New research has found that large weight changes—both weight gain and weight loss—can significantly increase the risk of death in obese individuals with heart disease. The study, conducted by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and published in the journal Heart, is the first to examine this connection.
Researchers analyzed data from 8,297 obese participants in the UK Biobank study. These individuals all had cardiovascular disease and were tracked for nearly 14 years, with their weight changes recorded over time.
The results showed that gaining more than 10 kg (22 pounds) during the study period tripled the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and nearly doubled the overall risk of death compared to those who maintained a stable weight.
However, weight loss of more than 10 kg also raised the risk of death by 54%. This suggests that both significant weight gain and weight loss can be harmful to obese individuals with heart disease.
The study also found that people with a higher body mass index (BMI), smokers, and those who had previously consumed alcohol were more likely to experience significant weight gain. Additionally, younger participants were more prone to gaining a large amount of weight.
The Growing Obesity Crisis
Obesity is a growing health concern in the UK. According to The Health Survey for England, the percentage of people classified as obese increased from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022. More than two-thirds of people over 35 are now considered overweight or obese.
The condition places a significant financial burden on the National Health Service (NHS), costing an estimated £6.5 billion each year. On a global scale, more than half of all adults are expected to be overweight or obese by 2050.
Implications for Weight Management
Professor Barbara Pierscionek, Dr. Rudolph Schutte, and Dr. Jufen Zhang from ARU’s Medical Technology Research Center led the study.
Dr. Zhang emphasized that while weight loss is often recommended for obese individuals, this study suggests that sudden and extreme weight changes could be dangerous, especially for those with heart disease. “It was perhaps unsurprising that significant weight gain increased the risk of death, but it is interesting that a similar risk was found among those who lost a lot of weight,” Zhang explained.
She also warned that new weight-loss medications, which have been praised for their fast results, should be used carefully. “People in high-risk groups, such as those with heart disease, should only attempt weight loss under close medical supervision,” she advised.
What This Means for Patients
This research highlights the importance of maintaining a stable weight rather than focusing on rapid weight loss or experiencing major weight fluctuations. For obese individuals with heart disease, a slow and medically guided approach to weight management may be safer than sudden changes.
Overall, the findings suggest that weight stability, even at higher weight levels, could be key to reducing the risk of death in obese heart patients. Doctors and patients should take these results into account when making decisions about weight management strategies.
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The research findings can be found in Heart.
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