The Silent Threat: Ten Common Causes of Stroke

8. Obesity

The relationship between obesity and stroke is complex. Obesity is a risk factor for stroke, but there is still debate about why. While obesity is related to hypertension and diabetes, not every person with obesity has these conditions.

One study indicates that stroke risk for people with obesity may depend on metabolic abnormalities that result from obesity more than obesity itself. In one part of the study, metabolically unhealthy people were defined as having an increased waist circumference with at least two of the following: decreased HDL, elevated nonfasting triglycerides, high blood pressure, use of blood pressure medications, a diabetes diagnosis, or increased non-fasting glucose. Interestingly, the results showed that people with obesity who were metabolically healthy had a similar stroke risk as those at a normal weight.