Effect of weight on cardiovascular disease.

Involuntary weight gains worsen all elements of the cardiovascular risk profile, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin-resistant glucose intolerance, left-ventricular hypertrophy, hyperuricemia, and elevated fibrinogen. On the basis of data from the Framingham Heart Study and from other studies, it can be concluded that the degree of overweight is related to the rate of development of cardiovascular disease. After 26 y of follow-up in the Framingham study, each SD increment in relative weight was associated with 15% and 22% increases in cardiovascular events in men and women, respectively. Avoidance of weight gain after the age of 25 y is advisable to reduce cardiovascular mortality. There is a great potential benefit to weight loss, suggesting that weight control as a means for preventing and lessening cardiovascular disease become a national health priority. The optimal weight for avoidance of cardiovascular disease and prolonging life corresponds to a body mass index of 22.6 for men and 21.1 for women.