In most cases the diagnosis will be apparent from the woman's appearance but the degree of obesity should be assessed, by using the Body-Mass Index. In addition the skin-fold thickness over the triceps muscle can be measured using special spring loaded calipers. Obesity is indicated by a measurement of more than 28mm in women.    

Metabolic disorders: Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, gall stone, hyperuricaemia, and gout are more common among the obese than in general population.  

Cardiovascular Disorders : Obesity increases the load on the heart, which enlarges with rising body weight. Cardiac output, stroke volume, and blood volume also increases. Higher Blood Pressure is often reported.

Life Expectancy : Overweight is associated with an increased rate of mortality at all ages. However the degree of mortality varies more or less in proportion to degree of obesity.

Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Obese women are more likely than non-obese women to die from cancer of the gallbladder, breast, uterus, cervix, or ovaries.

Health care providers generally agree that the more obese a person is, the more likely he or she is to develop health problems.

Psychological and social effects

Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.

Many people think that obese individuals are gluttonous, lazy, or both, even though this is not true. As a result, obese women often face prejudice or discrimination in the job market, at school, and in social situations. Feelings of rejection, shame, or depression are common.