By Dee Griffin
Spring signals renewal—gardens, hikes, lighter clothes. But for the roughly 40 percent of Americans carrying extra weight, it’s also a reminder of a heavier burden.
Obesity isn’t just about size; it’s a medical domino effect hitting health, wallets, and daily life. Here are the top 10 problems with being overweight in 2025, straight from the experts.
- Heart Strain: Extra pounds push your heart harder, raising risks of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Diabetes Danger: Type 2 diabetes thrives on excess fat, especially around the belly. Over 34 million Americans have it.
- Joint Pain: Knees and hips bear the brunt—every pound adds four times the pressure.
- Sleep Trouble: Sleep apnea, where breathing stops at night, plagues heavier folks, leaving them tired.
- Breathing Issues: Fat can crowd lungs, worsening asthma or shortness of breath—a growing concern as pollen season hits.
- Cancer Risk: Extra weight ups odds for breast, colon, and other cancers. New data this year shows a seven percent risk bump per 10 pounds gained.
- Mental Health Hits: Depression and anxiety often tag along, fueled by stigma or inflammation.
- Cash Crunch: Obesity costs—meds, doctor visits, lost workdays—top $1,500 yearly per person.
- Mobility Limits: Climbing stairs or chasing kids gets tougher, shrinking quality of life.
- Liver Load: Fatty liver disease, once rare, now affects 1 in 4 overweight adults. It’s silent but serious.
The good news? Small steps—better food, a daily walk—can lighten the load. Maybe 2025’s Spring Season is your season to unload more than winter coats.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.
