Metro East Sun

Touchette Regional Hospital issued the following announcement on Aug. 9.

Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) is reminding the public of weight gain dangers. This comes in an effort to raise awareness about keeping and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid health risks and concerns that are preventable.

“Sleep Apnea is a common condition that is linked to being overweight,” says Nadeem Ahmed, MD in pulmonology at TRH. “Weight loss is critical to resolving this health condition as it can actually cure your sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias.”

Another common result of weight gain and obesity is osteoarthritis. Every pound gained places added pressure and extra mass on the joints causing inflammation and irritation, increasing the risk. Your joints are only meant to carry so much weight before they become stressed, inflamed and painful. Exercising and losing a healthy amount of weight will help decrease your pain and increase joint flexibility.

Gestational Diabetesis another weight gain danger that can develop in overweight pregnant women. This condition typically results in high blood sugar during pregnancy, likely causing concerns for the baby's health. Losing weight during pregnancy is not encouraged or recommended, so if you are overweight at the start of your pregnancy, the best thing you can do is continue healthy eating habits and remain as active as you can to maintain your well-being, keeping your baby healthy.

The staff at Touchette Regional Hospital want you to be healthy. Stresses of life can cause rapid weight gain and loss, but it’s critical that you regain control of your health by managing and maintaining your weight. Be aware, make healthy choices and work with your doctor, if necessary.

For more information about TRH, click here.

Original source can be found here.