Diseases can you get being overweight

Common specific causes of obesity include:. Certain health conditions can also lead to weight gain, which may lead to obesity. These include:. Your environment at home, at school, and in your community can all influence how and what you eat, and how active you are. Depression can sometimes lead to weight gain, as some people may turn to food for emotional comfort.

Certain antidepressants can also increase the risk of weight gain. Quitting smoking is always a good thing, but quitting may lead to weight gain too. In some people, it may lead to excessive weight gain. Medications, such as steroids or birth control pills , can also raise your risk for weight gain.

Other more accurate measures of body fat and body fat distribution include:. Your doctor may also order certain tests to help diagnose obesity-related health risks. These may include:. A measurement of the fat around your waist is also a good predictor of your risk for obesity-related diseases. Having a high ratio of body fat to muscle puts strain on your bones as well as your internal organs.

It also increases inflammation in the body, which is thought to be a risk factor for cancer. Obesity is also a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications , some of which can be life threatening if not treated:. If you have obesity and been unable to lose weight on your own, medical help is available. Start with your primary care physician , who may be able to refer you to a weight specialist in your area. Your doctor may also want to work with you as part of a team helping you lose weight.

That team might include a dietitian , therapist , or other healthcare staff. Your doctor will work with you on making needed lifestyle changes. Sometimes, they may recommend medications or weight loss surgery as well. Learn more about treatment for obesity. Your healthcare team can educate you on food choices and help develop a healthy eating plan that works for you. A structured exercise program and increased daily activity — up to minutes a week — will help build up your strength, endurance , and metabolism.

Counseling or support groups may also identify unhealthy triggers and help you cope with any anxiety, depression, or emotional eating issues.

Your doctor may also prescribe certain prescription weight loss medications in addition to eating and exercise plans. Prescription weight loss medications either prevent the absorption of fat or suppress appetite.

These drugs can have unpleasant side effects. Sleep apnea can leave people feeling tired and affect their ability to concentrate and learn.

It also may lead to heart problems. High blood pressure. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder. If the problem continues for a long time, high blood pressure can damage the heart and arteries. High cholesterol. Abnormal blood lipid levels, including high cholesterol, low HDL "good" cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels, increase the chances of having a heart attack or stroke when a person gets older.

A buildup of bile that hardens in the gallbladder forms gallstones. These can be painful and require surgery. Fatty liver. If fat builds up in the liver, it can cause inflammation , scarring, and permanent liver damage. Joint and muscle pain. Wear and tear on the joints from carrying extra weight may lead to arthritis in adulthood. Slipped capital femoral epiphyses SCFE. SCFE is a painful hip problem that requires immediate attention and surgery to prevent further damage to the joint.

Pseudotumor cerebri. This is a rare cause of severe headaches in obese teens and adults. There is no tumor, but pressure builds in the brain. Besides headaches, symptoms may include vomiting, double vision, and other vision problems. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. Although it's normal for girls to have some testosterone the male hormone , girls with PCOS have higher testosterone levels in the blood. They also may have irregular periods , too much hair growth, and bad acne.

Insulin resistance and diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose a type of sugar in the blood. When there is too must body fat, insulin is less effective at getting glucose, the body's main source of energy, into cells. This infographic explains the long-term effects of…. Even though poor diet and inactivity can lead to obesity, it's not always that simple. Here are 9 reasons why obesity is not just an individual choice. Experts say a nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Asian-Americans have higher rates of…. Experts say you can reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet by cooking meals from scratch and sticking to a prewritten shopping list. Learn what the term "skinny fat" means, what causes it, what its health consequences are, and the risks it may introduce.

Having gastric bypass surgery requires following some important gastric bypass diet guidelines. Discover them here along with tips for being more…. Stomach stapling is one of the oldest types of bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery…. Obesity can raise your risk for serious diseases like diabetes. Learn about childhood obesity, risk factors, classes, and more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Common Health Conditions Related to Obesity. Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M. Type 2 diabetes Heart disease Stroke Sleep apnea High blood pressure Liver disease Gallbladder disease Certain cancers Pregnancy complications Depression Lower your risk Takeaway Overview Obesity is a condition in which a person has a harmful amount of body fat or an unhealthy distribution of body fat. Type 2 diabetes. Heart disease.

Sleep apnea. High blood pressure. Liver disease. Gallbladder disease. Certain cancers. Pregnancy complications. How to lower your risk. Read this next. How Does Obesity Affect the Body? Americans Are Eating More Ultra-Processed Foods: How to Cut Down on Them Experts say you can reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in your diet by cooking meals from scratch and sticking to a prewritten shopping list.

Your Guide to the Gastric Bypass Diet. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.