Obesity Causes Serious Structural Damage To The Heart

According to new research led by Queen Mary University of London, being obese causes major damage to structures in the heart.

The study published in PLoS One journal, analysed data showing the damage being overweight or obese has on the heart’s weight and size.

Professor Steffen Petersen, lead author at QMUL’s William Harvey Research Institute, said:

“We all know that our lifestyle has a big impact on our heart health, particularly if we’re overweight or obese”.

With this research, we’ve confirmed how obesity increases a persons risk of heart disease.

High body mass index and blood pressure led to heavier and bigger hearts, which increases the risk of heart problems.

The Research

Firstly, the team used data collected in the UK Biobank from the hearts of 4,561 people.

Secondly, this allowed them to measure the effect of a range of risk factors, on the four chambers of the heart.

These included:

• High Blood pressure
• Smoking status
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Exercise level
• Cholesterol
• Alcohol intake
• Diabetes

The above risk factors all have varying effects on the heart, however an increased heart weight was specifically linked to overweight and obese people.

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said:

“This research shows the silent impact of being overweight and having high blood pressure on the structure and function of the heart.

Over time this damage may lead to heart disease and heart failure.

“The important message is these are things we can change before they become irreversible.”

Childhood Obesity

Considering childhood obesity is a huge problem, this issue needs to be addressed at a young age.

There are steps that can be taken right now to help you and your family lose weight.

The benefits of acting now include reducing your chances of:

• Heart problems
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Even coronary death

I have 8 years of experience cultivating programs for people to accomplish weight loss.

Finally, if you’re ready for an appointment, apply here or call 9462 0585

David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.

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