The Dangers of Obesity and Its Solution

ALBANY, Georgia (CNN) -"Pamela Green-Jackson didn't learn until after her brother's funeral that doctors had warned him his weight could cost him his life. Bernard Green weighed 427 pounds when he died in 2004. He was 43 years old."

This is only one of many examples of what obesity in our society can result in. The obesity epidemic continues to grow nationwide in the USA. Many people neglect to realize the importance of maintaining a healthy weight until it is too late. As a result many become diabetic, or develop heart problems as well as other health issues. How does obesity trigger these diseases?

An example of this is Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity causes the body to produce too much insulin to keep the blood sugar levels at a normal range. Overproduction of Insulin and as a result a lack of balance in blood sugar levels is what causes Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity also prevents effective treatment of diabetics.

Obesity also increases the chances of developing heart disease. How does this happen? Well, our body produces blood lipid. Blood lipids are organic compounds such as fatty acids, cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. These particles or organic compounds are not water soluble. This being said, those who are obese have a higher level of triglycerides. Higher triglyceride levels can cause a dramatic increase in bad cholesterol or LDL.

Hypertension is another common effect of being overweight. The higher your BMI the higher your blood pressure. In fact, studies have shown that the overweight often improve their hypertension by taking off at least 10 or more pounds. This occurs when there is something done to reduce the blood pressure What can be done to reduce the harmful effects of obesity? Well, studies show that this epidemic is most common in African Americans and Hispanics who are in low income neighborhoods and do not have access or the knowledge about weight loss programs. Therefore, it is imperative to educate these communities about the short term and long term consequences of not eliminating the obesity epidemic.

Many states have formed weight loss challenges, organizations, and learning centers in an effort to educate minorities and their children. Others have introduced healthy products such as Herbalife to their communities. However, more massive action needs to be taken. Obesity can be corrected but it starts with parents teaching their children by actions and word of mouth, good eating and exercise habits.

Sources

http://www.vitamintrader.com/articles/2006_03_hi_bloodpressure.html

http://obesity1.tempdomainname.com/subs/fastfacts/Obesity_Minority_Pop.shtml