Weight loss does not reduce the risk of heart disease
Last reviewed: 23.11.2021
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A strict diet and an intensive exercise program designed to reduce weight do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as a heart attack or stroke, in people with type 2 diabetes. These results were presented by the staff of the National Institute of Health.
The researchers checked whether an active fight against excess weight and weight loss could improve the heart rate in people with type 2 diabetes.
The study of these processes took place in 16 medical centers throughout the United States. Under the supervision of physicians, 5 145 people took part in the program, half of them actively exercising and dieting, and the other half participated in a general support program for people with type 2 diabetes. The observed patients were aged 45 to 76 years and 60% of them were women.
Despite the activity and moderate nutrition, scientists note that the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases did not tend to decrease. However, overall improvement in patients' health is still observed: it reduces the need for frequent use of medicines, reduces episodes of sleep apnea and improves the quality of life of people. Subjects who led an active lifestyle, were able to lose 8% of their original body weight within a year after the start of the program. Those participants who were involved in the support program were able to get rid of only 1% of their initial weight.
"Assumptions about the effect of excess kilograms on the cardiovascular system have not been confirmed. But this does not mean that physical exercises and properly organized nutrition are not needed at all, on the contrary, patients with this diagnosis can feel better and reduce the number of medications if they keep themselves in shape, "the researchers say.
At present, the data obtained are analyzed to the fullest extent in order to compile a complete picture of cardiovascular diseases. Specialists prepare a report on the results of the work.
Diabetes of the second type suffers almost 24 million people in the United States alone. The number of victims of this disease increases along with the obesity epidemic. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes.