Obesity is a major health problem in the world. It has been on the rise in the United States and many other countries. It also gives rise to other problems such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Now, a new study has disclosed that even a moderate weight reduction can be helpful for obese individuals to keep away from various cardiovascular diseases.

Doctors at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston showed that reducing weight virtually lowers the risk of having metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Christie Ballantyne, MD, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and Baylor College of Medicine, said, “Obesity appears to be the central component of the metabolic syndrome. Our study has shown that weight loss of as little as 6.5 per cent in individuals with the disease results in substantial reductions in blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol, all factors that lead to heart disease.”

“These impressive results occur early in the weight loss, well before individuals even begin to approach their ideal body weight,” Christie added.

Thus, every risk factor of the metabolic syndrome can be closely associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Research proved that all risk factors were cut down by even losing weight moderately. Besides a gradual and consistent weight loss shows significant improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides, reduces glucose and cholesterol levels.

The study showed that weight loss represents a secure method for regulating the cardiovascular risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome.

The researchers declared that it should be the first alternative when treating the disease.