Did you know that obesity affects around 1 in 4 adults in the UK? And one of the most common risks associated with obesity is developing heart and cardiovascular disease. Read more to understand how weight loss can help improve your heart health and prevent your risks of developing heart disease:
Obesity and heart health:
Obesity is a very common health condition which is classified as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and over. Although BMI is not the only method used to classify obesity, it is a good health indicator for most people.
Generally, obesity is caused by consuming more calories than you burn off, causing the excess energy consumed to be stored as fat. Due to the increased presence of fat in the body, people with obesity are at a higher risk of developing serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes. According to the NHS, obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems such as depression and low self-esteem.
How losing weight can help your heart health:
Research has shown that weight loss is an effective way to reduce the burden of obesity, and the risk of developing obesity-related conditions. Here are 3 ways losing weight can help improve heart health:
1.Weight loss can improve heart function: People with obesity require a heart that is able to pump greater amounts of blood, which can lead to an enlarged heart and thicker heart muscles. Losing weight can help your heart pump blood more efficiently around the body.