Can weight loss reverse heart disease?

Weight Loss Treatments, West Malling, Kent

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and one of the main risk factors for developing heart disease is being overweight or obese. But can losing weight reverse the damage to your heart?

The Impact of Being Overweight on the Body

Carrying extra weight doesn’t just affect how you look or how your clothes fit; it has profound implications on your health, particularly on your heart. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

• High Blood Pressure: The heart has to work harder to pump blood through more tissue, which can raise blood pressure.
• Increased Cholesterol Levels: Overweight individuals often have elevated levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol), contributing to atherosclerosis.
• Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Obesity can cause the body’s cells to become resistant to insulin, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Inflammation: Excess fat can lead to a state of inflammation that damages the arteries and can contribute to heart disease.

The Causes of Heart Disease

Heart disease can arise from genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and other conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Plaque build-up in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is a common cause of heart disease. This build-up narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through, and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Reversing Heart Disease Through Weight Loss

While some damage from heart disease is irreversible, losing weight can have a significant positive impact. Weight loss can:

• Lower Blood Pressure: Even a small amount of weight loss can help reduce your blood pressure.
• Improve Cholesterol Levels: Losing weight can help lower your LDL cholesterol and increase your HDL cholesterol.
• Reduce the Risk of Diabetes: Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Decrease Inflammation: Losing weight can lower the levels of inflammatory substances in your body.

Struggling to Lose Weight? Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, there are additional interventions that can help.

Allurion Gastric Balloon

If you have a BMI of 27 or above and are struggling to kickstart your weight loss journey, there are options available. The Allurion Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical alternative to the gastric band. It’s swallowed in the form of a pill before inflating to an apple’s size once it reaches the stomach, making you feel like you’re already full. Patients can expect to lose between 10 to 15kg in just four months before it automatically deflates and passes naturally through the gastrointestinal tract.

But it’s much more than just weight loss. The Allurion is just one element of a much broader picture. Yes, it helps to kickstart weight loss, but more importantly, it builds a solid foundation for a much healthier and more fulfilled lifestyle. Over the four months, you’ll work closely with a nutritionist to develop and implement healthier lifestyle habits to ensure lasting results even after the balloon has long passed.

Weight Loss Injections (Semaglutide)

Weight loss injections like Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulates appetite and food intake. This action helps reduce hunger and promote a feeling of fullness, leading to a decrease in calorie intake.

Emerald Laser

The Emerald Laser is best viewed as a fat reduction tool rather than a weight loss solution. It is designed to reduce fat in specific areas, rather than to significantly reduce overall body weight.

Typically, patients can expect to see a reduction in circumference in the treated areas. The amount of fat loss can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, lifestyle, and adherence to a healthy diet and exercise regimen post-treatment. Clinical studies and patient reports have noted reductions ranging from six inches up to significant reductions in fat layer thickness after a series of treatments. However, for best results, multiple sessions are recommended.

While you cannot undo all the effects of heart disease, losing weight can certainly help reverse some of the damage and greatly improve your heart health. If traditional methods of weight loss haven’t been successful for you, there are modern interventions that can assist in your journey. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new weight loss plan, especially if you have underlying health issues. Remember, taking a step towards a healthier weight is also a step towards a healthier heart.

If you’d like to learn more about the options, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.