Many of us feel as though we already have enough reasons to stay at a healthy body weight.  However, yet another reason was exposed recently.  Obesity raises your risk of a stroke.

The University of Naples Medical School just released the findings from a new study that included over 2 million people.  The study found that as one becomes heavier, his or her risk of stroke rises.

A stroke is when one’s blood supply is interrupted in its flow to the brain.  The end result of a stroke can be brain damage.

One of the study’s authors, Dr. Pasquale Strazzullo stated, "Being obese (but indeed even just overweight) puts an individual at significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke, with a serious possibility of permanent disability and reduced life expectancy."  One of the reasons that scientists speculate this is true is the damage that fat cells can do on the body.  They promote inflammation and can harden the arteries.

The researchers are also trying to obtain information on the link between stroke, obesity and high blood pressure.  In Strazzullo’s study, he and his colleagues found that overweight people were 22% more likely to suffer from an ischemic stroke.  Obese people were 64% more likely to suffer from an ischemic stroke than people of normal weight.  An ischemic stroke is when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel from supplying blood to the brain. Ischemic strokes result from clogged arteries.

The end results of these findings are that scientists will be able to more accurately pinpoint if people are at risk of stroke. Other factors that are considered when analyzing one’s risk of stroke are age, smoking habits, and cardiovascular risk.

This new study is just another reason that it is key to exercise daily.  A minimum of 30 minutes a day is best. Not only will exercising lower your risk of stroke, it will also provide your body with a wide array of other benefits.  Exercise can reduce blood pressure, raise HDL or good cholesterol and reduce your risk of acquiring diseases including cancers and diabetes.

Sources
news.yahoo.com
americanheart.org
health.google.com