Excess

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Excess refers to an amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable. It is often used in the context of health and medicine to describe conditions where there is an overabundance of a substance or a factor, such as excess weight, excess sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia), or excess cholesterol.

Overview[edit | edit source]

In medical terms, an excess can be harmful and lead to various health problems. For instance, excess weight can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Excess sugar in the blood, or hyperglycemia, is a key feature of diabetes and can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Excess Weight[edit | edit source]

Excess weight is a common health problem worldwide. It is typically caused by an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended, and can be influenced by genetic, behavioral, metabolic, hormonal, social, and environmental factors. Excess weight increases the risk of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Management strategies for excess weight include dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavior changes, and sometimes medication or surgery.

Hyperglycemia[edit | edit source]

Hyperglycemia refers to an excess of sugar in the blood. It is a key feature of diabetes, but can also occur in people who do not have diabetes under certain conditions, such as during periods of severe stress or illness. Hyperglycemia can cause a variety of symptoms, including frequent urination, increased thirst, and fatigue. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.

Excess Cholesterol[edit | edit source]

Excess cholesterol in the blood can build up in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can be influenced by diet, weight, physical activity level, age, gender, genetics, and other health conditions. Management strategies for high cholesterol include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and medication.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Excess Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD