Glossary On Complications

Carrying a lot of weight has its own harmful effects in the long run. Where this excess fat is stored in your body is also equally important in determining your risk for developing complications.

People in whom the fat builds up mostly around the abdomen (apple-shaped obesity) are at greater risk of developing complications as compared to those in whom this fat accumulates around the hips (pear-shaped obesity).

Some of the potential complications of obesity include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Lipid abnormalities - high cholesterol and triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Depression
• Ischemic heart disease
• Osteoarthritis (especially of the knees)
• Infertility, irregular menses
• Sleep apnea
• Cancer, including cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, breast, colon, rectum and prostate
• Gallbladder disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Intertrigo - Soreness/irritation between two skin surfaces that are in contact such as under the breasts or between the thighs, etc.
• Impaired quality of life
• Sexual problems
• Social isolation, embarrassment