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Obesity impacts your heart,
even when you can’t see it

Obesity can increase your risk of heart disease long before symptoms appear.
Early care can make a difference.


What does your body and an Orchestra have in common?



Your heart is part of a finely tuned system, and every choice affects its rhythm. When obesity disrupts that rhythm, it’s time to rethink and retune for a healthier tomorrow.


Test your knowledge

Take the quiz, and learn how weight affects your heart, even if you can't see it.

Question 1 of 10

Obesity and heart health

Question 1

A larger waist size can mean you are at risk of heart disease. Which of the following waist measurements is considered to be high risk?

Waist size can help assess central obesity i.e. the distribution of abdominal fat storage which is connected to risk factors associated with heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Waist size can help assess risk factors associated with heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. As per the British Heart Foundation, a waist size of below 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is generally considered low risk. People with an African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese origin tend to have a different fat and muscle distribution which means that they are at a higher risk of heart disease even at a lower waist size, compared to Europeans.

Waist size can help assess risk factors associated with heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. As per the British Heart Foundation, a waist size of below 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women is generally considered low risk. People with an African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese origin tend to have a different fat and muscle distribution which means that they are at a higher risk of heart disease even at a lower waist size, compared to Europeans.

Question 2

Which of the following are affected by excess weight?

Obesity is a chronic disease that can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It can be linked to over 200 health conditions which includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Obesity is a chronic disease that can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It can be linked to over 200 health conditions which includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Obesity is a chronic disease that can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. It can be linked to over 200 health conditions which includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

In fact, obesity can be linked to over 200 other conditions, which can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. Read more here.

Question 3

Which of the following BMIs is likely to make someone prone to cardiovascular health issues?

A BMI of 25 and above places the individual in the overweight category and a BMI of 30 and above places the individual in the obesity category. But, you may be interested to know that a BMI of 25 and above places someone at a high risk of developing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Find out more here

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to estimate body fat and screen for obesity and related health risks. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 places the individual in the healthy weight category. A BMI of 25 and above places the individual in the overweight category, thus increasing the chances of developing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Question 4

A person living with obesity will start to see an improvement in risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease when they lose what percentage of their body weight?

According to studies, a reduction in weight may improve risk factors associated with reduced cardiovascular health in people living with obesity. This can be seen when people reduce their body weight by as little as 5-10% or more.

According to studies, a reduction in weight may improve risk factors associated with reduced cardiovascular health in people living with obesity. This can be seen when people reduce their body weight by as little as 5-10% or more.

People living with obesity tend to be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to obesity related risk factors such as high blood pressure. Research has shown that reducing body weight by 5-10% may improve the associated risk factors. For more information on the benefits of weight loss, click here

Question 5

Living with obesity increases the risk of developing a range of health issues. But how many?

Obesity is linked to more than 200 conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many more. You can explore further here

Obesity is linked to more than 200 conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many more. You can explore further here

Obesity is linked to more than 200 conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and many more. You can explore further here

Well remembered! Obesity can put people at a high risk of developing long-term health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and many more, causing a significant impact on quality of life.

Question 6

Which of the following is the leading cause of death worldwide?

In 2021, cancer caused around 10 million deaths whereas cardiovascular disease was responsible for around 20.5 million deaths worldwide, making it the leading cause of death. This highlights the importance of early detection and prevention methods to reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease accounted to a third of all global deaths in 2021, making it the leading cause of death globally. It is also responsible for around 38% of all preventable deaths which highlights the importance of early detection and prevention methods.

Question 7

How many times does the average person attempt to lose weight in their lifetime?

According to research, the average person attempts to lose weight for about 7 times in their lifetime. Managing weight can be challenging for many but working with a healthcare provider and tailoring a suitable weight management plan can be helpful. Click here to learn more

According to research, the average person attempts to lose weight for about 7 times in their lifetime. Managing weight can be challenging for many but working with a healthcare provider and tailoring a suitable weight management plan can be helpful. Click here to learn more

That’s correct! Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, and many people find it challenging to manage their weight. Speaking to a healthcare provider and following a tailored weight management plan can help sustain their weight. To learn more, click here.

According to research, the average person attempts to lose weight for about 7 times in their lifetime. Managing weight can be challenging for many but working with a healthcare provider and tailoring a suitable weight management plan can be helpful. Click here to learn more

Question 8

Losing weight is hard, but so is keeping weight off. Which of the following statements from a recent global obesity study is true?

Long-term maintenance of lost weight can be challenging, but many strategies can improve the chances of long-term weight loss. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to understand which management approach may work best for you.

It can be challenging to maintain weight loss over a long period of time. In fact, according to a study, only 1 in 10 people studied were able to maintain weight loss of 10% or more for over 1 year. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to find a weight management plan that can work best for you and your routines.

It can be challenging to maintain weight loss over a long period of time. In fact, according to a study, only 1 in 10 people studied were able to maintain weight loss of 10% or more for over 1 year. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to find a weight management plan that can work best for you and your routines.

Question 9

In total, approximately how many adults, children and teens around the world are living with obesity?

Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease showing an increasing prevalence globally in the past decade. According to the latest prevalence figures, over 1 billion people are said to be living with obesity globally including children, teens and adults.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease with a growing prevalence around the world. Around 1 billion adults and 241 million children and teens are set to be living with obesity by 2025.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease showing an increasing prevalence globally in the past decade. According to the latest prevalence figures, over 1 billion people are said to be living with obesity globally including children, teens and adults.

Question 10

By how much does the risk of cardiovascular mortality increase for every 2 years of living with obesity?

For every 2 years that a person lives with obesity, their risk of cardiovascular mortality is increased by 7%. People living with obesity are more likely to develop risk factors such as high blood pressure and so on that are associated with cardiovascular disease. Speaking to a healthcare professional and following tailored weight management plans may be helpful in improving the risk factors.

For every 2 years that a person lives with obesity, their risk of cardiovascular mortality is increased by 7%. People living with obesity are more likely to develop risk factors such as high blood pressure and so on that are associated with cardiovascular disease. Speaking to a healthcare professional and following tailored weight management plans may be helpful in improving the risk factors.

A cardiac event is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the rhythm of the heart stops. It can also be caused if the person previously suffered from a heart attack. People living with obesity are more likely to develop risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol associated with cardiovascular disease.

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You know your stuff! If your friends are as sharp as you, you can send them a challenge

A larger waist size can mean you are at risk of heart disease. Which of the following waist measurements is considered to be high risk?

Nicely done!

That's not quite right!

Which of the following are affected by excess weight?

That's not quite right!

Which of the following BMIs is likely to make someone prone to cardiovascular health issues?

Nicely done!

A person living with obesity will start to see an improvement in risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease when they lose what percentage of their body weight?

That's not quite right!

Living with obesity increases the risk of developing a range of health issues. But how many?

Nicely done!

Which of the following is the leading cause of death worldwide?

Nicely done!

That's not quite right!

How many times does the average person attempt to lose weight in their lifetime?
Losing weight is hard, but so is keeping weight off. Which of the following statements from a recent global obesity study is true?

Nicely done!

That's not quite right!

In total, approximately how many adults, children and teens around the world are living with obesity?

Nicely done!

That's not quite right!

By how much does the risk of cardiovascular mortality increase for every 2 years of living with obesity?

Nicely done!

That's not quite right!


How to have a positive conversation with your doctor

Talking about obesity and heart disease isn’t easy, and you're not alone in feeling that way. To help you begin the tough conversations, we have created a practical conversation guide to help you get started.



It’s designed to help you have open, honest discussions with your healthcare provider about your heart health, your weight, and your future.

There’s more to obesity than just weight

First, you are not lazy. Obesity is a complex disease that’s hard to manage. “Eat less, move more” is advice many have heard for years, but there’s more to it.

Genetics, environment, and other factors all play a role in your weight and the development of obesity.

That’s why understanding the full picture matters. Start by checking your Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), and explore the resources below to learn more.



Related articles

References:
  1. Powell-Wiley, T.M. et al. (2021) ‘Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association’, Circulation, 143(21). doi:10.1161/cir.0000000000000973.

  2. Ryan DH, Yockey SR. Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over. Curr Obes Rep. 2017 Jun;6(2):187-194. doi: 10.1007/s13679-017-0262-y.

  3. Ashwell, Margaret. (2011). Charts Based on Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio to Assess the Health Risks of Obesity: A Review. The Open Obesity Journal. 311. 78-84. 10.2174/1876823701103010078. 

  4. Obesity as young adult sets stage for heart disease, stroke (2023) www.heart.org. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/08/01/obesity-as-young-adult-sets-stage-for-heart-disease-stroke.
 
  5. Hritani, R. et al. (2023) ‘Obesity management for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention’, Obesity Pillars, 7, p. 100069. doi:10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100069.

  6. How your heart works, British Heart Foundation. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/how-a-healthy-heart-works#:~:text=Your%20heart%20has%20an%20electrical,in%20a%20regular%2C%20coordinated%20rhythm
  7. Kenneally , S. In a world where people live with obesity, it’s good to talk., World Obesity Federation. Available at: https://www.worldobesity.org/news/blog-in-a-world-where-people-live-with-obesity-its-good-to-talk.
  8. IOC Consensus statement obesity care vs. weight loss. Available at https://www.obesityaction.org/advocacy/policy-platform/ioc/#:~:text=IOC%20Statement%20on%20Obesity%20Care%20vs.&text=Obesity%20care%20is%20about%20health,like%20any%20other%20chronic%20disease.
  9. English, S. and Vallis, M. (2023) ‘Moving beyond eat less, move more using willpower: Reframing obesity as a chronic disease impact of the 2020 Canadian obesity guidelines reframed narrative on perceptions of self and the patient–provider relationship’, Clinical Obesity, 13(6). doi:10.1111/cob.12615.

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