Is overweight okay?
The percentage of Americans who are obese has more than doubled since the 1960s. In 1960, about 13% of Americans were obese, defined as having a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. (For most people, a BMI of 30 means being about 30 pounds overweight.)
Now over 30% of the population weighs enough to be considered obese. Experts agree that this is terrible news for the country's health. Obesity greatly increases the risk of diabetes, gallbladder disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer (colon, esophageal, kidney, and postmenopausal breast cancer).
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
