Big weight swings 'increase risk of death'

A study has found that extreme weight fluctuations in obese people with cardiovascular disease significantly increases the risk of death.

The Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) research analysed data from 8,297 UK participants recruited as part of the UK Biobank study.

They were followed for nearly 14 years, with weight loss as well as weight gain raising risk levels, in a study described as "the first of its kind".

Lead author Dr Jufen Zhang said: "Clinicians should bear this in mind, particularly with regards to new drugs on the market... lauded for delivering fast weight-loss."

"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," said the associate professor at the university'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."

The university, which has its main campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford, said the participants were all obese and had histories of cardiovascular disease.

The research revealed those who gained more than 10kg (22lb) across the study period had a three-fold increase in the risk of cardiovascular death and nearly double the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who maintained a stable weight.

It also found weight loss of more than 10kg (22lb) was associated with a 54% higher risk of all-cause mortality, which the authors suggested meant both extremes of weight change could be detrimental.

Dr Zhang, who carried out the study with colleagues Prof Barbara Pierscionek and Dr Rudolph Schutte, said: "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."

A higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, and previous alcohol consumption were linked to an increased likelihood of significant weight gain.

It also found an association between significant weight gain and younger age.

According to the Health Survey for England, the number of people living with obesity in the country rose from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022 and more than two-thirds of people aged over 35 were considered overweight or obese.

This is estimated to cost the NHS £6.5bn every year.

The study was published in the BMJ journal Heart.

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