Obesity as a Chronic Disease: Know It’s Impacts, Risks & What to Do

Obesity is no longer seen as a mere issue of willpower or poor eating habits. It’s a chronic, relapsing disease, recognized by the World Health Organization and American Medical Association, with profound biological roots and far-reaching consequences, particularly affecting hormonal health.

With over 40% of U.S. adults classified as obese, the condition has become a major contributor to rising rates of type 2 diabetes, infertility, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, and even certain cancers. But how exactly does excess weight cause such widespread harm, and what can you do to protect your health?

How Obesity Affects Hormones

When fat cells expand beyond a healthy limit, they don’t just store energy; instead, they function as endocrine organs, releasing inflammatory molecules and disrupting hormone balance.

Obesity disrupts the balance of crucial hormones such as insulin, estrogen, cortisol, and leptin, as explained by Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer at Found. This hormonal imbalance can lead to increased weight gain and the development of chronic diseases.

1. Insulin Resistance

Obesity is a leading cause of insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells stop responding to insulin. This leads to increased blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2. Estrogen Imbalance

Fat tissue produces estrogen, and in obese individuals, particularly women, excess estrogen can lead to PCOS, fertility problems, and an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.

3. Elevated Cortisol

Chronic stress and obesity are mutually reinforcing. High cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, contribute to the accumulation of belly fat, which further increases cortisol production, creating a vicious cycle.

4. Leptin Resistance

Leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, becomes less effective in obese individuals. Consequently, the brain fails to receive adequate satiety signals, leading to heightened cravings and overeating.

What the Research Says

A 2022 review published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology further solidified the understanding that obesity is a complex multisystem disease, deeply intertwined with hormonal imbalances, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammation.

• Obesity increases risk of 13 types of cancer, many of which are hormone-related.
• It reduces fertility in both men and women.
• Obesity-related hormonal changes often precede diabetes and heart disease.

Health Risks Beyond Weight

Obesity doesn’t just raise your number on the scale it raises the risk for:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Infertility
• Thyroid imbalances
• Sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hormone-related cancers

Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes that obesity should be treated as a chronic disease, requiring not only willpower but also long-term medical and lifestyle strategies.

What You Can Do: Sustainable Strategies That Work

The good news is that even a modest weight loss of 5–10% of your total body weight can significantly improve your hormonal health and reduce your risk of developing diseases.

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

• High-fiber vegetables and fruits
• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
• Lean proteins (fish, beans, eggs)
• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice)
  Avoid:
• Refined sugars
• Ultra-processed foods
• Trans fats

Read: Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Healthy Eating

2. Prioritize Sleep

Insufficient sleep elevates ghrelin (the hormone that stimulates hunger) and decreases leptin (the hormone that suppresses appetite). Therefore, it’s advisable to aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.

3. Manage Stress

Try yoga, breathwork, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Lowering cortisol levels can lead to better weight management and hormone regulation.

4. Build Muscle

Resistance training enhances insulin sensitivity and metabolic rate, which are crucial for maintaining long-term weight control.

5. Seek Medical Support

An FDA-approved medication, a nutritionist, or an obesity medicine specialist can help you design a plan that suits your body’s needs.

It’s Not Just About Weight It’s About Hormonal Health

Obesity, a complex condition deeply intertwined with hormonal and metabolic health, demands our attention. Instead of solely blaming willpower, we must recognize it as a chronic disease that demands comprehensive treatment.

Whether you’re grappling with fatigue, infertility, or insulin resistance, your weight might be connected to a larger issue. However, there’s hope and help available.