Final answer:
Obesity affects blood vessel length by increasing fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, leading to extra stress on the heart and more resistance to blood flow. This has long-term effects on the heart.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obesity affects blood vessel length by increasing the amount of fat and cholesterol in the blood. One pound of adipose tissue, which is found in higher quantities in overweight individuals, contains approximately 200 miles of vessels. The heart of an overweight person has to work harder to push blood through the extra miles of blood vessels, increasing the resistance to blood flow.
In summary:
- Obesity increases fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Adipose tissue in overweight individuals contains more vessels compared to other tissues.
- The increased length of blood vessels due to excess weight puts more stress on the heart, causing it to work harder to supply nutrients and oxygen to the body.
- Long-term effects on the heart include increased stress and the need to overcome greater resistance in the blood vessels.