Canadian and American obesity statistics are neck-to-neck, with about one-quarter to one third of adults in the obese category. A staggering two-thirds of Americans are overweight. This does indeed place a heavy burden on the health care system. It’s important to realize that a large number of diseases are directly attributable to obesity, including:
| Diabetes | Cancer | Congestive heart failure | Enlarged heart | Pulmonary embolism |
| Polycystic ovarian syndrome | Gastro-esophageal reflux disease | Fatty liver disease | Hernia | Erectile dysfunction |
| Urinary incontinence | Chronic renal failure | Lymph edema | Cellulitis | Stroke |
| Pickwickian syndrome | Depression | Osteoarthritis | Gout | Gallbladder disease |