"Obesity contributes to the risk of dying not only from heart disease and diabetes but from cancer"
New Eng J Medicine April 2003
"Obesity will soon overtake smoking as the primary cause of preventable death if current trends continue."
American Medical Association Jan 2003
Premature Death
Your annual risk of dying from obesity-related causes doubles at a BMI of 35, and rises considerably as your BMI increases above this level.
Health risks associated with obesity
There are many medical conditions that are caused, or made worse, by obesity. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes type 2
- Heart disease including coronary artery disease and heart attacks
- Sleep apnoea and snoring
- Asthma
- Arthritis of the hips, knees, back
- High cholesterol and lipids
- Gallstones
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Cancer risk: breast, ovaries, cervix, uterus, colon, gallbladder and prostate
- Menstrual irregularities and infertility
- Incontinence
- Hirsutism
- Strokes
- Depression
- Venous stasis ulcers
- Intertrigo and other skin infections
Obesity and Mortality Risk
Impact on psychological and social wellness
Obese people may experience psychological and social problems, which can often lead to social isolation. They may experience:
- Low self esteem
- Low self confidence
- Poor self image
- Depression
- Discrimination at home and in the work place
- Sexual limitations
They may also experience physical limitations due to their size:
- Normal daily tasks are difficult to perform as they tire quickly or just run out of breath.
- Clothes shopping, getting in and out of cars is difficult.
- Personal hygiene may be difficult.
