If you’re struggling with obesity, weight loss is vital to your health. A number of common medical conditions are related to excess weight and lead o serious health consequences. The good news is, many of these conditions may be improved dramatically with minimal weight loss. Some health issues as a result of obesity include:
High cholesterol / high triglycerides / low HDL cholesterol / hyperlipidemia
Obesity issues related to pregnancy deserve specific attention. The desire for future pregnancy is an important reason to consider weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. It is important to note that during pregnancy and breast feeding, we do not promote weight loss. It is best to reach a healthy weight before getting pregnant for many reasons:
Potential Problems for Mothers with Obesity / Overweight
Gestational diabetes risk is up to 20 times higher.
High blood pressure / pre-eclampsia risk is up to 10 times higher.
C-section delivery is up to 3 times more likely.
Hospital stay for mom at delivery averages 4 days longer.
Cost of prenatal care and delivery is much higher.
Potential Problems for Babies of Overweight or Obese Moms
Major birth defects are 35% more likely. The greatest risk is for neural tube defects.
Intensive care unit stay for the newborn is 3 times more likely.
Death of the fetus or newborn is 3 times more likely.
Several Other Potential Medical Conditions are Associated with Obesity or Being Overweight Including:
Heart disease / coronary artery disease
Diabetes mellitus type II / pre-diabetes / impaired glucose
High blood pressure / hypertension high cholesterol / hyperlipidemia
Sleep apnea / daytime sleepiness
Kidney disease
Cancer of the breast, esophagus, stomach, colon, endometrium, and kidney
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
ObGyn complications / infertility
Neural tube defects in infants
Chronic venous insufficiency / deep vein thrombosis