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The risk of premature death due to obesity is well known. However, overweight patients are subject to other complications too :
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 Diabetes :
In this case, type 2 diabetes (still known as diabetes mellitus).
Obesity very considerably increases the risk of diabetes. The body develops a resistance to insulin. Despite an increase in insulin production by the pancreas, blood glucose levels remain high, as the body cannot metabolise them. After a while, the pancreas ceases to produce insulin and insulin dependence results. Diabetes in turn gives rise to complications in blood vessels, the kidneys, eyes, etc…
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Hypertension, cardio-vascular complications :
Overweight leads to an increase in blood pressure to supply blood to all the organs. Hypertension damages the heart and blood vessels, especially in the brain and kidneys.
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Damage to joints :
The joints become unable to sustain excessive weight and wear out more quickly, leading to arthrosis mainly in the spine, hips, knees and ankles. Weight loss protects the joints and helps to avoid recourse to surgery to repair them.
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Respiratory complications :
Asthma is a classic complication of obesity and weight loss improves the symptoms.
Sleep apnoea is a very serious complication of obesity. During sleep, the airways close due to muscle hypotonia, leading to brief respiratory failure.
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Gallstones :
Overweight patients have a higher risk of gallstones forming.
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Increased risk of certain cancers :
Obesity creates favourable conditions for different types of cancers.
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Acid reflux :
The raising of intra-abdominal pressure in an obese person causes a hiatus hernia and gastric reflux. This can be treated by obesity surgery.
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Depression :
Depression is a consequence of chronic pain, failed diets, poor self-image due to excessive weight. It is essential to assess hidden depression before obesity surgery. The consultation with the specialist is mainly for this purpose and is not intended to prevent surgical intervention.
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Sterility and menstrual disorders :
Excess fat raises oestrogen rates and causes menstrual disorders, sterility and an increased risk of certain breast and uterine cancers. Weight loss helps restore fertility. However, it is inadvisable to begin a pregnancy before achieving a normal weight after obesity surgery.
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Stress incontinence :
Obesity, as well as multiple pregnancies, increases the risk of stress incontinence. This occurs when perhaps laughing or coughing. It can be rectified by weight loss but, in some cases, surgery will be required to treat this disorder.
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Social aspects:
Obese persons suffer from a form of social discrimination , at work, when seeking employment, access to public facilities, clothing, etc…
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