Overweight men have an increased risk of colorectal and prostate cancers. Severely obese patients may also have an increased risk of kidney, pancreatic and stomach cancer. Other illnesses A wide variety of other conditions are exacerbated by overweight and obesity. Obesity is a major cause of infertility. It contributes to osteoarthritis and joint problems and causes breathlessness and respiratory difficulties which limit the individual's capacity for manual work.
Obesity is linked to higher than average rates of depression and greater mental illness.
Costs of Obesity Obesity is expensive. There is a lack of data in the UK about the burden of obesity on the NHS and society in general but studies in other parts of Europe would suggest that the direct health care costs in the UK exceed 195 million. Obesity places an enormous financial burden on the individual through lost earnings and increased insurance premiums. Additionally, obese people often spend large amounts in attempts to lose weight. The annual value of the market for slimming-related products is estimated to be 2 billion.