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Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Body mass index is easily calculated from your weight and height (see body mass index calculator). What does BMI mean?

• Generally, a BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered healthy.



• A BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight.



• A BMI of 30 to 40 is considered obese.



• A BMI of 40 and over is considered morbidly (severely) obese.

The health problems associated with obesity may contribute to poor quality of life, disability, even premature death. Your body mass index is a good predictor of whether you will develop obesity-related health problems, such as the following:

• Heart disease



• Diabetes



• High blood pressure



• Stroke



• Osteoarthritis



• Gallstones



• Lung disease and sleep apnea



• Breast cancer



• Colon (large bowel) cancer



• Endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer



• Esophageal (throat) cancer



• Renal (kidney) cancer



• Depression