India, July 3 -- Differences in unhealthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure between older adults with obesity and those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) have narrowed-or even disappeared-in several high-income countries over the past three decades, according to a study published in The Lancet.

Researchers attribute the trend largely to the increased and more intensive use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, and blood pressure medications among adults aged 40 and above living with obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels, both of which increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, heart failure and stroke. However, until now, little w...