Energy balance
In middle-aged and older adults, weight gain is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (measured by cIMT > 1.0 mm), particularly in those under 65, those with prior cardiovascular events, and those who are overweight or obese at baseline.
For adults over 45, gaining weight is a clear risk factor for developing atherosclerosis, especially if you are already overweight, obese, or have had heart issues. Focus on maintaining a stable, healthy weight rather than chasing rapid weight loss, which may not improve arterial health markers in this age group.
Weight gain, however, would increase risk for atherosclerosis regardless of cardiovascular event status, or overweight/obese BMI at baseline.
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort (n=20,700) with extensive adjustment for confounders, but observational design prevents causal inference.
Source
Weight Change and Risk of Atherosclerosis Measured by Carotid Intima–Media Thickness (cIMT) from a Prospective Cohort—Analysis of the First-Wave Follow-Up Data of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA)
Jian Liu et al. · Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease · 2023
DOI 10.3390/jcdd10100435
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