A new study has revealed that too much weight loss especially among obese people with cardiovascular disease can increase the risk of early death. This study was based on data from over 8,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a comprehensive resource for medical research that includes genetic data.
According to Science Alert report, rapid weight loss can signal underlying health issues and lead to serious complications. Researchers called this link as “paradox” and said that while both obesity and cardiovascular disease are known to increase the risk of early death, in obese people with cardiovascular disease, weight loss – intended to improve health – can have the opposite effect.
The study authors also emphasised that some people may tolerate higher weights without adverse health effects. They also said that they still can’t accurately determine an ideal weight range that’s universally beneficial for health.
The findings of the study were published in the Heart journal.
“Among obese individuals with CVD, large weight gain is associated with a higher risk of CV death and all-cause mortality. Further studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms underlying the associations between weight loss or weight gain and mortality,” the study stated.
However, very few literature reported the association among obese people with established CV disease (CVD) and the factors associated with weight change are not clear, the researchers wrote.