Does losing weight lower your risk for stroke?

One of the best ways to fight a stroke is to take steps to lower your risk and prevent it from occurring in the first place. There’s a lot out there about how to change your life to lower stroke risk, with some steps being more effective than others. One of the most common suggestions? Losing weight. But does losing weight really lower your risk for stroke?

Vascular neurology specialist Forrest Lowe, MD, spoke with us about the effect losing weight can have on stroke risk, how weight affects recovery after stroke and more.

What is a stroke?

“A stroke happens when brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and damaged as a result,” said Dr. Lowe. “A blood clot or tear in a blood vessel means that the brain can’t receive the oxygen it needs to function.”

There are two types of stroke:

• Ischemic: The most common kind of stroke at 87% (according to the American Heart Association), an ischemic stroke happens when blood vessels supplying oxygen to the brain become obstructed, generally by a blood clot of buildup of fatty deposits. 
• Hemorrhagic: Happens when a weakened blood vessel within the brain ruptures and bleeds into the tissue around it.

What risk factors make you more likely to have a stroke?

“High blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides within the blood, coronary artery disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, smoking and atrial fibrillation all raise your risk for stroke over time, some very significantly,” said Dr. Lowe.

Another significant risk factor for stroke? Obesity, a chronic, common condition linked with raising your risk for many other serious medical conditions.

How can you know if you’re obese?

“While the use of the BMI, or Body Mass Index, has been debated over the last decade or so, it still provides useful information,” said Dr. Lowe. “A BMI is 24.9 or greater is generally considered overweight, while a BMI over 30 indicates obesity.”

Since obesity is considered a modifiable risk factor, since it’s something that can usually be changed through lifestyle and making changes in your day-to-day routine, weight management is often considered part a treatment plan for achieving better health and lowering your risk of stroke.

How does weight management help lower stroke risk?

“Keeping to a weight that is healthy for you is known to improve your overall cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, one of the largest risk factors,” said Dr. Lowe.

In addition, people at healthy weights before they have a stroke also tend to have more complete recoveries when compared to those who are overweight or obese.

Achieving a healthy weight means making a change

“The top two ways to achieve and then maintain a healthy weight is to eat a healthy diet and stay physically active,” said Dr. Lowe. “Regular exercise works by controlling high blood pressure, cutting down cholesterol levels and just improving your health overall.”

Health-focused diets don’t have to be plain or unappetizing. The Mediterranean diet has long been seen as one of the best for heart health, focusing on lots of fruits and vegetables, heart-healthier fats like olive oil and lean proteins.

Primary care practitioners can work with you on what changes to your daily routine could lead you to better health, lowering your risk for stroke and many other medical conditions as well.

Does strength training help lower your risk for stroke?

“Strength training is known to improve cardiovascular health, lowering stroke risk when combined with aerobic activity,” said Dr. Lowe.

It’s all about balance. Combine regular strength training with a regular run or brisk walk to get the heart pumping.

When it comes to stroke, “time is brain”

“The best way to prevent damage from a stroke is to lower your risk,” said Dr. Lowe. “It’s also essential to know what signs of stroke to watch for and immediately contact 911 or seek emergency care. When it comes to stroke, we say “time is brain.” The faster you receive care, the better your outcome.”

Remember the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Loss of balance
• Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurred or double vision
• Face: Drooping on one or both sides of the face
• Arm: Loss of muscle control, numbness or a ‘drifting down’ or one or both arms or legs
• Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or confusion
• Time: Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately