Overweight and obese individuals (BMI of 25 and above) are at increased risk for physical ailments such as (NIH pp.12-20; Stunkard p. 224)
High blood cholesterol, dyslipidemia
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance
Hyperinsulinemia
Coronary heart disease
Angina pectoris
Congestive heart failure
Stroke
Gallstones
Cholescystitis and cholelithiasis
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon)
Complications of pregnancy
Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities, infertility, irregular ovulation)
Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
Uric acid nephrolithiasis
Psychological disorders (such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self esteem).
Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.
Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese.
The most immediate consequence of overweight, as perceived by children themselves, is social discrimination.
Weight loss can result in lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and improved cholesterol levels.
A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above the healthy weight range* may benefit from weight loss, especially if he or she has other health risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and a personal and/or family history of heart disease.
Stunkard AJ, Wadden TA. (Editors) Obesity: theory and therapy, Second Edition. New York: Raven Press, 1993.
National Institutes of Health. Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Bethesda, Maryland: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1998.
Adapted from U.S. Surgeon General�s Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, 2001
