World Heart Day 2025: Obesity and the Silent Burden on Heart Health

A few months ago, a 42-year-old gentleman walked into my OPD. He was a young father, successful in his career, and seemingly “healthy” by his own assessment. Yet, he had already suffered a mild heart attack. As we looked deeper, the story was familiar — obesity, high blood pressure, early diabetes, and a lifestyle that left little room for physical activity.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. I meet patients like him every week. And as we mark World Heart Day, it is important to highlight one of the most under-recognized threats to our hearts: obesity.

 

The Hidden Strain of Obesity on the Heart

Obesity is not just about body weight or appearance. It silently increases the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol — all of which damage the heart. Studies show that obesity can double or even triple the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

India is seeing an alarming rise in both obesity and heart disease. The two are closely intertwined, creating a silent recipe for impending morbidity and even mortality. As more young people struggle with weight, we are also seeing heart problems at earlier ages — people in their 30s and 40s instead of 60s and 70s.

What Can Be Done?

The encouraging news is that being overweight is a modifiable risk factor and if checked on time can prevent obesity. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a big impact such as choosing balanced meals over calorie-dense foods, staying active with 30 minutes of exercise a day, regular health check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, seeking timely medical help when weight becomes unmanageable. For many, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. In such cases, medical and surgical interventions for obesity can be transformative. This largely depends on a person’s Body mass index and related co-morbidities. Bariatric and metabolic surgery not only leads to sustained weight loss but also improves conditions like diabetes and hypertension, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease significantly.

On this World Heart Day, I want to emphasize that protecting the heart goes hand in hand with addressing obesity. It is not just about looking fitter — it is about living longer, healthier, and with a better quality of life.

If you or a loved one struggles with obesity, take it seriously. Consult your doctor, make small changes, and if required, explore medical solutions. The earlier we act, the better we can protect our most vital organ — the heart.