The risks of excess weight

Aside from type 2 diabetes, the World Health Organization lists other weight-related health problems. These are elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular health problems (CHD); certain cancers, especially bowel and endometrial and breast cancers; gall bladder disease; respiratory problems; joint diseases like osteoarthritis; infertility in women; and depression. WHO earlier described obesity as an epidemic.

Elevated cholesterol and CHD are strongly linked to excess weight. Elevated cholesterol levels cause blockages in the arteries which increase CHD risks. High blood pressure, also associated with excess weight, requires the heart to work harder and this, in turn, increases the risk of a heart attack. Body weight and blood pressure are directly related – as body weight increases, so does blood pressure.

In people with hypertension, weight loss of five to 10 percent shows significant reduction in blood pressure. The International Obesity Task Force cited a clinical study involving 30,000 overweight people who used the weight loss drug Xenical (Orlistat).