Weight Change and Risk of Heart Attack in Middle-Aged British Men

Considerable weight gain (> 10%) in middle-aged men is associated with increased risk of a heart attack, but weight loss does not appear to reduce risk even in the overweight or obese.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both weight gain and weight loss have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in recent studies from the US. This finding has led to concern and uncertainty about appropriate advice for overweight and obese subjects. METHODS: In a prospective study of cardiovascular disease, the relationship between weight change over a 5-year period and subsequent risk of a heart attack during a further 6.5 year follow-up was examined in 7100 middle-aged British men. RESULTS: Over half of the men remained stable ( 10% bodyweight had a significantly increased risk of a heart attack after the above adjustment (P or = 28 kg/m2) showed no benefit from weight loss. A small amount of weight gain (4-10%) in the overweight or obese men was associated with decreased risk, whereas considerable weight gain (> 10%) was associated with increased risk, both findings reaching statistical significance in the overweight men (P 10%) in middle-aged men is associated with increased risk of a heart attack, but weight loss does not appear to reduce risk even in the overweight or obese.