A high BMI is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as:

Elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke, where a blood vessel ruptures or a blood clot blocks an artery to the brain. Obese people have a 40 per cent higher risk of dying of heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes:

People with too much body fat often become resistant to insulin, which helps the body store glucose.

The disease can cause blindness, kidney and nerve damage.

Obese people have an up to 120 per cent higher risk of dying of diabetes or kidney failure.

Some Cancers, including those of the breast, and colon and uterus lining.

Obese people have a 10 per cent more risk of suffering from a fatal cancer, and 20 per cent more risk of failed lungs.

Gynaecological problems such as infertility.

Musculoskeletal disorders, especially osteoarthritis:

The excess weight strains the spine, hip and knee joints, causing the cushioning cartilage to be worn down and making movement painful.

Sleep apnoea, a disorder where breathing stops during sleep, and respiratory problems.

Premature death and disability, especially in those who were obese as children.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.