Obesity

The term obesity is used to describe a condition of extreme weight gain and is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0

Being overweight and obese places you at increased risk for developing a number of serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease and stroke - The leading causes of death and disability for both men and women in the United States
  
  
• Diabetes - Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
  
  
• Cancer - Increased risk of cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, cervix, ovary, breast, and colon in women; increased risk of cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate in men
  
  
• Sleep apnea - Interrupted breathing during sleep
  
  
• Osteoarthritis - Wearing away of the joints, which often affects the knees, hips, and lower back
  
  
• Gallbladder disease - Risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones increases as weight increases