Take it easy at first

If you're obese, starting a regular exercise program should be something worth serious consideration. Not only will you improve the way you look and feel, but you will greatly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and a number of other health complications. However,this does not necessarily mean that you should rush into a workout program without first checking with your doctor, as certain exercises may cause injury and further health issues.

According to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, even such light exercise as walking can increase your risk of osteoarthritis if you're obese. Overweight walkers were found to have 51 percent more muscle torque -- the force that pulls on muscles, tendons, and ligaments and leads to the breakdown of cartilage -- than people whose weight was in a healthy range.

This does not mean that exercising is too dangerous and should be avoided if you're exceptionally heavy. It merely means that care needs to be taken, and that includes a discussion with your doctor. He or she will most likely suggest that you enter into your workout regimen with a great deal of ease, gradually increasing duration, tempo, and intensity over time.