Why Are Obese People More Likely to Suffer from Cardiovascular Disease?

1. Why Are Obese People More Likely to Suffer from Cardiovascular Disease?

Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive increase in body fat, which promotes and causes dysfunction in adipose tissue. The prevalence of obesity is increasing, especially in developing countries. This condition not only results in an unbalanced physique but also diminishes individuals' confidence in their daily lives. Furthermore, obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

There is a correlation between obesity and cardiovascular disease. When the body is obese, it alters lipid metabolism, leading to dysregulation. At the same time, elevated levels of LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the blood make individuals more susceptible to atherosclerosis, which can be detrimental to their health. A typical manifestation of this condition is the narrowing of coronary arteries, resulting in myocardial infarction accompanied by a sensation of chest pain.

Obesity and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Obesity often leads to an increased risk of systemic inflammation in the body. At the same time, this inflammatory state affects and influences the process of fat accumulation in the body. Chronic systemic inflammation, along with the accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue, is commonly observed in individuals with obesity. This condition increases the risk of atherosclerosis, elevates bad LDL cholesterol levels, and promotes the formation of plaques in various organs. When these plaques rupture, they can lead to thrombosis, resulting in heart attacks, cerebral artery blockage, strokes, or peripheral artery occlusion.

Moreover, numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between fat and cardiovascular issues. Obesity causes layers of fat to accumulate around the heart, reducing the heart's ability to contract effectively. This also increases the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. In obese individuals, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and mortality.

Based on research findings, obesity typically presents in two forms: men often have excess fat concentrated in the abdominal area, commonly referred to as "beer belly," while women tend to accumulate fat in the hips and thighs. When the body mass index (BMI) of these groups exceeds 90% for men and 80% for women, obesity can significantly impact health, including cardiovascular health.

2. How Does the Pathway from Obesity to Cardiovascular Disease Occur?

Obesity can be caused by two main factors: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous obesity, also known as secondary obesity, accounts for about 10% of cases and is related to genetic disorders or abnormal genetic traits. Besides obesity, individuals may also face additional health risks such as adrenal hyperfunction or primary insulin resistance. Exogenous obesity, often referred to as primary obesity, comprises about 90% of cases. Its root cause is typically a caloric intake that exceeds energy expenditure over an extended period.

The pathway from obesity to cardiovascular issues involves both endogenous and exogenous factors. According to experts, the mechanism by which obesity leads to cardiovascular problems primarily involves excessive fat accumulation in the body, resulting in the enlargement of the atria and ventricles, and causing atherosclerosis. These changes create a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease. As body fat increases, it may indirectly lead to conditions such as sleep apnea or thrombosis, impacting metabolic processes and body functions, leading to cardiovascular diseases such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders.

3. How to Lose Weight for Individuals with Cardiovascular Diseases?

Obesity can result from various causes. For those related to environmental factors and daily habits, positive changes are necessary to effectively control weight. For cases of obesity due to genetic factors, a thorough examination and detailed treatment plan are required.

Some measures to help change weight for obese individuals in order to improve metabolic conditions and minimize potential cardiovascular issues include:

• Weight Loss and Achieving a Healthy Weight

This is likely the first important step in preventing obesity and improving cardiovascular diseases. Losing about 5 kg can lead to noticeable changes in the body. Blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers may begin to decrease. However, it is crucial to adhere to a proper diet plan advised by a doctor or nutrition expert.

It is important to choose foods that support weight loss, such as increasing the intake of green vegetables and fruits in daily meals to provide essential minerals along with a high fiber content to help eliminate excess fat from the body. Whole grain foods can also be used to reduce the carbohydrate intake from the diet. Importantly, individuals following a weight loss regimen should limit sugary foods, those with high sugar content, and fried foods.

• Limit the Use of Stimulant Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are stimulants that not only affect overall health but also increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. If there is a habit of consuming these beverages, it is advisable to limit and gradually eliminate them. Sugary and carbonated drinks, which contain high sugar levels, are also risk factors for obesity, subsequently impacting cardiovascular health and other organs.

• Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity provides significant benefits not only for overall health but also helps obese individuals maintain a reasonable weight and improve cardiovascular health. It is recommended to maintain a routine of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day with simple workouts to achieve desired results.

You can combine exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobic workouts, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). These exercises are effective in burning excess fat while also helping to increase muscle mass, resulting in a balanced and healthy physique.

Currently, the number of people suffering from obesity is on the rise, and this condition is often accompanied by cardiovascular issues. When these two diseases occur together, the health risks increase. To prevent this, maintaining health through weight management and regular health check-ups is essential. This helps detect and treat diseases earlier, minimizing their adverse effects.

Nowadays, if you want to lose weight effectively, you can consider energy expenditure therapies. This method uses vitamins and minerals to promote fat metabolism through natural mechanisms without negatively impacting health. Before starting, you will undergo an overall health assessment, and the doctor will provide a weight loss plan tailored to each individual based on basic test results, such as blood tests and body mass index (BMI). Throughout the process, a doctor will be closely monitoring, creating a suitable nutrition and exercise plan based on each person’s condition.

References: News-medical.net, Obesityaction.org, Bhf.org.uk