Other Weight Related Conditions

The most important reason for losing excess weight is to prevent or eliminate other life-threatening conditions caused by the extra weight.

Is your excess weight causing any of the following problems?

• Type 2 Diabetes- a serious disease affecting blood sugar levels in the body that can damage the blood vessels throughout the body. This can result in poor circulation, amputations, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)- a condition where the airway collapses while a patient is sleeping, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the body.
• Hypertension- a condition where the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the overweight body. This is a risk factor for other serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)- a condition where increased pressure on the stomach causes its contents to rise up into the esophagus, often causing significant irritation and pain.
• Elevated Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels- a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood, can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Joint Pain- caused by increased wear and tear on any part of your body from the excess weight.
• Cancer- studies have shown that obesity increases the risks of certain cancers.

Patients who lose a significant amount of weight often see dramatic improvement in, or even a cure, of these conditions. Many medications can be reduced or eliminated – and patients can sleep once again without the need of a machine to help them breathe.