Most people know that being obese puts them at risk for certain health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes but how many other health risks are they aware of? A recent survey of more than one thousand adults revealed that a shockingly low number are aware of some of the most serious health risks that their weight can be causing them.

The survey, which was conducted over the phone, focused on the known health risks of obesity and how well each person knew them. Heart disease including high blood pressure and others as well as diabetes were correctly identified by the majority of the respondents in the survey but the numbers who were aware of other conditions dropped off dramatically. In fact, only fifteen percent of those surveyed were aware that obesity was a risk factor for arthritis or that being obese could exacerbate its symptoms. Obesity is especially problematic for those with arthritis because it may prevent them from seeking out exercise which often leads to further weight gain and increased pain. Finding an exercise program that is gentle on the joints but still effective can be a key way to help reduce the pain that arthritis sufferers are feeling.

Even fewer knew that obesity raised the risk of certain types of cancer. Only seven percent of the adults listed cancer as an obesity risk factor in the survey. Several types of cancer including colon, breast, prostate and uterine cancer are all more likely for obese people. Excess weight can also make diagnosing and treating these cancers more difficult as well.

Only five percent of the surveyed adults knew that obesity increased respiratory issues such as excess snoring and sleep apnea which could lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.

The survey also revealed that many adults are not discussing the risks of being obese with their doctors. When asked, only fifty two percent of the respondents had discussed their health and weight with their doctor in the previous year. That is of serious concern because it often means that the doctor is not taking enough time with the patient and that the patient is not speaking up on their own behalf. It also may mean that patients are not seeking medical advice to get their weight back under control. A separate survey showed that patients who had medical advice and support was more likely to lose weight than those who felt that they were going it on their own.