About half of all deaths from heart disease are sudden and unexpected, so there's little opportunity for treatment. For people at risk of sudden death, prevention is the key.

Overweight and obesity lead to serious health consequences. Risk increases progressively as BMI increases. Raised body mass index is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as:

• Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke) - already the world's number one cause of death, killing 17 million people each year.
• Diabetes – which has rapidly become a global epidemic.
• Musculoskeletal disorders – especially osteoarthritis.
• Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon).