It’s no secret that being overweight or obese comes with a slew of health risks. But what might be surprising is just how dangerous those extra pounds can be. Wesley Virgin, author of Weight-loss Without the Struggle, discusses three major health risks associated with obesity.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

“One of the most serious health risks associated with being overweight is an increased risk of heart disease,” says Wesley. “Carrying excess weight puts added strain on your heart, and can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, and stroke.”

Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

 “Another serious health risk associated with being overweight is an increased risk of type 2 diabetes,” Wesley Virgin explains. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body can’t properly use insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels.”

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but there are other risk factors as well, like family history, age, and inactivity.

Increased Risk of Certain Cancers

Another health risk associated with being overweight is an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as kidney, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancer.

While there are many factors that contribute to your risk of developing cancer, being overweight or obese is one of them. In fact, the CDC has found a strong link between obesity and no less than 13 different types of cancer.

If you are overweight, what can you do to reduce your risk of developing these serious health conditions? Wesley Virgin recommends making heart-healthy lifestyle choices like eating a high fiber diet and getting regular exercise. These lifestyle changes can help you lose weight sensibly and improve your overall health.