Extreme weight loss or weight gain increases risk of death in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease, ARU study finds

Extreme weight loss or major weight gain in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease significantly increases their risk of death, research by Anglia Ruskin University has shown.

The researchers analysed data from 8,297 UK participants, recruited as part of the UK Biobank study, over 14 years.

The individuals were all obese and with established cardiovascular disease and their weight changes were recorded over time.

They found that those who gained more than 10kg across the study period had 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.

Weight loss of more than 10kg was associated with a 54 per cent higher risk of all-cause mortality, suggesting both extremes of weight change can be detrimental.

Lead author Dr Jufen Zhang, of the Medical Technology Research Centre at ARU, said: “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.

“Maintaining a stable weight, even within the obese range, appears to be crucial for reducing mortality risk in patients with cardiovascular disease. 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.

“Clinicians should bear this in mind, particularly with regards 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.”

Published in the BMJ journal Heart, the study found a higher body mass index (BMI), smoking and previous alcohol consumption were linked to an increased likelihood of significant weight gain. Significant weight gain and younger age were also associated.

The number of people living with obesity in the country rose from 15 per cent in 1993 to 29 per cent in 2022, according to The Heath Survey for England. More than two thirds of people over the age of 35 are considered overweight or obese.

The issue is estimated to cost the NHS £6.5billion every year and globally more than half of all adults are expected to be overweight or obese by 2050.

The study was carried out by Dr Zhang with Professor Barbara Pierscionek and Dr Rudolph Schutte.