The Health Risks of Being Overweight

Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?

• Body Mass Index Table

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke

• Metabolic Syndrome

• Cancer

• Sleep Apnea

• Osteoarthritis

• Gallbladder Disease

• Fatty Liver Disease

• Pregnancy Complications

• How can I lower my health risks?

How can I lower my health risks?

If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight may lower your risk for several diseases, including coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. If you weigh 200 pounds, this means losing 10 pounds. Slow and steady weight loss of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week, and not more than 3 pounds per week, is the safest way to lose weight.

To lose weight, or to maintain weight loss, you will likely need to do more than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.