Living with obesity substantially affects your health and well-being.
These can be classified as effects on Mental, Mechanical, Metabolic and Monetary (social) health (the 4Ms of Obesity.)
Negative effects of obesity on Mental Health can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Negative self-talk
- Body dissatisfaction
- Disordered eating/eating disorders
Negative effects of obesity on Mechanical Health can include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Urinary/fecal incontinence
- Intertrigo (skin-fold infections)
Negative effects of obesity on Metabolic Health can include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Elevated cholesterol
- Gout
- Fatty liver disease
- Infertility
- Cancer
Negative effects of obesity on Monetary Health can include:
- Education
- Employment
- Professional development
- Increased cost of living (e.g., clothing, mobility aids)
- Cost of weight-loss programs