Consequences and Health Risks

 Obesity is a concern because of its implications for the health of an individual as it increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions including: -

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnoea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• and Gynaecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility).

These conditions can cause or contribute to premature death and substantial disability.
Cardiovascular disease - mainly heart disease and stroke - is already the world's number one cause of death, killing 17 million people each year and diabetes has rapidly become a global epidemic - according to WHO projections diabetes deaths will increase by more than 50% worldwide in the next 10 years.
Less common health conditions associated with increased weight include asthma, hepatic steatosis and sleep apnoea.