Health Problems Associated With Adult Obesity
Topic Overview
Adults with
obesity are more likely to have certain health
problems than adults who are not obese. These problems include the
following.
Heart disease and cardiovascular problems
People who are obese have an increased risk of:
Diabetes
People who are obese are more likely to develop
insulin resistance, which can lead to
type 2 diabetes.
The risk of type 2 diabetes increases as BMI increases. People
who have a large percentage of body fat in the abdominal area—greater than
40 in. (102 cm) in men and
greater than 35 in. (89 cm) in
women—are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, even if their BMIs are within
the normal range.
Cancer
People who are obese are at greater risk for different types
of cancer, including:1
Digestive problems
People who are obese may have more digestive problems.2
- Obesity increases the chance of having
gallstones.
- Obesity is linked with liver problems such as an
enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), a fatty liver (steatosis), or
cirrhosis.
- Symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more common
in people who are obese than in people of normal weight.
Breathing problems
People who are obese may have difficulty breathing.
- They are more likely to have
sleep apnea.
- Obesity is
linked with a higher prevalence of
asthma.
- People who are obese tend to take smaller or shallower breaths
(pickwickian syndrome). These small, gasping breaths may not get as much oxygen
into the blood as needed, leaving them always tired. Pickwickian syndrome can
eventually lead to heart problems.
Arthritis
People who are obese have a greater risk of developing
arthritis. Extra weight puts more stress on the joints
than normal, especially in the legs and lower back.
Sex hormone problems
Obesity is linked with:
Other problems
References
Citations
- American Cancer Society (2010). Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Facts and Figures 2010. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. Available online: http://ww2.cancer.org/downloads/STT/Cancer_Prev_and_Early_Dect_2010.pdf.
- American Gastroenterological Association (2002, reapproved 2008). AGA
technical review on obesity. Gastroenterology, 123(3):
882–932. [Erratum in Gastroenterology, 123(5):
1752.]
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
|---|
| Last Revised | April 13, 2011 |
|---|
Last Revised:
April 13, 2011
American Cancer Society (2010). Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Facts and Figures 2010. Atlanta: American Cancer Society. Available online: http://ww2.cancer.org/downloads/STT/Cancer_Prev_and_Early_Dect_2010.pdf.
American Gastroenterological Association (2002, reapproved 2008). AGA
technical review on obesity. Gastroenterology, 123(3):
882–932. [Erratum in Gastroenterology, 123(5):
1752.]
