Gallstones and Weight Loss
Gallstones cause a host of painful and unpleasant symptoms, from intense pain to fever and nausea. Did you know that how you approach weight loss influences your likelihood of suffering from gallstones?
As obesity rates continue to soar, so too do the associated health risks. In fact, throughout the world, weight-related chronic disease is a top cause of mortality. At Family Medicine and Acute Care of Sandhills, our weight loss experts are passionate about health education to help you live your best life.
We equip you with tools, techniques, and medical weight loss programs to help you lose weight once and for all. Losing as little as 5% of your total body weight is enough for you to see some significant benefits. As your weight loss continues, you lower your risk of developing serious health conditions.
There’s no end to the number of obesity-associated diseases that improve with weight loss. Here are some well-known conditions that get better when you shed excess weight:
Obesity is driving the incidence of Type 2 diabetes. Weight loss helps lower and normalize blood glucose, reduce the need for medications, and has the potential to send the dangerous disease into remission.
Obesity causes your heart muscle to thicken in response to pumping more blood. Over time, it may lose the ability to keep up with the high demand, and lead to heart disease and eventually heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease — which includes heart disease ― is the No. 1 killer worldwide, accounting for one in three deaths.
Weight loss offers significant improvements in all of the key cardiac risk factors, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose.
As your weight increases, so does your blood pressure. Excess weight makes your heart work harder to pump and route your blood. Obesity ups your need for oxygen, increases your blood volume, and damages your blood vessels and arteries.
Obesity-related cancer deaths are increasing. The likely causes include chronic inflammation, increased insulin growth factor, and higher estrogen levels. Weight loss is a key component of cancer prevention.
Obstructive sleep apnea is closely linked to diabetes and obesity. If you’re overweight, you probably have excess skin in the back of your throat. As you sleep, it can obstruct your airway. The interrupted breathing associated with sleep apnea also makes a target for developing other dangerous conditions like strokes and hypertension.
Not only does weight loss improve sleep apnea, it’s possible that significant reduction in weight can even cure it.
If you need support and accountability, turn to our team at Family Practice and Acute Care of Sandhills and North Carolina Center for Weight Loss Management. We offer:
For more information on how you can lower your risk for serious health conditions, call our office or use the easy online scheduling option.
