In India, cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of premature mortalities [1], and obesity is one of its most underestimated drivers. A high waist circumference, exceeding the BMI (body mass index), signals deeper health risks. It can eventually lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, insulin resistance, and ultimately, heart attacks.
Obesity doesn’t just add weight; it adds metabolic strain on the heart, arteries, and kidneys. It often whispers long before it shouts.
Struggling with obesity? You are not alone. Find support here.
The Science Behind the Connection
Visceral fat, the fat that surrounds your internal organs, isn’t harmless. It releases substances that can harm your blood vessels and affect how your heart works. Research shows that obesity [2]:
- It causes long-term, mild inflammation that damages your blood vessels
- It raises substances that can increase your blood pressure
- It worsens “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while reducing “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- It makes your body less responsive to insulin, raising the risk of diabetes and artery blockage
- Over time, it stiffens and ages your blood vessels faster, affecting heart health
Even when cholesterol or blood sugar is managed, obesity alone can double or triple heart disease risk, earning its place as a cardiovascular condition in itself.
Manage your weight to take care of your heart. Get personalized help.
Why Medical Weight Loss Matters
Weight loss isn’t about how you look — it’s about how your heart works. Sustained weight loss of just 5–10% can [3]:
- Lower systolic blood pressure
- Cut triglycerides and raise HDL (good cholesterol)
- Improve heart function and arterial flexibility
- Reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a key inflammation marker
New-generation medications that mimic natural gut hormones, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have shown remarkable cardiovascular benefits. In major clinical trials, these treatments have been linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes [4].
GLP-1 receptor agonists, available as Wegovy in India, support weight management and contribute to heart health.
India’s Turning Point
Indians are predisposed to develop heart disease and diabetes at lower BMI levels due to higher visceral fat and insulin resistance. Yet, treatment often focuses only on sugar or pressure, not the underlying obesity.
With advanced, medically supervised weight management options now emerging, India has an opportunity to:
- Intervene before heart disease strikes
- Use scientific, structured obesity care, not just lifestyle advice
- Integrate cardiology, endocrinology, and nutrition for long-term prevention.
Speak with an expert to see if this therapy fits your health plan.
Final Word: What the Heart Really Cares About
Your heart doesn’t count kilos; it reacts to inflammation, insulin, and belly fat. We must move beyond the stigma of weight loss and start treating it as a clinical, lifesaving intervention.
For every cardiac emergency tomorrow, there’s someone today who can prevent it through early, evidence-based obesity care. The future of heart health in India depends on how seriously we treat obesity today.
Disclaimer: This article is an editorial initiative by Tata 1mg for Novo Nordisk. The information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Weight loss medications should be used individually and should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. Please note that Tata 1mg does not endorse any brands and is not responsible for their efficacy.
References:
[1] Kumar A. Cardiovascular disease in India: A 360-degree overview. Indian Heart J. 2020;72(2):117–123. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377123719301339
[2] Després JP. Body fat distribution and risk of cardiovascular disease: an update. Circulation. 2012 Sep 4;126(10):1301–1313. Available from: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.067264
[3] Brown JD, Buscemi J, Milsom V, Malcolm R, O’Neil PM. Effects on cardiovascular risk factors of weight loss limited to 5–10%. Transl Behav Med. 2016;6(3):339–346. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4987606/
[4] Mullur N, Bhatia S, Ghosh A, et al. GLP-1 receptor agonist-based therapies and cardiovascular risk: a review of mechanisms. J Endocrinol. 2024 Sep 19;263(1):e240046. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11466209/
(The article is written by Dr. Syeda Aafia, Team Lead and reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Director, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)