Cowboy Challenge
Concerning Your Health
Effects of Obesity
Obesity-related conditions cost over 150 billion dollars and cause around 300,000 premature deaths in the US.
- heart disease
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is present 10 times more often in obese people compared to those who are not obese
- Fatty deposits build up in arteries that supply the heart. Narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow
- joint problems
- Obesity can affect the knees and hips because of the stress placed on the joints by extra weight
- sleep apnea/respiratory problems
- Added weight of the chest wall squeezes the lungs and causes restricted breathing. Sleep apnea is also associated with high blood pressure.
Normal Ranges: Heart Rate: 60-100 bpm (beats per minute) * Blood Pressure: 120/80
Type II Diabetes
- Effects of Type II Diabetes: A chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes glucose (sugar), which is the the body’s main source of fuel.
- With Type II Diabetes, your body still creates insulin, however it either resists the insulin, or your body does not produce enough insulin to maintain a healthy level of glucose.
- Insulin: A hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells.
- Although the exact cause of Type II is unknown, obesity and lack of physical exercise seem to be contributing factors to Type II Diabetes.
- There is no known cure for Type II diabetes but you can manage or even prevent the condition
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising on a regular basis
- May also need need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage your blood sugar.
- Other Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure
- High blood triglyceride (fat) levels
- High fat and Carbohydrate diet
- High alcohol intake