Obesity

And its Associated Risk Factors

Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Division of Education

Obesity
An Overview

Overweight and obesity are both chronic

conditions that are the result of an energy
imbalance over a period of time.

The cause of this energy imbalance can be due

to a combination of several different factors and
varies from one person to another.

Individual behaviors, environmental factors, and

genetics all contribute to the complexity of the
obesity epidemic.

2009

CDC

Energy Imbalance
What is it?

Energy balance can be compared to a scale.

An energy imbalance arises when the number

of calories consumed is not equal to the
number of calories used by the body.

Weight gain usually involves the combination of

consuming too many calories and not
expending enough through physical activity.

Weight Gain
Calories Consumed > Calories Used
Weight Loss
Calories Consumed < Calories Used
No Weight Change
Calories Consumed = Calories Used

2009

CDC

Energy Imbalance
Effects in the Body

Excess energy is stored in fat cells, which enlarge or multiply.

Enlargement of fat cells is known as hypertrophy,

whereas multiplication of fat cells is known as
hyperplasia.

With time, excesses in energy storage lead to obesity.

Fat cells
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J La State Med Soc .2005; 156 (1): S42-49.

Fat Cell Enlargement

Hypertrophy

Enlarged fat cells produce the

clinical problems associated with obesity,
due to the following:

2009

The weight or mass of the extra fat

The increased secretion of free fatty acids
and peptides from enlarged fat cells.

J La State Med Soc .2005; 156 (1): S42-49.

Weight Classifications
A Review

Body mass index (BMI) is a

With a BMI of:
mathematical ratio which is calculated
as weight (kg)/ height squared (m 2). Below 18.5
It is used to describe an
individuals relative weight for height, and 18.5 - 24.9
is significantly correlated with total
25.0 - 29.9
body fat content. BMI is intended
30 or higher
for those 20 years of age and older.

You are considered:

Underweight
Healthy Weight
Overweight
Obese

You can find tables on the web that have done the math and metric conversions for you.
http://www.pbrc.edu/Division_of_Education/Tools/BMI_Calculator.asp

or
http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi
2009

CDC

Mortality and Morbidity

Associated with Obesity

The effects of excess weight on mortality and morbidity have been recognized
for more than 2,000 years. It was Hippocrates who recognized that sudden
death is more common in those who are naturally fat than in the lean.

Today, obesity is increasing rapidly. Research shows that many factors related
to obesity influence mortality and morbidity.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Mortality
Weight, Fat Distribution, and Activity

The following factors have been shown to increase

mortality in individuals:

Excess body weight

Regional fat distribution
Weight gain patterns
Sedentary Lifestyle

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Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Mortality
Excess Body Weight

Mortality associated with excess body weight increases as

the degree of obesity and overweight increases.

It is estimated that 280,000 to 325,000 deaths a year can

be attributed to obesity in the United States, more than 80%
of these deaths occur among individuals with a BMI greater
than 30 kg/m2.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Mortality
Regional Fat Distribution
Android

Gynoid

Regional fat distribution can contribute to mortality.

This was first noted in the beginning of the 20 th century.
Obese individuals with an android (or apple) distribution of body fat are at a
greater risk for diabetes and heart disease than were those with a gynoid
distribution (pear).
Android fat distribution results in higher free fatty acid levels, higher glucose
and insulin levels and reduced HDL levels. It also results in higher blood
pressure and inflammatory markers.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Mortality
Weight Gain

In addition to overweight and central fatness,

the amount of weight gain after ages 18 to 20
also predicts mortality.

The Nurses Health Study and the Health

Professionals Follow-up Study showed that
a marked increase in mortality from heart
disease is associated with increasing
degrees of weight gain.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Mortality
Sedentary Lifestyle

Sedentary lifestyle is another important component

in the relationship of excess mortality to obesity.
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of death
at all levels of BMI.
Unfit men in the BMI range of less than 25 kg/m 2
had a significantly higher risk than men with a
high level of cardiovascular fitness.
Obese men with a high level of fitness had risks
of death that were not different from fit men with
normal body fat.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Morbidity
Associated with Obesity

Overweight affects several diseases, although

its degree of contribution varies from one
disease to another.

Additionally, the risk of developing a disease

often differs by ethnic group, and by gender
within a given ethnic group.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Morbidity
Associated with Obesity
Individuals who are obese are at a greater risk of developing:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Osteoarthritis
Cardiovascular disorders
Gastrointestinal
disorders
Metabolic disorders

Endometrial, prostate
and breast
cancers
Complications of pregnancy
Menstrual irregularities
Psychological disorders
CDC

2009

Cardiovascular Disorders
Associated with Obesity
Obese individuals are at a greater risk of developing these cardiovascular disorders:

Hypertension
Stroke
Coronary Artery Disease
2009

Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) is the term for high blood pressure.

Hypertension is identified when a blood pressure is
sustained at 140/90 mmHg.
High blood pressure is referred to as the silent killer,
since there are usually no symptoms with HTN.
Some individuals find out that they have high blood
pressure when they have trouble with their heart, brain,
or kidneys.

2009

NHLBI

Hypertension
The Dangers
Failure to find and treat HTN is serious, as untreated HTN can cause:

The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure.

Small bulges (aneurysms) to form in blood vessels.
Blood vessels in the kidney to narrow, which may lead to kidney failure.
Arteries in the body to harden faster, especially those in the
heart, brain, kidneys, and legs. This can cause a heart attack, stroke,
kidney failure, or can lead to amputation of part of the extremities.
Blood vessels in the eye to burst or bleed. This may cause
vision changes and can result in blindness.

2009

NHLBI

Hypertension

Blood pressure is often increased in overweight individuals.

Estimates suggest that control of overweight would eliminate 48%
of the hypertension in Caucasians and 28% in African Americans.
Overweight and hypertension interact with cardiac
function, leading to thickening of the ventricular
wall and larger heart volume, and thus to a
greater likelihood of cardiac failure.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Hypertension
Prevalence in the Overweight
32.7

Prevalence of HTN

27.0

Age-adjusted prevalence
of hypertension in
overweight U.S. adults

27.7

22.1

14.9

15.2

2009

Adapted from:
http://www.obesityinamerica.org/trends.html

Stroke

Normally, blood containing oxygen and

nutrients is delivered to the brain, and carbon
dioxide and cellular wastes are removed.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to
part of the brain is suddenly interrupted by a
blocked vessel or when a blood vessel in the
brain bursts.
Once their supply of oxygen and nutrients
from the blood is cut off to the brain cells,
they die.

2009

NINDS

Stroke
The symptoms of a stroke include:

Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

2009

NINDS

Stroke

There are two forms of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked.
Overweight and obesity increase the risk for ischemic stroke in men and women.
With increasing BMI, the risk of ischemic stroke increases progressively and is
doubled in those with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m 2 when compared to those
having a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain erupts.
Overweight and obesity do not increase the risk for hemorrhagic strokes.

2009

NINDS
J La State Med Soc .2005; 156 (1): S42-49.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of atherosclerosis that occurs when the arteries
supplying blood to the heart muscle (coronary arteries) become hardened and narrowed.
This hardening and narrowing is caused by plaque buildup.
As the plaque increases in size, the insides of the coronary arteries get narrower, and
eventually, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced.
This is critical because blood carries much-needed oxygen to the heart.

2009

NHLBI

Coronary Arteries
Blood Flow

When the heart muscle is not

receiving the amount of oxygen
that it needs, one of two things
can happen:

Angina
Heart Attack

Angina
This is the chest pain or discomfort that occurs
when the heart is not getting enough blood.
Heart attack
This is what happens when a blood clot develops
at the site of the plaque in a coronary artery.
The result is a sudden blockage, which may
block all or most of the blood supply to the heart
muscle. Because cells in the heart muscle begin to
die when they are not receiving adequate amount
of oxygen, permanent damage to the heart muscle
can occur if blood flow is not quickly restored.
2009

NHLBI

Coronary Artery Disease

Heart Failure
In this condition, the heart cant pump blood
effectively to the rest of the body. Heart
failure does not mean that the heart has
stopped nor does it mean that it is about to.
It means that the heart is failing to pump
blood the way that it should.

Over time, CAD can weaken

the heart muscle and
contribute to:

Heart Failure
Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias
Arrhytmias are changes in the normal
beating rhythm of the heart. They can be
either faster or slower than normal.
Some arrhythmias can be quite
serious.
2009

NHLBI

Coronary Artery Disease

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for CAD.

Abdominal fat distribution is believed to be related as well.
Data from the Nurses Health Study illustrated that women in the lowest BMI but
highest waist-to-hip circumference ratio had a greater risk of heart attack than
those in the highest BMI but lowest waist-to-hip circumference ratio.
Regional fat distribution appears to have a greater effect on CAD risk than BMI alone.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 156 (1): S42-49.

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Associated with Obesity
Obese individuals are at greater risk of developing these gastrointestinal disorders:

Colon Cancer
Gall stones

2009

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a term used to refer to cancer that

develops in the colon or the rectum.

The colon (a.k.a. the large intestine) is about 5 feet long and its
role in the digestive system is to continue to absorb water and
mineral nutrients from food. Once this process of absorption is
complete, waste matter (feces) remains.

The rectum is the final 6 inches of the digestive system. Feces

are passed from the large intestine to the rectum, to exit the
body through the anus.

2009

American Cancer Society

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
It is estimated to cause about 55,170 deaths during 2006.

2009

American Cancer Society

Colon Cancer
Findings Relating to Obesity

Colon cancer has been shown to occur more

frequently in people who are obese than in
people who are of a healthy weight.

An increased risk of colon cancer has been

consistently reported for men with high BMIs.

Women with high BMI are not at increased risk

of colon cancer.
There is evidence that abdominal obesity may be
important in colon cancer risk.
2009

NCI

Gallbladder Disease

Cholelithiasis is the primary hepatobiliary pathology associated with overweight.

Cholelithiasis is a condition characterized by the presence or formation of
gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Normally, a balance of bile salts, lecithin, and cholesterol keep gallstones from
forming. However, if there are abnormally high levels of bile salts or, more
commonly, cholesterol, then stones can form.

NIH
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J La State Med Soc .2005; 156 (1): S42-49.

Gallstones
Findings Related to Obesity

Obesity appears to be associated with the development of gallstones.

More cholesterol is produced at higher body fat levels.
Approximately 20 mg of additional cholesterol is synthesized for each kg of extra
body fat.
High cholesterol concentrations relative to bile acids and phospholipids in bile
increase the likelihood of precipitation of cholesterol gallstones in the gallbladder.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Gallstones
Findings Related to Obesity

In the Nurses Health Study, when compared to those having a BMI of 24 or less,

Women with a BMI > 30 kg/m2 had a 2-fold increased risk for symptomatic gallstones.

Women with a BMI > 45 kg/m2 had a 7-fold increased risk for symptomatic gallstones.

The relative increased risk of symptomatic gallstone development with increasing BMI
appears to be less for men than for women.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Gallstones
Findings Related to Obesity

Ironically, weight loss leads to an increased risk of gallstones-because of the increased flux of cholesterol through the biliary
system.

Diets with moderate levels of fat that trigger gallbladder

contraction and subsequent emptying of the cholesterol content
may reduce the risk of gallstone formation.

Bile acid supplementation can be used to lower ones risk for

gallstone formation.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Metabolic Disorders
Associated with Obesity
Obese individuals are at greater risk of developing these metabolic disorders:

Diabetes Mellitus
Dyslipidemia
Liver Disease

2009

Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is strongly associated with

overweight and obesity in both genders and in all ethnic groups.

The risk for Type 2 DM increases with the degree and duration
of overweight in individuals.

The risk for Type 2 DM also increases in individuals with a

more central distribution of body fat (abdominal).

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Obesity and Type 2 DM

In the United States
Among people diagnosed
with Type 2 diabetes,
55 percent have a BMI
30 (classified as obese),
30 percent have a
BMI 25 or 30
(classified as
overweight), and only 15
percent have a BMI 25
(classified as normal weight).

15%

55%

30%

2009

Adapted from:
http://www.obesityinamerica.org/trends.html

Diabetes Mellitus
Findings Related to Obesity

The Nurses Health Study demonstrated the curvilinear relationship

between increasing BMI and the risk of diabetes in women:

Women with a BMI below 22 kg/m2 had the lowest risk of DM

At a BMI of 35 kg/m2, the relative risk of DM increased 40-fold or 4,000%

The Health Professionals Follow-up Study demonstrated a similar

relationship between increasing BMI and the risk of diabetes in men:

Men with a BMI below 24 kg/m2 had the lowest risk of DM

At a BMI of 35 kg/m2, the relative risk of DM increased 60-fold or 6,000%

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Diabetes Mellitus
Findings Relating to Weightloss

Weight loss reduces the risk of developing diabetes.

In the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a weight

loss of 5-11 kg decreased the relative risk for
developing diabetes by nearly 50%.

Type 2 DM was almost nonexistent with a weight loss of

more than 20 kg (44 lbs) or in those with a BMI below 20.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Dyslipidemia

2009

Dyslipidemia is defined as
abnormal concentration of
lipids or lipoproteins in the
blood.

As BMI increases, there is an

increased risk for heart
disease.

This is because a positive

correlation between BMI and
triglyceride (TG) levels has
been demonstrated.

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Dyslipidemia
Findings Related to Obesity

An inverse relationship between HDL cholesterol and BMI has been noted.
This relationship may be more important than the relationship between
BMI & TG levels.
Low level of HDL carries more relative risk for developing heart disease
than do elevated triglyceride levels.
Central fat distribution also plays an important role in lipid abnormalities.
Excessive body fat in the abdominal region leads to increased circulating
triglyceride levels.

2009

HDL

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term

given to describe a collection of liver abnormalities
that are associated with obesity.

In a cross-sectional analysis of liver biopsies of

obese patients, it was found that the prevalence of
steatosis, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis were
approximately 75%, 20%, and 2% respectively.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Liver Disease
Fatty Liver

Steatosis is the term for fatty liver and it is not

actually a disease, but rather a pathological finding.

Most cases of fatty liver are due to obesity.

Other causes of fatty liver include:

Diabetes
Certain drugs
Intestinal bypass operations
Starvation
Protein malnutrition
Alcoholism

The American Liver Foundation

2009

Liver Disease
Fatty Liver

A gradual weight reduction can help to

reduce the enlargement of the liver due to
fat, and it can normalize the associated liver
test abnormalities.

It is important to limit the amount of alcohol

consumed in the diet. Alcohol can decrease
the rate of metabolism and secretion of fat
in the liver.

2009

The American Liver Foundation

Importance of a Healthy Liver

The liver is the largest organ in the body and it plays a vital role in performing
many complex functions that are essential for life:

The 300 billion cells of the liver control a process known as metabolism. During
metabolism, the liver breaks down nutrients into usable products. These products
are then delivered to the rest of the body through the bloodstream.

The liver also metabolizes toxins into byproducts that can be safely eliminated.

The liver also produces many important substances, such as: albumin, bile,
cholesterol, clotting factors, globin, and immune factors.

2009

Mayo Clinic

Other Disorders
Associated with Obesity
Obese individuals are at greater risk of developing these metabolic disorders:

Obstructive sleep apnea

Osteoarthritis
Endometrial, prostate, and breast cancers
Complications of pregnancy
Menstrual irregularities
Psychological disorders
2009

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by repetitive upper airway obstruction during sleep
as a result of narrowing of the respiratory passages.
Patients having the disorder are most often overweight with associated peripharyngeal
infiltration of fat and/or increased size of the soft palate and tongue.

2009

American Academy of Family Physicians

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Common complaints are loud snoring, disrupted sleep,

and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Individuals with sleep apnea suffer from fragmented sleep
and may develop cardiovascular abnormalities because of
the repetitive cycles of snoring, airway collapse, and
arousal.
Because many individuals are not aware of heavy snoring
and nocturnal arousals, obstructive sleep apnea may remain
undiagnosed.

2009

American Academy of Family Physicians

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Findings Relating to Obesity

Obstructive sleep apnea affects around 4% of middle-aged adults.

Individuals having a BMI of at least 30 are at greatest risk for sleep apnea.
Weight loss has been shown to improve the symptoms relating to sleep apnea.

2009

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis

40 million Americans currently have osteoarthritis.
It is a degenerative disease which frequently leads to chronic pain and disability.
For individuals over the age of 65, it is the most disabling disease.
Currently, only the symptoms of OA can be treated; there is no cure.

2009

NSLS

Osteoarthritis
Findings Relating to Obesity

The incidence of OA is significantly increased in overweight individuals.

OA that develops in the knees and ankles is probably directly related to

the trauma associated with the degree of excess body weight.

Osteoarthritis in other non-weight bearing joints suggests that there

must be some component of the overweight syndrome responsible
for altering cartilage and bone metabolism, independent of the
actual stresses of body weight on joints.
Areas of the body
most commonly
affected by OA

2009

NSLS
Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Cancer
Findings Relating to Obesity

Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of:

esophageal, gallbladder, pancreatic, cervical, breast, uterine,
renal, and prostate cancers.

Obesity and physical inactivity may account for 25 to 30 percent of

several major cancers, including--- colon, breast
(postmenopausal), endometrial, kidney, and cancer of the
esophagus.

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J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

Endocrine Changes

There are various endocrine changes associated with overweight.

Changes in the reproductive system are among the most common.
Irregular menses and frequent anovular cycles are common.
Rates of fertility may also be reduced.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Endocrine Changes
Associated with Obesity
Common hormonal abnormalities associated with obesity

Increased cortisol production

Insulin resistance
Decreased sex hormone-binding globulin in women
Decreased progesterone levels in women
Decreased testosterone levels in men
Decreased growth hormone production

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Psychological Disorders
Associations with Obesity

Obesity is associated with an impaired quality of life.

Higher BMI values are associated with greater adverse effects.
When compared to obese men, obese women appear to be at
a greater risk for psychological dysfunction.
This may be due to the societal pressure on women to be thin.

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

Psychological Disorders
Weight Loss

Intentional weight loss has been

consistently associated with improved
quality of life.

Severely obese patients who lost 43 kg

through gastric bypass demonstrated
improved quality of life scores to such an
extent that their post-weight loss scores
were equal to or even better than
population norms.

J La State Med Soc .2005; 157 (1): S42-49.

2009

Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 761-786.

In Conclusion
The following conditions have been found to be associated with obesity:

Diabetes mellitus
Hypertension
Gallbladder Disease
Liver Disease
Cancer
Coronary Artery Disease
Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
Endocrine Changes

These diseases have been found to be

associated with increased metabolic
activity (secretion) of fat cells in obesity2009

Psychosocial Function
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Osteoarthritis

These diseases have been found to be

associated with increased fat mass

Pennington Biomedical
Research Center
Division of Education
Phillip Brantley, PhD, Director
Pennington Biomedical Research
Center
Claude Bouchard, PhD, Executive
Director
Phillip Brantley, PhD, Director
Heli J Roy, PhD, RD, Associate Professor
Shanna Lundy, BS
Beth Kalicki
2009

About Our Company

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a world-renowned nutrition research center.

Mission:
To promote healthier lives through research and education in nutrition and preventive medicine.

The Pennington Center has several research areas, including:

Clinical Obesity Research

Experimental Obesity
Functional Foods
Health and Performance Enhancement
Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
Nutrition and the Brain
Dementia, Alzheimers and healthy aging
Diet, exercise, weight loss and weight loss maintenance

The research fostered in these areas can have a profound impact on healthy living and on the prevention of common chronic diseases, such as heart
disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis.

The Division of Education provides education and information to the scientific community and the public about research findings, training programs
and research areas, and coordinates educational events for the public on various health issues.

We invite people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the exciting research studies being conducted at the Pennington Center in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana. If you would like to take part, visit the clinical trials web page at www.pbrc.edu or call (225) 763-3000.

2009

References

CDC: Overweight and Obesity -- Contributing Factors. Available at:

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors.htm
Bellanger T, Bray G. Obesity related morbidity and mortality.
J La State Med Soc. 2005; 156(1): S42-49.
Bray G. Risks of obesity. Endocrinol Metab Clin N Am. 2003; 32: 787-804.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). High Blood Pressure.
Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html
Obesity in America. Obesity Trends. Available at:
http://www.obesityinamerica.org/trends.html

2009

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Stroke Information Page.
Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Cad/CAD_WhatIs.html
American Cancer Society (ACS). What is Colorectal Cancer? Available at:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1x_What_Is_Colon_and_Rect
um_Cancer.asp?rnav=cri
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Obesity and Cancer. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity

2009

References

American Liver Foundation. Diet and Your Liver. Available at:

http://www.liverfoundation.org/cgi-bin/dbs/articles.cgi?
db=articles&uid=default&ID=1022&view_records=1
Mayo Clinic. Your Liver: An Owners Guide. Available at:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver/DG00038
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Available
at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/991115ap/2279.html
National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). Osteoarthritis. Available at:
http://www.nsls.bnl.gov/about/everyday/osteoarthritis.html

2009