WHY IS OBESITY HARMFUL TO HEALTH?

Obesity is linked with a number of health risks such as high blood pressure, abnormal blood cholesterol levels and diabetes. If your BMI is in the overweight range (25 - 30 kg/M2) your risk of dying prematurely is 1.5 times that of someone in the healthy weight range for their height.

If your BMI is in the obese range (30 to 40 kg/M2) your risk of dying prematurely is double that of someone in the healthy weight range for their height.

Severe obesity (BMI>40 kg/M2) is linked with up to a 12 fold increase in mortality among young adults compared to those who are in the healthy weight range for their height.

Health Problems Linked With Overweight And Obesity:

• High blood pressure
• Hyperlipidaemia (high blood cholesterol/fats)
• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Infertility
• Pregnancy complications
• Varicose veins
• Haemorrhoids
• Shortness of breath
• Sleep apnoea
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Gall stones
• Constipation
• Diverticular disease
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Reduced immunity
• Back Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Period problems
• Eating disorders
• Some cancers
• Anxiety
• Depression