What are the effects of Obesity?
If you are obese, severely obese, or morbidly obese, you may have:
Major Health Risks
- Shorter Life Expectancy
- Compared to people of normal weight, obese people have a 50% to 100% increased risk of dying prematurely
Obese people have more risk for:
- Diabetes (type 2)
- Joint problems (e.g., arthritis)
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder problems
- Liver failure
- Certain types of cancer (breast, uterine, colon)
- Digestive disorders (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD)
- Breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnea, asthma)
- Psychological problems such as depression
- Problems with fertility and pregnancy
- Urinary Incontinence
Risks to Psychological and Social Well-being
- Negative self-image
- Social isolation
- Discrimination
Difficulties with Day-to-Day Living
- Movement can be restricted making normal activities of daily living more difficult
- You tend to become easily short of breath and tire more quickly
- Public transport seats, cars, office and restaurant seating may be too small and uncomfortable
- Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
