What are my risks?
Obesity contributes to serious diseases that can cause death, also known as co-morbidities. These include:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
Obesity is also linked to cancer. Obese men are more likely than non-obese men to die from cancer of the colon, rectum or prostate, while obese women are more likely to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix or ovaries. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Other health risks linked to obesity include:
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Liver disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Reproductive problems in women, especially infertility
- Depression
