Obesity is a contributor to or a cause of chronic medical and/or surgical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, recurrent trauma and arthritis. Here are the ponderous facts:

Percentage of the U.S. Population That Is Obese or Overweight

In a given year in the U.S., 1/4^th of US men and 2/5^ths of US women attempt to lose weight or keep it off.

With 20 years' experience screening for breast and prostate cancer, since screening began, 1) these cancers seemed to be more prevalent.  2) Relatively speaking the cancers are presenting at an earlier stage.  3) The "incidence of regional cancers has not decreased at a commensurate rate."   

 Much of the work on health disparities has focused on comparisons between those without coverage and those who are insured; the uninsured come out wanting.