Title
Is it possible to be overweight but medically healthy?
Research Area
Health
Author
Caleyachetty, R et al; Journal of the American College of Cardiology
Summary of Findings
Researchers in American noted that previous studies into metabolically healthy obese individuals had been unclear about associated cardiovascular risks and carried out this study to examine associations. They used electronic health records to firstly identify a cohort of 3.5 million individuals over the age of 18 who had no reports of cardiovascular disease. The BMI of these participants was noted and body size phenotypes of underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese were categorised along with 3 metabolic abnormalities (diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia) then follow up reviews completed to see if any cardiovascular issues had been identified.
When this data was analysed they found that obese individuals had a higher risk of coronary heart disease (49% increased risk), cerebrovascular disease (7% increased risk) and heart failure (96% increased risk) than those with a normal weight. They added that when metabolic abnormalities (diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) are taken in to consideration individuals with a normal weight can still have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as a result of the abnormalities.
Implications
The increased risk detailed in this piece of research provides a case in itself for increasing activity and reducing BMI. It could also be applied more widely in terms of the benefits to the NHS and individuals of reducing BMI.
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