Strokes are usually a result of an excessively overweight condition (carrying excess fat). Paralysis, speech impairment and death can be the result of having had a stroke. Chances of a stroke occurring are reduced dramatically when your percent of body fat is within the recommended ranges (19% - 26% body fat for females and 12% - 18% body fat for males). Many “slim” people may also be carrying excess fat which may not be noticeable. Their problem is that no have very little muscle mass in relation to their overall weight.