Obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are common, interrelated medical problems in Westernized, industrialized societies. These interrelated medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and are more prevalent in several minority groups, including African-American and Hispanic populations. The associated cardiovascular risks of these problems are more thoroughly addressed in another review in this supplement. Obesity markedly enhances the development of Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it enhances the cardiovascular risk associated with other risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Weight reduction in association with an aerobic exercise program improves metabolic abnormalities and reduces blood pressure in individuals with diabetes and hypertension.