Obesity is accompanied by both physical and psychological consequences. Many diseases and disorders have been linked to being obese, including life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. However, obesity also affects a person's self-esteem, and may lead to depression. Let's take a look at the diseases linked to being overweight and obese. Briefly, some possible consequences of obesity include:

• breathing difficulties

• cancer

• diabetes (Type 2)

• gallstones

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• osteoarthritis (especially with the knees, lower back, hips, and other weight-bearing joints)

• reproductive problems

• sleep apnea

• stroke

Symptoms of weight gain may or may not appear obvious to the person gaining the weight, as it typically happens over time.  Although you may gain weight over a matter of days (particular during the winter holidays), it's more likely to happen more over a period of weeks, months, and years.  Also, the body's weight fluctuates day to day by a few pounds, usually due to water weight gain or loss.  Thus, you may not be able to definitely see symptoms of weight gain over a few days.   The following symptoms all indicate weight gain:

• clothes feel tighter

• friends or loved ones comment on your weight gain

• you see extra fat around your weight, legs, or buttocks 

• your scale displays a heavier weight

• your waist belt needs adjusting to different notches

If you notice any of these symptoms, and your BMI is increasing, you may want to talk with your doctor.  In doing so, he/she can help evaluate your health before you begin an exercise program. You may also want to seek help depending upon what life stage you are about to enter. For example, weight gain is common for middle-aged men and women, who may be losing muscle mass, and so are not burning as many calories as usual. Or, if you are a recent high school graduate, you may want to avoid weight gain that is common during the college years. These preventative measures will allow you to remain one step ahead of your body's tendencies to gain weight as we get older, or have more sedentary behavior typical of modern-day work.

To read more about how your doctor will make a diagnosis for obesity and what to expect in the doctor's office, keep reading for more information. We'll review how to diagnose obesity as well as the cause and effect of obesity in the Diagnosing Obesity section next.