Risks of Obesity

Obesity not simply affects appearance, but also has an effect on health. Results of obesity on health will depend on a number of factors, like old age, sex, where you carry your body fat, and how physically productive you are.

Where you carry fat

If fat accumulates for the most part around your own abdomen (often called apple-shaped), you are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis as compared to those who are lean or people with fat around the hips (often known as pear-shaped). Your own waistline size affects the risk of medical problems. 

Risk for diseases

If you are obese and also have unhealthy eating or activity habits, you have a greater risk with regard to gallstones, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, coronary artery disease (CAD), a stroke, and sleep apnea, between other conditions.

Children that are obese are in danger of many of the same long-term health problems.

When you have healthier habits or lose fat, the risk for these conditions is reduced