Health Problems Associated With Adult Obesity
Health Problems Associated With Adult ObesitySkip to the navigationTopic OverviewAdults with
obesity are more likely to have certain health
problems than adults who are not obese. These problems include the
following. Heart disease and cardiovascular problemsPeople who are obese have an increased risk of: DiabetesPeople who are obese are more likely to develop
insulin resistance, which can lead to
type 2 diabetes. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases as BMI increases. People
who have a large percentage of body fat in the abdominal area-a waist measurement greater than
40 in. (102 cm) in men and
greater than 35 in. (89 cm) in
women-are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, even if their BMIs are within
the normal range. CancerPeople who are obese are at greater risk for different types
of cancer, including: Digestive problemsPeople who are obese may have more digestive problems. - Obesity increases the chance of having
gallstones.
- Obesity is linked with liver problems such as an
enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), a fatty liver (steatosis), or
cirrhosis.
- Symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more common
in people who are obese than in people of normal weight.
Breathing problemsPeople who are obese may have difficulty breathing. - They are more likely to have
sleep apnea.
- Obesity is
linked with a higher prevalence of
asthma.
- People who are obese tend to take smaller or shallower breaths
(pickwickian syndrome). These small, gasping breaths may not get as much oxygen
into the blood as needed, leaving them always tired. Pickwickian syndrome can
eventually lead to heart problems.
ArthritisPeople who are obese have a greater risk for
arthritis. Extra weight puts more stress on the joints
than normal, especially in the legs and lower back. Sex hormone problemsObesity is linked with: Other problemsCreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator Current as ofOctober 13, 2016 Current as of:
October 13, 2016 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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