Can Weight Loss Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk? 5 Expert Tips

A 2022 study published in The Lancet warns of a 50% increase in heart disease cases over the next decade, driven largely by rising obesity levels. This increase not only affects the older population but is also seen in younger people, who are developing heart disease at a much earlier age compared to previous generations.

What makes Indians more vulnerable to heart disease?

Asians, including Indians, tend to have a higher body fat percentage at lower body mass index (BMI) levels compared to Western populations. That’s why, the BMI cut offs for overweight and obesity are lower. In Asia, a BMI of 23-24.9 is considered overweight, and 25 or above is classified as obese, compared to the global standard of 25+ for overweight and 30+ for obesity. This reflects Asians' higher risk of metabolic issues, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, at lower BMI levels.

India, historically considered a nation grappling with malnutrition, is now facing a dual burden of malnutrition and obesity. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-2021), 24% of Indian women and 23% of men aged 15-49 are overweight or obese—a sharp rise from previous years. Alarmingly, childhood obesity is also increasing, with a 10% spike in urban areas. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks and strokes, are responsible for about 28% of all deaths in India, making it the country’s leading cause of mortality.

The Deep Connection between Obesity and Heart Disease

Obesity is a significant risk factor and affects your heart health in multiple ways:

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Fat accumulation leads to plaque build-up in arteries, restricting heart blood flow.

2. Hypertension - Often triggers high blood pressure, increasing the heart's workload and damaging blood vessels.

3. Heart Failure - Excess weight makes the heart work harder, eventually reducing its ability to pump effectively.

4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) - Increases the risk of irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to strokes or heart failure.

5. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) - Adds pressure on the heart, causing fluid build-up and reduced function.

6. Cardiomyopathy - Contributes to abnormal heart muscle function, impairing its ability to pump blood.

 

The Dangerous triad of Diabetes-Obesity-heart disease

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, which in turn significantly increases the risk of heart disease. India, often dubbed the diabetes capital of the world, is home to over 77 million diabetics (according to the International Diabetes Federation, 2022). A large portion of these cases are driven by obesity.

The diabetes-obesity-heart disease cycle is particularly dangerous. As excess weight leads to insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels, it damages blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. This accelerates the development of cardiovascular diseases, making heart disease the leading cause of death for diabetics.

 

 

Lose Weight to Save your Life

1. Blood Pressure Reduction - Losing 5-10% of body weight can lower systolic blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg, reducing heart disease risk.

2. Cholesterol Improvement - A 5-10% weight loss can reduce triglycerides by 15-20% and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol by 5%.

3. Diabetes Risk Reduction - A 7% weight loss decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%, which indirectly lowers heart disease risk.

4. Inflammation Reduction - A 10% weight loss lowers inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), reducing artery damage.

5. Lower Cardiovascular Event Risk - Significant weight loss can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 40%.

6. Improved Heart Function - A 5-10% weight loss improves heart structure and reduces strain, particularly in those with obesity-related heart failure.

 

 

START TODAY: 5 Easy Steps to reduce your heart health risks

1. Pay Attention

While heart attacks can’t always be prevented, controlling risk factors is key. Cardiologists urge people to pay attention to symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, and dizziness, and recommend regular exercise, a balanced diet, better sleep, managing stress, quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

2. Know Your Health Status

Click to Check your BMI (Body Mass Index). It assesses body fat based on weight and height and helps you gauge health risks. Higher BMIs increase the risk of health conditions like Heart disease & Diabetes. Follow the personalised advice provided by expert Dr. G.

Click to Check your Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). It measures abdominal fat by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference and is an important health indicator linked to lifestyle diseases. A higher WHR suggests more abdominal fat and higher risks of heart disease and diabetes.

Early and regular check-ups are advised, even for those in their late 20s and 30s, especially if there is a family history of heart disease.

3. Lose Excess Weight & Fat with Natural & Clinically Proven ActiFiber

Healthy weight loss should be healthy and gradual.  You can start on your journey by including Nutritionist Recommended ActiFiber Natural Weight Control in your daily diet. It is natural and Clinically Proven to help regulate your appetite better, reduce your extra calorie intake, and thus help you achieve ‘Healthy Weight Reduction that Lasts’ and keep heart disease at bay.  Over the long term, its Prebiotic advantage helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Losing excess fat deposits in central region is one of the big challenges in our journey to being fit. ActiFiber Natural Lean & Fit is the ‘Inch Loss Expert’ that can help you in Weight loss & Fat loss to become Leaner & Fitter. It is 100% Plant sourced and Recommended by Nutritionists to help you regulate Appetite Better, Support Weight Reduction and Reduce Body Fat. Over the long term, it also helps you stay healthy and reduces risk of lifestyle health challenges.

Making ActiFiber a part of your daily diet is so easy. It dissolves easily with no aftertaste, odour or colour thus blending into your daily routine effortlessly.

5. Adopt a Healthier Diet Plan Today

Download the Practical, Easy-to-follow, Region specific Diet plan to help you reach your goal to be healthier & fitter.

6. Talk to an Expert to help you navigate your journey to better health

Reach out to our Nutrition Expert for personalized advice to help you reach your goal. It doesn’t cost you anything and can help you get healthier and save your life.