Obesity
Health Risks Weight Problems Take a Hefty Toll on Body and Mind In the old spiritual, “Dem Bones,” each body part is linked to the next one in line: the thigh bone to the knee bone, the knee bone to the leg bone, and so on. But one body “part”-weight-is connected to virtually all of the others. A healthy weight sets the stage for bones, muscles, brain, heart, and others to play their parts smoothly and efficiently for many years. Excess weight, especially obesity, diminishes almost every aspect of health, from reproductive and respiratory function to memory and mood. Obesity increases the risk of several debilitating, and deadly diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It does this through a variety of pathways, some as straightforward as the mechanical stress of carrying extra pounds and some involving complex changes in hormones and metabolism. Obesity decreases the quality and length of life, and increases individual, national, and global healthcare costs...