The Link Between Excess Body Weight and Endometriosis
The Link Between Excess Body Weight and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and other symptoms. Obesity, on the other hand, involves having an excessive amount of body fat. Now, you might wonder, how do these two relate? Research has shown some interesting links between them:
The Link Between Excess Body Weight and Endometriosis
The Link Between Excess Body Weight and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and other symptoms. Obesity, on the other hand, involves having an excessive amount of body fat. Now, you might wonder, how do these two relate? Research has shown some interesting links between them:
1. Body Fat and Hormones
Obesity can affect the body’s hormone levels. Specifically, it can increase levels of estrogen, a hormone that can encourage the growth of endometrial tissue both inside and outside the uterus (Pantelis et al., 2021). This means that the more body fat you have, the more estrogen your body might produce, aggravating endometriosis.
Pantelis et al., 2021. The Formidable yet Unresolved Interplay between Endometriosis and Obesity. The Scientific World Journal, 2021.
2. Inflammation
Obesity is known to cause a low-grade, chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can contribute to the development and worsening of endometriosis. The body’s inflammatory response to the misplaced endometrial tissue can increase pain and discomfort (Dossus et al., 2010).
Dossus et al., 2010. Obesity, inflammatory markers, and endometrial cancer risk: a prospective case–control study. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 2010.
2. Inflammation
Obesity is known to cause a low-grade, chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can contribute to the development and worsening of endometriosis. The body’s inflammatory response to the misplaced endometrial tissue can increase pain and discomfort (Dossus et al., 2010).
Dossus et al., 2010. Obesity, inflammatory markers, and endometrial cancer risk: a prospective case–control study. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 2010.
3. Insulin Resistance
Being overweight or obese can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This condition has been linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, which shares some risk factors with endometriosis (Wise et al., 2016).
While obesity doesn’t directly cause endometriosis, the conditions related to obesity can create an environment that might make endometriosis worse or its symptoms more severe.
Wise et al., 2016. Obesity and endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in premenopausal women: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2016.
3. Insulin Resistance
Being overweight or obese can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This condition has been linked to an increased risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, which shares some risk factors with endometriosis (Wise et al., 2016).
While obesity doesn’t directly cause endometriosis, the conditions related to obesity can create an environment that might make endometriosis worse or its symptoms more severe.
Wise et al., 2016. Obesity and endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in premenopausal women: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2016.
“Losing weight through surgery might not only help you drop those extra pounds but could also be good for women’s health issues related to the uterus”
“Losing weight through surgery might not only help you drop those extra pounds but could also be good for women’s health issues related to the uterus”
Trusted Solution for a Healthier Life
Trusted Solution for a Healthier Life
With over 50 years of combined experience and 30,000 successful bariatric surgeries performed, Obesity Control Center, located in Tijuana, Mexico, is considered a world leader in weight-loss surgery. With a team of international weight loss surgeons, they offer globalized bariatric healthcare so you get the best of the best from around the world.
Dr. Ariel Ortiz®
Ariel Ortiz MD®, FACS, FASMBS
Medical Director/ Director of Bariatric Surgery
“Blessed to bless others.” – Dr. Ariel Ortiz
Dr. Ariel Ortiz is a General Surgeon with a specialty in bariatric surgery. He has almost two decades of experience in the field of advanced weight loss surgeries. He is double board-certified in general surgery and board-certified in bariatric surgery. He holds two professional licenses: a general medical license, as well as a general surgery license (#2526822). Dr. Ariel Ortiz gained a reputation for excellence early in his career as a bariatric surgeon back in 1997, when only a handful of surgeons achieved a specialty in this field. He is also among the very few surgeons that hold the certificate of Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation.
Dr. Ariel Ortiz®
Ariel Ortiz MD®, FACS, FASMBS
Medical Director/ Director of Bariatric Surgery
“Blessed to bless others.” – Dr. Ariel Ortiz
Dr. Ariel Ortiz is a General Surgeon with a specialty in bariatric surgery. He has almost two decades of experience in the field of advanced weight loss surgeries. He is double board-certified in general surgery and board-certified in bariatric surgery. He holds two professional licenses: a general medical license, as well as a general surgery license (#2526822). Dr. Ariel Ortiz gained a reputation for excellence early in his career as a bariatric surgeon back in 1997, when only a handful of surgeons achieved a specialty in this field. He is also among the very few surgeons that hold the certificate of Master Surgeon of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation.
