What are the medical consequences of obesity?
Overweight and obesity are linked with an increased risk of life-threatening conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, , coronary heart disease, and cancer. Studies show that mortality rates are substantially higher in obese adults, especially in those whose excess fat is stored in the abdomen rather than in the hips. In fact, abdominal obesity is particularly dangerous because it leads to resistance to the actions of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose. Insulin resistance results in elevated blood levels of insulin, which is associated with high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased CHD risk, a constellation of conditions called metabolic syndrome. Almost 1 in 4 American adults has metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and strokes.
Excess weight also increases the risk of gallbladder disease and places greater stress on the back, hips, and knees, which may aggravate arthritis.
