DIABETES:
Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. Overweight
people are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as those who are
not overweight. Because Type 2 diabetes reduces your body's ability
to control blood sugar levels it can cause premature death, heart disease,
kidney disease, stroke, and blindness. One can reduce the risk of developing
type 2 diabetes by losing weight and by increasing physical activity.
PREMATURE
DEATH: The risk of death increases as
one’s weight rises. It is estimated
that approximately 300,000 deaths a year are
attributed to obesity. Those aged 30 to 64
with a slight excess of weight (10 to 20 pounds
in accordance with their height) have an increased
risk of premature death. Those who are obese
(more than 30% of their ideal body weight)
have a 50% to 100% increased risk of premature
death.
CANCER:
Several types of cancer are associated with obesity. In women, these
cancers include cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast,
and colon. Obese men have a higher risk of developing cancer of the
colon, rectum, and prostate. It has also been found that women gaining
more than 20 pounds from age 18 to mid-life double their risk of post-menopausal
breast cancer in comparison to other women.
SLEEP APNEA:
One of the most common breathing problems associated with obesity is
sleep apnea. This condition consists of an interruption in breathing
while asleep. Sleep apnea may also cause daytime sleepiness and even
heart failure. Studies show that a loss of weight usually improves the
condition.
ARTHRITIS:
It is estimated that for every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk
of developing arthritis is increased by 9 to 13%. Symptoms of arthritis
have been shown to improve with weight loss.