Obesity and Heart Disease

Obesity – having too much body fat – is pretty common. Today, obesity affects more than 2 out of 5 adults in the U.S. Being very overweight raises a person's risk of many forms of heart disease, as well as other health problems.

But, your risk isn't just about how much body fat you have. Where you carry the extra weight seems to matter, too. According to research, belly fat is of particular concern. In fact, even people who are not obese but have a large waistline show a higher risk for heart disease.

If you are very overweight or carry a lot of fat around your middle, take heart. Even small changes can make a big difference for your health.