Obesity is the major cause for many health hazards. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Approximately 280,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are related to obesity. 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. Childhood Obesity is also highly prevalent in the United States.

Premature Death

• An estimated 300,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity.
  
• The risk of death rises with increasing weight.
  
• Even moderate weight excess (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults aged 30 to 64 years.
  
• Individuals who are obese (BMI > 30) have a 50 to 100% increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.

Heart Disease & Stroke

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. , and stroke is the third leading cause.
  
• Heart disease means that the heart and circulation (blood flow) are not functioning normally. If you have heart disease, you may suffer from a heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina (chest pain), or abnormal heart rhythm.
  
• During a stroke, blood and oxygen do not flow normally to the brain, possibly causing paralysis or death.
  
• Avoid taking it late in the day as it may cause sleeplessness.
  
• A weight gain of 20 pounds doubles your risk of heart disease.