Obesity and Heart Disease
Is there a link between obesity and heart disease? The answer is yes—there is a strong and well-established connection between the two.
What Is the Relationship Between Obesity and Heart Disease?
Obesity can directly and indirectly increase the risk of developing heart disease through several mechanisms:
- Effects on cholesterol levels
Obesity often raises levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lowers “good” cholesterol (HDL), contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries. - Increased risk of high blood pressure
Excess body weight increases the body’s demand for oxygen and nutrients, forcing the heart to work harder and raising blood pressure. - Impact on metabolism
