What are you looking for?
OBESITY AND STROKE
When a stroke happens, a blockage or a break in a blood vessel in your brain prevents blood from flowing where it needs to flow. Your tissues are cut off from the oxygen they need. In the worst case, a stroke can cause paralysis or death. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
It's easier to take steps to prevent a stroke than it is to recover from one. You can lower your chances of having a stroke by taking action. Work with your doctor to set up a plan that includes slow, steady weight loss. Reducing your weight by just 5 to 10 percent can substantially lower your risk of having a stroke.
The most important steps to take include:
- Meeting with your doctor to evaluate your condition and determine if medication is an option
- If you smoke, quit or enroll in a cessation program to help you quit
- Becoming more active