BEYOND THE SCALE: UNMASKING THE HIDDEN HEALTH RISKS OF OBESITY

Obesity Prevention Awareness Week is celebrated to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. This observance serves as a platform to educate the public about the risks associated with obesity and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

- 

Obesity is often seen as a cosmetic issue, but it's far more than that. It is a chronic disease that significantly increases the risk of various other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke. It is also linked to a higher likelihood of developing certain forms of cancers, including malignancies of the breast, colon, kidney, and endometrium. The additional weight places increased stress on joints, causing pain and stiffness, often leading to osteoarthritis. It can also lead to sleep apnea by disrupting breathing during sleep, as a result of the heavy load on the chest, resulting to fatigue and other complications from lack of sleep. Excess fat can also accumulate in the liver, contributing to fatty liver disease, inflammation, and liver damage

Genetics influence how the body regulates hunger, fullness, and metabolism, making some individuals more prone to weight gain. Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing syndrome, as well as intake of certain medications, can also lead to weight gain. These also limit one's ability to lose excess weight unless the underlying condition has been resolved or the medication has been revised or discontinued,