Steady Weight Sees as Best for Heart

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Gaining 15 pounds or more over several years increases the risk of heart disease more than maintaining a stable weight, a study published Monday said.

The risks of heart disease remain lower among stable groups even if they are considered obese, a study by Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones a cardiologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Evanston, IL., and assistant professor of preventive medicine and of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine The study followed nearly 2,500 men and women initially aged 18 to 30 over 15 years.

Approximately 82 percent of the participants gained 15 pounds or more over the 15 years they were followed. Nearly 1 in 5 in this "gain" group developed metabolic syndrome -- a group of metabolic risk factors that indicate heightened risk of developing heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Less than 4 percent in the stable weight group had metabolic syndrome by the end of the study.

Lloyd-Jones presented the findings Sunday from a study titled Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.

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- Updated: November 27, 2004