In a nutshell
This study investigated the effect of body weight changes on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.
They found that body weight changes were associated with a higher risk of CVD and mortality.
Some background
Bodyweight fluctuation (BWF; weight changes) is common. Many people undergo BWF and it can be driven by many factors. BWF can be when a person loses weight in a specific period and then gains it in a similar period. The opposite is also considered as BWF.
Some studies have investigated the effect of BWF on overall health. There is disagreement on the findings in these studies. Some suggest that the heart and circulatory (cardiovascular) system can be affected. Other studies suggest BWF has no effect on cardiovascular or mortality (death) risk. Many of these studies included a relatively limited number of patients. It is unclear if BWF has an effect on cardiovascular disease (CVD) or mortality risk.
Methods & findings
This study included 441,199 patients from 23 studies. These patients were selected because of recorded BWF. Their medical records were assessed to determine if they had CVD or a history of any events like stroke or heart attack.
BWF was associated with a 41% increase in mortality risk of any cause. It was also associated with a 49% increase in the risk of CVD. The risk of mortality related to CVD was 36% higher with BWF. The risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) was 35% greater with BWF. BWF was not associated with an increase in the risk of cancer.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that that BWF was associated with a higher risk of CVD and mortality.
The fine print
This was an observational study. This means that it does not suggest that BWF increases the risk of death or CVD. The findings suggest there may be a link between the two. More investigation is needed.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns about a healthy weight, please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Date :
Dec 04, 2019
