Final answer:
Obesity contributes to a host of health complications due to stress on organ systems from excess fat and increased numbers of fat cells, leading to diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. It also incurs significant costs to society through healthcare expenses and impacts on life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obesity increases the risk for numerous health complications due to the stress excess body fat places on the body's organ systems and a greater number of fat cells. These factors lead to a range of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer. Specifically, obesity can cause osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea due to the physical burden of excess weight.
An increased number of fat cells can induce heightened inflammation and elevated blood clot risks, significantly disrupting normal bodily functions. The altered metabolism associated with obesity impairs the body's response to insulin, often resulting in insulin resistance that is closely linked to type 2 diabetes. A staggering 64 percent of type 2 diabetes cases in men and 77 percent in women are thought to be directly caused by obesity.
Moreover, being overweight not only affects individual health but also incurs significant societal costs, including reduced life expectancy and increased healthcare spending. The widespread prevalence of obesity—in both adults and children—amplifies these concerns, with middle-aged overweight individuals facing a tripled risk of fatal heart attacks compared to those with normal weight.