Obesity can affect people's health because it contributes to hypertension, diabetes, and depression, which contribute to low self-esteem. Obesity is defined as an excessive amount of body fat. This increases the risk of diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Children are more likely to become obese if their parents at home are obese. According to Lankford (2007), research shows that children who are overweight or obese have a 90 percent chance of being overweight as adults. That's why experts say it's important to help children develop healthy habits as early as possible. Having obese parents also increases the chances of a child becoming obese. Obesity can cause diabetes in which sugar builds up in the blood due to a lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. According to MedicineNet, Inc. (2013), insulin is necessary for transporting blood glucose (sugar) to muscle and fat cells (which is then used for energy). By transporting glucose into cells, insulin keeps blood sugar levels within the normal range. Insulin resistance is the condition in which the effectiveness of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) into cells is diminished. Fat cells are more resistant to insulin than muscle cells; therefore, obesity is an important cause of insulin resistance. The pancreas initially responds to insulin resistance by producing more insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced naturally by your pancreas. Insulin helps move blood sugar, or glucose, into cells. Since the body uses blood sugar for fuel, insulin is very important (Levemir, 2013). As long as the pancreas can produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, the blood...... middle of paper ......safety-and-obesity.Jungbunzlauer (2014). Gluconic acid. Retrieved from http://www.jungbunzlauer.com/products-applications/products/gluconates/gluconic-acid/general-information.html. Landsberg, B. (2012). Becoming an ex-diabetic. St. Abans, Herts, AL: Anoma Press Ltd. Lankford, R. (2007). Can diets be harmful? Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. Levemir (2013). What is insulin? How insulin affects blood sugar. Retrieved from http://www.levemir.com/startingoninsulin/whatisinsulin.aspx.ReferencesMayo Clinic (2013). Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314.MedicineNet, Inc. (2013). Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/obesity_weight_loss/article.htm. Sherwood, C. (2014). How do glucose test strips work? eHow Health. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4898797_glucose-test-strips-work.html.