Health Consequences of Obesity

[Mr.X]

Overweight and Obesity
Health Consequences
Overweight and obese individuals (BMI of 25 and above) are at increased risk for physical ailments such as (NIH pp.12-20; Stunkard p. 224)

High blood pressure, hypertension
High blood cholesterol, dyslipidemia
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance
Hyperinsulinemia
Coronary heart disease
Angina pectoris
Congestive heart failure
Stroke
Gallstones
Cholescystitis and cholelithiasis
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)
Complications of pregnancy
Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation)
Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
Uric acid nephrolithiasis
Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self esteem).



Reference
Stunkard AJ, Wadden TA. (Editors) Obesity: theory and therapy, Second Edition. New York: Raven Press, 1993.

National Institutes of Health. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Bethesda, Maryland: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1998.