How does obesity contribute to the development of coronary heart disease?

Obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), primarily due to several physiological changes that come with excess body weight. When an individual is obese, there is often an increase in visceral fat, which can lead to inflammation and a cascade of metabolic issues, including insulin resistance and elevated cholesterol levels.

These metabolic changes adversely affect heart health by promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, which can lead to narrowed arteries and reduced blood flow. Furthermore, obesity is often associated with hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles, and diabetes, all of which are recognized risk factors for CHD.

The cumulative effects of these factors mean that obesity acts as a powerful independent risk factor for CHD, increasing the probability of heart disease even in individuals without other existing health issues. This connection underscores the importance of weight management as a critical component of cardiovascular health strategies, indicating that addressing obesity can significantly lower the risk of developing heart-related conditions.