Being obese can be really hard on your body, contributing to a number of serious health conditions. Losing just five percent of your body weight can make a huge difference when it comes to your health and reducing your risks of developing many diseases. Though most of these ailments can be reversed just by losing the excess weight, understanding the severity of being overweight is the first task.

Cancer. Those that are obese develop cancer 16 percent more often than their slim counterparts. Researchers have found that cancers of the colon, breast, uterus, kidney and esophagus are all linked to being obese.

Sleep apnea. This condition can be dangerous because it makes your breathing stop in your sleep temporarily. Obese individuals are at risk of developing this because deposits of fat around the top part of their airway can cause blockage, making it difficult to breathe.

Gallbladder disease. About 30 percent of gallbladder surgeries are linked to obesity. Not only do extra pounds make the gallbladder work harder, but obese people are at risk for high cholesterol, which can lead to gallstones. 

Gout. Gout is when waste from your body (in the form of uric acid) builds up in your joints and tissues. When you’re obese you tend to have more cells and tissues, leading to more uric acid, making it more likely for the toxin to build up.

(Photo: REUTERS/Toby Melville/Landov)