When one thinks of illnesses and diseases that result from obesity, most people think of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. We refer to these as the big three. But the list is very long and includes: depression/social isolation, arthritis/back pain, pulmonary embolus (blood clots from the legs, thighs, to the lungs), gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, infertility in women, increased cancer risk in men and women, chronic lack of energy, etc. For over twenty years I have practiced medicine in New York City. From the beginning, my focus has been on disease prevention and health promotion through healthier life styles. These strategies have included stopping smoking, exercising.
