Health Risks
- Type 2 Diabetes: A disease that occurs when blood glucose is too high. Nearly 9 in 10 people with type 2 diabetes have overweight or obesity
- High Blood Pressure: Also known as hypertension, it is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes
- Heart Disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, which can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, and heart failure
- Stroke: An event that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients
- Certain Cancers: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer
- Breathing Problems: Excess weight can lead to breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma
- Osteoarthritis: A joint disease that mostly affects cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint
- Gallbladder Disease: Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones and gallbladder disease
- Mental Health Problems: Clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders are more common in people with obesity
It is important to note that obesity is a common, serious, and costly chronic disease in adults and children. For this reason, it is essential to address and manage weight issues to reduce the risk of developing these medical problems.