Older Brothers More Susceptible to Obesity

Obese, overweightA study conducted at the University of Aucklandfound that firstborn children, specifically men, are more likely to develop obesity than their younger siblings. The study focused on brothers between the ages of 35 and 55. All of the participants had bodyweights high enough to classify them as overweight. The results were that the older brothers weighed an average of 15 pounds more.

One theory the scientists have for this occurrence is that firstborns have a higher sensitivity to insulin as well as differences in prenatal blood flow.

Obese people are especially susceptible to developing adverse foot and ankle conditions due to the extra weight. If you are overweight or obese, consider seeing podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Conforti. Dr. Conforti can treat your foot and ankle needs.

How Obesity Affects Your Feet

Extra weight can sneak up on anyone unprepared. It’s not until your feet begin to hurt at the end of the day when you realize they have been carrying your entire body weight. There are many side effects that occur in the feet as a result of having a few extra pounds.

  • Leaning forward (uneven posture)
  • Extra weight placed in the wrong parts of your feet
  • Development of Type-2 diabetes
  • Loss of sensation in the legs and feet
  • Small sores
  • Plantar Fasciitis

Treating your feet can be helped by paying special attention to your footwear and your own body. Investing in yourself can help to lead you on a better road to health as well as serve to relieve some of the issues related to your feet.

  • Invest in shoes that allow for good circulation and support
  • Losing weight can help prevent and treat diabetes in addition to other diseases
  • Activities such as yoga and water aerobics can help keep you active and mobile without placing stress on  your feet
  • Foot stretches can help alleviate some pain associated with foot conditions.

Of course, visiting a podiatrist can help you select a shoe that will provide comfort for your feet, even measuring you for special custom-made orthotic shoe-inserts if necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Paramus and Clifton, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about How Obesity Affects Your Feet.

Foot & Ankle Medical & Surgical Care
Paramus, NJ Location
2 Sears Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
Affiliated With
Hackensack University Medical Center
The Valley Hospital
Board Certified, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery
Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics