An Unexpected Health Risk Associated With Obesity
QHHL 
Jan 17 2019
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0 QHHL
Everyone knows by now that obesity is linked to a number of serious diseases and disorders. However, there is an unexpected health risk associated with this condition that you should be aware of.
Obesity is a major problem in today’s society. Due to problems with the western diet, it’s becoming more common than ever before. And this is dangerous for individuals and problematic for society as a whole. But no matter how often you’ve heard about the health risk factors associated with extra weight, there is one that isn’t often discussed. Despite this lack, this risk factor could be very dangerous for your long term health.
There are a number of diseases and illnesses that are strongly associated with obesity. This doesn’t mean that you will experience all of them if you’re overweight of course. Certain problems will be more relevant to you depending on your combination of health risk factors. However, even a small amount of extra weight can increase your risk of the following health problems:
If you’re ill, hurt or have other health issues, then it’s very common to have X-rays done. These procedures have become a very common part of health monitoring and diagnosis. However, that doesn’t mean that they’re entirely safe. When you have an X-ray you receive a dose of radiation. In most cases, this dose is fairly small. But it’s still enough that the person taking the image has to be protected from it. So no matter what size you are, there is a small health risk associated with this procedure.
Studies also show that X-ray radiation has a cumulative effect. So basically, the more radiation you receive throughout your life, the worse the health effects would be. Some researchers also theorize that the negative effects of X-ray exposure are actually irreversible. This all means that everyone needs to be more careful when it comes to this common procedure. Because it isn’t harmless and it could have long term effects. And if you’re obese, the risk is even larger.
An X-ray is only useful if it delivers a clear image of the inside of the body and the bones. And the clarity of this image depends on the thickness of the object being captured. People who are obese naturally have larger limbs and bodies. This means that there is more tissue between the X-ray machine and the bones underneath. And this is what makes X-rays a more serious health risk for patients with obesity than other groups.
This higher health risk is due to the following factors:
So patients with obesity have more X-rays at a higher radiation dose each. And this type of exposure takes its toll. In fact, a recent study has suggested that it may increase their risk of cancer by up to 153 percent.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid having X-rays entirely if you’re obese. With some illnesses and injuries, X-rays are the only way to diagnose problems. However, it does mean that you should be more aware when you have these procedures. So find out if there are any alternatives if your doctor suggests an X-ray, because sometimes an MRI machine can be used instead. And request low-dose protocols wherever possible. Also, if you have children, be aware that they are more vulnerable to X-ray radiation than adults. So they should only have this procedure when absolutely necessary.
If you’re concerned about a specific health risk, try using HomeLab to keep track of your condition and any preventative measures you take. And if you see signs of a significant problem, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Tags: health risk, obesity