Your body weight has a strong influence on your heart health. In fact, heart health is all about the balance between your calorie intake and calorie output during physical activity.
The excess is stored as fat if you consume more calories than you burn. The more fat you store, the higher your risk of cardiovascular diseases and other physical complications.
According to cardiac electrophysiologists, obesity is not just about being “fat.” It is a medical condition that ought to be taken seriously because it is one of the leading causes of death due to heart-related diseases.
Obesity & Heart Disease: The Vicious Link
Medically, obesity means having excess body fat mass. Your body weight and appetite are intricately regulated by your:
- Hormones
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Specialised tissues
- Food intake
Excess body fat is never ideal for physical well-being. It disrupts the normal functioning of these components and has adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
Therefore, it is essential to understand that maintaining an ideal body weight has more to do with your overall well-being and cardiovascular health than aesthetics.
Obesity impacts cardiovascular health through multiple mechanisms. Here’s a detailed compilation of how your body elements are adversely affected by excess fat:
-
Adipose tissue and excess fat
Adipose tissue is the subcutaneous and visceral fat under your skin surrounding the internal organs. Adipose tissue stores energy in the form of fat and secretes a hormone called Adiponectin in substantial quantities in persons with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).
However, obese individuals lack adiponectin secretion. This, coupled with elevated fat tissue levels, can result in heightened inflammation within the body. This inflammation can harm the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and exacerbate metabolic syndrome.
-
Endothelial cells and obesity
Endothelial cells are special cells that line the inner walls of blood vessels. The hormone adiponectin facilitates their proper functioning by enabling blood vessel relaxation and regulating the deposit of fatty plaques.
However, in obese persons, the reduced secretion of adiponectin impairs endothelial cell function, thus increasing heart-related risks like:
- Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the artery walls.
- Hypertension or high blood pressure.
- High levels of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels.
-
Insulin & body weight
Obesity can lead to insulin resistance, where the body does not respond appropriately to insulin hormones, thus impacting the regulation of blood sugar levels. This can make you more prone to developing Type 2 Diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.
Also Read : Exploring the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease
3 Major Risk Factors Contributing to Obesity
1. Genetic Predisposition
Indians are genetically predisposed to higher body fat levels than their Body Mass Index. Indian adults and children are generally termed as “thin-fat”, which means they may have an elevated level of body fat even if they do not meet the traditional BMI-based obesity criteria.
This genetic predisposition puts Indians at a higher risk of heart disease, even though they may have a low BMI.
2. Dietary Influences
The Indian diet is generally rich in fat and carbohydrates. When eaten in moderate amounts, these do not pose any risk. However, uncontrolled carbohydrate and fat consumption and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to excessive weight gain. Moreover, the easy availability of processed foods compounds the problem.
3. Societal and Cultural Factors
Food is deeply embedded in our cultural and societal norms. There is a remarkable emphasis on “eating well”, which generally translates to “excessive eating. Conversely, there is less emphasis on making physical activity a part of everyday life.
In a nutshell, obesity is one of the major culprits behind cardiovascular disease. Ironically, it is also the easiest and most cost-effective to treat.
Ponder this: Once a person develops heart disease, there is no looking back. They may require intensive treatments and invasive procedures, not to mention major lifestyle changes to minimise the risk.
Obesity, on the other hand, is relatively easier to manage. All you need to do is make simple lifestyle modifications and practice self-control.
Simple Weight Management Techniques to Keep Obesity Away
- Keep an eye on your Body Mass Index (BMI). To know your BMI, use this formula:
Weight in kilograms
—-----------------------
Height in metres X height in metres
- Monitor your waist circumference. Excess fat around your midsection increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Stay away from fried and processed foods, and limit your carbohydrate intake.
- Add more green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits to your diet. Stick to lean meats and fish instead of red meat.
- Check your hormonal levels to rule out any issues that may be contributing to weight gain.
- Stay on the move. Make exercising a part of your lifestyle and remain consistent with your workout routine.
- Invest in regular health screening to know your health status and obesity-related risks so you can take timely medical action.
- Read the food labels to make healthier food choices. Make an effort to understand the nutritional information on packaged foods.
- Seek counselling if you are struggling with obesity as a mental health issue, especially if you perceive eating as a coping mechanism.
Say No to Obesity & Make Your Heart Happy!
Obesity is a critical health issue that ought to be tackled early on before it gets out of hand. It is best to maintain an ideal BMI rather than become obese and combat it. Even if you are obese, you still have opportunities to reach a healthier body weight before your obesity starts affecting your heart health and complicating things further.
Book a consultation to check your heart health and gain the right medical advice to maintain your weight. Prioritise your heart. Take care of it today.
