You can reduce your risk of developing this type of diabetes by losing weight and by increasing your physical activity. If you have type 2 diabetes, losing weight and becoming more physically active can help control your blood sugar levels. If you use medicine to control your blood sugar, weight loss and physical activity may make it possible for your doctor to decrease the amount of medication you need. In women, these include cancer of the uterus , gallbladder, cervix , ovary , breast , and colon . Overweight men are at greater risk for developing cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate .
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that is closely associated with being overweight.
Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for short periods during sleep and to snore heavily. Sleep apnea may cause daytime sleepiness and even heart failure. The risk for sleep apnea increases with higher body weights. Weight loss usually improves sleep apnea. Weight loss can decrease stress on the knees, hips, and lower back and may improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.