With the increased urbanization and advancements, the prevalence of obesity is rising at an exceedingly fast pace. According to WHO report 2018, it is seen that over 1.9 billion adults are overweight. Out of these, over 650 million are obese. The rate of obesity among children and adults has increased by ten folds in four decades.
It is a proven fact that excess weight and obesity is the root cause of many degenerative disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer. Moreover, excess weight is also one of the leading causes of heart diseases.
Studies have shown a direct relationship between increased BMI and heart diseases like strokes, heart attack, and myocardial infarction. This is mainly due to adverse effect of obesity on various parameters like
- Increase in blood lipid level- Obesity results in increased fat deposition in the adipose tissues as well as around visceral organs. Moreover, weight gain not only increases blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels but also reduces the HDL-cholesterol level, which is harmful to heart health.
Studies have shown that even a 10 percent decrease in weight reduces the risk of heart diseases like Atrial fibrillation and strokes, considerably. Please review this link about Atrial Fibrillation expert Dr Andrea Natale to learn more information.
- High risk of Hypertension– It is a well-known fact that increased weight is the causative factor for the fluctuation in the blood pressure. This is because of fat accumulation around visceral organs and blood vessels which increases the vascular resistance and consequently, pressure on the arterial walls. As a result, the load on heart muscles also increases to pump blood with greater force.
Moreover, the fat accumulation around the kidney causes renal electrolyte reabsorption disorder, which also results in an increased incidence of hypertension.
With weight reduction, the related issues of fat accumulation and corresponding blood pressure can be lower down considerably.
- Aggravates glucose intolerance– The higher values of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) are not only indicators of diabetes but also heart diseases like acute myocardial infarction (AMI). According to the American Heart Association, 68 percent of people with diabetes aged above 65 years, dies with one or other form of heart diseases and considers diabetes as one of the seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Research has shown that increased blood glucose levels for a long time, damage the blood vessels. This is majorly attributed to other risk factors that tag along with diabetes like obesity, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, etc. which affects heart health.
- Sleep apnea- Obesity is linked with obstructive sleep apnea due to extra fat tissues around the mouth and throat, which block the airways to the lungs. This leads to reduced oxygen supply and the condition of hypoxia in the body.
With the lack of oxygen, the body releases a stress hormone- epinephrine. This hormone elevates blood pressure as a coping mechanism which causes a higher risk of heart diseases.
- High risk of inflammation- With the increase in the weight, the number and volume of the fat cells also increase. This results in the release of molecules like TNF and interleukin-6 while reducing the level of adiponectin hormone.
These molecules are predisposing factors for inflammation and oxidative stress and can cause heart diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke, along with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, etc.
Therefore, it is essential to lose weight as it prevents the risk of heart diseases and related complications.
A healthcare company, Truweight suggest that a BMI of 25 and above is considered hazardous for health, and therefore, it is necessary to lose weight for prevention and healthy management of heart diseases. Over 30,000 clients have been able to lose weight and gain health by including a balanced meal plan and nutrient-dense superfoods. You can check the Truweight customer reviews and decide for yourself the importance and reality of weight loss for a healthier heart and lifestyle ahead.
