Comorbidities are diseases or illnesses that often appear together, cause one another to occur, or otherwise become intrinsically linked. Obesity is a known comorbidity for many illnesses, specifically including heart and circulatory diseases.
But how does obesity increase your risk of developing these conditions, and how much of a factor does it play in your overall health?
Here at Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C., our provider, Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov, offers several treatment options for weight loss and information about how obesity affects your overall wellness. Let us help you determine how best to manage your weight for a healthy lifestyle.
Obesity is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular problems. This is true for a number of reasons.
First, obesity can be the cause of some problems that directly contribute to a decline in heart health. High blood pressure affects the heart and kidneys, making them work overtime, and high cholesterol builds up on the walls of the arteries, making them narrower, which decreases blood flow to the heart. Diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease.
In some cases, eating a diet high in sugars, fats, and cholesterol can lead to both obesity and heart disease. Your body isn’t meant to process large quantities of these substances, and indulging in them often can cause problems in both areas (as well as the other comorbid diseases described above).
Not getting enough physical activity can also increase one’s chances of experiencing both obesity and heart disease. Moving the body regularly avoids excess weight gain and lowers the risk of heart disease.
Finally, being obese makes it harder for your blood to flow easily through your veins — and not just as a result of possible high cholesterol. Inflammation caused by weight gain can also affect the circulatory system, creating problems with your veins.
It’s true that obesity isn’t always a product of poor diet choices or not getting enough exercise. In many cases, this condition is linked to genetics, socioeconomic status, and a number of other causes. But the fact remains that obesity and heart disease are intrinsically linked.
One of the best things you can do to protect your heart health is to maintain a healthy weight. Discussing your weight goals with your provider is important so you can know the best weight for your body and health.
The same actions that protect your heart health are also good for your weight. Eating right, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and being aware of your stress levels can all help you avoid gaining excess weight and protect your circulatory system.
However, if you’re dealing with weight that is difficult to lose even with these actions, consider seeking assistance. Medical weight loss with Saxenda®, an injectible, FDA-approved weight loss medication, is a good start, but a lot of times to achieve good and main word “ permanent” weight loss, you need more than medications. Bariatric surgery can be highly effective for certain populations, such as those dealing with comorbid disorders.
Many options are available to help you protect your heart health, lose weight, and effectively improve your overall wellness. These issues are linked, so you can find many benefits from a program like ours.
To learn more, schedule an appointment at our location by phone 201-778-5344 or online.
