Over-40s with obesity have normal-BMI cholesterol and blood pressure levels, study finds
Summary
A study found that adults over 40 with obesity often have cholesterol and blood pressure levels similar to those with a healthy weight. This is mostly because many people with obesity take medicines like statins and blood pressure drugs. However, adults under 40 with obesity still tend to have higher risk levels.Key Facts
- Researchers studied almost 1 million adults aged 20 to 79 from several countries including England, the USA, Japan, and South Korea.
- They reviewed data from 110 health surveys conducted from 1990 to 2024.
- Cholesterol and blood pressure levels have improved over time, especially in people over 40 with obesity.
- Older adults with obesity now often have heart health measures like cholesterol and blood pressure similar to those with a normal BMI.
- The improvement is mainly due to the common use of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) and blood pressure medicines.
- Adults under 40 with obesity still show higher unhealthy cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those with normal weight.
- Researchers stress that obesity still increases other health risks beyond cholesterol and blood pressure.
- The study highlights the importance of early lifestyle changes and medical screening for younger adults with obesity.
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