Obesity - Complications

Carrying a lot of weight has its own harmful effects in the long run. People in whom the fat builds up mostly around the abdomen (apple-shaped obesity) are at greater risk of developing complications as compared to those in whom the fat accumulates around the hips (pear-shaped obesity).

Some of the potential complications of obesity include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Lipid abnormalities - high cholesterol and triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Depression
• Heart diseases
• Osteoarthritis (especially of the knees)
• Infertility, irregular menses
• Sleep apnea
• Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate
• Gallbladder disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Intertrigo - Soreness/irritation between two skin surfaces that are in contact such as under the breasts or between the thighs
• Impaired quality of life
• Sexual problem
• Social isolation and embarrassment.