Lung and breathing problems. Obesity can impede the muscles that inflate and ventilate the lungs. Obese individuals may have to work hard to get enough air and over time may not be able to take in the oxygen needed by all body cells. Obese individuals are at increased risk of developing gouty arthritis, a distressingly painful disorder. Excess weight stresses vulnerable joints, in particular the back and knee, which may develop osteoarthritis, a mechanical rather than metabolic problem.
Research indicates that obese people die sooner than their normal weight peers.
One important piece of good news Obese people do not seem to have any more psychological problems, or more serious psychological problems, than folks of normal weight. The problems they do have are more likely a consequence of prejudice and discrimination than a cause of overweight. In fact, several studies have suggested that the obese are significantly less anxious and depressed than normal-weight peers. If you are self-medicating with food, work with the therapist to come up with better ways of managing stress, painful emotions, and problems. Don't ever diet or restrict calories when you are legitimately hungry.