Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. When someone is overweight, the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Over time, this insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.

In addition to insulin resistance, being overweight also increases the risk of other health conditions that can contribute to the development of diabetes, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. These conditions can further damage the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes.
 

How do we check if you are overweight:

BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a measurement used to assess whether someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by height.

You can check it for free at the 'National Heart, lung, and blood institute website. Click on the link below and enter your height and weight: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

Find out if you are under, normal, overweight, or obese. Input your height and weight, and you will get your BMI count. Say if you are 5' 6" in height and 140 lbs in weight, your BMI is 22.6, which according to the table below, falls under the category of Normal weight (18.5-24.9).

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Based on the BMI score you can find out if you are under, normal, overweight or obese.

BMI Categories:

1. Underweight        = <18.5

2. Normal weight    = 18.5-24.9

3. Overweight         = 25-29.9

4. Obesity                = BMI of 30 or greater.

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