Osteoarthritis, a disease in which the joints deteriorate, possibly as a result of excess weight on the joints. Doctors generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to have health problems. Psychological and Social Effects One of the most painful aspects of obesity may be the emotional suffering it causes. American society places great emphasis on physical appearance, often equating attractiveness with slimness, especially in women. The messages, intended or not, make overweight people feel unattractive.
Many people assume that obese people are gluttonous, lazy, or both.
However, more and more evidence contradicts this assumption. Obese people often face prejudice or discrimination at work, at school, while looking for a job, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are common. Doctors generally agree that people who are 20 percent or more overweight, especially the severely obese person, can gain significant health benefits from weight loss. Many obesity experts believe that people who are less than 20 percent above their healthy weight should try to lose weight if they have any of the following risk factors.