John Leha battles Weight Gain with Running

John Leha battles Weight Gain with Running

obesity4.jpgIn the past, Australian John Leha was once overweight and caught in the throes of grief and depression. Several months later, however, Leha was able to turn his life around and is now running in the New York Marathon. Following the death of his brother Tohi from cancer two years ago, Leha fell into depression and began binge eating. His weight became the equivalent of two average-sized men. Fighting out of his depression, Lega signed up for the Indigenous Marathon Project, which takes young Indigenous Australians and prepares them for the New York City Marathon. “If I really think about all the reasons why I’m doing it,” Leha shares, “my purpose, it’s my purpose that keeps me going.”  

Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle can promote not only foot health, but overall health. To learn more, speak with Dr. Alan Discont, D.P.M. of Family Foot and Ankle Care. Dr. Discont will provide you with quality podiatric care. 

Obesity and your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Obesity and Your Feet