Healthy weight, healthy shape cuts heart risk

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

The message bears repeating - a healthy weight and a healthy shape will reduce the risk of heart disease and its recurrence.
At the European Society of Cardiology, experts agreed on the prime importance of weight control and exercise in the prevention of heart problems. They are concerned that in most European countries, obesity is on the increase at all ages and in both sexes. They attribute this to a shift towards an increase in manufactured foods, away from traditional Mediterranean diets, and a continuing failure to take exercise.

Recent research has shown that moderately active persons have a 30 to 40 per cent lower risk of dying of heart disease, compared to the sedentary. But people are not taking the exercise they need to, despite the benefit. Also, it should be better known that coronary patients can safely exercise and, indeed, have much to gain from doing so. The Society is now promoting the slogan 'healthy weight, healthy shape' in its latest bid to cut the toll from heart disease.

Source
European Society of Cardiology 25th September 2005

Please take a moment to give us your comments. For questions about Health matters you may check our "Questions & Answers" Portal and Service.