Obesity currently affects roughly one-third of American adults and the incidence is increasing.
Obesity can seriously affect our health. Seriously overweight people have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, high blood cholesterol, and stroke. In men, obesity is linked to higher death rates from colorectal and prostate cancer. Obese women are more likely to die from cancers of the breast, cervix, endometrium, ovary, or gallbladder. The excess weight also affects quality of life, increasing risk for gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, gout, and sleep apnea.