Obesity-Related Health Problems
Obesity can severely impact your quality of life. A number of health conditions are associated with obesity, and losing weight can help. That is why so many people turn to weight loss surgery for help. At Tijuana Bariatrics, we have an entire team of surgeons and caregivers that are here for you.
Our Tijuana, B.C., bariatric surgery practice would like to go over some of the most common health conditions associated with obesity. Keep in mind that weight loss surgery can help you shed excess pounds and reduce the severity of these obesity-related conditions.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Excessive body fat requires more oxygen and nutrients than other tissues in your body. That means your heart has to work harder to pump all the blood through your blood vessels. Greater blood pressure puts strain on your heart and your arteries, which can result in serious health conditions.
Heart Disease
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the strain on your heart pumping blood can lead to heart disease. That makes heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions far more likely. Keep in mind that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Stroke
A stroke refers to an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This may be the result of a clot or a ruptured blood vessel. Being obese puts you at a significantly greater risk of suffering a stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America each year.
Type 2 Diabetes
High levels of blood sugar are common among obese individuals. This can lead to type 2 diabetes, a common health problem among patients at our Tijuana practice. Thankfully, bariatric surgery has been helpful in cutting excess body weight and reducing the severity of type 2 diabetes in patients.
Liver Disease
Excessive fat can have a negative impact on the health of your liver. Fatty liver disease does damage to the liver, causing scar tissue and poor liver function. Improving your diet and losing weight can help prevent serious problems from fatty liver disease.
Osteoarthritis
Excessive weight puts a lot of stress on your joints, especially the hips, knees, and ankles. Over time, this can result in osteoarthritis and mobility problems. Losing weight through bariatric surgery can reduce strain on the joints and the severity of osteoarthritis later in life.
Gout
Gout refers to a type of arthritis caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. While gout often occurs in the big toe, it can affect other structures of your foot as well. Obesity is a common risk factor for gout, which is why weight management is crucial for lasting wellness.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea refers to breathing interruptions while you are asleep. Multiple apneas in a night can affect your ability to sleep restfully. Obese people are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, which can lead to fatigue and exacerbate other health issues throughout the day.
Depression
Obesity doesn’t just take a toll on your body. We’ve found that instances of depression can be quite high among people who are obese. By losing weight and improving health, these mental health issues can become much more manageable.
Contact Our Practice
If you would like more information about the procedures available at our Tijuana weight loss surgery center, be sure to contact a skilled bariatric surgeon. You can reach our office by phone at (877) 639-1449.
