Does being overweight lead to any medical risks?

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Yes being overweight can increase your risk of developing several chronic health conditions. Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and colorectal cancer, prostate cancer in men, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer in women, arthritis, low back pain, knee injuries, and lower life expectancy. If you’re concerned about your current weight and health, consult your physician or primary medical care provider about starting a diet and exercise program to lose weight and improve your health.

Continue Learning about Obesity

Gaining Weight for No Reason? Check This Out

You're eating right and working out, yet your pants keep getting tighter. What's the deal? Could be your thyroid. A sluggish thyroid -- even one that...

Keith Kreitz, MD

A healthy body mass index (BMI) risk category is 18.5 to 24.9. When people get to a BMI of 25 to 29....

MountainView Hospital

Hypothyroidism can contribute to morbid obesity but is not the sole cause. Even with treatment for h...

How Can Weight Management Impact Overall Health?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Obesity

If you have too much body fat, you are obese, just like over 70 million other Americans. It happens because you eat more calories than you use, and your body converts the excess to fat. There are lots of reasons that this can happen. Our lifestyle may lack exercise, we are given portions that are too big and too caloric when we eat, and some of us are just more efficient genetically at converting food into fat.

Learn More