Study: Most people do not know the weight relationship between heart disease and general health

Part of the problem is that many people do not know the foods and the right foods that guarantee the health of the heart. One in five respondents (18%) said they felt their diet was not related to heart health, while only 14% understood that a Mediterranean diet – focused on fresh fruits, vegetables and non-fat proteins – this is very beneficial for heart health. In addition, about half of the respondents (46%) thought that artificial sweetener reliance was a healthy way to lose weight, despite studies that had no beneficial effect on weight loss.

The study also revealed that there was a lack of awareness among many about the effects of overweight and its impact on the heart and public health. The vast majority of respondents (87%) and 80% (respectively) did not understand the relationship between obesity and serious illnesses such as cancer and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, cavities upper heart beating at irregular intervals. The study found that more than half of respondents knew that obesity was associated with "bad" cholesterol (54%) or coronary artery disease (57%), while two-thirds (64%) did not know not that obesity can lead to a stroke.

"Most Americans generally understand that being overweight or obese is bad for your health, but it seems like a large proportion of them do not realize it," he said. said Dr. Steven Nissen, responsible for cardiovascular disease at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital. The leading causes of death and paralysis, such as stroke, cancer and coronary heart disease, are all negatively affected by weight gain. "

Dr. Nissen emphasized the need for additional measures to educate patients and the public about the main consequences and negative effects that can lead to weight gain, as well as to clarify the benefits of losing weight and staying well. than 5% of its weight to start noticing many health benefits and changes. "

The survey showed that 84% had already tried at least one way to lose weight. About one-third (30%) said that they generally adhere to this method for a week or a month. Some pointed out that lack of physical activity (24%) and lack of time (22%) were considered key factors in maintaining a healthy weight. On the other hand, most people think that the metabolism in their body has a detrimental effect on weight loss, with 60% of women and 46% of men believing that this process is not essential. Their interest

Dr. Nissen explained that people may be right in that their metabolism thwarts their efforts to lose weight. "Once you have gained weight, your body is trying to retain excess fat, which makes weight loss more difficult, so it is best to consult your doctor to develop an organized weight loss strategy. because fast weight loss programs are not effective enough. "

The Cleveland Clinic study is part of a heart-warming awareness campaign launched by the hospital "Love Your Heart" as part of Disease Awareness Month. of the heart in the United States. The Cleveland Clinic, headquartered in Ohio, was ranked first in the list of the top American health care institutions in the treatment of heart disease and surgery for the fourth and fourth Rennes years respectively.

The survey provided additional results:

– All types of fat do not pose the same risk of damage to health: almost half of the participants (45%) wrongly think that all types of fat put you on the foot. Regarding the risk of heart disease. However, many studies have shown that the fat stored in the abdominal area is the most dangerous.

– Most participants in the study were concerned about the weight of a family member (62%) or the risk of heart disease due to being overweight (64%). ). However, for many, external stressors related to weight loss have not helped much. (57%) said they did not need others to tell them to reduce their weight because they knew they had to do it beforehand. This percentage rose to 65% for the generation of the baby boom, born between 1946 and 1964, which has never accepted the criticism of others for its weight.

– Ask for medical advice: While 44% of respondents said that they would probably consult their doctor for advice on their diet, only a quarter (28%) told their doctor their intention to lose weight. weight. A slightly lower proportion (22%) reported having discussed with their doctor the state of cardiovascular health based on their current weight.

According to data from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a US government agency, about 40% of Americans – 93 million people – are obese and a greater proportion of them suffer from painful conditions. ;obesity. Overweight.

Methodology of the study

The Cleveland Clinic study, conducted on a sample of the general population, has collected ideas and perceptions of Americans about heart health and weight issues. The online study was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,002 adults aged 18 years or older living in the United States. The collected data are appropriately represented at the national level on the basis of data on age, sex, ethnicity and level of education. The study was conducted online by ResearchNow from 20 to 28 September 2018. The margin of error for the total sample (at the 95% confidence level) is +/- 3.1 percentage points.