Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem; it’s a health problem. According to the UK’s National Health Service, 25% of men and 35% of women are obese. Globally, more than 20% of the adult population is obese. You can also take a look at some more statistics of obesity on the Uk Parliament website.
But obesity is not just a problem for adults. The rate of obesity in childhood has trebled since 1975 and is now around 20%.
It’s a problem that has been linked to a whole host of other health problems, from cardiovascular disease to high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
The issue is increasingly being seen as a global one, with the number of obese children in developing countries growing at three times the rate of those in developed countries.
Calculating your BMI is a great starting point for weight loss. The best way to do this is by using a BMI calculator. Just input your height and weight, and the tool will give you your body mass index number. With this number, you can gauge your progress as you lose weight.
Excess weight means extra pressure!
Feet don’t get much love, but they should do! They help us move and are even the basis of our balance, all with a skeleton made of cartilage, muscles, and ligaments. Unfortunately, excess weight or pressure can cause health issues in the human foot , including pain and swelling.
Below are some of the obesity-related foot problems we see regularly at City Chiropody.
Diabetic foot issues
Foot pain can be a sign of an underlying condition — such as diabetes or injury. If you experience numbness or tingling, sores that won’t heal, or redness or swelling, consult a podiatrist right away. Those with diabetes have a 20% risk of developing nerve damage.
Barefoot, diabetic foot injuries and ulceration are common because the nerves in the feet are affected by the diabetes.
Gout
You probably already know that gout can be caused by certain food and drinks if you have gout. Foods that contain high levels of purines are more likely to cause an increase in uric acid levels in your body. In addition to eating a healthy diet, avoiding foods like shellfish and organ meats is one way to manage your gout symptoms.
Splayed feet
Splayed feet are caused by a variety of reasons, including excess weight and an improper footwear fit. It can also be caused by a medical condition that affects the entire body. If you have fallen arches you may also find shoes to be too tight and this may begin to irritate your foot and cause blisters, corns or sores.
Overpronation
Many people have fallen arches which cause your feet to roll inwards and become flat. This could cause you to develop issues with your gait as well as when your feet strike the ground.
Foot problems can creep up the chain to your ankles and knees — that’s why it’s important to get treatment from the start. Visit your podiatrist regularly, they’ll perform an assessment, recommend treatments and outline a management protocol to make sure you’re on the right path to recovery.
Your feet are an essential part of your body. They support you throughout the day, and if they’re not in the best possible health, they can impact every other part of your life. To keep your feet in tip-top shape, visit a podiatrist for regular appointments.