Obesity is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States – studies have shown that between 30 and 35 percent of American adults are obese. It is also the second leading cause of preventable death.
As a result of obesity-related diseases, life expectancy is shortened for even a moderately obese person. And a clinically severe obese man can expect to reduce his life span by approximately 12 years compared to a person of healthy weight.
Obesity and Health Problems
People who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for:
- heart disease and stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- bone and joint disease
- certain types of cancer (breast, colon, uterine)
People with clinically severe obesity have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 40, or a BMI of 35 or greater and any of these medical problems:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- coronary artery disease
- high levels of fats in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
- breathing difficulties during sleep (apnea and hypoventilation)
- osteoarthritis
To calculate your BMI, use our BMI calculator.
