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Over one-third of Americans are overweight or
obese. Studies have shown that we gain more weight each year. If all Americans
were to achieve a normal weight, it has been estimated that there would be a
3-year increase in life expectancy.
Obese individual ages 20- 24
have a 3.8 times greater risk of developing Diabetes; 5.6 times greater risk of
developing high blood pressure and a 2.1 times greater risk of developing high
cholesterol. The obese also have an increased risk of certain cancers, including
colon, rectum, and prostate in men and uterus, biliary tract, breast, and ovary
in women.
Obesity is also associated with other medical
disorders including degenerative joint disease (arthritis), gallstones, reflux
esophagitis, blood clots, heart failure, heart disease, respiratory problems,
and skin disorders. There is also a greater incidence of surgical and obstetric
complications in obese people. Also, obese people are more prone to accidents.
It has also been shown that there is an increase in depression and social
discrimination.
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