Obesity paradox in different populations: Evidence and controversies

Kashish Goel, Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, Alban De Schutter, Thais Coutinho, Carl J. Lavie

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

An inverse association between BMI and mortality has been reported in patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure. This 'obesity paradox' has recently been reported in other disease states, including stroke, hypertension, incident diabetes, atrial fibrillation, hemodialysis and transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Cardiorespiratory fitness influences the obesity paradox and this inverse association may be present only in individuals with low fitness levels. Intentional weight loss, exercise training and improving lean mass are important and should be advised to all patients. Recent studies have also explored the association between measures of central obesity and direct measures of body fat with mortality. This review will summarize the evidence, controversies and mechanisms associated with the puzzling obesity paradox.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)81-91
Number of pages11
JournalFuture Cardiology
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • body fat
  • cardiorespiratory fitness
  • central obesity
  • coronary heart disease
  • fitness
  • heart failure
  • mortality
  • obesity paradox
  • other populations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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