According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one third of U.S. adults are obese.  In all probability, obesity may soon overtake smoking as the leading lifestyle risk factor for heart disease and stroke. People with a body mass index equivalent to 30 or more are considered obese.

Obesity epidemic is spreading far and wide and the cause can be attributed to an environment which is devoid of physical activity and promotes unhealthy eating. Saturated fats and sugar have become a part of our daily diet while consumption of fiber rich food is almost minimal. Researchers of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that the risk of heart failure was 34 percent higher for overweight individuals and 104 percent higher for people classified as "obese."

Few Facts linking Obesity and heart problems

• More amount of blood is required if your body size is very big and your heart also has to pump more blood than it did before. The heart grows slightly larger in size so that more blood can be moved with each beat. The increased flow causes high blood pressure which we all know will eventually lead to a heart disease.

• Changes in body fat particularly increasing abdominal fat have specifically been associated with stiffness in the aorta, the major artery leading from the heart.

• Studies are finding higher levels of a factor called C-reactive protein (CRP) in people with obesity and abdominal fat. CRP is regarded as a marker for inflammation and damage in the arteries. (Losing weight reduces CRP levels.)

• Individuals with a BMI of at least 30 have a 50% to 100% increased risk for death compared with individuals at a BMI of 20 to 25. 

Adults apart, even children are increasingly becoming obese thereby urging the need to promote healthy lifestyle in schools, workplace, communities etc. If you are overweight or bordering on being obese, then consult your doctor to get a balanced diet plan and make exercise a part of your daily routine. 

Written By: Dr. Rohini