A recent study has revealed that the number of deaths from heart disease linked to obesity has nearly tripled between 1999 and 2020.
This research, presented at a major conference by the American Heart Association, shows how the rise in obesity in the United States is directly linked to a growing number of heart-related deaths.
Particularly affected are middle-aged men, Black adults, people in the Midwest, and those living in rural areas.
Obesity increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become clogged. When these arteries are blocked, the heart doesn’t get enough blood or oxygen, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Dr. Aleenah Mohsin, who led the study, explained that as obesity rates continue to climb, so does the risk of ischemic heart disease.
This form of heart disease is worsened by high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even poor sleep—all conditions that obesity often brings about.
For this study, researchers gathered health data from over 20 years and reviewed more than 226,000 heart disease deaths related to obesity. The findings showed a consistent annual increase of 5% in these deaths.
In men, the death rate jumped significantly, from 2.1 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 7.2 per 100,000 in 2020—an increase of 243%.
For middle-aged men (ages 55 to 64), the rate rose from 5.5 to 14.6 per 100,000, a 165% increase. Women also saw an increase, although at a slower rate, with deaths rising from 1.6 to 3.7 per 100,000.
There were noticeable differences in death rates based on race, geography, and living areas. Black adults had the highest rates of obesity-related heart disease deaths, while those living in rural areas faced higher risks compared to people in urban settings.
The Midwest region, which includes states like Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, had some of the highest obesity-related death rates. In contrast, the Northeast had the lowest rates.
The results of this study surprised many experts, as they did not expect such a large jump in deaths, especially among middle-aged men.
They also highlighted racial differences, with Black adults having higher death rates, suggesting that various social and environmental factors may also be involved.
Dr. Sadiya Kahn, a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, emphasized that these findings underline the need to address obesity as a serious risk factor for heart disease. Between 1999 and 2020, obesity rates in the U.S. increased from around 30% to nearly 40%.
However, the increase in heart disease deaths related to obesity has risen even more sharply, which may reflect that doctors are more aware of obesity as a contributing factor and are more likely to include it in official health records.
This research is still considered preliminary, as it has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. But the findings stress the importance of taking steps to control obesity, particularly for those in high-risk groups.
Dr. Mohsin suggests that everyone, especially people with higher risks, should try to manage their weight and keep their heart health in check.
Lifestyle changes like eating healthier foods, exercising regularly, and staying on top of medical checkups are all critical steps toward lowering heart disease risk.
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