Stroke is a condition in which part of brain is damaged due to occlusion of blood supply or a vessel rupture resulting in a set of physical signs and symptoms. Stroke is third leading cause of death in the world. In UK every one of three persons get stroke, and after every 14 minutes one person dies due to stroke. There are many causes of stroke out of which obesity standouts.

Obesity as a cause of Stroke

There is no single and direct way in which obesity can cause stroke. But studies have shown that obesity can be independent factor for stroke. In Framingham study it is indicated that 30% overweight above the average can contribute independently to the stroke causation. Abdominal obesity is more severely associated with the stroke, and if age and genetics support is there this trio becomes a lethal killing weapon.

Types of Stroke

There are following two types of strokes

Ischemic stroke

The ischemic stroke is a type of stroke which occurs when blood supply of the brain is compromised due to the blockage of blood vessel in the brain. The main culprit in this type of stroke is atherosclerosis on which there may be superimposition of a thrombus. The narrowing of artery or thrombus both causes the blockage of blood vessel. Lack of blood supply leads to lack of oxygen and nutrients for brain cells and brain damage occurs. Obesity not only independently causes stroke but also promotes atherosclerosis and thrombus formation thus indirectly contributing to ischemic stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

This type of stroke occurs after the rupture of blood vessel. The rupture occurs after aneurysms or dilatation of vessel which results from vessel wall weakening due to atherosclerosis and major contributing factor is obesity. Type II diabetes also can lead to atherosclerosis which can cause stroke, and there is strong association of obesity with the Type II diabetes.

Effects of Stroke

Stroke can range from Transient Ischemic Attack TIA to major loss of functioning and even at times can be lethal. It is 3rd leading killer after cancers and heart disease. Losses associated with stroke can be listed as follows.

• Loss of vision
• Loss of speech
• Abnormality of thinking and coordinating.
• Sensory loss and impairment of movements in a leg or of a complete side
• Auditory loss can be a form of stroke.

All the above mentioned can vary from insignificant change to severe irreversible impairment. The ultimate consequence of stroke is death.


Area of stroke after blood vessel blockage