That extra weight increases our risk for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, gallstones, arthritis, and certain types of cancer. After smoking, obesity-related medical problems are the second leading cause of death. Americans are generally aware of the importance of losing extra weight. At any given time, about one-quarter of men and nearly half of all women are trying to lose weight. Yet the incidence of obesity continues to increase.
Most people are obese because they eat too much and exercise too little.
The extra calories are stored as fat, causing weight gain. Weight loss is achieved by eating less and exercising more. Even once the pounds come off, a healthy diet and regular physical activity are needed to prevent regaining weight. But diet drugs aren't always a good answer. The popular diet drug, phen-fen, was pulled from the market after doctors reported several cases of heart valve problems in patients using the medication.