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Features News Review From Harvard Medical School -- Few Realize All of Obesity's Health Effects About 75% of U.S. adults realize that being overweight or obese is a serious health problem, a new poll shows. And most know that it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and heart attack. But few are aware of some other health problems linked with obesity, the poll found. About 21% said excess weight increases the risk of high blood pressure. Even smaller numbers linked obesity with arthritis (14%), high cholesterol (12%), depression (11%) and stroke (10%). Only 7% knew about the link between obesity and some forms of cancer. About 5% mentioned respiratory problems, such as sleep apnea. Excess weight increases the risk of all of these conditions. The Associated Press (AP) and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted the poll. More than 1,000 adults were surveyed. AP wrote about it January 7. Today In The News Flu Hits with Deadly Force

(USA TODAY) -- The current flu season is hitting the nation with deadly force, so far killing 18 children and sending people in 29 states to medical clinics and hospitals.

Report: Death Rates from Cancer Still Inching Down

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Death rates from cancer are continuing to inch down, researchers reported Monday.

Blood Pressure Drugs May Also Reduce Dementia

(USA TODAY) -- If you have high blood pressure and haven't treated it yet, consider this: getting it under control may also reduce your risk of dementia, suggests a study out Monday.