Cardiovascular effects of obesity, cutaway illustration. Clinical obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) reading over 30. It is caused by the accumulation of excess fat (yellow). This fat can accumulate under the skin (shown at right), but can also accumulate inside the abdominal cavity (centre and left), attached to the abdominal organs. This is known as visceral or intra-abdominal fat. Excessive amounts of fat can interfere with the organs and with normal bodily functions, as well as putting pressure on the lungs and heart. Obesity is also associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated blood cholesterol. Excess weight also means that the heart has to work harder. This can eventually lead to heart failure. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Lunau, Claus |
Bildgröße: | 4573 px × 4665 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |