WHAT ARE THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF BEING OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE?

Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for a variety of health problems including:

The cluster of cardiovascular risk factors known as Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), which significantly increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke

"An estimated 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese. These conditions substantially increase the risk of morbidity from hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea and respiratory problems, as well as cancers of the endometrium, breast, prostate, and colon. Higher body weights are also associated with an increase in mortality from all causes."
-	Practical Guide to the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults – NIH, National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute – North American Association for the Study of Obesity

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) - a hormonal imbalance which is a major cause of infertility as well as a source of skin conditions, excess facial and body hair and male pattern baldness in women
Reversible Pre-Diabetes, which, if left unchecked, can lead to irreversible Type 2 Diabetes - a major increased risk factor for blindness, amputation and kidney disease
Insulin Resistance
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High cholesterol levels
Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque in the innermost lining of large and medium size arteries, causing a heart attack or stroke)
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries, making them hard and brittle and often resulting in a stroke)
Angina pectoris (severe, often constricting, chest pain)
Congestive heart failure
Hyperinsulinemia or high insulin levels in the blood, which is a risk factor for heart disease and various forms of Diabetes
Gallstones and other gall bladder problems
Gout
Osteoarthritis or joint pain that interferes with one's ability to exercise
Obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to a heart attack through lack of oxygen in the blood stream, and respiratory problems
Some types of cancer such as endometrial, breast, prostate and colon
Complications during pregnancy such as Gestational Diabetes
Bladder control problems such as urinary stress incontinence)
Uric acid kidney stones
Psychological disorders such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image and low self esteem

"I have been on the Insulite System for approx 3 months. I have lost 33 lbs, my liver functions are normal and my A1C came back at 5.1, down from 8.03 months ago. I was taking 10 Glucovance pills daily, now I take only 2 pills in the AM. My blood sugar is normal, my energy is higher than it has been in years and I feel great. Insulite along with a change in my diet has changed my life. I tell everyone that asks me what I have done to change my life, about the Insulite program. Your product is fantastic. I have cut out all sweets, flour, dairy and have no cravings."
-	Marta Garcia
	Santa Ana, CA

"In less than 3 weeks I've started losing weight again after being "stuck" on Weight Watchers for about a year. I've lost about 4 lbs since starting Insulite but more significantly my blood pressure is well within normal limits now and I can tell my metabolism is better. I am not getting that slump between meals and am able to control between-meal snacking, and I have a lot of energy throughout the day rather than periods where I need to nap. I just ordered the 6 months supply. Thank you!"
-	Teresa Ruth
	Boise, Idaho

"Obesity is no longer an American disease. Globalization's bounty—economic development, lowered trade costs, and rising incomes—has turned it into a worldwide pandemic for rich and poor alike. If it's left unchecked, the economic health of developing countries will surely be crushed under the weight."
-	Kelly D. Brownell and Derek Yach, Foreign Policy, Nov 1, 2005

"I cannot believe the difference the Insulite System has made in how I feel. My appetite has changed tremendously. I do not crave carbs and sugar and my appetite is somewhat diminished."
-	PR
	Bakersfield, CA

"There is a clear and consistent scientific literature showing pervasive bias against overweight people. It is logical that the bias begets discrimination. There is now sufficient evidence of discrimination to suggest it may be powerful and occurs across important areas of living. Studies on employment have shown hiring prejudice in laboratory studies. Subjects report being less inclined to hire an overweight person than a thin person, even with identical qualifications. Individuals make negative inferences about obese persons in the workplace, feeling that such people are lazy, lack self-discipline, and are less competent. One might expect these attributions to affect wages, promotions, and disciplinary actions, and such seems to be the case. Overweight women, for the same work, receive less pay than their thin counterparts. This does not seem to be the case for men, but overweight men sort themselves into lower-level jobs. There is evidence that promotion prospects are dimmer for overweight individuals, and there are many examples of people being fired on account of excess weight."
-	Rebecca Puhl and Kelly D. Brownell, Bias, Discrimination, and Obesity, Obesity Research 9:788-805 (2001)

"I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your caring advice and guiding me towards taking control of my health. It's hard to express in words how long I have been trying to find the answers you have so easily provided for me. I am so excited about the positive changes in my health and I can't wait to see where I am six months from now, yet alone the year. Thank you again!"
-	MS
	Stuarts Draft, VA

"Middle-age people who are overweight but have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels are kidding themselves if they think their health is just fine." "Northwestern University researchers tracked 17,643 patients for three decades and found that being overweight in mid-life substantially increased the risk of dying of heart disease later in life – even in people who began the study with healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
-	Obesity may be an independent risk factor for heart problems, MSNBC

"Thank you so much for putting me on the right road!"
-	Sarah
	Longmont, CO

"Simply losing 5-7% of your body fat (typically 10-15 pounds) and increasing your physical activity by taking a brisk walk 4-5 times a week can reduce your risk of developing Type II Diabetes by almost 60%."
-	Diabetes Prevention Program study 2001, study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, et al.