Other Risk Factors that Multiply the Risks Caused by Being Overweight

Besides being overweight or obese, there are additional risk factors cardiovascular disease. Whether they are related to the obesity or not, they do make the risk of premature death higher if they exist in the overweight or obese patient. They are shown in the table below.

RISK FACTORS
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
  • low HDL-cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
  • high triglycerides

     

  • high blood glucose (sugar)
  • family history of premature heart disease
  • physical inactivity
  • cigarette smoking


If you are overweight and have a one or more of the risk factors listed above, you are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk and if you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and others risk factors for heart disease. People who are overweight or obese have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers, and even a small weight loss - just 10 percent of your current weight - will help to lower your risk of developing many of the diseases associated with excess body fat. Achieving your "ideal weight" (whatever that may be) should never be the initial goal of weight loss. Start slow and go slow! Don't be in a hurry and avoid unrealistic goal setting. Remember: Losing just 10% of your excess body fat is enough to change your life and extend your life expectancy.