Losing 5%-10% of your weight is proven to lower your chance of developing heart disease. Most people who have type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. You can cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising more.t makes you more likely to have conditions including: 1  Heart disease and stroke. 2  High blood pressure. 3  Diabetes. 4  Some cancers. 5  Gallbladder disease and gallstones. 6  Osteoarthritis. 7  Gout. 8  Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for short episodes during sleep) and asthma.