Obesity: 4 Signs That You Need Weight Loss

In America, obesity is becoming more and more common. In fact, about 70 percent of adults are overweight or obese. However, it’s important to keep in mind that being overweight and being obese are two different things. If you see extra fat on your arms, legs, or belly, you may be overweight, but how do you know if you’re obese? Obesity comes when you’re at least 20 percent over the normal weight for your height, but there are other indications of obesity to watch out for. Once you can recognize the signs of obesity, you can get on the path toward healthy weight loss in Richardson.

Low Energy

Although many people are not as active as they should be, those who are obese struggle with daytime fatigue. The extra weight can make daily functions like walking up stairs or doing chores around the house much more difficult. If you have problems with physical strength and feel tired easily and quickly, you may be headed toward, if not already in, obesity.

Breathing Problems

Many overweight people find it hard to catch their breath because the excess fat constricts their lungs. Even low-effort activities, such as walking or climbing a flight of stairs can cause you to become winded. Beyond these instances, obese people can struggle to breathe even during sleep with a condition called sleep apnea. In many cases, the excess facial tissues can block the airways, causing shortness of breath or even a cessation of breathing altogether. Not all sleep apnea sufferers are obese, but obesity is a common risk factor for this dangerous condition.

Excessive Sweating

In order to lose weight, you need to sweat and exercise. Logically, the more you weight you have, the harder your body has to work and the more your body tends to sweat. However when you’re obese, you can perspire even while you’re not participating in strenuous activities. Extra fat can interfere with your body’s ability to eliminate excess heat, causing you to sweat more easily.

Joint Pain

As you age, joint pain becomes more common. Even those who are active and have a healthy weight can experience joint pain from arthritis or other conditions. However, if you have excess weight, your joints have to bear additional pressure, and you can have joint pain at a much earlier age. The joints most affected by obesity include the hips, knees, ankles, and lower back.

It’s important to recognize these signs so that you can take control of your health as soon as possible. If you already suffer from these symptoms, you may be obese now, but the good news is that you can do something about your weight. Professional help with medical weight loss in Richardson can enable you to finally shed the extra pounds and get your body to a healthier state. As a result, you can have more energy, alleviate the pressure on your joints, and breathe easier.

About the Practice

Richardson Pain & Wellness is a center where you can seek help with many issues, including chronic pain, weight gain, and not feeling like yourself. The highly trained and experienced medical team combines and customizes treatments and therapies for the most effective outcomes for each individual patient. To schedule an appointment with Richardson Pain & Wellness, call (972) 907-1125 or click here.