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Call Your Doctor If

You suspect you weigh 20 percent more than your ideal body weight. Obesity places you at much greater risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, gallbladder problems, respiratory problems, and various cancers, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

You are overweight and experience a drop in your sex drive, have problems menstruating, or become noticeably hairier. You may be suffering from a hormone problem or a tumor on a hormone-secreting gland.

You've lost weight many times but always gain it back. You may need professional guidance to develop a long-term, permanent weight-loss program.

You gain weight suddenly, especially after you start taking a new medication.

You notice that you are urinating more at night or you have a history of chest pain or heart problems.

You gain weight and also develop insomnia or feel either weak or depressed.