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Health Effects of Obesity

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Obesity

According to the 2003-2004 National Center for Health Statistics survey, almost one-third of American adults are considered obese. If the patterns of the past 20 years continue, that percentage will continue to grow. Obesity is a difficult condition to deal with, but it can be curbed or even prevented with lifestyle changes, especially where diet and physical activity are concerned. The Internet has many resources to help you research, understand, and eventually prevent or control obesity. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.

What Is Obesity?

Any amount of extra fat that your body has to carry can be harmful to your health, but your health ... read more »

Obesity Causes and Diagnosis

Obesity can be caused by a number of environmental and physical factors, but diagnosing obesity is ... read more »

Health Effects of Obesity

Some health conditions that can result from obesity are more apparent than others, and those who are obese can be at greater risk for certain ailments due to family history. Other conditions that result from obesity (like depression, in some cases) may not be so apparent. Many of the following sites can help you determine how obesity can affect your health.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • Many of the conditions listed below can occur in adults who are not obese, and people who are obese will not necessarily suffer from these conditions. Talk to your doctor to determine your risk for health complications.
  • Often, losing even a little weight can help reduce your risk for health complications. But, as with any lifestyle change, check with your physician before starting any new exercise or diet regimen, especially if you are not currently active or if you already have a health condition such as diabetes.

Dulcinea's Picks

Weight-control Information Network (WIN) provides this "Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?" page that contains information about some common risks associated with overweight and obesity. For each risk, WIN provides answers to these three questions: "What is it?" "How is it linked to overweight?" and "What can weight loss do?" Some risks include Type 2 diabetes, cancer and sleep apnea, to name a few. 
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NAASO , The Obesity Society, provides information about the impact of obesity on your health. Use the pull-down menu titled "information" and click on "fact sheets" to find out more information about how your health is affected by obesity. This site has information about the links between obesity and cancer, obesity and diabetes, and more.
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Mayo Clinic gives concise explanations of potential complications associated with obesity. Here you'll read about sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, stroke, and other dangerous conditions that can result from being obese.
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Preventing and Treating Obesity

For some, preventing or treating obesity will be more difficult than for others. But no matter who ... read more »

Obesity News and Research

If you still want to find more information about obesity in any facet, you'll find almost ... read more »

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