility and use of leg muscles), all of which are contributory factors in the development of chronic venous insufficiency. Obese patients also have an increased health risk of other vascular disorders (eg. lower-limb ischemia), caused by inadequate blood flow to the extremities.
Increased Health Risk of Gallbladder Disease
The risk of gallstones is approximately 3 times greater for obese patients than in non-obese people. Indeed, the risk of sympomatic gallstones appears to correlate with a rise in body mass index (BMI).
Increased
Health Risk of Breathing Problems
Obstructive sleep apnea (that is, interrupted breathing during sleeping) is more common in obese persons. Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma and severe bronchitis, as well as obesity hypoventilation syndrome and respiratory insufficiency.
Obesity and Deep Vein Thrombosis
Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include prior history of the disease, vascular damage, hypertension and predisposition to blood clotting. Although obesity (BMI 30+) has traditionally been recognised as a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, experts now consider that the evidence supporting this association is inadequate, as much depends on other factors such as history, illness, immobility, and age.
Increased Health Risk of Arthritis
musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, are much more prevalent among obese patients, especially patients diagnosed with severe clinical or mobid obesity. Health studies show that obesity is a strong predictor for symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with every 2-pound gain in weight.
Health Improvements After Weight Reduction
The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Reducing your weight by 10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease by improving how your heart works, blood pressure, and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies show that you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds.
Psychological and Social Effects of Obesity
Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.
Remember being obese can be a lifestyle choice but it is important to try and stay active as well. A 30 minute walk everyday is highly recommended. If you feel that you may be experiencing any of the above problems then please consult your Doctor or Local Emergency Department.
STI’s
Signs and Symptoms |
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If you develop symptoms that you think could be caused by a sexually transmissible infection (STI), it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or sexual health service as soon as possible. Don’t try to diagnose your symptoms yourself and remember that not all genital symptoms are caused by an STI. You may be at risk of an STI if you have unprotected sex (oral, vaginal and anal sex without a condom) with a new partner or if your current partner has an infection. You can have an STI without developing any signs or symptoms. See your doctor or sexual health service for a check-up if you think you have been exposed to an STI. How to reduce your risk Signs and symptoms When STIs do produce signs and symptoms, they usually develop on the genital area. Your sexual contacts may also experience signs and symptoms. Generally, the signs and symptoms of STIs can include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to be reviewed by your doctor for an examination and testing. Getting tested Sexual health check-ups are easy to do. Some infections can be diagnosed on the day and treated at the time of your visit. Other results may take up to a week. When to be tested
If you are a man who has sex with other men, it is important to get regular check-ups for STIs, including HIV and syphilis, at least every year. You should have more frequent (three- monthly) check-ups if you have a number of sexual partners Contacting sexual partners Most people appreciate being told that they might have an infection, as often they are unaware that they have an STI. Your doctor or sexual health service can help you contact partners. Things to remember
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HIV and AIDS |
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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). ‘Acquired’ means not inherited. ‘Immune deficiency’ means a breakdown in the body’s immune system. ‘Syndrome’ refers to a range of diseases that may be associated with another disease. In this case, diseases that take advantage of the body’s weakened immune system are used to define the onset of AIDS. In Australia, HIV is most commonly spread by sexual intercourse without a condom and through sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment. Symptoms
How it is spread
HIV can’t be spread by social contact Safe sex explained
Condoms Condoms for men can be bought from supermarkets, chemists and other outlets. Female condoms and dams are available through Family Planning Victoria and may be available from selected shops. Latex free condoms are also available from some outlets. Male condoms and lubricant are available free from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, along with female condoms and dams on request. Safe sex can prevent infection HIV and oral sex HIV and deep kissing HIV and blood products Diagnosing HIV There is a short period where a person may have been infected by HIV but the HIV antibodies can’t be detected. This may require a follow-up test. Testing should be voluntary and only carried out with informed consent, except in exceptional circumstances. Information should be provided about what is involved in the test, and information and discussion should take place about what it means to get tested. All people who request an HIV test must receive pre-test and post-test counselling. Diagnostic testing for HIV is available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This means your doctor can order this test free of charge. Post-test counselling The progression from HIV to AIDS Without treatment, people who have HIV eventually become ill and can develop AIDS within five to 10 years. However, there are a small percentage of people who don’t show any deterioration in their health, even after 10 years. AIDS diagnosis may require a number of special laboratory tests to be performed. HIV and AIDS treatments These drugs aren’t easy to take because of the side effects and difficult courses of treatment. It should be noted that once someone begins drug treatments for HIV, they should continue to take them for life. There are also treatments for many of the specific illnesses associated with HIV and AIDS. Complementary therapies are used by some people who have HIV to manage the side effects of drug treatment and improve health and wellbeing. New drugs and therapies are being trialled all the time. HIV and viral loads Research suggests that when the viral load is undetectable in the blood, the risk of HIV transmission is reduced. However, it is still possible to transmit the virus. Safe sex is an important part of reducing the risk of HIV transmission and should always be practised, regardless of the ‘viral load’. Things to remember
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