Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. And experts warn these chronic conditions lead to heart disease, the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control says a growing obesity epidemic is a root cause of these health problems.

It is estimated nearly 70 percent of adults are overweight or obese.

However, researchers say even a small amount of weight loss, around 5 to 10 pounds, can lower pressure. And that can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.