How Being Overweight Can Influence Your Risk Of Getting Stroke?

Overweight problems are not only a matter of dismal physical appearance but a medical concern also. Being overweight or obese is a complex disorder known by the presence of excess fat in the body. It increases manifold the risk of developing overweight risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, and others.

Obesity results from a combination of several factors like heredity, physiology, environment, diet, and physical activity levels. Some people find it difficult to lose weight. It is observed that even a slight reduction in obesity can significantly increase the health benefits and reduce the incidence of overweight stroke, and other vascular diseases

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to measure obesity. Height and weight are used to calculate the BMI.  Asians with BMI 25 and above are considered overweight, while those with 30 and above are considered obese. The figure is believed to be reasonably accurate for normal people with a regular lifestyle. However, some people like athletes might have BMI in the obesity range due to their physique and muscles even though they may not be obese.

Overweight as Risk Of Getting Stroke

There is a significant correlation between obesity and strokes. A reduced blood supply and potential blockages are the two major causes of stroke. Before a full-blown stroke, obese people are likely to experience mini-strokes, a possible warning sign.

Obesity is highly challenging to reduce but managing it may present a vital aspect for neurologists in Patna involved in caring for stroke patients. A pervasive risk factor for stroke, obesity affects a significant adult population.

Can Overweight Influence Your Risk Of Getting Stroke??

Obesity is on the rise in the adult population. As per a report, the prevalence of obesity has increased from 2.2 % to 5.1 % from 1998 to 2015. The study further stated that an estimated  27.8 % of all Indians would be overweight by 2030. Several published studies from 1983 to 2011 have examined the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseases and found it positive. Few essential things emerged from the research. Middle-aged people are more at risk of stroke than older individuals. Obesity and increased risk of stroke were also heightened by other associated factors like diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

 Does overweight cause stroke?

Obesity increases the risk of stroke by several factors that include sleep apnoea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Adipose tissue in our body plays an important role immunologically and endocrinologically. With weight gain, the tissue undergoes changes that include infiltration with inflammatory cells and lesser secretion of adiponectin, a protein hormone with positive vascular effects. Both the inflammation and reduced adiponectin lead to the build-up of insulin resistance. Obesity and the resultant insulin resistance condition may also stimulate other factors that lead to stroke.

Overweight Symptoms and Causes

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than what the body can use. The body then stores these extra calories as fat, whose accumulation over time can lead to obesity. Although factors like heredity, metabolism, and hormones influence weight gain tendency, it is the diet and lifestyle that is a critical factor. Overweight people tend to eat a calorie-rich diet consisting of fast foods and sugary drinks. They tend to feel hungry sooner, eat more calories before being full, and binge eat when stressed, anxious or nervous. Additionally, the modern lifestyle has little scope for exercise with conveniences like escalators and drive-through outlets. Even jobs today have become less demanding and involve little physical activity.

Overweight Risk Of Getting Stroke

Being overweight to a large extent may be influenced by heredity. Your genes play a significant part in how food is digested, converted into calories, assimilated and how your body uses up the calories. However, the following factors also significantly influence obesity

  • Lifestyle habits: A calorie-rich diet with more fried foods, sweetened beverages, oversized portions, and fast foods but lacking in fruits and vegetables is a significant contributor to weight gain. A sedentary lifestyle makes you take in more calories than you burn, an important factor in weight gain.
  • Certain medications and diseases: Overweight causing stroke may occur due to hormonal imbalance caused by certain conditions that lead to weight gain. Medications such as antidepressants, steroids etc. may also lead to weight gain
  • Social factors: If people you interact with are obese and have unhealthy eating habits, you are more likely to become obese as it will easily be accepted. Or it may be possible that you do not have access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise like parks making it challenging to prevent obesity.
  • Age: Most people tend to reduce physical activities as they age. Aging brings on hormonal changes and reduced muscle mass. This reduces metabolism and a lesser need for calories making it harder to stave off extra weight.
  • Other factors: Lack of sleep and stress make people crave comfort foods that are generally calorie-rich.

Complications from Being Overweight

Obese people are more likely to develop other serious health diseases like

  • Heart diseases and stroke: Obesity increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
  • Type2 diabetes: The body’s ability to process insulin for controlling blood sugar levels is affected by obesity.
  • Osteoarthritis: Excess weight puts more pressure on the joints and adds to inflammation.
  • Severe COVID symptoms: Obesity increases the risk of symptoms of covid becoming severe if you contract the virus. Overweight Risk Covid may cause some people to require intensive care or oxygen cylinders for breathing.
  • Digestive system problems: Increase the chances of developing gallbladder problems, liver problems, and heartburn.
  • Sleep apnoea: A very dangerous condition in which breathing starts and repeatedly stops during sleep.

 

What can you do?

Treating obesity involves weight management and lifestyle changes for losing weight and maintaining it successfully. It consists in combining physical activity with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Losing weight may be challenging but is the best way to reduce the risk of secondary diseases, especially stroke. Excellent services are offered by one of the top 5 neurologist in Patna Dr. Chandril Chugh , neuro physician in Jaipur, and brain specialist doctor in Faridabad. Also avail the benefits of the best neurologist doctor in Jaipur and a top neurosurgeon in Patna. You can also book an online neurologist consultation or neurologist online chat.