Obese individuals with existing heart disease face a dramatically increased risk of death if they experience significant weight fluctuations, according to a new study released by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Researchers analysed 14 years of data from over 8,200 participants in the UK Biobank study and discovered that both substantial weight gain and weight loss are detrimental to health.
The study, published in the BMJ journal Heart, found that those who gained more than 10kg (approximately 22lbs) during the study period faced a threefold increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and nearly double the risk of death from any cause. Surprisingly, even significant weight loss – exceeding 10kg – was 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,” explained Dr. Jufen Zhang, lead author of the study from ARU’s Medical Technology Research Centre.
Maintaining a stable weight, even within the obese range, appears to be crucial for reducing mortality risk in patients with cardiovascular disease.
While the link between weight gain and increased mortality is unsurprising, the researchers highlight the unexpected association between substantial weight loss and poorer outcomes. This has implications for the rapid weight-loss drugs currently gaining prominence. Dr. Zhang stresses that individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should only attempt weight loss under close medical supervision.
The research also identified factors linked to significant weight gain. A higher Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, and previous alcohol consumption all increased the likelihood of substantial weight fluctuations. Younger age also correlated with greater weight gain.
The findings are particularly relevant given the rising rates of obesity in the UK. The Health Survey for England shows obesity levels have climbed from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022, with over two thirds of those aged 35 and over now considered overweight or obese.
This growing issue places a substantial burden on the National Health Service, costing an estimated £6.5 billion annually. Globally, experts predict that more than half of all adults will be overweight or obese by 2050. The ARU study, conducted alongside Professor Barbara Pierscionek and Dr. Rudolph Schutte, underscores the importance of stable weight management, particularly for those already living with cardiovascular disease.
