Obesity is a growing concern worldwide. It is a condition where there is anexcessive accumulation of body fat leading to impartments in health status.

Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this article is to discuss the effects of obesity on cardiovascular health and the risks that it poses for those considered healthy.

What is obesity and its causes?

Obesity is defined as a state of being overweight or having excess body fat which increases a person’s risk of health problems. The primary cause of obesity is an imbalance between the energy intake and the energy expenditure.

An unhealthy diet with high amounts of calories, coupled with a lack of physical activity, leads to an excess of calories which is stored in the body as fat. Genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices also play a role in the development of obesity.

Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Being obese contributes to the following risk factors for CVD:.

Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for CVD. The more overweight an individual is, the more blood volume their body has which puts extra pressure on the arterial walls, leading to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure can, in turn, damage the artery walls and cause heart disease or stroke.

High Cholesterol Levels

Obesity contributes to higher levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.” High levels of these fat molecules in your blood can increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Insulin Resistance

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which leads to Type II diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels and impairs their ability to carry oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues.

This can lead to CVD and other health problems such as nerve damage and blindness.

Inflammation

Obesity is characterized by chronic inflammation that affects the entire body. This inflammation can contribute to damage to the endothelial lining of blood vessels that supply the blood to the heart, leading to plaque formation and CVD.

Reducing Obesity-Associated Risks

To reduce risks associated with obesity, an individual needs to measure their BMI and waist circumference and take steps to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.

Engaging in regular exercise, reducing intake of high-fat foods and sugars, sleeping for at least 7 h daily, managing stress, and quitting smoking are the best ways to control obesity.

Other Lifestyle Changes for Obesity Control

Other lifestyle changes that can help with reducing obesity-associated risks include drinking more water, increasing dietary fiber intake, consuming fewer processed foods and sugary drinks, and increasing protein intake.

Medical interventions such as bariatric surgery may benefit individuals with severe obesity and other conditions comorbid with obesity.

Conclusion

The link between obesity and CVD has been well established. Controlling obesity through lifestyle changes can help reduce the risks of CVD and other obesity-associated health problems.

Obesity prevention measures should ideally start from early childhood, including healthy eating habits, adequate exercise, and a reduced sedentary lifestyle. Early detection of obesity also facilitates timely intervention, which can significantly reduce the health hazards associated with obesity.