Excess weight can cause health problems that can alter a person’s life in many ways. These include but are not limited to the following conditions:

• Premature wear and tear on joints (degenerative arthritis of the hips, knees, and back)
• Increased risk of high blood pressure
• Higher risk of diabetes
• Excessive snoring, and nighttime gasping for air (a condition known as sleep apnea)
• Increased risk of heart disease and heart failure
• Infertility and irregular menstruation
• Esophageal acid reflux disease
• Psychological effects and lowered self-esteem
• Inability to buy clothes off the rack
• Requiring seat-belt extensions on airlines
• Difficulty in keeping up with kids and grandkids

There are many severely overweight individuals who live happy and productive lives. However, for some people, being overweight creates physical problems that limit their physical activities in their day-to-day lives. This can lead to psychological effects such as frustration and low self-esteem.