BMI and Waist Size May Predict Risk of Cardiovascular Death

Weight has a negative impact on the whole body. This is especially true for the overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. The European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation reports that patients with extra abdominal fat and a high Body Mass Index (BMI), such as the overweight and obese, may have three or four times higher risk of a cardiovascular related death. Additionally, patients with these conditions have twice the rate of non-fatal cardiovascular disease over a period of ten years.

Any patient who is working hard to lose weight can feel assured that reducing overall body fat and achieving less abdominal fat and a lower BMI will result in improved health benefits. The patients in the study were both male and female ages 20 to 65 and showed fairly similar results. The overweight population of male subjects was 42 percent, while 30 percent of the females were overweight, and males and females in the study were 10 and 11 percent obese respectfully. Specific abdominal area obesity occurred in 19 percent of men and 26 percent of women.

This study concludes that losing extra weight is beneficial for overall body health and also for good cardiovascular health. Many patients who are enrolled in a medical weight loss program have found that monitoring overall health, including cardiovascular health, is easier to do by having regular check-ins with medical professionals. Regardless of the methods used to achieve weight loss, when overweight or obese patients make the decision to shed extra weight it is a heart-healthy decision.