What are common health consequences of overweight and obesity?
Raised BMI is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as:
- cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), which were the leading
cause of death in 2008;
- diabetes;
- musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis - a highly disabling degenerative
disease of the joints);
- some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).
The risk for these noncommunicable diseases increases, with the increase in BMI.
Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death
and disability in adulthood. But in addition to increased future risks, obese children
experience breathing difficulties, increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early
markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and psychological effects.
Below is a list of risks involved in obesity.