1. Obesity and related conditions like diabetes pose a growing threat to cardiovascular health and mortality. Risk factors like obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes accounted for thousands of additional deaths in the UK from 1981-2000. 2. Studies show obesity is independently associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction and a more malignant form of coronary artery disease. Even modest excess weight increases the risk of acute conditions like unstable angina and myocardial infarction. 3. Visceral abdominal fat is metabolically active and secretes inflammatory proteins that can promote atherosclerosis. Losing weight and reducing inflammation may help lower cardiovascular risk.