Consequences of Obesity  

Obesity increases the risk of death and disability. Risk increases when body mass index is at 25 and significantly increases at 30. 

Obesity increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease at least partly because of worsening effect it has on its risk factors: abnormal cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Strokes are more common in obese patients.  High blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, abnormal blood clotting and glucose intolerance are all causes of increased stroke rates.

Obesity increases risk for type II diabetes. Obesity reduces the body’s ability to use insulin.  Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is used to help get the sugar that circulates in the blood into the cells. This causes blood sugar to rise. This increased blood sugar tells the brain that sugar is not getting into the cells. 

Next, more insulin and more glucose is released.  This increases the amount of glucose and insulin in the blood.  High levels of insulin and sugar in the blood can damage the eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys.

Excess body weight strains the joints and increases risk, incidence, and severity of arthritis. Obesity may protect individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity is associated with functional impairments.   Obesity increases the incidence of gout with the risk being higher in those who are heavier.

Obesity also is associated with:

• Gallbladder disease
• Heartburn
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Gallstones 
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Kidney, endometrial, prostate, breast, rectal, pancreatic, colon and esophageal cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Urinary incontinence
• Increased risk of surgical complications
• Depression
• Gout
• Heart failure