Obesity can increase cardiovascular risk, particularly when it occurs alongside diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea and fatty liver disease. Experts warn that these risk factors are increasingly appearing in younger adults and may remain silent for years before a cardiac event.
Rising Cardiometabolic Risk
The ICMR-INDIAB study, involving more than 1.13 lakh adults, reported 28.6% generalised obesity and 39.5% abdominal obesity. It also found diabetes in 11.4%, hypertension in 35.5% and prediabetes in 15.3% of participants.
“Obesity rarely occurs in isolation, and we are increasingly seeing multiple cardiometabolic risk factors in people in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Abdominal fat is closely linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, which can accumulate silently for years,” said Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, Mumbai.
As per the press release, Dr Aparna emphasised that BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels should be assessed together. She also highlighted the importance of screening for obstructive sleep apnoea in people with obesity, particularly those with loud snoring, disturbed sleep, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness.
Early Screening Is Important
Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia can remain asymptomatic. Therefore, regular screening is important, while symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations, unusual fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance or swelling of the feet warrant medical evaluation.
For patients considering metabolic or bariatric surgery, Dr Aparna said cardiovascular risks should first be assessed and optimised. Depending on individual risk, evaluation may include ECG, echocardiography and cardiology consultation.
Obesity and Heart Disease
Dr Abhilash Mishra, Cardiologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, said obesity can contribute to coronary artery disease, hypertension and heart failure. He noted that some younger patients already have elevated blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol despite having no obvious cardiac symptoms.
Similarly, Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Cardiac Surgeon, Mumbai, highlighted abdominal obesity as a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor that can contribute to heart attack, heart failure and other cardiac complications.
Treat Obesity Early
Experts emphasised that obesity should be managed as a chronic health condition rather than only a weight issue. Depending on individual risk, management may include lifestyle and nutritional interventions, behavioural support, medication or metabolic/bariatric surgery.
Early weight management and control of associated risk factors can help protect cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of serious cardiac complications.