How Does Obesity Cause Heart Disease?

Basics

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines obesity as a body that has an overabundance of fat. Excess fat, especially around the waist, can cause health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. While the reasons behind the health risks are not completely clear, the AHA reports that obesity is the number one indicator of potential coronary diseases. Side effects of obesity include increased blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower levels of HDL cholesterol, which is considered the good, or healthy cholesterol. Blood pressure rises in obese people who also are at greater risk of developing diabetes, which can add to the risks of heart problems.

Fat

Obesity occurs when more calories are taken in than are expended. Consuming excess amounts of cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat in the diet leads to weight gain and obesity. Fat and obesity are measured through a body mass index (BMI) formula and waist circumference. Waistlines in women that are greater than 35 inches are considered high risk for obesity and heart disease. Men should measure 40 inches or less to remain healthy. BMI compares height to weight to conclude the amount of body fat on a person. Multiplying weight by 703, and then dividing that number by height in inches twice provides a BMI. Underweight people display a BMI of less than 18.5, while 18.6 to 25 are considered normal body mass indexes. Obesity begins when BMI exceeds 30 and, extreme obesity measures 40 BMI and above.
Risks

While eating too much and exercising too little is the primary cause of obesity, there are other factors that should be considered when working to lower fat levels to prevent heart disease. The Weight-control Information Network, which is an informational service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD), reports that 66 percent of the American population is obese and at risk for heart disease. They report that since obesity tends to run in families, there is a genetic component to the condition as well as learned behaviors.

Lifestyle choices also play a big part in obesity trends. As more people eat out, lead more sedentary lives and rely on prepackaged foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, the obesity rates have soared. Education and income also seem to play a big part in obesity trends, since high-calorie, processed foods often are less expensive and more accessible than healthier alternatives. Studies by the NIDDKD, however, indicate that obesity is becoming more prevalent in the 21st century in all socio-economic levels.
References

American Heart Association
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/17809-obesity-cause-heart-disease/#ixzz1X55VfHGe