Research Highlights:
This news release has been updated to include a quote from the senior author.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023
DALLAS, Sept. 6, 2023 — There has been a recent three-fold increase in obesity-related deaths from heart disease in the U.S. between 1999 and 2020, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association , an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
“The number of people with obesity is rising in every country across the world. Our study is the first to demonstrate that this increasing burden of obesity is translating into rising heart disease deaths,” said lead study author and cardiologist Zahra Raisi-Estabragh, M.D., a clinical lecturer at the William Harvey Research Institute in London. “This rising trend of obesity is affecting some populations more than others, particularly Black women.”
Obesity remains a global public health crisis and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It currently affects about 42% of the U.S. population, an increase by almost 10% from the preceding decade, according to the American Heart Association’s 2023 statistics .
Researchers analyzed race, gender and urban versus rural settings to determine differences in heart disease deaths in which obesity was listed as a contributing factor. Among the findings:
“The trend of higher obesity-related cardiovascular death rates for Black women than men was striking and different from all other racial groups considered in our study,” said senior author Mamas A. Mamas, M.D., D.Phil. professor of Cardiovascular Medicine from Keele University in Keele, United Kingdom.
In addition, Raisi-Estabaugh noted that Black individuals living in urban communities may be impacted more by socio-economic deprivation and health inequalities than Black people living in rural areas, and that they did not benefit from increased access to health care that appears to benefit people of other racial groups who live in urban areas.
Study details and background:
The researchers note that coding and data entry errors may be a limitation of the findings since the source was electronic health records that could not be verified by researchers for accuracy. However, the results still underscore the need to address obesity more effectively in individuals and communities.
Co-authors, their disclosures and study funding sources are listed in the manuscript.
Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association’s overall financial information are available here .
Additional Resources:
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter) or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
###
Journal of the American Heart Association
Racial Disparities in Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Mortality in the United States: Temporal Trends From 1999 to 2020