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Obesity is a preventable risk factor for other diseases and conditions, and is not a disease itself.

Like smoking is a preventable risk factor for lung cancer and drinking is a preventable risk factor for alcoholism, obesity is a preventable risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancers (like endometrial, breast, and colon), high cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, liver and gallbladder disease, incontinence, increased surgical risk, sleep apnea, respiratory problems (like asthma), osteoarthritis, infertility and other reproductive complications, complications during pregnancy and birth defects, and mental health conditions. [42][36] Women who gain 20 pounds or more between age 20 and midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. [36] For every 2 pound weight increase, the risk of developing arthritis rises 9-13%. [36] Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence from doctors suggest that obesity is the second most significant risk factor for COVID-19 (coronavirus) after older age. Young adults who are obese and contract COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized, even if otherwise healthy. Doctors theorize that compromised respiratory function, compression of the diaphragm, lungs, and chest capacity, and low-grade inflammation already present in people with obesity increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. [67]

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