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New research shows "alarming levels" of obesity in most ethnic groups in the United States. The study also confirms the deadly toll obesity exacts on the heart and blood vessels.
Among almost 7,000 middle-age or older adults participating in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, or "MESA" study, researchers found that more than two-thirds of white, African American and Hispanic participants were overweight, and one-third to one-half were obese.
Obesity rates were lower in Chinese Americans, with 33 percent overweight and just 5 percent obese.
The investigators also found that obese adults had higher rates of high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, and diabetes, despite a "huge number" being on costly medications to treat those very problems.
Even after adjusting for "traditional" risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, obese adults also faced increased risks of:
Silent vascular disease (blood vessel disease that causes no symptoms)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Thicker heart walls
Sources:
Reuters May 12, 2008
Archives of Internal Medicine May 12, 2008
Among almost 7,000 middle-age or older adults participating in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, or "MESA" study, researchers found that more than two-thirds of white, African American and Hispanic participants were overweight, and one-third to one-half were obese.
Obesity rates were lower in Chinese Americans, with 33 percent overweight and just 5 percent obese.
The investigators also found that obese adults had higher rates of high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, and diabetes, despite a "huge number" being on costly medications to treat those very problems.
Even after adjusting for "traditional" risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, obese adults also faced increased risks of:
Silent vascular disease (blood vessel disease that causes no symptoms)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Thicker heart walls
Sources:
Reuters May 12, 2008
Archives of Internal Medicine May 12, 2008