Obesity Responsible For Two-Thirds Of Cardiovascular-Disease Deaths, Study Reveals

A new study reveals that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for deaths among two in three people with a high body mass index (BMI). The research, presented at the European Cardiology Congress in London, highlights that 67.5% of deaths related to high BMI are attributable to CVD, according to Professor Emeline Van Craenenbroeck from Antwerp University, Belgium.

Obesity is known to increase the risk of various CVDs, including atherosclerotic disease, heart failure, thromboembolic disease, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Despite its significance, obesity has been under-recognized compared to other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Call for Increased Awareness and Action

The study emphasizes the need to raise awareness about obesity as a major risk factor for CVD. It advocates for implementing evidence-based practices to prevent and manage obesity within primary and secondary CVD prevention strategies.

Obesity not only contributes to established cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure but also has direct adverse effects on cardiac health. The study also highlights a close association between obesity and diabetes, with 80-85% of diabetes patients being obese or overweight. Obese individuals are about three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those of normal weight.

Weight loss therapies, including pharmaceutical, dietary, behavioral, and physical treatments, have shown positive effects on managing diabetes and hypertension. However, obesity management has received less attention compared to other CVD risk factors.

The findings call for a more focused approach to addressing obesity, which is largely avoidable and treatable.

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