People who are at a healthy weight have a better quality of life and are less likely to develop chronic diseases. Those that are overweight or obese are at increased risk for developing chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, breast and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease and osteoarthritis. According to an article published in the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, it is estimated that in 2009, obesity cost Ontario $4.5 billion in direct health care costs and lost earnings due to illness and premature death.
This HealthSTATS section has data on the following: