2. What are the dangers of obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and other mammals, is increased to a point where it is associated with certain health conditions or increased mortality.

In the contemporary culture, the obese body shape is widely regarded as unattractive. Many negative stereotypes are commonly associated with obese people, such as the belief that they are lazy, stupid, or even evil, gluttony being the second of theseven deadly sins. Some of the social problems caused by obesity, are namely that obese teenagers may face a heavy social stigma. Obese children are frequently the targets of bullies and are often shunned by their peers. Obesity in adulthood can also lead to a slower rate of career advancement.

Obesity, especially central obesity, is an important risk factor for the "metabolic syndrome", the clustering of a number of diseases and risk factors that heavily predispose for cardiovascular disease. These are diabetes 2, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and triglycefride levels. An inflammatory state is present, which — together with the above — has been implicated in the high prevalence of atherosclerosis and a prothrombotic state may further worsen cardiovascular risk.

Some statistics of the danger of obesity include, an estimated 300,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity and 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. In short, people who are obese are more prone to most cancers and diseases, usually concerning the heart, because they are more vulnerable.

However, obesity does not only affect the person in terms of health, but also socially. An obese person will have a lower self-esteem, as they feel somewhat "uglier" and inferior compared to the thinner people. Emotional suffering can also play a huge part in obese people, as they crave to "belong" since the media and the American society often emphasizes physical appearance and often equate attractiveness with slimness, more so for women, which in turn leads to an increased cases of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.


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