Obesity is a strong, modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease and cardiac risk factors, though achieving and sustaining weight loss remains a significant clinical challenge.
Obesity is strongly associated with cardiac risk factors including elevated blood pressure, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Clinical trials have indicated that weight loss significantly improves these risk profiles. Epidemiologic studies consistently have shown that obesity is a strong risk factor for coronary heart disease in both men and women. In addition, abdominal adiposity may confer added risk for coronary heart disease. Although obesity is a modifiable and preventable cardiac risk factor, management of this disorder remains both challenging and vexing to clinicians. To prevent cardiovascular disease we must find ways to decrease the rising prevalence of obesity and to help overweight individuals achieve and sustain weight loss.
Rexrode et al. (Sun,) conducted a review in Obesity and cardiovascular disease. Weight loss was evaluated. Obesity is a strong, modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease and cardiac risk factors, though achieving and sustaining weight loss remains a significant clinical challenge.