Extra pounds: health hazard

Neck: migraines and snoring

Fat is stored in any area of the body, orthopedic surgeon warns Mike Hayton, even in the head or neck, especially on the back. "Excess body fat can put pressure on nerves and contribute to the occurrence of migraines and neck pain." A study by U.S. scientists on 143,000 people found that chronic daily headaches are more common among obese people.

Obesity is one of the most frequent risk factors for sleep apnea and snoring. It can also create memory problems, low energy, difficulty breathing, swelling of legs and hypertension.


Lungs: shortness of breath

Frequently encounter overweight problems breathing. That's because the layer of fat on the abdomen pushes into the lungs when the person lie on his back, explained Dr. Bhatti. This fat can cause shortness of breath and at rest.


Balance: arthritis and varicose veins

Obesity means a higher carat weight for the hip joints and that's why they wear faster and higher risk of arthritis, says Dr. Hayton. Also, overweight patients who require hip surgery shows a higher risk of post-operative complications, a study conducted by American experts.

Also, extra pounds can cause varicose veins and that's because fat affects blood flow and arteries.


Heart: heart disease

Excess fat around organs, visceral fat, seems to be most dangerous. This fat can be toxic and is associated with heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

If obese people, the heart is enlarged and can not pump efficiently causing breathing problems and fatigue. Enlarged heart can cause heart failure (heart muscle is not required amount of blood pumped by the body).


Knee arthritis


Obesity is a major risk factors of knee osteoarthritis in the joints, an obese person presenting a 14-fold higher risk of suffering from knee arthritis.

Alarming statistics show that Romania ranks as number three of obese people in Europe, being exceeded only by Greece and Yugoslavia. 25% of Romanians are obese and 50% had problems with extra pounds, the prevalence is higher among women. Most affected are people over 30 years.