Comorbidity is the word doctors use when more than one health condition happens at the same time. It means a coexisting condition.

Obesity is one of the most common comorbidities, especially in the United States. Many people have obesity plus heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or other health issues. If you have a second or third diagnosis along with obesity, you’re not alone.

Here’s why obesity is associated with other problems and how making healthy choices can help.

What Is Classified as a Comorbidity?

Comorbidity can refer to additional diagnoses. These may happen after getting diagnosed with one condition. The word comorbidity goes both ways. For example, diabetes can be a comorbidity of obesity. Likewise, obesity can be a comorbidity of diabetes. The two conditions are comorbidities of each other. But usually, one condition is considered the primary, or first, concern. Treatments for other conditions may take second place to what’s needed for your primary condition.

Luckily, treatment for one condition often benefits others. For instance, healthy eating and physical activity aren’t just good for obesity. They’re also beneficial for heart disease, diabetes, and more.

There are times when a medication or treatment for one condition has side effects that aren’t good for a person’s other health issues. Some people with liver problems might not do well on certain medications, for example.

Your healthcare provider is the best person to review your overall medical history. They’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options.

What Comorbidities Are More Common With Obesity?

It’s possible to be diagnosed with obesity based on your body mass index (BMI) score and have no health problems. In this case, obesity isn’t a comorbidity.

Comorbidities are common for people diagnosed with obesity, because having a higher body weight can raise the risk of several diseases. These include:

• Arthritis
• Certain types of cancer
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
• Gallstones
• Infertility and sexual problems
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes

Not everyone with a higher body weight will develop these comorbidities. However, if there are comorbidities present, it might be a sign that obesity treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, or bariatric surgery could help.

Conditions Related to Inflammation and Metabolism

Obesity is an inflammatory condition. It raises inflammation levels throughout the whole body. Since many other health problems are also caused or worsened by inflammation, obesity is a related risk factor for them.

Carrying extra weight from obesity can put a physical strain on the body’s joints. Osteoarthritis in the knees can develop. People with obesity also have higher rates of arthritis in their hands, which may be due to systemic inflammation.

Obesity is a comorbidity for 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes. Excess weight is associated with insulin resistance, which can turn into diabetes over time.

In addition, up to 70 percent of people with obesity have abnormal triglyceride or cholesterol levels (which can be related to developing heart disease). Other cardiovascular risks, like hypertension (high blood pressure), are also associated with obesity.

Obesity also affects metabolism and how the body processes sugar and fat. People with obesity are prone to a condition where fat builds up in the liver. This condition is known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Eventually, this can lead to permanent cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.

Certain Cancers

Some types of cancer can also be connected to obesity, especially for women. Not only are women with obesity more likely to get cancer, but they’re also more likely to die from cancer than those without obesity. One way obesity could contribute to cancer is by increasing the body’s growth hormone levels. This may also encourage tumor growth.

When people with obesity are diagnosed with cancer, it’s often more advanced. This may be because people with higher body weights often avoid going to the doctor because of weight stigma from healthcare providers. It may also be because their doctors don’t screen for it. Sometimes, healthcare facilities don’t have imaging machines that fit larger bodies.

Unfortunately, later-stage cancers are harder to treat. They’re more likely to have spread to other parts of the body.

Forms of cancer associated with obesity include:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer

Issues With Hormones and Sexual Health

Higher levels of body fat can change the body’s hormone levels. People with obesity may deal with irregular menstrual cycles, have a harder time getting pregnant, and be more likely to have a miscarriage.

Weight gain also raises the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and developing PCOS can lead to weight gain. Up to 88 percent of people with PCOS have obesity as a comorbidity.

Having a higher body weight is associated with erectile dysfunction. About 80 percent of people with erection problems have a BMI score in the overweight or obese category.

Keeping Watch for Comorbidities

Life with obesity can be complicated. Since it’s a common comorbidity with other health issues, keeping up with regular checkups and health screenings is crucial. Always seek out a follow-up visit if something doesn’t seem right. If a health professional doesn’t take your concerns seriously, find one who will.

Although class 3, or severe, obesity is associated with a higher chance of developing comorbidities, BMI doesn’t tell the whole story. Focusing on weight management is important, but you’ll also want to keep an eye on other factors, like lab work results, your family history, and other signs and symptoms of disease.

If you’re working on healthy changes to treat obesity, but something gets in your way, you may be facing a comorbidity. For example, your doctor may tell you to take daily walks as part of your obesity treatment. But if you develop knee pain when walking, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis. Rather than pushing through the pain, bring it up with your healthcare provider. They might run tests for arthritis or refer you to a physical therapist who could suggest safer ways to exercise, like swimming.

Research clearly shows that obesity raises the risk of some other diseases. However, people with obesity aren’t always offered sufficient healthcare screening by their providers, and they may not be diagnosed quickly if another condition arises. Delays in care don’t just affect a person’s quality of life. They can be life-threatening. Advocate for yourself to ensure you get the medical attention and treatment you need. If your doctor ignores your concerns, move on to one who will listen.

Managing comorbidities can be tough. You may need to keep track of different medications and doctor’s visits. This can be stressful and take a toll on your mental health. Finding support from others who know what it’s like can help give you the strength to keep pushing for a healthier future.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Do you juggle other medical conditions or chronic diseases along with obesity? How has your experience been with different healthcare professionals? Share your comments below or on your Activities page.