New Delhi: Obesity is a rising health burden across the globe including India. The condition leads to other chronic health issues including heart disease, kidney problems and more in the future. According to a recent study, women who are obese or have higher weight during their teenage or young adult years have a higher risk of suffering from stroke by the age of 55.
The study is alarming as it may lead to early-life obesity and dangerous health diseases. Hence, weight issues should be addressed from a young age. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in India. With nearly one stroke every 40 seconds and one stroke death in every 4 minutes occurs in India. At the same time, cumulative cases record about about 1,85,000 strokes every year. Ischemic strokes which occur due to blockages in the blood vessels supplying the brain are a huge health threat.
Women with excess weight are at risk
According to the study, women who had higher weight at the ages of 14 or 31 are specifically at higher risk of stroke. While those who are obese and are at the age of 14 have nearly double the likelihood of experiencing an ischemic stroke as compared to their peers. The risk of stroke increases even more in women who are obese at the age of 31.
Risk may differ in men
The pattern of increased risk does not appear to affect men similarly to women. While men with obesity at the age of 31 are at higher risk for various types of stroke including hemorrhagic strokes, they do not show the same higher risk for ischemic strokes as women. The differences show particular vulnerabilities women experience due to early-life obesity.
Factors contributing to stroke and obesity
The study further noted that various factors may contribute to why women are at a higher risk of long-term obesity on stroke. The hormonal differences, patterns of fat distribution and responses to inflammation cause potential risk.
The study is alarming as it may lead to early-life obesity and dangerous health diseases. Hence, weight issues should be addressed from a young age. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in India. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
