Health Risks of Obesity

Did you know that obesity is the second leading cause of death? Those who are more than 40% over their ideal body weight are twice as likely to die prematurely due to obesity-related conditions. And obesity is directly related to heart disease. It increases cholesterol, triples the risk of hypertension and is recognized by the American Heart Association as a major risk factor for a heart attack. The effects of obesity on many diseases often begin in childhood, so it is important to teach good habits early.

WOMEN… DID YOU KNOW?

Women living with morbid obesity have 50 – 100% higher mortality rates than women with a healthy weight, including a 62% higher cancer mortality rate.1,2 Take charge now!

MEN… DID YOU KNOW?

Men living with morbid obesity have 50 – 100% higher mortality rates than men with a healthy weight, including a 52% higher cancer mortality rate.1,2 Take charge now!

Common Obesity-Related Diseases
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
  • Some cancers, such as endometrial, breast & colon
  • Liver disease
  • Venous disease
  • Acid reflux
  • Menstrual irregularities and infertility
1. National Institutes of Health. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (Online, August 17, 2000).
2. Calle E, Rodriguez C, Walker-Thurmond K, et al. Overweight, Obesity and Mortality from Cancer in a Prospectively Studied Cohort of U.S. Adults. New England Journal of Medicine 2003;348(17):1625-38.