Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors - English

Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Obesity is strongly associated with an increase in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), with mechanisms involving metabolic changes, systemic inflammation, and vascular dysregulation. Studies highlight that central obesity (measured by abdominal circumference or waist-to-height ratio) is a more sensitive predictor of cardiovascular risks than body mass index (BMI). Clinical Associations Hypertension: Central obesity is directly linked to elevated blood pressure, with studies showing that up to 70% of hypertension cases in men and 61% in women can be attributed to excess weight. The waist-to-height ratio showed a significant correlation with hypertension (p = 0.007). Type 2 Diabetes: The accumulation of visceral fat is associated with insulin resistance, with the risk of developing diabetes being up to 12 times higher in obese women. Dyslipidemia: Obese individuals frequently exhibit elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, along with reduced HDL cholesterol, factors that contribute to atherosclerosis. Vulnerable Populations In children and adolescents, obesity is linked to hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of CVD in adulthood. In adults, elevated BMI (especially above 35 kg/m²) correlates with a greater aggregation of risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension. Pathogenic Mechanisms Visceral fat releases pro-inflammatory adipokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6), which promote endothelial damage and vascular remodeling. Additionally, central obesity is connected to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, exacerbating cardiac injury. Clinical Implications Assessing abdominal circumference is recommended as a complementary marker to BMI for identifying high-risk individuals. Early interventions, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity, are crucial for mitigating cardiovascular complications. Keywords: Central obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation. (Summary based on cross-sectional studies and systematic reviews, with an emphasis on Brazilian and international populations.)