Approximately one in three adults in the United States is obese. Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. If the Body Mass Index is 40 or more, the person is considered morbidly obese. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor in many diseases. According to the American Heart Association, obesity and its associated diseases cost the United States $117 billion per year.
Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, overweight people are more likely to develop hypertension (high blood pressure), high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (fats and fat-like substances) in the blood and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for stroke and coronary artery disease. High body fat, especially in the abdomen, may also cause inflammation in the blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and stroke is the third-leading cause.
Type 2 Diabetes
More than 85 percent of individuals with type 2 diabetes are overweight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In 2002, diabetes was the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of obesity-related risk factors for coronary heart disease and diabetes. A person has metabolic syndrome if he has three or more of six possible risk factors: a large waistline, high triglycerides, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, high blood pressure or high fasting blood sugar.
Sleep Apnea
A person who is overweight may have more fat stored around her neck, narrowing the airway and making breathing difficult. At night, the individual may stop breathing for short periods (sleep apnea), causing daytime sleepiness, problems with concentration and possibly even heart failure.
Fatty Liver Disease
When fat builds up in the liver cells, it causes injury and inflammation in the liver and can sometimes lead to severe liver damage. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, obesity is a risk factor of fatty liver disease and seems to be linked to high blood sugar levels.
Cancer
Obesity is a risk factor for cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate. The connection between obesity and cancer risk is not known, but it may be related to hormones released from fat cells that affect cell growth, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Pregnancy-Related Conditions
Obesity is a risk factor in several pregnancy-related conditions, including gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy). The babies of overweight or obese mothers are more likely to have defects of the brain and spinal cord, stillborn, premature or large for gestational age.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem of the knees, hips and lower back that occurs when the tissue that protects the joints wears away. Extra weight can put more pressure and wear on joints.
Gallbladder Disease
Obesity is a risk factor in the development of an enlarged gallbladder or gallstones, rock-like material that forms in the gallbladder and made of cholesterol. Gallstones can cause abdominal or back pain and may require surgical removal.
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