Obesity contributes and aggravates many of the major disease of affluent, western societies. Most
cases of diabetes are related to obesity, as are many cases of gallstones. Hyperlension and hyperlipidaemia
at'e commoner in the obese, which helps to explain why these people excessively prone to ischaer,ric
l-reaft disease and cerebrovascular disease. These diseases are the main reason for the shofter life expectancy
of the obese. A man who reaches his 50tr'birlhday carrying 25lb (11.3kg) of excess fat has 25 percent
less life ahead of him than if lie were slim. The obese are also more prone to develop cancer, especially
callcer of the breast, uterus and colon. Surgical operations are more difficult and hazardous, with
increased risk of venous thromboernbolisrn and respiratory infections. The locomotor system also
suffers, with increased osteoafthritis, especially of hips and knees. and gout. The obese move slowly
and clumsily and are accident-prone. Gross or morbid obesity hinders respiratory ntovements and can lead
to ventilator insufficiency. Finally, there are psychological problems. Fat people cannot dress srnarlly of
fashionably" They are often depressed by their deformity and are afraid to go out.
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