Looking around, it can be clear to see that the number of overweight and obese people is increasing. Whether it is because of the modern busy lifestyle, or genetic reasons, or the ample amount of junk food available nowadays, it is true that we keep getting bigger.
But it is well worthy to realize that obesity does not just affect your outer appearance, but it has multiple effects on your social life, your body, and your psyche.
Physical effects of obesity
Let us start with the apparent effects, those that obesity causes in your physiology. Obesity poses morbid dangers on your physical health. Diseases and conditions that could ail you if you are obese include diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart problems, as well as certain cancers. Everyone knows that these diseases go hand in hand with obesity. But there are others that not many know about, including joint pain because of the heaviness of the body, urinary stress incontinence (not being able to control your bladder), and acid reflux, among several others.
Psychological and social effects of obesity
We will discuss these two effects together because they are somehow related and fuel each other.
In addition to the above mentioned health risks, obesity can be devastating to a person’s ability to integrate into society. This is not true for all those who are obese, but the risk is present nonetheless.
Many overweight people have self-esteem issues because of their large size. They might shy away from going to certain social events so that they would not draw attention to themselves, such as going to the beach. This is because they are being discriminated against by people who are in better shape.
Being constantly discriminated against and finding no one to share the pain with can often lead to depression, which is another consequence of obesity. Depression itself has multiple consequences on a person’s life, not just socially, but also professionally, as they might stop having motivation to carry on.
But what these people must keep in mind is that obesity is not without a solution. You can get rid of it and give yourself the chance to lead a happier, healthier life.
