Obesity and varicose veins, how they affect vascular health

Overweight and obesity are increasingly taking center stage in the health of Spaniards. This condition is not only related to serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, but is also a key factor in the development of varicose veins

In this blog, we explore how obesity contributes to the formation of varicose veins and what steps you can take to prevent and treat this condition.

How obesity contributes to varicose veins?

Excess body fat puts additional pressure on the leg veins and their valves. This pressure makes it harder for veins to pump blood back to the heart against gravity. Valves in the leg veins are crucial in preventing blood from flowing backwards and pooling in the legs.

Over time, the overweight can cause these valves to fail, resulting in the expansion of the veins and the formation of varicose veins.

Minimize the risks of varicose veins

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, it is essential to make changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle:

Diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit the consumption of processed foods, high in saturated fats.
Exercise: Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and improve blood circulation. Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are especially beneficial.
Active lifestyle: Avoid leading a sedentary life. Moving and walking frequently improves circulation and reduces pressure on the veins. If your job requires standing posture for long periods of time, try to move from time to time or do some stretching exercises regularly.

Obesity and hidden varicose veins

Obesity can mask varicose veins because excess fat in the legs can hide them. Additionally, severe obesity often leads to venous insufficiency in the deep veins of the legs, which can cause difficult-to-treat venous ulcerations.

If you experience symptoms such as heavy, painful legs, swelling, or skin pigmentation changes, you may have venous insufficiency, even if you don’t visually see varicose veins. It is crucial to seek evaluation from a vein specialist if you notice these symptoms

Personalized treatment plan to remove varicose veins

If you are dealing with obesity and varicose veins, it is important to use all the tools available to treat venous problems:

Dietary improvements: Adopt a healthy diet that promotes weight loss and improves vascular health.
Increased exercise: Incorporate regular exercise to improve circulation and reduce body weight.
Advanced treatments: Varicose vein treatments without surgery and quick recovery.

Conclusion

Obesity is a significant factor in the development of varicose veins, but with lifestyle changes, diet and exercise, you can minimize the risks and improve your vascular health.

If you have symptoms of venous insufficiency, do not hesitate to consult a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Taking proactive steps now can help to prevent you from serious complications in the future.

Want to know more?

For more information on how to prevent and treat varicose veins, or to receive a personalized evaluation, visit IVEI Clínica Vascular Marbella. Our team is here to help you maintain optimal health and improve your quality of life.