Obese individuals develop a resistance to insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.  Over time, the resulting high blood sugar can cause serious damage to the body.

Excess body weight strains the ability of the heart to function properly.  The resulting hypertension (high blood pressure) can result in strokes, as well as inflict significant heart and kidney damage.

Dyslipidemia means a disorder of fat-like substances in the blood.  A common form of dyslipidemia is what people often refer to as "high cholesterol."  Dyslipidemia, however, is a term that refers to all lipid-related health problems that result from having either too much or too little of certain lipids.  The danger is that when lipids start to build up inside the artery walls, scar tissue and other debris begin thickening and hardening the walls.  Some arteries literally become clogged.  Doctors call this condition atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.

The additional weight placed on joints, particularly knees and hips, results in rapid wear and tear, along with pain caused by inflammation.  Similarly, bones and muscles of the back are constantly strained, resulting in disk problems, pain and decreased mobility.

Seriously overweight persons face constant challenges to their emotions: repeated failure with dieting, disapproval from family and friends, sneers and remarks from strangers.  They often experience discrimination at work, cannot fit comfortably in theatre seats, or ride in a bus or plane.

To learn more about depression, access the printable PDF files below*:

Fat deposits in the tongue and neck can cause intermittent obstruction of the air passage.  Because the obstruction is increased when sleeping on your back, you may find yourself waking frequently to reposition yourself.  The resulting loss of sleep often results in daytime drowsiness and headaches.

Acid belongs in the stomach and seldom causes any problem when it stays there.  When acid escapes into the esophagus through a weak or overloaded valve at the top of the stomach, the result is called gastroesophageal reflux, and "heartburn" and acid indigestion are common symptoms.  Approximately 10-15% of patients with even mild sporadic symptoms of heartburn will develop a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is a pre-malignant change in the lining membrane of the esophagus, a cause of esophageal cancer.  For more information on heartburn, its causes and possible cures, visit www.heartburnhelp.com.

The inability or diminished ability to produce offspring.

A large, heavy abdomen and relaxation of the pelvic muscles, especially associated with the effects of childbirth, may cause the valve on the urinary bladder to be weakened, leading to leakage of urine with coughing, sneezing, or laughing.

Morbidly obese women  often experience disruptions of the menstrual cycle, including interruption of the menstrual cycle, abnormal menstrual flow, and increased pain associated with the menstrual cycle.

To hear patients talk about how weight loss surgery affected their health, please visit our companion site www.BariatricEdge.com or click here.