These run the gamut and may include menstrual irregularities, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, gallbladder disease, degenerative arthritis, pulmonary hypoventilation syndrome, venous stasis ulcers, sleep apnea, excessive snoring, arterial sclerosis, and coronary artery disease. There is also an increased risk of complications during surgery, an increased incidence of ovarian, cervical, uterine, breast, prostate, gallbladder and other cancers, and proneness to experiencing accidents.

Social implications are wide ranging and include the inability to buy regular clothes off the rack, inhibited movement (which can negatively affect one’s hygiene), minimized access to seating, beds and passageways, limited mobility—specifically, walking and climbing—and sexual dysfunction or related difficulties.

The cost of obesity and associated problems is staggering, totaling more than $100 billion annually in the U.S. Many costs can be attributed to fad dieting, medical complications arising from obesity, higher health insurance premiums, lost wages, and the need for special clothing or devices—canes, wheelchairs, etc.—required to compensate for limitations.

Acute and often life-threatening, psychiatric complications range from social withdrawal, depression, guilt, and neurotic disorders. Other emotional challenges include low self-esteem, self-loathing, feelings of hopelessness, and a greater risk/higher incidence of suicide.