Obesity and cardiovascular disease

Explore the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease

Background

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition with significant implications for cardiovascular health¹. In Australia, approximately two-thirds of adults are affected by overweight or obesity,² placing them at markedly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Challenges

• Rising obesity rates: Despite public health efforts, obesity prevalence continues to climb, particularly among younger and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.⁶
• Diagnostic limitations: Obesity can impair the accuracy of cardiovascular diagnostic tools, such as ECGs and imaging, complicating timely diagnosis.⁵
• Health inequities: CVD and obesity disproportionately affect Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, rural communities and those in lower socioeconomic groups.⁷
• Under-recognition: Obesity is often under-recognised as a modifiable CVD risk factor, despite its strong association with heart failure, arrhythmias and atherosclerosis.²

Opportunities

• New treatments: Advances In pharmacotherapy (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists) offer dual benefits for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction for specific population groups.⁸
• Integrated care models: Holistic, multidisciplinary approaches can improve prevention, early intervention and long-term management of obesity-related CVD.⁹
• Public health campaigns: Targeted education and community-based initiatives can help shift behaviours and reduce stigma around obesity.¹⁰
• Digital tools: Virtual care platforms and remote monitoring can support lifestyle changes and improve access to care, especially in underserved areas.¹¹

The Heart Foundation’s initiatives to address the burden of obesity and CVD

As part of its new Health for Every Heart strategic vision, the National Heart Foundation of Australia has launched a bold initiative to improve cardiovascular outcomes for individuals living with overweight and obesity.

This multi-faceted approach includes engaging a diverse group of stakeholder at the National Stakeholder Forum on Obesity and CVD and developing Australia’s first clinical consensus statement on obesity and CVD.

Clinical consensus statement on obesity and CVD

The clinical consensus statement on obesity and CVD marks the first major output in the Heart Foundation’s broader commitment to addressing the complex drivers and shared risk factors associated with obesity and CVD. Under the guidance of a distinguished Taskforce of leading experts, the consensus statement will provide health professionals with practical guidance on the prevention, diagnosis and management of obesity and CVD. This work is supported by:

• Evidence review and environmental scan - commissioning an independent, comprehensive review of the latest scientific evidence, alongside an environmental scan of current policies and services.
• Expert Taskforce formation - establishing a Taskforce of leading experts to guide the development of Australia’s first clinical consensus statement on obesity and CVD.

The publication of the consensus statement will provide a foundation for future initiatives, including targeted interventions and broader systems change.

We warmly welcome ongoing input and feedback to ensure this work reflects the diversity and depth of perspectives brought forward. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with any thoughts, ideas, or questions.

National Stakeholder Forum on Obesity and CVD

The forum convened a diverse group of thought leaders, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and representatives from peak bodies across Australia. Through dynamic discussions and collaborative engagement, the event facilitated the exchange of insights, captured a wide range of perspectives, and advanced a shared understanding of the multifaceted drivers of obesity and its direct implications for cardiovascular health.

Participants shared insights into the challenges and needs within their respective fields, as well as opportunities for meaningful change. These contributions have been instrumental in identifying key gaps, shaping strategic priorities, and guiding the direction of future initiatives led by the Heart Foundation.

New initiatives and programs addressing obesity and CVD will be announced here as they become available. We encourage you to visit regularly to stay informed and engaged with the latest work in this space.