The world is facing its’ first-ever obesity epidemic, now affecting more than 1.1 billion people. Some experts believe that this epidemic may prove to be more deadly than the worst of famines. This is because obesity, unlike hunger, has no known long-term cure, is caused by a multitude of factors, and is responsible for numerous health problems. Many of the health issues caused by obesity are life-threatening. In fact, obesity contributes significantly to the development of most of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause for death in the U.S., accounting for the loss of more than 650,000 lives per year. Obesity is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and associated mortality. Obesity also leads to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy and may cause congestive heart failure as well as erratic and abnormal heartbeats that increase the risk for sudden death.
Cancer is the 2nd leading cause for death and is responsible for over half a million U.S. lives annually with more than 90,000 cancer deaths attributable to obesity. Research finds that severe obesity increases cancer mortality in males by more than 50% and females by more than 60%. Obesity causes a higher risk for, and mortality from, specific types of cancer, i.e. endometrial, postmenopausal breast, esophageal, colorectal, liver, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, multiple myeloma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and prostate.
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause for death. Obesity puts a strain on the entire circulatory system and, in this way, increases the risk for stroke. Obesity also is responsible for other stroke risk factors including vascular disease, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Respiratory disorders are the 4th major cause for U.S. deaths. The obese have reduced respiratory capacities, are more susceptible to respiratory infections than are lean individuals, and have a higher incidence of asthma and other obstructive respiratory disorders.
Obesity is also a major cause for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious, and potentially deadly, breathing disorder. OSA produces exceptionally low tissue and blood levels of oxygen and can cause systemic and pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, sudden cardiac death and stroke. In addition, sleep apnea interferes with normal sleep cycling, resulting in fatigue and severe daytime drowsiness that, in turn, may lead to accidents.
Accidents are the 5th leading cause for death. Obesity not only increases the risk for accidents that occur secondary to poor sleep quality and duration but also causes joint diseases (i.e. osteoarthritis, gout), disc herniations, and spinal abnormalities that can result in falls and other potentially serious injuries.
Diabetes is the 6th leading contributor to U.S. deaths. Diabetes is a major cause for cardiovascular disease, stroke, amputations, blindness and numerous other complications. Obesity is a primary cause for Type 2 non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the form of diabetes that accounts for 90% to 95% of all cases.
Pneumonia/flu represents the 7th cause for mortality, and the obese are more susceptible to these conditions than individuals who are lean. Obesity significantly reduces the immune system’s ability to protect and fight against viral and bacterial invasion.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the 8th major cause for death, and studies find that individuals who are obese are at greater risk for this debilitating disease.
Kidney disease is the 9th leading reason for death. Hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure (caused/worsened by obesity) are major contributors to renal failure.
Septicemia is the 10th leading cause for mortality. The condition is a systemic disease caused by bacteria or their toxins in the blood stream. Research has found that the occurrence of sepsis is higher for the obese than non-obese individual.
The 11th leading cause for U.S. death is suicide. Large population studies in the U.S. and Europe find positive correlations between the severity of obesity and the incidence of suicide and suicide attempts.
Fatty liver disease is the 12th major cause for U.S. deaths. Obesity is a major cause for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease that covers a wide spectrum of liver pathology including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and cancer. More than half of individuals with severe obesity suffer from NAFLD as compared to only 1 to 3% of the normal weight population.
In addition to the major causes for U.S. deaths, obesity is responsible for a number of conditions that could become life-threatening, if left unattended, including pancreatitis, gastritis, gallstones, and gastroesophageal reflux disease that could become life-threatening. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk for certain maternal complications during pregnancy, resulting in a higher incidence of stillborns and miscarriages.
As is apparent from the above discussion, obesity is a ‘killer’ disease. Furthermore, both the incidence and severity of obesity are increasing at an alarming rate.Scientists predict that in another generation most Americans will be overweight or obese. The time is well overdue for medicine, government, and individuals to recognize the deadly nature of this disease and to join together in taking immediate and bold steps toward its resolution.
