Being just slightly overweight doubles risk of type 2 diabetes - study

A major study has found that the UK has a big obesity problem, and that there are severe health implications for people who are even just a little overweight.

According to the research, which was funded by healthcare firm Novo Nordisk, individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-35 were 70% more likely to develop heart failure than their healthy weight peers (18.5-25 BMI).

Furthermore, the study of 2.8 million adults also showed that people who were even slightly overweight were twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

The study, which is due to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Glasgow, also revealed:

• The risk of Type 2 diabetes for people with a BMI of 35-40 was almost nine times higher


• People with severe obesity (BMI of 40-45) were 12 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes


• People with severe obesity also had triple the risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia (elevated levels of total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol)


• A BMI of 40-45 was also linked with a 50% higher risk of dying prematurely from any cause

Speaking about the findings of the study, Public Health England said “sustained action” was needed to tackle obesity.