hypertension
The most common complication of obesity is hypertension. 30% of people who are more than 15 kg overweight have hypertension. Elevated blood pressure is related to vasoactive substances secreted by fat cells and insulin resistance. Mild hypertension often resolves with weight loss and reduced salt intake, and may not require medication. Last year, the diagnostic criteria for hypertension were lowered from 160/95 mmHg to greater than 140/90 mmHg. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and its untreated nature can lead to serious consequences.
diabetes
Obesity and diabetes are closely related, specifically type 2 diabetes. The general consensus is that when obesity reaches a certain level, peripheral tissues (mainly muscle and fat) become insensitive to insulin, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. The pancreas then compensates by secreting more insulin to counteract this resistance, leading to hyperinsulinemia. After several years to decades, the overworked pancreas eventually fails, developing into diabetes. While the exact mechanisms of the obesity-to-diabetes progression are not fully understood (this is a major research topic of interest for this forum moderator in recent years, and I envision dedicating my life to this field if conditions permit), a deeper understanding of this process will undoubtedly lead to methods to slow or halt this progression, contributing to primary prevention of diabetes. Of course, after developing diabetes, weight loss is fundamental to its treatment.
cancer
Obese individuals are more prone to cancer. Obese women have a 3 times increased risk of breast, uterine, and cervical cancer, and a 7 times increased risk of endometrial cancer. Obese men also have a significantly increased risk of colon and prostate cancer.
hyperlipidemia
Most obese patients have lipid metabolism disorders, including hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The causes of hypercholesterolemia include genetics and diet; generally, weight loss treatment can normalize blood lipid levels.
other
Obese patients have shorter lifespans. In general, for every kilogram of weight gained beyond the standard weight, the average lifespan is shortened by one month. Obese patients are prone to heart accidents and strokes, nearly 30% of obese patients have gallstones, and they are also more likely to suffer from degenerative osteoarthritis, sleep apnea syndrome, and other conditions.
