More than a quarter of a million adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity.

Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obese men are more likely than non-obese men to die from cancer of the colon, rectum, or prostate. Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include:

• Gallbladder disease and gallstones.
• Liver disease.
  
• Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate. This is possibly the result of excess weight on the joints.
  
• Gout, another disease affecting the joints.
  
• Pulmonary (breathing) problems, including sleep apnea in which a person can stop breathing for a short time during sleep.
  
• Reproductive problems in women, including menstrual irregularities and infertility.
  

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems.

Psychological heath problems, including depression, may also stem from obesity.

Obese people often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school, and in social situations -- leading to feelings of rejection, shame, or depression.

All information provided in this site is offered for educational purposes only, and it is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your own physician or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.