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Overweight
and Obesity
Health Consequences
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 pressure, hypertension
- 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 such as; gestational diabetes,
gestational hypertension and preeclampsia as well as complications in
operative delivery (i.e., c-sections).
- 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).
The Relation Between Body Mass Index and Selected Risk Factors,
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2001.
In 2001, the prevalence of obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30) was
20.9% and the prevalence of diabetes was 7.9%, an increase of 5.6% for
obesity and 8.2% for diabetes in one year.
Overweight and obesity were found to be significantly associated with:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Poor health status
Compared to adults with normal weight, adults with BMI greater than 40
were found more likely to be diagnosed for diabetes, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis, and fair or poor health.
Overall, the findings of this study indicate that as BMI increases,
risk for some diseases also increases. For more detailed information about
the relation between body mass index and selected risk factors please see
Mokdad AH, PhD; Earl Ford, MD; Barbara A. Bowman, PHD; et al.
Prevalence of Obesity, Diabetes, and Obesity Related Health Risk Factors,
2001. JAMA 2001:289;76-79
Reference
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.
Mokdad AH, PhD; Earl Ford, MD; Barbara A. Bowman, PHD; et al. Prevalence
of Obesity, Diabetes, and Obesity Related Health Risk Factors, 2001. JAMA
2001:289;76-79
Stunkard AJ, Wadden TA. (Editors) Obesity: theory and therapy, Second
Edition. New York: Raven Press, 1993.
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