A healthy diet and an active lifestyle can be challenging to maintain, especially for those with demanding work and family schedules. However, maintaining a healthy weight is vital to both a person’s physical and mental health. Being even 20% heavier than your recommended weight can trigger a number of different conditions and illnesses.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that arises when sleep is interrupted by breathing issues. There are many different types and varieties of sleep apnea. One form, obstructive sleep apnea, is closely associated with being overweight.

The throat and tongue muscles relax during sleep. If the muscles are particularly soft, as is often the case with people who are overweight, the throat and tongue muscles can block airways. Sleep apnea can cause poor sleep, headaches, loud snoring, and more.

Depression

Depression and being overweight have been linked in numerous studies. Part of this arises from the fact that being overweight can cause physical issues that contribute to mental health conditions. If you are unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed due to your weight, the loss of enjoyment can create feelings of apathy and depression.

Cancer

There are several cancers specifically associated with being overweight, including ovary, pancreas, breast, liver, thyroid, and others. The reasons why being overweight can contribute to cancer development are complex and additional research is needed.

Being overweight also causes increased inflammation and higher estrogen levels. Long-term inflammation is damaging to the body, and higher estrogen levels can cause tumor growth.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a complex mental health condition used to describe multiple feelings and tendencies, including nervousness, panic, and fears. Being overweight is related to many of the behaviors and emotions associated with anxiety disorder.

The relationship between being overweight and anxiety disorders potentially stems from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This function of the nervous and endocrine system releases hormones that affect stress. Evidence suggests these hormones impact anxiety and weight.

Heart disease

Cardiovascular function is one of the most important measures of a person’s health. Being overweight increases the risk of developing irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and metabolism issues. Extra weight also leads to the heart having to work harder to pump blood, as well as enlarged ventricles inside the heart.

How Can I Prevent These Health Risks?

If you are concerned about your weight and its associated health risks, Natural Bio Health can help you take control of your life and your health. We provide customized solutions for the unique barriers you face on your journey to wellness.

The Natural Bio Health Way is a three-step process. First, one of our providers will meet with you to understand your goals, needs, and expectations. We will complete a comprehensive exam that includes medical history review, blood panels, and body composition analyses.

Secondly, after you are prescribed personalized medications, supplements, meal plans, and exercise recommendations, weekly follow-up visits will take place. Our care provider will review the past week, your struggles, and your successes. We’ll work with you to tweak our tools and plans as necessary.

Contact a Weight Loss Specialist

We understand that losing weight is only half the battle, so keeping the weight off is just as much a focus. You are part of the Natural Bio Health community. We will continue to support, guide, and help you after any program is completed.

To learn more about the benefits of genetic testing and our medical expert consultations, click here to contact a Natural Bio Health in your area.