Weighing too much may well increase your risk for developing numerous health problems. If you are overweight, you may be at risk for:

*increased blood pressure levels

* high cholesterol

* arthritis

* Knee replacement surgery

* gastro-intestinal problems

* social struggles

* inferiority complex

Weighing too much is one of the biggest causes of several health problems. Losing weight, even if it is only a fracture of a pound, can help reduce your likelihood of suffering from different diseases as you age. If you already have a health problem, losing weight can help you manage your condition. In certain diseases, losing weight can actually lend a hand in decreasing and even doing away with the necessity to take medicines.

Hypertension is one of the main causes of cerebrovascular accident that could result to an enduring medical problem and loss of life. You can lessen your chances of having high blood pressure and high cholesterol if you maintain a balanced weight. But, you have to be aware as well on the place where fat is concentrated in your body. If you are similar to most males, fat is concentrated in the region of the belly, and a great quantity of fat in that area increases your chances of having cardiac disorders. Regular aerobic exercise is the best way to get rid of abdominal fat. Also, if your waist measures more than 40 inches, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure. Your BMI is also a significant guide in determining your likelihood of developing cardiac problems. Strive to maintain your body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health.

Another thing about being overweight is that it puts extra pressure on your joints, especially those in your knees, hips, and lower back. Because of this extra pressure, the cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions and protects the joints gradually wears away, causing a form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis. Over the years, the damage to the joint may be so extensive that the joint must be replaced surgically. This damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. Tendinitis, or swelling of the tendons, is also widespread among those who are overweight. Tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon that extends from the calf to the heel, could swell and get irritated even just from walking. Losing weight decreases the stress on your joints and tendons and reduces wear and tear. Losing weight can also ease the aching and swelling caused by osteoarthritis.

Also, if a person is overweight the excessive fat in the abdominal cavity increases the pressure inside it. This causes the contents of the stomach to travel up into the gullet. Weight loss can decrease gastro-esophageal reflux.

Overweight people develop negative self-images. Low self-esteem can affect aspects of health and behaviour such as social adjustment, activity engagement, and goal direction. Being picked on is a very cruel thing and it can severely hurt the self-esteem.

People who are overweight know they have a problem. They realize that their bodies are not the size they would like them to be. They also know that they eat more than they should.

The problem is that they may not know how to stop this conduct. Food consoles them. These people may label themselves as losers for not being able to conquer their weight problem.

Yet, they may not be equipped with the tools and support they need. They may be surrounded by family and friends who do not have weight issues and who just do not get it.

These are only a small number of ways that excess weight can harmfully influence the well-being of a person. What’s great is that more people are getting more conscious with weight issues and its prevention.