ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews basic information on some of the health hazards and comorbidities associated with obesity. Many of the morbidities associated with obesity are mediated through a low-grade “metabolic inflammation,” including the development of insulin resistance. Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the definition of which includes coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. There has been a steady increase in the incidence of chronic renal disease that appears to parallel the increase in the rates of obesity, overweight, obese, and body mass index. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between obesity and the risk of developing or dying from cancer. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem that leads to decreased mobility, lost productivity, chronic pain, and disability. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk of OA, especially in the knee and hip.
