Claims for conditions in which obesity either is a risk factor or is strongly associated have shown a striking increase in the past decade, according to a UnumProvident report.

“The increase in the incidence of disability claims for conditions related to obesity is alarming, and illustrates the potential scope, in terms of burden of suffering and the increase in health-care costs, attributable to the obesity epidemic,” said Robert Anfield, the company's vice president and medical director. “It is clear that health and disability consequences of obesity are extensive and present daunting challenges.”

As a result of chronic health conditions triggered by obesity, syndromes that are primarily symptom-based, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, or Gulf War syndrome, have increased 40 times. The rates of hypertension and diabetes have doubled, while musculoskeletal disorders have increased by 78 percent and back disorders have increased by 46 percent. In addition, cancer and cardiovascular disease rates have shown 63 percent and 17 percent rises, respectively.