From the Guidelines

Yes, obesity significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer 1.
The risk of all-cause mortality is higher in individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher, compared to those with a normal weight 1.
Obesity is also linked to a higher risk of morbidity, including gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and respiratory problems 1.
The economic burden of obesity is substantial, with estimated medical costs totaling $147 billion in 2008 1.

The World Health Organization defines obesity as a condition in which excess or abnormal body fat accumulation increases health risks 1.
The American Heart Association recognizes obesity as a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and mortality 1.
Bariatric and metabolic surgery may be an effective treatment option for individuals with severe obesity, particularly those with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 or higher 1.

Healthcare providers should prioritize weight management and lifestyle interventions for individuals with obesity, including dietary changes and increased physical activity 1.
Screening for obesity-related comorbidities is essential for early detection and treatment of associated health problems 1.

From the Research

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of many adverse medical, mental, and social consequences, including a strong relation to type 2 diabetes 2.
The increasing prevalence of obesity makes it a major healthcare challenge across both developed and developing countries, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 3.
Obesity and its repercussions constitute an important source of morbidity, impaired quality of life, and its complications can have a major bearing on life expectancy 4.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer account for the greatest mortality risk associated with obesity 4.
Obesity is associated with increased disease-specific morbidity for some diseases, but decreased or unchanged for others, and morbidity and mortality are markedly influenced by the patient's age, sex, ethnic origin, and social status 5.
Obesity, but not overweight, is associated with higher all-cause mortality, and underweight is also associated with higher all-cause mortality 6.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing in many countries, and overweight is associated with increased risks for inpatient care for circulatory diseases and musculoskeletal diseases 6.
Obese men and women have about 50% higher risks of all-cause mortality than normal-weight people, and avoidance of overweight may have a greater effect on the population level with regard to reduced cardiovascular and locomotor disease 6.
The King's Criteria and Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) are useful tools for the detection and monitoring of individual patient mortality risk in obesity care 4.