Encouraging new data presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session this year show that, overall, we're dodging death from heart attacks.

In 1990, 87 out of 100,000 U.S. adults died from a heart attack. In 2022, that number fell to 38 out of 100,000. 

But do you know who is seeing little of that good news — and, in fact, is at increasing peril? People who have obesity. During those same years, obesity-related cardiovascular deaths tripled.

Obesity affects about 42% of the U.S. population, and the risks associated with it range from depression to sexual dysfunction, eczema, osteoarthritis, dementia, and of course, a full range of cancers and heart woes.

Fortunately, these days a new understanding of the condition means we view it as a disease caused by multiple factors, including genetics, environmental toxins, poor food choices and unavailability of good ones, mood disorders such as depression, and yes overeating (although that has multiple causes beyond lack of will power).

If you're contending with this disease, treat it as you would any other life-threatening condition. Get evaluated, look at the available treatment options, and work with your doctor to make them effective for you.

The good news is that weight-controlling medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic) are likely to become more widely available and covered by insurance (as they should be, in my opinion). 

Obesity and its consequences aren't about your appearance; curing obesity is about your long-term health and survival.