What are the health risks of obesity?

The number of people with obesity in the UK has more than trebled in the last 25 years. Doctors now say that the condition is reaching ‘epidemic’ proportions. Why are they so concerned?

What is obesity?


  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • Stress, anxiety and depression
  • Infertility
  • Some cancers (eg, breast and prostate cancers)