Understanding cardiodiabesity in women

Cardiodiabesity represents the intersection of three chronic, comorbid conditions – obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – that collectively pose significant health risks. As employers strive to maintain a healthy and productive workforce, understanding and addressing cardiodiabesity is critical. 

Women face unique challenges related to these conditions due to physiological differences, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors that increase their vulnerability. For example, they are more likely to experience severe obesity, leading to higher incidences of death from heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer.

Moreover, health disparities exacerbate the prevalence and impact of cardiodiabesity among women. Socioeconomic status, access to health care, and social determinants of health contribute to higher rates of obesity and diabetes in women of color and marginalized communities. 

“Employers can play a crucial role in addressing these issues by fostering supportive environments, providing health education, and promoting wellness programs aimed at prevention and management,” said Kasey Raetz, PharmD, vice president of product, pharma contracting and strategy at Evernorth.

Obesity in women

From puberty through menopause and beyond, women are at a distinct risk for obesity. Women generally have a higher percentage of body fat compared to men of with same body mass index (BMI), and this excess weight contributes to significant cardiometabolic changes. 

Furthermore, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can contribute to weight gain and the distribution of fat, making it even more challenging for women to manage their weight. Lifestyle factors, such as sedentary behavior and dietary choices, and genetic predispositions also play a significant role in the prevalence of obesity among women. 

Obesity affects women from all backgrounds, but some groups are disproportionately impacted. Approximately 4 in 5 Black or African American women and more than 3 in 4 Hispanic or Latina women are overweight or obese. Lesbians and bisexual women are also more likely to be overweight or obese than their heterosexual counterparts. These disparities are influenced by a variety of factors, including family history, socioeconomic status, and access to health care.

Social determinants of health such as income inequality, education levels, and residential environments heavily influence these disparities. Women from marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and quality health care. 

Diabetes in women

Diabetes poses severe health risks, including heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. About 15 million women in the United States have diabetes, which equates to roughly 1 in every 9 adult women. Diabetes affects women differently than men, with women facing a higher risk of heart disease and experiencing lower survival rates and quality of life after heart attacks. Moreover, women often have lower incomes, less access to health care, and less time for self-care than men, which can exacerbate diabetes-related complications.

Health disparities are evident in the prevalence of diabetes among women of color. Black/African American, Hispanic/Latina, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander women have higher rates of diabetes compared to white women. American Indian/Alaska Native women have the highest rates of diabetes among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy, is another significant concern, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Heart or cardiovascular disease in women

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Yet, only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. 

In addition to traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity, which affect both genders, certain factors play a more substantial role in the development of heart disease in women. These include diabetes, menopause, pregnancy complications, family history of early heart disease, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Furthermore, research shows that stress may impact heart health, making it important for women to understand the mind-body connection and how to focus on improving both their physical health and mental well-being.

Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. Among women who are 20 years and older, nearly 45% are living with some form of cardiovascular disease and less than 50% of women entering pregnancy in the United States have good heart health.

There are also health disparities in women diagnosed with heart disease. Cardiovascular disease impacts some women at higher rates than others. For example, Black women are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure than White women, and pregnant women with high blood pressure have twice the risk of developing heart disease later in life compared to those without this condition.

Several medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put women at higher risk of heart disease, including diabetes, excess weight, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Cardiovascular conditions during pregnancy can also increase a woman's risk of heart disease and pregnancy-related complications. 

Next steps for employers

Employers can address cardiodiabesity in their workforce through early prevention and intervention strategies. By providing comprehensive benefits that support employees' health and well-being, employers can help mitigate the risks associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Investing in lifestyle modification programs not only enhances employee health but also lowers long-term medical costs related to absenteeism and presenteeism. The annual cost of absenteeism due to obesity ranges from $57 to $6,759 per employee and presenteeism ranges from $11 to $4,175 per employee.¹

“Raising awareness and understanding of cardiodiabesity is a significant step toward fostering a healthier workforce,” Raetz said. “Employers are encouraged to leverage available resources and solutions, such as EncircleRx, to support their employees in managing these chronic, comorbid conditions effectively.”

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools. It was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Evernorth’s editorial team and subject matter experts.