Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Weight and Coronary Artery Disease

Table of Contents


Overview

There is a strong link between being overweight and the risk for coronary artery disease. Being overweight increases your chances of having risk factors for the disease. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Losing weight and staying at a healthy weight can help lower your risk for coronary artery disease. Weight loss often improves other risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Losing weight may also help control diabetes.

If you have coronary artery disease, your doctor will likely suggest staying at a healthy weight or losing weight if you need to. Your doctor can help you find a weight-loss program that can work for you.

What is the importance of waist circumference?

Waist circumference is the distance around your waist. Measuring it is a way to check how much fat is on your belly. Having extra belly fat increases your risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.


Credits for Weight and Coronary Artery Disease

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.