A study has recently underscored the strong link between obesity and atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a serious heart rhythm disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The research, published in the Journal of Cardiology, reveals that individuals with obesity are at a significantly higher risk of developing A-Fib, a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other life-threatening complications.
The study analysed data from over 500,000 participants and found that those type 3 obesity were nearly twice as likely to develop A-Fib compared to individuals not living with obesity. Researchers highlighted that excess weight places extra strain on the heart, leading to structural and electrical changes that increase the likelihood of arrhythmias, including A-Fib.
ECPO Launches Podcast Highlighting Personal Stories
In response to the rising awareness of the link between obesity and heart conditions like A-Fib, this #WorldHeartDay, the European Coalition for People living with Obesity (ECPO) has launched a new podcast aimed at promoting education and personal stories around the topic. The podcast’s first episode features an in-depth interview with Andrew Healing, ECPO’s Director of Compliance and Communications, who opens up about his own struggles with obesity and a recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.
In the episode, Andrew shares how his lifelong battle with weight led to a series of health issues, culminating in his A-Fib diagnosis. “When I was first diagnosed, it was a wake-up call,” he recalls. “I had always been aware of the health risks associated with obesity, but A-Fib wasn’t even on my radar.”
Throughout the podcast, he describes his journey to manage both conditions, including lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness. He also discusses the stigma around obesity and how it can prevent people from seeking help early.
A Growing Public Health Concern
Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting over 33 million people globally. With the number of people living with obesity worldwide increases, experts are concerned that the incidence of A-Fib will continue to climb unless more is done to address the root causes.
Experts state that weight loss, even a modest amount, can have a profound effect on heart health, with patients who lose 10-15% of their body weight often see significant improvements in their symptoms or even a reversal of their A-Fib diagnosis.
The ECPO podcast series aims to highlight the personal and societal impacts of these health challenges while providing lived experience on prevention and management. It’s available on all major podcast platforms.
As more people open up about their experiences, advocates hope that the podcast will help break down barriers to care, encourage conversations, and offer hope to those grappling with obesity-related conditions.
The new ECPO podcast can be found on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.com. The organisation hopes that by raising awareness through personal stories, they can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by obesity and A-Fib.