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A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on the potential health risks associated with weight cycling, commonly referred to as yo-yo dieting. Researchers found that individuals who experienced significant fluctuations in weight over time were at a higher risk of experiencing negative cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease.
The study, led by coauthor Zakaria Almuwaqqat, MD, MPH, a postdoctoral fellow in cardiovascular disease at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, analyzed data from two large cohorts: the Million Veteran Program and the UK Biobank. Participants were followed for approximately four years, during which researchers tracked cardiovascular events and changes in body mass index (BMI).
Results revealed that greater variability in BMI was associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events across all racial and ethnic groups. In the Million Veteran Program cohort, each 1 standard deviation increase in BMI variability was linked to a 16 percent higher risk of cardiovascular events, while in the UK Biobank cohort, the risk of cardiovascular death increased by 8 percent with each 1 standard deviation increase in BMI variability.
Furthermore, the study found that the magnitude of weight fluctuation influenced the level of risk, with larger fluctuations correlating to a greater risk of cardiovascular events. Rapid shifts in weight over a short period were deemed to pose a higher risk compared to sustained weight loss or gain.
Interestingly, the study also revealed variations in risk based on race and ethnicity. The association between weight cycling and stroke was stronger in Black participants, while the link between weight cycling and cardiovascular death was higher in white subjects.
While the exact mechanisms behind the increased risk remain unclear, researchers speculate that rapid changes in body weight may add extra stress to the heart and contribute to vascular dysfunction and inflammatory processes.
Despite these findings, experts emphasize the importance of striving for a healthy weight, as obesity itself poses significant health risks. However, individuals should focus on sustainable weight loss strategies to minimize the potential negative effects of weight cycling.
Regarding individuals taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, such as Wegovy or Zepbound, the study did not specifically address their risk. However, these medications have been associated with cardiovascular risk reduction, and patients should discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare providers.
In conclusion, while weight cycling may increase the risk of heart disease events, maintaining a healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes remains crucial for overall health and well-being.
