You probably wouldn't think that having a stroke is something you'd have to worry about if you're in your late 20s or early 30s, would you? But according to scientists working for the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the number of strokes in people under the age of 44 (including children) has increased sharply. And the reason, they believe, could have something to do with the rising levels of obesity among younger adults.
Eating too many of these could increase your risk of stroke. Photo: Getty
Presenting their findings at the American Stroke Association conference, the researchers revealed the incidence of stroke in women aged 15 to 34 has increased by 17).
Funnily enough, in older adults - who account for the largest number of stroke incidences - the number of cases has actually fallen slightly.
Doctors know only to well that lifestyle habits can make a huge difference to your risk of having a stroke - things like drinking too much alcohol, not taking enough exercise, eating a poor diet and smoking, for instance.
Obesity and stroke are closely linked too, due to the pressure all that excess weight puts on your cardiovascular system. And if you're obese you may also be less likely to exercise or eat healthily, both of which will increase your risk too.
Admittedly the study was carried out in America, but with obesity levels in the UK not far behind those in the US, there's no reason we shouldn't assume the same thing isn't happening over here (or will happen soon).
Are you worried your lifestyle is endangering your health?