Nutrition: Diseases Caused by Obesity

by. Leah Rampolla


According to obesityinamerica.org more than 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese or overweight.  CDC data indicates that 2/3 of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater which is classified as overweight and unhealthy. Overweight and obese people have an increased instance of heart failure, heart attack, sudden cardiac death, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Excessive body fat is also linked to higher levels of triglycerides and LDLs and lower levels of HDL cholesterol which fosters the development of heart disease. Hypertension (high blood pressure) greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of high blood pressure. Blood pressure rises as body weight increases. Losing only ten pounds can lower blood pressure.  Losing weight has the biggest effect on those who are overweight and already have hypertension.

1 in 5 overweight people are affected by metabolic syndrome or syndrome X26. Metabolic syndrome can cause diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is one of the fastest growing obesity related health concerns in the U.S.  This syndrome is characterized by obesity, hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and high blood sugar. The CDC states that metabolic syndrome affects nearly one quarter- 22% or 47 million members of the U.S. population.

Another medical condition perpetuated by obesity is dyslipidemia. This condition occurs when LDL and triglyceride levels are high and HDL is low. Doctors attribute this shift in lipid levels to weight gain. To counter this condition weight loss is recommended. Losing twenty pounds can reduce LDL by 15%, reduce triglyceride levels by 30%, increase HDL by 8%, and reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.


There is also a potential link between thyroid conditions and obesity. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and there is currently an assumed link between obesity and thyroid glands but further study is needed to confirm this relationship.

Numerous data illustrates the numerous and potential fatal medical conditions and diseases that are caused by overweight and obesity. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are imperative for not only a good quality of life but a long and healthy life as well.

Nutrition: Childhood Obesity

Trevor Gardner, an expert author in health and fitness, points out that there are five primary problems that are caused by childhood obesity. Elevated counts of cholesterol which is directly related to increased stroke and/or heart attack potential, liver disease due to insulin resistance, increases in diabetes cases, reduction in life expectancy, and the emotional and mental trauma that results from bullying and can cause significant self esteem and self worth issues.  The CDC has confirmed that the youngest generation is facing a shorter life expectancy than their parents for the first time in history. Over the past fifteen years, obesity rates in young children have doubled and have nearly tripled in teenagers.

According to information from an article written by Tess Thompson entitled: Childhood Obesity Health Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment,   childhood obesity is the primary cause of various adult diseases being reported in children and adolescents.  There has been a 400% increase in the number of obese children six and older in the last 2 1/2 decades. Obesity is a health risk that is a catalyst for other health problems such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, orthopedic complications, sleep-apnea, depression, and asthma.

According to the website Kidshealth, one out of three children are now considered overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are determined by BMI or Body Mass Index. BMI uses height and weight measurements to estimate the amount of body fat on a person. To determine BMI for pounds and inches- divide weight by height squared and multiply the result by the conversion factor 703.  There are four BMI categories: underweight BMI which falls below the 5th percentile, normal weight BMI which reaches the 5th percentile and is less than the 85th percentile, overweight BMI which reaches the 85th percentile but does not exceed the 95th percentile, and an obese BMI which is at or above the 95th percentile.

Children who are unhappy or uncomfortable with their weight are more prone to developing eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, depression, and substance abuse. Children who are overweight and obese are at risk for medical problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, liver and gallbladder disease, and bone and joint problems. Restless or disordered sleep patterns may also result from overweight and obesity.  Overweight and obese youth have a tendency to mature earlier and may be taller and more sexually mature. Females may have irregular menstrual cycles and fertility issues in adulthood.

The ill effects of overweight and obesity with children are far reaching. Not only can their health be detrimentally affected, it may also cause emotional and mental stress. Both the physical and mental effects of obesity can follow children into adulthood and create a lifelong struggle. Parents can help their children lead healthy lives by teaching them about proper nutrition and regular physical exercise. Food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat, low calorie foods like Popcake pancakes are all smart choices that children can make to promote a happy and healthy lifestyle.