Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What are the health consequences of obesity?

Carrying extra weight has a range of consequences on the body. Not only can it increase levels of inflammation in the body and affect the body's metabolic processes, it also places extra load and stress on important structures such as the joints, airways and bladder. Generally speaking, the more weight a person carries, the higher the risk of serious health conditions, including: cardiovascular disease that can lead to heart attack and stroke; high blood pressure (hypertension); type 2 diabetes; a range of cancers including bowel, breast, ovarian, endometrial, esophageal, gall bladder, pancreatic and kidney cancer; asthma; obstructive sleep apnea; osteoarthritis, spinal problems and lower back pain; gout; kidney disease; heartburn; stress urinary incontinence and fertility problems in women; gall bladder, liver and pancreatic disease, and; mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Carrying very large amounts of extra weight can also make it more difficult for doctors to treat a wide range of other health problems. For example, surgery can be more complicated and it can take longer to recover from it.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is obesity?

Obesity is having a body weight that is greater than that considered healthy for your height. The main contributor to an increase in body weight is excess fat, which can have a range of serious consequences for your health.

What is the difference between being overweight and obese?

The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are used to classify the weight of adults into healthy, overweight and obese. The BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters), squared. For a healthy …

What is the body mass index?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to classify weight in adults into healthy, overweight and obese. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in meters), squared.

Is the body mass index (BMI) completely accurate?

No, the BMI is a only an approximate guide and it is not equally accurate for everyone. One reason for this is that people with the same weight can carry different amounts of fat compared to their lean body mass (bone and muscle). BMI can …

What causes obesity?

Weight gain that can lead to obesity is caused by consuming more energy through food and drink than your body can use. Some medical conditions and medications can contribute to weight gain.

What medications can cause obesity?

Some medications have been shown to increase weight gain. They include: medications for bipolar disorder (including lithium, clozapine and olanzapine); medications for type 2 diabetes (sulphonylureas such as chlorpropamide and thiazolidenes such as …

Why does obesity cause health problems?

Carrying extra weight has a range of consequences on the body. Not only can it increase levels of inflammation in the body and affect the body's metabolic processes, it also places extra load and stress on important structures such as the joints, …

How can I lose weight?

Losing weight can be challenging, and it's important to have realistic expectations about how fast you can lose weight and how much weight you plan to lose. Your doctor and other health professionals can provide guidance and support towards achieving a healthy …

Can obesity be prevented?

It is easier to prevent weight gain than to try and lose it. The same lifestyle changes that can help to lose weight can also help to prevent weight gain. Recommended approaches to prevent weight gain include reducing energy intake via a healthy eating plan, and …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Childhood immunizations

Childhood immunisations help protect infants and children against a variety of diseases, without them being exposed to the actual diseases. Immunisations include tetanus, polio, measles and chicken pox vaccines. They also help protect friends and family by reducing the rates of these conditions.…
Diseases & conditions

Healthy eating

Healthy eating is about consuming a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods and even the occasional indulgent food. When this is combined with adequate exercise, it can help to manage your weight, reduce your risk of many health conditions and improve your overall quality of life.…
Diseases & conditions

Dyslipidemia (high blood fats)

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of the amount of fats or lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, detected in the blood. It is also known as high cholesterol, hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia.…
Diseases & conditions

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a long-term condition in women causing an imbalance in sex hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, acne, and increase in facial or body hair, which can all affect self-esteem. There are a range of treatments available to help manage the condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Food and interference with medications

The types of food and drink you consume and the times at which you consume them can interfere with your medication use and have unintended consequences. It is essential to read the label and consult with your doctor or pharmacist on safety of the use of medication.…
Diseases & conditions

Diet for hair, skin and nails

With a healthy, balanced diet, you can improve the health of your hair, skin and nails. Your skin is a particularly important barrier against infection, mechanical damage and ultraviolet radiation.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 13 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1226 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Childhood immunizations

×

Content goes in here.