06/28/2025
Brain Health & Cognitive Decline
American Heart Association highlights that obesity impairs executive functioning across life and elevates dementia risk in midlife
urban.A recent study at the European Congress on Obesity (UTHealth) showed adolescents with abdominal obesity exhibit altered brain structures—larger hippocampus and amygdala—impairing memory and emotional regulation.
Cancer & Inflammation
Reviews show obesity contributes to chronic inflammation, increased estrogen and insulin levels, and adipokine imbalances, raising risks for endometrial, postmenopausal breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and other cancers.
Cardiovascular Disease & Mortality
CDC data show obesity-related ischemic heart disease deaths rose ~180% from 1999–2020 in the U.S.. Landmark McGill research found obesity may reduce life expectancy by up to 8 years, largely due to heart disease and diabetes.
Metabolic & Physical Burden
NIH and Harvard outline the links between obesity and hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, liver illness, and kidney disease. Harvard additionally notes obesity’s impact on male fertility (low s***m count/motility).
Mental Health & Weight Stigma
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reports about half of U.S. children and ~42% of adults are affected; stigma contributes to depression, anxiety, increased cortisol, impaired glycemic control, elevated inflammation, and even worsened weight outcomes.