Harms of excess body weight

Excess body weight (increased waist circumference, or a body mass index [BMI] of 25 kg/m² or more) is common worldwide and is both a public health problem and an important risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) for individuals. It is associated with many major risk factors for ASCVD, including type 2 diabetes, elevated blood pressure (BP) and dyslipidaemia.

Excess body weight is also associated with many noncardiovascular conditions, including osteoarthritis, poor mental health, some cancers, and conditions affecting the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems.