Carrying extra weight isn’t just about how you feel in your clothes—it can have serious consequences for your heart. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. The good news? Losing weight can dramatically improve heart health and even reverse some conditions linked to obesity.

Obesity and Heart Disease: What’s the Link?

Obesity contributes to a number of heart-related health problems. According to Dr. Katy Irani, a bariatric surgeon at Intermountain Health’s Lutheran Clinic - Weight Loss and Reflux Center, “Obesity can cause many medical problems, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea , which are leading causes of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and strokes.

Moreover, excess weight puts added strain on the heart, making it harder to pump blood increasing the strain on the heart. With the above medical problems this can lead to major cardiovascular disease and heart arrhythmias.

Weight Loss and a Healthier Heart

Losing even a small percentage of body weight can make a big difference. Dropping just 5-10% of body weight can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar—all of which reduce the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Irani explains, “Significant weight loss not only improves and often resolves conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, but it also reduces the strain on the heart, improving heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and possibly even arrhythmias.”

Here are some of the cardiovascular benefits of weight loss:

• Lower blood pressure: Less strain on arteries means a healthier heart.
• Better cholesterol levels: Weight loss helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol).
• Improved blood sugar control: Losing weight can improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes—a major heart disease risk factor.
• Reduced inflammation: Excess weight contributes to inflammation, which is linked to heart disease.

Weight Loss Surgery: A Life-Changing Option for Heart Health

For those struggling with significant weight loss, bariatric surgery can be a safe and highly effective solution. According to Dr. Irani, “Bariatric surgery results in rapid weight loss and is exponentially more effective than diet, exercise, or medications.”

Some of the most significant heart health benefits of bariatric surgery include:

• Immediate improvement in insulin sensitivity, especially with gastric bypass surgery, which can even cure diabetes in most patients reduce insulin requirements the day after surgery.
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Better venous circulation, decreasing leg swelling, the likelihood of blood clots and improving overall heart function.

Patients often see cardiovascular improvements quickly. “With metabolic surgeries, the effect is immediate, with continued benefits over the first year. With sleeve gastrectomy, improvements typically appear within three months,” says Dr. Irani.

Sustaining Heart Health After Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight after weight loss surgery is key to long-term heart health. Dr. Irani recommends:

• Following a lean protein diet for at least one year, which helps support metabolic changes and reduce cravings.
• Strength training and regular physical activity, which help build muscle and keep metabolism strong.
• Ongoing support, like nutritional counseling and follow-up care, to ensure long-term success, offered for life through weight loss surgery programs.

Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Heart

If you're struggling with obesity and concerned about your heart health, know that you have options. Losing weight—whether through lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery—can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall quality of life.

To learn more about weight loss options and how they can benefit your heart, visit Intermountain Health’s Weight Loss Services. Your heart will thank you!