Obesity and Heart Health: The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight - Aditi Jagtap Pune

 

Obesity has become a universal sickness in the ultramodern ages, impacting the populace worldwide. According to World Obesity Atlas published by UNICEF India alone will have more than 27 Million obese children by 2030 and 70% of urban youth is already obese. Approximately thirty-five adults are considered obese, with continuously rising rates. This is a significant concern because obesity is a major risk factor for numerous health problems, including heart disease.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in urban India, responsible for one in every four deaths, says Dr Ranjit Jagtap Daughter. Obesity is a major contributor to this statistic, as it increases the risk of developing heart disease by a significant margin. In fact, obesity can lead to a number of other heart-related problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

The link between obesity and heart disease is not a new one, and researchers have been studying the connection for years. Studies have shown that obesity can cause changes in the body that increase the risk of heart disease. For example, excess weight can cause the heart to work harder, leading to higher blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack. Obesity has long been seen as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The exact mechanisms through which it can influence heart health are complex and multifaceted, with new research emerging all the time.

According to current evidence, both excessive body fatness and certain patterns of unhealthy eating may increase your risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, stroke, peripheral artery disease and coronary artery disease—all of which have serious implications on overall heart health. While excess body weight only accounts for approximately 11% of cases of diabetes worldwide it is yet linked to 17 per cent of infernal disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by cardiac problems in adults aged below 65 years old according to a JAMA Network Open study published recently. Moreover, research done at Harvard showed that monetary costs related to helping/hospitalizations and medicines spending due to prolonged visits were increased three times by obese subjects suffering from Cardiovascular diseases.

The negative effects obesity can have on heart health cannot be stressed enough as obesity puts an undue amount of fat under the skin than muscle as opposed to other organs that normally act as guardians against infections in adults with excessive body mass, says Aditi Jagtap, daughter of Dr Ranjit Jagtap. Obesity can also lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can cause them to narrow and become less flexible. This can supersize the chance of heart sickness and stroke. Additionally, people who are obese are more likely to have high levels of inflammation in their bodies, which can also contribute to the development of heart disease.

Aditi Jagtap Pune says, Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for heart health. This means eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It also means engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. A healthy diet is key when trying to keep obesity at bay – however much easier said than done! It’s important to cut down on junk food while opting instead for fruit, vegetables and lean proteins wherever possible. Of course, exercising regularly will also help in keeping weight under control - aiming for 150 minutes per week should do the trick along with monitoring portion sizes and energy intake from snacks/ fast food throughout the day in order to maintain BMI within a healthy range (18.5-24). One of the most effective ways to help keep one's weight in check as per Aditi Jagtap, director of Ram Mangal Heart Foundation is to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan that will help you lose weight safely and sustainably.

In addition to eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, Aditi Jagtap Pune says  there are other lifestyle changes you can make to improve your heart health. These include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress. Smoking and excessive drinking can also lead to decreased physical activity levels, which in turn can lead to weight gain and obesity. Smoking and drinking can affect the body's metabolism and lead to changes in appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption, which can contribute to weight gain. Nicotine consumption in a way increases appetite and food cravings, leading individuals to consume more calories and contributing to weight gain.

In summary, obesity affects our bodies in many ways; with heart health being at serious risk when we don't maintain a healthy lifestyle incorporate regular exercise into our lives regularly and eat foods rich in vitamins & minerals essential for good cardiovascular performance particularly Omega3 fatty acids present in salmons, tuna etcetera which is absolutely crucial in combating cardiovascular issues even later in life. By eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and making other healthy lifestyle choices, you can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.