Obesity and type 2 diabetes are diseases that can substantially decrease life expectancy, diminish quality of life and increase healthcare costs. At all ages, the risk of type 2 diabetes rises with increasing body weight.

Weight-loss is an important goal for persons affected by excess weight or obesity, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Weight-loss of 5-10% of body weight is the first step, as it can improve insulin action, decrease fasting glucose concentrations and reduce the need for some diabetes medications. A program of diet, exercise and behavior modification can successfully treat obesity, but pharmacotherapy and/or surgery may be warranted for some.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are diseases that can substantially decrease life expectancy, diminish quality of life and increase healthcare costs. At all ages, the risk of type 2 diabetes rises with increasing body weight.

Weight-loss is an important goal for persons affected by excess weight or obesity, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Weight-loss of 5-10% of body weight is the first step, as it can improve insulin action, decrease fasting glucose concentrations and reduce the need for some diabetes medications. A program of diet, exercise and behavior modification can successfully treat obesity, but pharmacotherapy and/or surgery may be warranted for some.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, approximately 10 to 30 percent of adults snore. Loud snoring, however, is a sign of a serious disorder and affects about five in every 100 people.Those who experience loud snoring and breathing difficulties while sleeping are generally suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).

Patients with Sleep Apnea are encouraged to Lose Weight as the initial approach in the treatment of their condition.

Hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol, is a condition in which cholesterol builds up in the blood.  Cholesterol is a fat-like substance, and having high cholesterol puts you at risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.Each 10 pounds of excess fat produces an additional 10 mg. of cholesterol daily Lipid levels increase in people affected by obesity.  Obesity is a common cause of high triglycerides. High triglycerides are a common cause of fatty liver disease.  Studies in which patients affected by obesity and high cholesterol who lost approximately 10 percent or less weight appeared to reduce cholesterol levels Weight loss of about 20 pounds has been shown to reduce LDL by 15 percent and triglycerides by 30 percent as well as increase HDL and reduce total cholesterol levels.

New research points to an association between obesity and heartburn. Studies have shown that weight gain and an increase in the size of one’s belly may either cause or worsen this condition.Heartburn, also called GERD (gastroesophagael reflux disease), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which is the food pipe that connects the throat and stomach. Heartburn symptoms often occur shortly after eating and can last for a few minutes or even hours. People may complain of a burning sensation in the chest or throat, a sour or bitter taste in their mouth or even cough symptoms.

The most effective lifestyle interventions to reduce GERD symptoms are losing weight and, if symptoms occur during sleep, elevation of the head of the bed.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reports that only half of all Americans are aware of the link between obesity and cancer.

The American Institute for Cancer research (AICR) reports that 38 percent of breast cancers, 50 percent of colon and rectal cancers, 69 percent of throat cancers, 24 percent of kidney cancers and 19 percent of pancreatic cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet and by increasing physical activity.

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is strongly associated with weight and obesity. 
• OA is a chronic progressive joint disease caused by increased force across the joint and other pro-inflammatory factors such as inflammation throughout the body which is linked to obesity.  A person with obesity is 60 percent more likely to develop arthritis than someone of normal body weight.
• Joint pain symptoms and severity increase with body mass index (BMI) values. For every 11 pounds of weight gain, there is a 36 percent increased risk for developing OA. 
• Force across the knee joint is 3 times one’s body weight while walking, six times one’s body weight while stair climbing and 10 times one’s body weight while jumping.
• Weight-loss can significantly improve the symptoms of patients with osteoarthritis by restoring function and quality of life.

There are many transitions that a body goes through during life that make us susceptible to weight gain. Some are shared by both genders, while others are exclusive to women: having a baby, then having a second or third baby, and going through menopause.

Per a large study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) around 70 percent of women ages 40-59 were classified as “overweight” or “affected by obesity”.

According to the Healthy Women Study, the average weight gain in perimenopausal women was about five pounds; however, 20 percent of the population they studied gained 10 pounds or more. Not only is the weight increase from a drop in estrogen, but it’s also due to a decrease in energy expenditure or metabolism.

Here are some easy strategies to manage your weight gain due to menopause:

• Lifestyle modification (nutrition, physical activity, and behavior)
• Support group
• Talk with your healthcare provider

Being overweight (a BMI of 25-29.9) or affected by obesity (a BMI 30 or higher) at the start of and/or during pregnancy not only puts the mom at risk for health problems, but the baby is also at a higher risk for certain conditions and complications. 

After birth, health care providers should emphasize the target of breast-feeding for six months and adopting a lifestyle modification program, particularly in women at high risk for postpartum weight retention: pregnancy at a younger age, African American race, high prepregnancy BMI and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

PCOS is a genetic, hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects 1 in 10 women. That’s about 10 – 15% of women! In fact, it’s one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. The syndrome refers to the appearance of small cysts along the outer edges of enlarged ovaries in women with this disorder.

Some women with PCOS produce too much insulin or have insulin that doesn’t work correctly. This can cause weight gain or make it hard to lose or maintain weight. Others develop the condition after they’ve gained a lot of weight.

While there is no exact cure for PCOS, lifestyle changes and some treatments including weight loss may help you manage its symptoms.