0
0
Cambridge, UK – New research has revealed a concerning link between significant weight changes and increased mortality risk in obese individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Both substantial weight gain and weight loss were found to be detrimental, according to a study published in the BMJ journal Heart.
The study, conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), analyzed data from 8,297 UK participants from the UK Biobank study, all of whom were obese and had established cardiovascular disease. Over a nearly 14-year follow-up period, researchers tracked weight fluctuations and mortality rates.
The findings showed that participants who gained more than 10 kg experienced a threefold increase in the risk of cardiovascular death and nearly double the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those maintaining a stable weight. Surprisingly, weight loss of more than 10 kg was also associated with a 54% higher risk of all-cause mortality.
“This study is the first of its kind to examine the link between weight change and all-cause mortality in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Jufen Zhang, one of the study’s authors. “Maintaining a stable weight, even within the obese range, appears to be crucial for reducing mortality risk in patients with cardiovascular disease.”
The research also identified factors associated with significant weight gain, including higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, previous alcohol consumption, and younger age.
The study’s findings come amidst a growing obesity crisis. According to The Health Survey for England, obesity rates in the country have risen from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022, with over two-thirds of adults over 35 classified as overweight or obese. Globally, more than half of all adults are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050.
“It was perhaps unsurprising that significant weight gain was associated with higher mortality, but interesting that a similar association was found among those who lost a lot of weight,” Zhang explained. “Clinicians should bear this in mind, particularly with regard to new drugs on the market, which have been lauded for delivering fast weight-loss. Although weight loss is recommended for obese adults, people in at-risk groups such as these should only attempt to lose weight in close consultation with their doctor.”
The research team, led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek, Dr. Rudolph Schutte, and Dr. Jufen Zhang of the Medical Technology Research Center at ARU, emphasizes the importance of stable weight management for obese individuals with cardiovascular disease.
The full study, titled “Association of weight change with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in obese participants with cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study,” is available in the journal Heart.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided research and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals with concerns about their weight or cardiovascular health should consult with a qualified healthcare provider. The findings of this study do not necessarily apply to all individuals, and further research may be needed to confirm these results. The information regarding future global obesity projections are estimations, and may change.
