Experts are still debating, however, about the degree to which overweight hurts healthy people with no risk factors for serious illnesses. Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Weight concentrated around the abdomen and in the upper part of the body poses a higher health risk than fat that settles in a pear-shape around the hips and flank. Fat cells in the upper part of the body appear to have different qualities from those found in the lower parts. High Blood Pressure .
Obesity is a major risk factor for hypertension.
Obesity may cause high blood pressure over time by altering the kidney's physical characteristics and function. Even modest weight loss is beneficial for reducing blood pressure. Cholesterol Levels . Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Type 2 . Almost 90 per cent of type 2 diabetics are obese.