What’s So Wrong with Being Fat?

Are you concerned about your weight?

Want to shed a few pounds, but you lack motivation?

Being overweight or obese isn’t just unsightly, but dangerous too. The more fat you carry around your waist, the higher your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Obesity may also lead to cancer and premature death. Even the slightest weight loss can make a huge difference to your health.

The Dangers of Being Overweight

More than 70 percent of U.S. adults are obese or overweight. About one in three children face the same problem. Those with a body mass index over 30 are considered obese.

This puts them at risk for high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, type II diabetes, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and stroke.

Obesity is also a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, gallstones, arrhythmia, fatty liver disease, and respiratory problems, such as sleep apnea. Pregnant women who are obese have an increased risk of preeclamsia, high blood sugar, C-section delivery, and gestational diabetes. People who carry a lot of fat around their waist are the most likely to develop coronary heart disease.

Weight gain is a growing trend that kills millions of people each year. Every extra pound of fat affects your health and raises your risk of metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, breast and colon cancer, reproductive disorders, and death from all causes. Even though dieting can help, the treatment of obesity requires permanent lifestyle changes. This condition has a high relapse rate and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Factors That Influence Your Weight

Bad eating habits and lack of exercise are the main culprit behind weight gain. However, some people have naturally higher body fat levels than others. In addition to diet and activity level, there are several other factors that influence your weight.

List of Factors That Affect Your Weight:

• Your Genes
• Body Composition
• Body Shape
• Gender
• Even The Place Where You Live

For instance, women carry more fat than men so they can store enough energy in the event of a pregnancy. They also tend to accumulate fat on their thighs and buttocks, while men carry fat around their waistline. People living in cold climates generally have higher body fat levels.

Fat acts as a layer of insulation to prevent heat from escaping your body. How much you weigh also depends on your metabolism, which in influenced by genes, stress levels, and body composition.

Are There Any Benefits to Being Fat?

Some may say that being fat has its own perks. Recent studies have found that overweight men carry a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.

On top of that, they have a stronger immune system and recover faster from illnesses. It appears that visceral fat regulates the body’s natural defense mechanisms and provides the energy needed for recovery.

However, the dangers associated with obesity outweigh the benefits. This condition is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide. Being slightly overweight is pretty much harmless, but being obese can kill you.

If you care about your health, keep your weight within normal limits. Make smart food choices, stay active, and live a balanced lifestyle. Your future self will thank you.