Obesity and effect on life expectancy

Obesity is a very serious condition that can put people at risk for a number of life threatening disorders and diseases. These include heart disease, type II diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Due to the large number of health complications associated with obesity, it is clear that obesity will have an effect on life expectancy.

Generally, as technology and medical advancements create more opportunities for patients to receive excellent health care, the life expectancy rises. This is because the technology that is made available to patients can help them combat diseases and disorders successfully. Health care professionals have medications and medical technology to help patients combat numerous diseases that would previously have resulted in death.

One serious exception to this rule is obesity. Obesity may cause the national life expectancy to lower. This will be the first time life expectancy has ever taken a turn for the worse. Those who are obese run the risk of a wide number of health related issues, many of which can lead to premature death.

One theory, is that technology has made many alternative forms of entertainment available. Instead of getting physical exercise, many people are turning to computers, TV’s, video games, or other electronic devices. People are not turning to physical activity as a form of work or entertainment. Cars and other forms of transportation have replaced walking, which is a physically demanding and calorie burning activity. This means that people are spending larger amounts of time without physical activity than at any other time in history.

This inactivity results in a failure to burn calories. With high calorie foods readily available, it is also easy to overeat. Society is full of delicious, high calorie foods, which are pre-packaged and easy to turn to for a snack or even a meal. The combination of widely available high calorie foods and a lack of exercise leads many to obesity.

Those who are obese can expect to live up to eight years less than those who are of a healthy weight. Life expectancy varies from person to person and there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. Health care professionals believe that those who are overweight will live between five and eight years less than those who are of ideal weight.