Concern about obesity is well justified. The concern is not only related to the individual’s physical appearance, but more importantly, the multiple organ systems that are affected. Most of the major organ systems from head to toe are affected by obesity.
Starting with the head (emotions) there are psychosocial impacts such as low self-esteem and depression. There are also neurological problems – pseudotumor cerebri. This is a process that affects the brain and appears to be a tumor, but it is not. Fortunately this is reversible.
In the thoracic cavity, the pulmonary system is compromised, leading to the incidence of asthma and exercise intolerance. Physiologic changes in the cardiovascular system include dyslipidemia (elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides), high blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and endothelial (the inner lining of blood vessels) dysfunction leading to a change in the actions of the endothelium toward vasodilation. reduced, a proinflammatory state. Endothelial dysfunction “is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, and chronic renal failure” (Endemann & Schiffrin, 2004).
Glomerulosclerosis (scarring of the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, the glomeruli, the functional units of the kidney that filter urine from the blood) [WebMD]) affects the renal system.
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones that regulate growth, metabolism (the physical and chemical processes of the body), and sexual development and function of the body. Hormones are released into the bloodstream and can affect one or more organs throughout the body (emedicinehealth). The endocrine system is closely linked to the nervous system, and does not escape the ravages of obesity as seen in the incidence of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and precocious puberty.
The consequences of obesity in the gastrointestinal system are gallstones and steatohepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the accumulation of fat).
The musculoskeletal system faces several problems, including a slipped upper femoral epiphysis (this is a hip problem that begins if the epiphysis (growing end) of the femur (thigh bone) slips from the head of the hip joint ); Blount disease (a growth disorder of the shinbone (tibia) bone in which the lower leg turns inward, resembling a bow leg [MedlinePlus]); and excessive pronation (flat feet, or the phenomenon that occurs when the arch of the foot begins to flatten over time).
All these alterations in multiple organ systems can have very negative results for the health of obese people. Prevention is better than cure, but the good news is that obesity is a reversible disease process.
Submitted By: Monica McKenzie