The causes of obesity are complex (see Box 1) and there are many health problems associated with being seriously overweight. These problems can affect children physically, mentally and socially. Type 2 diabetes is associated with diet and exercise levels (see Box 2). There is a genetic component but it is triggered by weight gain. Originally type 2 affected middle-aged people but it is now estimated that 40% of girls born in the USA in the year 2000 will at some point in their lifetime develop type 2 diabetes, showing the extent of the obesity problem in the Western world. Type 2 diabetes has serious health consequences. It increases the risk of blindness, kidney failure, stroke and heart attack.
Metabolic rate
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