Being obese is more than just being overweight. It refers to a man who carries more than 25% body fat or a woman who carries more than 35%. Carrying that extra weight can trigger a variety of physical problems and symptoms. Some of the different obesity symptoms are shortness of breath, skin irritation, joint and back pain, and fatigue. It is important that a person who is obese manage his or her weight as soon as possible because obesity can lead to serious health problems and even death.
One of the main obesity symptoms associated with carrying too much excess weight is shortness of breath. If too much fat is stored below and around the chest area, it could push against the diaphragm and cause pressure in the lungs. All that exerted pressure may result in difficulty breathing properly. As a result, a person may have to take shallower breaths and so may become breathless by carrying out daily, routine activities.
Not being able to breathe well can cause a person to not get enough oxygen into his or her body. Lack of oxygen can lead to another of the different obesity symptoms: fatigue. Without the appropriate amount of oxygen in the blood, the body may not be able to do its work efficiently. This can result in the person feeling tired and having to rest often. If a person is constantly fatigued, he or she may not be able to keep up with others or participate in his favorite activities.
Skin irritation is another of the different obesity symptoms. Extra weight can result in rolls of fat, causing the skin to fold underneath it. The skin in those areas may rub against itself as the person moves and become raw. In addition, the skin tucked between the folds may not get the proper ventilation it needs and may remain moist as a person sweats. Having a moist, dark area may create an environment that promotes skin infections.
Excess weight can also put pressure on the skeletal system. This pressure can lead to another of the different obesity symptoms: back and joint pain. The body's joints can only handle so much weight and pressure. When too much is put on those joints, they can become stiff and sore. Obesity can also aggravate osteoarthritis, particularly in the hips, ankles, and knees.
Other examples of the different obesity symptoms include sleep apnea, snoring, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing while he or she sleeps. This can lead to other serious problems such as an increased risk of heart failure and stroke. Obesity can aggravate sleep apnea because the excess fat can close off airways and make it difficult for a person to breathe. Often, losing weight is enough to lead to a significant drop in most symptoms of obesity.