The widespread prescription of cholesterol-reducing and antihypertensive drugs is helping millions achieve better cardiovascular health markers
Cholesterol-lowering statins and blood pressure medications have enabled middle-aged and older adults living with obesity to achieve cardiovascular health markers virtually identical to those of healthy-weight individuals, according to a new study.
The research, published in The Lancet, demonstrates that gaps in unhealthy cholesterol and blood pressure readings between obese and normal-weight people have "narrowed or disappeared" among those aged 40 and above.
Remarkably, researchers found that in certain instances, individuals with obesity were actually "better off" than their healthy-weight counterparts on these key measurements.
The findings are attributed primarily to the widespread prescription of cholesterol-reducing drugs and antihypertensive treatments, which are more frequently used by people carrying excess weight.
Scientists noted the results offer valuable insight into the cardiovascular profile of patients likely to receive weight-loss medications.
The investigation drew on data from close to one million adults between the ages of 20 and 79, spanning seven nations including England, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Finland and the United States.
Researchers analysed 110 health surveys conducted over more than three decades, from 1990 to 2024, examining blood pressure readings, cholesterol measurements and body mass index figures.
Prof Majid Ezzati, from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: "Our study suggests that, in high-income countries, taking medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol has helped middle-aged and older adults lower their cardiovascular risk to levels that are similar to people with normal BMI."
The team observed that reductions in harmful cholesterol and blood pressure were particularly pronounced among obese participants, creating a convergence with normal-weight individuals.
The positive findings do not extend to younger age groups, with the study confirming that adults below 40 with obesity continue to exhibit elevated levels of harmful cholesterol and raised blood pressure compared to their normal-weight peers.
Yse d'Ailhaud de Brisis, also from Imperial College London, said: "While good news for older adults with obesity, our results suggest that cardiovascular health risks remain higher for adults under 40 than for their counterparts with a normal BMI."
She highlighted the importance of proactive measures for this demographic, adding: "Early lifestyle interventions, screening and, when appropriate, medication in this younger group should be considered to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications linked to obesity."
The disparity highlights a pressing need for targeted health strategies aimed at younger populations carrying excess weight.
Prof Bryan Williams, the chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation, described the research as "a powerful public health success story" demonstrating the remarkable effectiveness of modern cardiovascular treatments.
However, he urged caution against complacency, stating: "But we must not lose sight of the bigger picture.
"These medications are needed because of the adverse effects of obesity on cardiovascular disease risk."
Prof Williams stressed that carrying excess weight continues to harm the body through multiple pathways beyond heart health.
"Moreover, obesity still affects the body in many other ways and increases the risk of other health problems, including diabetes, kidney disease and some cancers," he warned.