Because we are constantly being inundated with images of ultra-thin models and actresses, the main motivational factor for people to lose weight is to improve their self image and appearance. A more important reason to keep weight under control is the impact of obesity on a persons' health.
Being obese has tremendous negative impacts on the health of an individual significantly decreasing quality and longevity of life. Major physical threats such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease can be linked to obesity and excess body fat. An obese person requires more energy to breathe due to the fact that the heart has to work harder pumping blood to the lungs and throughout extra fat in the body. This causes the heart muscle to become enlarged which can result in heart disease, erratic heartbeats and high blood pressure.

