Many misunderstand obesity's effects.

• Position: Weight Loss - Brief Article

Obesity, both a health risk and burden, is the second leading preventable cause el death in the US Some 16.6% of adult deaths in 2000 were related to the condition. About 130,000,000 Americans were reported as obese, costing $117,000,000000 in annualized health care. Experts predict that poor diet and lack of exercise will become the number one preventable cause of death as early as 2005 and will consume 20% of health care dollars by year 2020.

"Unfortunately, far too many Americans consider obesity a cosmetic issue," maintains Nancy Boccuzzi, senior vice president of medical affairs at Executive Health Exams International, New York. "They don't recognize the increased health risks associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and cancer. Some simply don't consider themselves obese, but rather just a few pounds...