Obesity is More Than Just Weight: Cardiovascular Disease Risks Must Be Watched
Obesity is not merely related to excess body weight but can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This condition can affect blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and insulin resistance, as well as trigger chronic inflammation.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly one in three deaths. Globally, approximately 17 per cent of deaths due to cardiovascular disease are linked to obesity.
These findings were highlighted during the 2026 World Heart Day momentum, themed “Don’t Miss a Beat”. Novo Indonesia organised a media discussion titled “World Heart Day: Beyond the Scale, Toward Better Heart Health” to discuss the link between obesity and cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of medical obesity management.
The Associate Director of Medical & Regulatory at Novo Indonesia, Dr Riyanny M. Tarliman, stated that obesity needs to be understood as a complex chronic disease, rather than just a matter of weight or personal choice.
“Obesity needs to be understood not merely as a matter of weight or personal choice, but as a complex chronic disease influenced by various factors, ranging from biological to environmental factors,” said Riyastari.
According to her, the condition requires appropriate, comprehensive, and sustainable treatment tailored to each individual’s needs. The public is also encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to obtain appropriate management.
In Indonesia, a study shows that respondents with obesity have an 85 per cent higher probability of having a risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. Therefore, early recognition and management of obesity are vital components in maintaining heart health.
Interventional cardiology consultant, Dr Bobby Arfhan Anwar, Sp.JP (K), FIHA, stated that obesity can contribute to disturbances in the heart and blood vessels.
Various factors accompanying obesity, including chronic inflammation, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders and contribute to atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque on the vessel walls. If this occurs in the coronary arteries, the condition can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle and increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
In addition to coronary heart disease, obesity can also affect the heart’s electrical system and increase the risk of rhythm disorders, particularly atrial fibrillation.
Arrhythmia consultant cardiologist, Dr Rizky Aulia Fanani, Sp.JP, Subsp. Ar.(K), stated that the risk of atrial fibrillation in obesity can be related to structural and metabolic changes, inflammatory processes, and sleep-related factors.
“Weight loss that is achieved and maintained sustainably can help reduce the frequency and/or duration of atrial fibrillation episodes, while simultaneously improving other cardiovascular risk factors,” he said.
Another challenge in managing obesity is maintaining weight in the long term. The ACTION APAC study in Indonesia showed that as many as 68 per cent of people with obesity experience weight regain after successfully maintaining weight for six months or more.
Clinical nutrition specialist and Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Clinical Nutritionists (Banten branch), Dr Juwalita Surapsari, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, FINEM, said these findings indicate that obesity is a chronic disease that is prone to recurrence.
According to her, a healthy diet and physical activity remain the primary foundations. However, some individuals may require structured support and additional therapy based on medical indications.
“Long-term obesity management requires more than just willpower,” said Juwalita.
She noted that one therapeutic option is GLP-1 RA-based therapy, provided there is a medical indication and it is conducted under medical supervision.
From a heart health perspective, the effectiveness of obesity management is not only seen through changes in weight but also through its impact on cardiovascular complications.
Based on the SELECT study involving more than 17,000 overweight or obese individuals with cardiovascular disease and without diabetes, GLP-1 RA-based therapy was reported to reduce the relative risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) by 20 per cent compared to a placebo.
MACE in the study included death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke.
Novo Indonesia mentioned that GLP-1-based therapy has been used by more than 38 million patients worldwide. According to the company, its use should be based on medical indications, physician evaluation, and monitoring of patient response and tolerability.