More people are becoming obese, and some are morbidly obese. This list will discuss the serious ramifications of becoming obese and morbidly obese. Obesity Leads to Death Obesity causes 300,000 deaths a year. Being obese is classified as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. People who are obese have a 50-100% chance of having a premature death. Diseases Hypertension or high blood pressure is twice as likely if you're obese. There's also an increased risk of many different types of cancers, including colon, prostate and kidney cancer. Other Illnesses Obesity can lead to gout, depression, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, gallbladder disease and osteoarthritis in the knees. It can cause high cholesterol (over 50% of obese people are more likely to have it), as well as heart disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Psychological Disorders Obesity can contribute to psychological disorders, such as low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, depression, eating disorders and distorted body image. It can also cause migraines and dementia. Urological, Nephrological and Fertility Problems Obesity can cause urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, chronic renal failure and hypogonadism, which is a decrease in function of the gonads, or testes in males; gonads produce hormones, sperm and gametes. It can cause infertility in both obese men and women.
