Obesity brings on very serious consequences to one’s health. This problem is associated to the evolution of complications that jeopardize life, such as diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, cerebrovascular accidents (apoplexy) and cancer. It also produces cholesterol and elevated triglycerides (dislipidemy), gastroesophagic reflux, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallstones, varicose veins or phlebitis, mental diseases (dementia), skin diseases, menstrual cycle irregularities, hisrutism and infertility, and more.

People suffering from morbid obesity are at an increased risk for some types of cancer; e.g., endometrial, gallbladder, uterine, cervical, ovary, and breast in females; colorectal and prostate in males.

Morbid obesity brings with it an increased risk for a shorter life expectancy. For individuals whose weight exceeds twice their ideal body weight (that’s about 4.7 percent of the U.S. population), the risk of an early death is doubled compared to non-obese individuals. The risk of death from diabetes or heart attack is five to seven times greater. Yet an early death is not the only potential consequence. Social, psychological, and economic effects of morbid obesity, however unfair, are real and can be especially devastating.

To find out more about the illnesses and complications of obesity, click on the text and a small window will open with the corresponding description.