People who stay in shape kick heart diseases, finds study

New Delhi : If you think that going overweight will not let your heart go off, then you are wrong! Yes, a new study says that around 300,000 people found with unhealthy weight gain have chances to suffer from the risk of heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

A study published in the European Heart Journal reports that the risk of Heart problems and blood vessel problems increases as body mass index (BMI) increases beyond 22-23 kg per square metre 

Moreover, the findings explains that the risk also increases gradually for the person who carries fat around their waist.

A leading researcher Stamatina Iliodromiti from University of Glasgow in Britain says, "By maintaining a healthy BMI of around 22-23 kg per square metre, healthy people can minimise their risk of developing or dying from heart disease," 

It is known to all that being overweight or obese boosts a person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as other diseases such as cancer, there have also been studies by experts that have recommended otherwise. These studies have concluded that, mainly in the elderly, being overweight or even obese might not have any effect on mortality from CVD or other causes, and may even be defensive, especially if people retain a sound fitness level.  In medical terms, it is also known as "obesity paradox”

However, the new study disproves these old one with some interesting findings.

"Any public misconception of a potential 'protective' effect of fat on heart and stroke risks should be challenged," Iliodromiti said.

Researchers of the study found that as BMI increased above 22 kg per square metre, the risk of CVD increased by 13 per cent for every 5.2 kg per square metre increase in women and 4.3 kg per square metre in men.

"This is the largest study that provides evidence against the obesity paradox in healthy people," Iliodromiti said. She also added "It is possible that the story may be different for those with pre-existing disease because there is evidence that in cancer patients, for instance, being slightly overweight is associated with lower risk, especially as cancer and its treatments can lead to unhealthy weight loss,"

Therefore, it is high time to follow a routine exercise hours along with diet plan to cut those excess fat which otherwise may bring heaps of heart diseases in the near future. Be in shape and stay healthy!