Increasing incidence of obesity alarming – WHO

More than 700 million adults are now overweight (body mass index>25) and most suffer from weight-related conditions, according to a recent estimate by the World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity is rising to epidemic proportions, at an alarming rate in both developed and less developed countries.

One of the most common health problems associated with excess weight is type 2 diabetes. More than 90 percent of all people with type 2 diabetes worldwide are overweight. Excess weight is well recognized as the most important modifiable risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease - high cholesterol, high blood pressure, coronary health disease (CHD) and stroke, is also strongly linked to excess weight. The number of overweight people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is almost three times higher than the number of adults with a healthy weight. The risk of CHD doubles or triples in overweight people compared to people with a healthy weight.

Excess weight can also increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as certain cancers, gall bladder disease, respiratory disorders and joint disease.

A report by the International Obesity Task Force cited Xenical (Orlistat) as an effective drug that greatly reduces the health associated with excess weight. It assists in improving blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and allows them to reduce or discontinue their anti-diabetic medication, reduces total cholesterol levels more effectively than with diet alone, decreases blood pressure, for patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin and insulin.