How Does Being Overweight Affect Varicose Veins?

Medical professionals have been warning Americans for decades about the health risks associated with being overweight. While many are familiar with complications like heart disease and diabetes, most don’t know that obesity is also one of the biggest risk factors for developing Lower limb venous disease (LLVD), including varicose and spider veins. 

For some time, studies have shown a connection between obesity and LLVD, suggesting that increased adipose tissue within the leg is the contributing factor. However, more recently, the medical community is recognizing that both conditions are inflammatory in nature, which indicates there might be an additional connection, though more studies are needed. 

Working Against Gravity 

If you’re overweight, you’re probably inundated with advice from you doctor, family members, and the media that you should exercise to improve your health and lose weight. What you may NOT know is that exercise is also key to helping your leg veins do their job:  Return blood to your heart and lungs. The heart does some of the job, but it's the action of your foot and calf muscles that are actually part of an amazing pumping system that, along with one-way valves, works against gravity to move your blood up through your veins and back to the heart.  

The problem is, if you’re either starting to suffer from or already suffering from vein disease, your legs may be aching, making you less likely to want to exercise. Added to that is the problem of unsightly varicose and spider veins, which makes some sufferers uncomfortable wearing shorts or other exercise clothes in public. Unfortunately, this combination makes some even more sedentary and less likely to take part in healthy, outdoor activities. However, the problem is only going to get worse. 

Take Action Now 

What’s the solution? Get moving! Do a little bit every day and gradually build up. Simply walking prevents blood from essentially pooling in your legs, keeping your veins healthy and preventing worse conditions like blood clots and leg ulcers. 

Next, make an appointment today with Vein Clinics of Cleveland to get an evaluation. Taking care of the problem early helps prevent the worsening of the condition. It also means your legs will be looking and feeling better in no time. 

Schedule your consultation

If you suspect you have a problem with varicose veins, call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kezele in Beachwood at 216.464.7333, Willoughby at 440.946.9080, or Westlake at 440.871.0410. Your consultation and treatment are covered by most insurance plans.