Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity Obesity is a major health risk because it increases your chances of developing a number of serious health conditions, including: 1. Heart disease. Obesity increases your risk of developing heart disease, as it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. 2. Stroke. Obesity can also increase your risk of having a stroke, as it can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke. 3. Type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, as it can cause your body to become resistant to insulin. 4. Cancer. Obesity can also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and kidney cancer. 5. Osteoarthritis. Obesity can put extra strain on your joints, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis. If you're trying to lose weight but you're not seeing any results from traditional diet and exercise, don't give up just yet. You can try a weight loss surgery like sleeve gastrectomy. If you're interested, consult with a weight loss surgeon to see if this procedure is right for you.