Vegetarian Diet Info
Obesity & Overweight Health Risks
Information on Obesity Health Risks, Overweight, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Vegetarians and Vegans

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Overweight & Obesity - Obesity & Vegetarian Diet - Body Mass Index - Healthy Weight - Body Fat Percentage
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Health Risks of Obesity

Overweight and Obesity - Health Consequences

Obesity is a serious disease carrying serious health risks.

• According to the US Surgeon General, an estimated 300,000 US deaths per year may be attributable to obesity.
• Individuals who are obese (BMI > 30) have a 50 to 100% increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.

Obesity Health Risks - Heart Disease

• The incidence of heart disease is increased in persons who are overweight (BMI > 25).
• Hypertension (raised blood pressure) is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those of healthy weight.
• Obesity is associated with raised fat levels in the blood and decreased HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol").

Obesity Health Risks - Diabetes

A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese.

Obesity Health Risks - Cancer

Overweight and obesity are linked with an increased risk for some types of cancer including colon, gall bladder, prostate, and postmenopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.

Obesity Health Risks - Arthritis

• For every 2-pound increase in weight, the risk of arthritis increases by 9-13 percent.
• Symptoms of arthritis can improve with weight loss.

Obesity Health Risks - Complications of Pregnancy

• Obesity during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of death in both the baby and the mother and increases the risk of maternal high blood pressure by 10 times.
• Infants born to women who are obese during pregnancy are more likely to be high birthweight and, therefore, may face a higher rate of Cesarean section delivery and low blood sugar (which can be associated with brain damage and seizures).
• Obesity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of birth defects, particularly neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Obesity Health Risks - Additional Health Consequences

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risks of gall bladder disease, incontinence, increased surgical risk, and depression.

Obesity Health Risks - Children & Adolescents

• Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight children and adolescents compared to those with a healthy weight.
• Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.
• Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more parent is overweight or obese.
• The most immediate consequence of overweight, as perceived by children themselves, is social discrimination.

Source: US Surgeon General (2002)

UK Obesity Research - Calories Reduced, Exercise Reduced, Weight Increased

According to UK obesity studies, major weight gain tends not to occur over the short-term, and an energy imbalance of only 1–2% per day can lead to the trend towards overweight and obesity seen in the UK over the years. Daily energy consumption has decreased by approximately 20% since 1970, but obesity has increased over this period of time.. The number of hours spent watching TV has increased since the 1960s and a more automated lifestyle (domestic appliances, use of a motor car) eliminates the amount of physical activity incorporated into daily life. The population is more sedentary with the result that the amount of energy expended has reduced. The prevalence of obesity is increasing, despite decreasing energy intake.

Sources include: International Obesity Task Force and Obesity, Weight Loss & Diet

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Vegetarian Diet Information

Vegetarianism is a healthy option and vegetarian diets can be perfectly healthy eating plans but care should be taken to ensure optimum nutrition. So, whether following an ovo-lacto or other type of vegetarian food plan, or vegan diet, for a healthy body and weight make it a balanced eating plan and take regular exercise. Always consult a doctor before beginning a weight loss diet or new fitness routine.
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