Why run?

Being overweight or obese isn't just a cosmetic problem. These conditions greatly raise the risk for other health problems.

That is why we must run as fast as we can with all the strength we've got from anything that can make us overweight or obese

Some of the health problems are:

1.       Heart Disease

As body mass index rises, so does the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause angina (chest pain or discomfort) or a heart attack.

Obesity also can lead to heart failure. This is a serious condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Leading to the enlargement and weakening of the heart.

2.       High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. The chances of having high blood pressure are greater in overweight or obese individuals.

3.       Stroke

Being overweight or obese can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form. If the clot is close to the brain, it can block the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and cause a stroke. The risk of having a stroke rises as BMI increases.

4.       Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body's blood glucose, or blood sugar, level is too high. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose and then carries it to cells throughout the body. The cells use a hormone called insulin to turn the glucose into energy.

In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't use insulin properly. At first, the body reacts by making more insulin. Over time, however, the body can't make enough insulin to control its blood sugar level.

Diabetes is a leading cause of early death, CHD, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

5.       Abnormal Blood Fats

Overweight or obese individuals are at increased risk of having abnormal levels of blood fats. These include high levels of triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.

 Abnormal levels of these blood fats are a risk factor for CHD.

6.       Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises the risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.

Any one of these risk factors can develop by itself, but they tend to occur together. A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if at least three of the following risk factors are present:

Ø  A large waistline. This is called abdominal obesity or "having an apple shape." Having extra fat in the waist area is a greater risk factor for CHD than having extra fat in other parts of the body, such as on the hips.

Ø  A higher than normal triglyceride level (or on medication to treat high triglycerides).

Ø  A lower than normal HDL cholesterol level (or on medication to treat low HDL cholesterol).

Ø  Higher than normal blood pressure (or on medication to treat high blood pressure).

Ø  Higher than normal fasting blood sugar (or on medication to treat diabetes).

7.       Cancer

Being overweight or obese raises the risk for colon, breast, endometrial, and gallbladder cancers.

To be continued.........

Have a lovely weekend.

ADVICE OF THE DAY: Drink more water