Obesity During Adolescence Increases the Risk of Severe Infections in Adulthood

Obesity During Adolescence Increases the Risk of Severe Infections in Adulthood

Author: Dr. Mercola February 2, 2026 Duration: 7:43
  • Adolescent obesity is rapidly turning into a worldwide health emergency. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 160 million children and teenagers ages 5 to 19 are now overweight or obese
  • A new study from the University of Gothenburg collected data from nearly one million Swedish men and found that obese teenagers are more likely to experience severe infections later in life
  • Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by excess body fat that impairs health and leads to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, and metabolic issues that tend to worsen over time
  • Body mass index (BMI) has traditionally been the standard for assessing weight and health, but it has come under scrutiny because it frequently misclassifies risk
  • You can tackle obesity at its root by eliminating metabolic health hazards like seed oils and ultraprocessed foods and instead, choosing healthy carbs and walking more

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Podcast Episodes
How Everyday Breathing Habits Affect Blood Pressure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Forceful abdominal exhalations activate a brainstem circuit that tightens blood vessels and raises blood pressure, even in the absence of stress or exercise Slow, calm breathing quiets the nervous system signals that dri…
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The Hidden Mental Health Cost of Antibiotic Use [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:18
Antibiotic use has been linked to higher anxiety and depression risk by disrupting gut bacteria that regulate brain chemistry and stress response Human studies show antibiotics lower key calming neurotransmitters and act…
Fermented Foods Shape Gut Health in Ways Modern Diets Do Not [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:51
Fermented foods are biologically active whole foods that reshape digestion and immune signaling by delivering microbes, enzymes, and microbial byproducts together, not isolated nutrients Most benefits from fermented food…
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Duration: 8:10
Despite decades of statin use costing approximately $25 billion annually in America alone, heart disease remains the leading cause of death, suggesting the cholesterol hypothesis that drives statin prescriptions is funda…
The Hidden Reason Vitamin D Fails in People with Obesity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:01
Extra body fat interferes with how vitamin D works after it enters your body, which explains why low levels often persist despite supplements or sun exposure Vitamin D can become trapped in fat tissue and fail to convert…
Daytime Light Exposure Influences Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:44
Type 2 diabetes management is influenced not only by diet and medication but also by environmental factors, including the type and timing of light exposure during typical indoor workdays A Cell Metabolism study found tha…