Obesity - A Death Sentence

Look around and you will see waistlines expanding wherever you go. Now, look in the mirror. Do you need to lose some weight? It can be difficult. It is so much easier to just eat what you want and to not exercise. What's the big deal? It's only a few pounds. Many of us feel that way, but read on to learn a few more things that go along with being overweight. Obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States, and with the spread of Western culture it is fast becoming a global problem. It is estimated that over 300 million people are overweight, worldwide; and that number is rising. The good news is there are ways to take the weight off, and start to reduce the world's waistline.

Being overweight is not just unattractive; it is also hazardous to your health. Awareness of these health issues can help in understanding why it is important to maintain a healthy weight. After all, if you know what being overweight can do to your health, then you have more reasons to maintain an ideal weight

Here are nine major diseases, and one irreversible condition, that are caused or exacerbated by being overweight:

1. Arthritis

2. Cancer stroke

3. Complications in pregnancy

4. Diabetes

5. Fatty liver disease

6. Gout

7. Heart disease

8. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

9. Stroke

10. DEATH

There are many other conditions which are related to obesity, but this list makes the point. Death is a big one. Nobody wants to die and be remembered for being fat. The reality is it takes just as much work to eat garbage as it does to eat healthy. Yet, so many people have conditioned themselves to think eating garbage is more enjoyable. Compare the enjoyment of eating a bag of potato chips to suffering anything on the list above, and you will feel your mindset changing.

The above list focuses on physical conditions, but losing weight has positive psychological effects, as well. Self-esteem and self-image go hand in hand. You will notice positive changes in how you (and others) think about yourself.

Losing weight goes a long way in aiding the prevention and control of these diseases. Apart from quitting smoking, losing weight is the best thing you can do to improve your overall health. This article is not designed to scare you, but rather to make you aware of some of the other concerns associated with being overweight. Knowing this could be the motivation you need to start towards your ideal weight.

Michael Oksa is the co-author of "121 Tips To Help You Lose Weight And Keep It Off". He believes in helping people achieve their weight loss goals and provides these tips free of charge at http://www.how-to-diet.net