Obesity is a disease, but it also poses a threat as a common risk factor for various adult diseases. Compared to non-obese people, obese people have a 4-fold higher incidence rate of high blood pressure, 8-fold for diabetes, 10-fold for hyperlipidemia, and 2.5-fold for fatty liver. When the body adds excess fat, physical changes and vascular system abnormalities occur, such as an increase of fat in blood. Increased body weight puts strain on the body's joints, especially the knees, so there is a high chance of degenerative arthritis. Cholelithiasis, amenorrhea, and infertility are also associated with obesity.

Obesity-associated Diseases:  

1. Diabetes
2. Hyperlipidemia
3. Blood circulation diseases like arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and palsy
4. Skin disease
5. Joint problems, back, knee, and ankle pain
6. Liver disease
7. Cholelithiasis
8. Menstrual abnormalities
9. Female infertility
10. Breast cancer - autodiagnosis
11. Endometrium cancer
12. Mental stress

Side Effects of Obesity.  http://www.ecureme.com/especial/obgyn/Side_Effects_of_Obesity.asp (9 March, 2006)