Diseases, The Endocrine System
Health Consequences of Obesity
Once we are aware of the damage obesity produces in our bodies, we should feel motivated to take action and make changes in our nutrition and lifestyle.
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF OBESITY
“Obesity is associated with increased overall mortality and is a significant risk factor for developing numerous comorbidities. 31,169–172
Obesity is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, numerous cancers, asthma, chronic back pain, sleep apnea, gout, osteoarthritis, pulmonary embolism, breathing problems, gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, menstrual irregularities, stress incontinence, and psychological disorders. 2,33,173–175
There is a positive trend associated with weight gain and disease risk, with even small weight gains of 10–12 pounds associated with increased risk. 33
Certain comorbidities have a higher prevalence among different racial groups; however, the increased risks associated with being obese appear to be consistent globally.”This quote was taken from Epidemiology of Adult Obesity Ch 36.5
R. Sue Day, MS, PhD, Nattinee Jitnarin, PhD, Michelle L. Vidoni, MPH, PhD,
Christopher M. Kaipust, MPH, and Austin L. Brown, MPH, PhD
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF OBESITY
“Obesity is associated with increased overall mortality and is a significant risk factor for developing numerous comorbidities. 31,169–172
Obesity is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, numerous cancers, asthma, chronic back pain, sleep apnea, gout, osteoarthritis, pulmonary embolism, breathing problems, gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, menstrual irregularities, stress incontinence, and psychological disorders. 2,33,173–175
There is a positive trend associated with weight gain and disease risk, with even small weight gains of 10–12 pounds associated with increased risk. 33
Certain comorbidities have a higher prevalence among different racial groups; however, the increased risks associated with being obese appear to be consistent globally.”This quote was taken from Epidemiology of Adult Obesity Ch 36.5
R. Sue Day, MS, PhD, Nattinee Jitnarin, PhD, Michelle L. Vidoni, MPH, PhD,
Christopher M. Kaipust, MPH, and Austin L. Brown, MPH, PhD
Expanded Comorbidities of Obesity
(Supplements Day et al., Ch. 36.5)
(Supplements Day et al., Ch. 36.5)
|
Comorbidity
|
Evidence & Citation
|
|---|---|
|
Type 2 Diabetes
|
3–7× higher risk; 80–85% of T2D attributable to obesity. (Abdullah et al., 2020; The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology) DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(20)30020-8
|
|
Cardiovascular Disease
|
↑ risk of MI, stroke, heart failure; BMI >30 → 2–3× risk. (Khan et al., 2022; European Heart Journal) DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac217
|
|
13+ Cancers
|
Breast, colon, endometrial, liver, pancreatic, kidney, etc. *(Lauby-Secretan et al., 2016; NEJM) + (Sung et al., 2021; Nature Reviews Cancer) DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00386-8
|
|
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH)
|
70–90% prevalence in obesity; leads to cirrhosis. (Younossi et al., 2019; Hepatology) DOI: 10.1002/hep.30870
|
|
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
|
BMI >35 → 2.5× risk of CKD progression. (Garofalo et al., 2019; Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation) DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfz259
|
|
Osteoarthritis
|
4–5× risk in weight-bearing joints (knee, hip). (Reyes et al., 2016; Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases) DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208974
|
|
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
|
70% of OSA patients are obese; AHI ↑ with BMI. *(Romero-Corral et al., 2010; Chest) + (Jehan et al., 2022; Sleep Medicine Reviews) DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101559
|
|
Depression & Anxiety
|
Bidirectional: obesity ↑ 55% risk of depression; depression ↑ obesity risk. *(Luppino et al., 2010; Archives of General Psychiatry) + (Fulton et al., 2022; Molecular Psychiatry) DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01531-6
|
|
Infertility (Male & Female)
|
↓ ovulation, ↓ sperm quality; PCOS in 70% of obese women. (Best et al., 2021; Human Reproduction Update) DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab012
|
|
Alzheimer’s & Cognitive Decline
|
Obesity in midlife → 2× risk of dementia. *(Whitmer et al., 2008; Neurology) + (Singh-Manoux et al., 2023; Alzheimer’s & Dementia) DOI: 10.1002/alz.13045
|
|
Gout
|
Hyperuricemia ↑ with visceral fat; 3× risk. (Choi et al., 2019; Arthritis & Rheumatology) DOI: 10.1002/art.41039
|
|
Gallbladder Disease
|
3–7× risk of gallstones. (Stampfer et al., 1992; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) – confirmed in meta-analyses
|
|
COVID-19 Severity
|
Obesity → 2–3× risk of hospitalization, ventilation, death. (Popkin et al., 2020; Nature Reviews Endocrinology) DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00421-7
|
|
Reduced Life Expectancy
|
BMI 30–35 → 2–4 years lost; BMI >40 → 8–10 years lost. (Global BMI Mortality Collaboration, 2016; The Lancet) DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30175-1
|
Key Summary
Obesity is a systemic inflammatory state that accelerates nearly every major chronic disease.
Even modest weight gain (10–20 lbs) increases risk—not just extreme obesity.
The effect is global and consistent across ethnicities, though prevalence varies (Day et al., n.d.; Afshin et al., 2017).
Even modest weight gain (10–20 lbs) increases risk—not just extreme obesity.
The effect is global and consistent across ethnicities, though prevalence varies (Day et al., n.d.; Afshin et al., 2017).
References
- Abdullah, A., et al. (2020). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
- Afshin, A., et al. (2017). Health effects of overweight and obesity in 195 countries. NEJM, 377(1), 13–27.
- Day, R. S., et al. (n.d.). Epidemiology of adult obesity (Ch. 36.5). In Handbook of Obesity (6th ed.). CRC Press.
- Global BMI Mortality Collaboration. (2016). The Lancet.
- Popkin, B. M., et al. (2020). Nature Reviews Endocrinology.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you found the post helpful. If you'd like to discuss how I can assist, let's schedule a brief call.
The call will be a friendly 15-30-minute chat to explore possibilities.
Choose between: Functional Nutrition, Lifestyle and Wellness, Dream Building & Life Transformation Coaching, and Business Consulting
Book a Free 30-Minute Zoom Call
Limited spots available this week — secure yours now.