How does overweight affect your heart

Some medical research suggests a bit of an increase in heart disease as you become more underweight. Weight loss is often one of the first signs of cancer, for example. Patients with anorexia can have various health problems, including heart disease, because they are malnourished. A: A normal BMI, between 20 and 25, is healthiest. Risk of heart disease increases as BMI increases. A BMI of 25 to 30 considered overweight has a higher risk. A BMI of 30 to 35 considered obese is even higher.

A BMI higher than 35 comes with a serious risk. Overweight men tend to have an apple shape and overweight women a pear shape. After surgery you will still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine. Bariatric patients may require more protein and exercise to ensure that they are losing fat and not bone or muscle weight, including the most important muscle of them all: the heart.

Proper diet and exercise post-bariatric surgery will ensure that you maintain a strong and healthy heart, and thereby continue to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Learn about bariatric surgery and get the support you need to continue on your weight-loss journey.

In addition, obesity can lead to enlargement of the heart, which could be from untreated hypertension, Dr. Goldberg says. Where the extra weight is distributed also affects your risk of developing heart disease. Excess belly fat also increases triglyceride levels, which can contribute to plaque rupturing, Stevens notes.

All of these changes are beneficial for your heart. Avoid added sugars, highly processed foods , and fried foods. J Am Coll Cardiol. Effect of weight reduction and cardiometabolic risk factor management on symptom burden and severity in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized clinical trial. Jin J. Obesity and the Heart. Coronavirus Resource Center. Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy Continue.

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