Weight Gain and Varicose Veins—Is There A Link?

24 Apr Weight Gain and Varicose Veins—Is There A Link?

Did you know that an estimated six to seven million people in the United States have an existing diagnosis of varicose veins? While this number is alarming on its own, it doesn’t take into account the number of people who may still be unaware that they have a venous disease because some symptoms can easily go unnoticed.

Keeping this in mind, it wouldn’t be unfair to assume that venous diseases, especially varicose veins, are some of the most common diseases adults in the United States have.

Varicose veins are closely linked to a variety of debilitating factors, of which weight gain is a dominant one. Weight gain can contribute to a range of medical problems such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes, but it can also increase the risk of developing varicose veins.

Let’s take a look at how that happens.

Weight gain and vein disease

The heart plays a central role in the circulation of blood, which is imperative for our bodies to function properly. The same goes for blood vessels that play a primary role in transporting oxygenated and deoxygenated to and from the heart. This is done by tiny valves inside the veins that open and close in quick successions to ensure that the blood flows in the right direction.

Weight gain increases the pressure on your veins, causing the valves to become weak or damaged and slowing down the blood flow. This causes the blood to accumulate inside the veins, weakening their walls, and causing them to bulge. From the outside, these damaged veins appear protruded and blue.

Gaining weight affects the veins in your lower legs the most, and that’s one of the most common places for varicose veins to form. Over time, if weight gain isn’t controlled, the increased strain on the valves can result in the development of other serious vein diseases as well.

What are some symptoms?

If you’re developing varicose veins due to weight gain, here are a few symptoms you should be on the lookout for

• Itching skin
• Light swelling
• Change in skin texture
• Leg cramps
• Leg fatigue
• Leg heaviness

Why seek vein treatment?

Since most people struggle with controlling and maintaining weight, it becomes almost inevitable that they will develop varicose veins. However, if not treated immediately, the disease can result in more severe symptoms that can be detrimental to your health. Hence, seeking treatment for varicose veins is of utmost importance, so you can relieve the symptoms and restore proper circulation.

If you want to prevent cumulative damage by treating varicose veins in time, make an appointment with one of the leading vein doctors.

Renew Vein Centers is a leading varicose veins treatment center. With our team of professionally trained and certified vascular surgeons, we deliver a range of comprehensive treatment plans for venous diseases like varicose veins and restless legs syndrome. Book an appointment with a top varicose veins physician  today!