obesity health risks and medical conditions

Obesity contributes to 5 of the 10 leading causes of death in America, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, many cancers and kidney disease. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

All overweight and obese adults (age 18 years of age or older) with a BMI of ≥25 are considered at risk for developing associated morbidities or diseases such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and other diseases.  - National Institute of Health (NIH)

Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. 

Men who are obese are more likely than non-obese men to develop cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate. Women who are obese are more likely than non-obese women to develop cancer of the gallbladder, uterus, cervix, or ovaries. Esophageal cancer has also been associated with obesity.

diabestes-infoOther diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High blood pressure/Heart disease
  • Dyslipidemia/High Cholesterol
  • Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints
  • Depression
  • Sleep apnea/Respiratory problems
  • Gastroesophageal reflux/Heartburn
  • Infertility
  • Urinary stress incontinence
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Lymphedema

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems. In particular for diabetes,

  • A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight.
  • Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. **

**Surgeon General's http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/

Psychological and Social Effects

Emotional suffering, stigmas and discrimination may be the most painful parts of obesity and can start during childhood and last throughout life.  Often we see that these effects may have contributed to feelings of rejection, depression, shame, eating disorders, and other issues.

Many people think that individuals with obesity are gluttonous, lazy, or both. This is not true. As a result, people who are obese often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school, and in social situations.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Some of our community members open up and share their journey with us, they answered the question - what was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Next:  Who Should Lose Weight >>
Previous: About Obesity <<

×